Universities can't bar students for failing to pay registration fees: PM

BUDGET 2024 | Public universities must not bar students who cannot afford registration fees from enrolling or sitting for examinations, said Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

In tabling Budget 2024 today, Anwar, who is also finance minister, stressed that students should not be denied their rights to study just because of financial struggle.

He said the government will cap the registration fees for public universities at RM1,500. This is so that students who are eligible for the National Higher Education Fund Corporation's (PTPTN) loan advance can afford to pay the amount.

"I want to use this opportunity to once again stress about the welfare of our university students. I will never ever allow anyone to deny the rights of our students, especially those from poor families, to get into universities just because they cannot pay the registration fees.

"Not having enough money should never be an excuse to block students from sitting for examinations," he said.

Anwar said existing students who cannot afford to pay their study fees will not be blocked from registering for subjects every semester.

They can settle the fees later after having registered for subjects, he said, adding that universities must take into account students' welfare in implementing any rule regarding fees.

Meanwhile, the government also mooted discounts for PTPTN borrowers who participate in a debt repayment programme between Oct 14 and March 31 next year.

According to the prime minister, borrowers who opt for full repayment will get a 10 percent discount on the remaining amount of their loan.

Those who wish to repay half of their loan during the period would also get a 10 percent discount on the amount; while borrowers who sign up for salary deduction or scheduled debit repayment will get a 15 percent discount.

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