Committed to provide financial aid for needy students

KOTA SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) is reaffirming its commitment to ensuring higher education remains accessible for all, particularly students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

UNIMAS, in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE), has introduced various financial aid initiatives to support students, especially those from the B40 income group.

Under the successful SULUNG 2.0 programme, the university has allocated RM473,812.67, benefitting 223 students from a total of 329 B40 students identified.

“The enhanced SULUNG 2.0+ programme, announced in 2024, guarantees hostel accommodation for eligible students throughout their studies. High-achieving students with a GPA of 3.50 or above are also exempted from paying hostel fees.

“Looking ahead, for the 2024/2025 session, SULUNG 3.0 aims to assist 2,500 new students. So far, UNIMAS has received 589 applications for the programme, with final evaluations set to be completed by a university committee led by the Vice-Chancellor,” it said in a press release issued today (Sep 25).

The institute also participates in Yayasan Perkasa Siswa’s Care4U programme, providing RM200 for living expenses and RM1,000 for tuition fees to 50 new B40 students. Special assistance is available for students with disabilities (OKU) and those with chronic illnesses under the Care4OKU and Medicare Aid initiatives.

In addition, the Food@Campus Keluarga Malaysia 2.0 programme continues to provide essential food aid, with B40 students receiving RM100 in e-wallet food vouchers, alongside access to food banks stocked with dry goods.

Through these initiatives, UNIMAS aims to ensure all students, regardless of their financial background, have equal opportunities to pursue academic success without financial barriers.