PTPTN Application

PTPTN is one of the most popular ways of education funding. Let’s read what insight Nashrah Ghazali has to share.

When scholarship is no longer an option, remember that you still have the chance to continue your studies with the help from the one and only, PTPTN. There are many things to know before you apply for PTPTN so let’s get into it.

What is it?

Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional or better known as PTPTN is a government institution that offers tertiary education study loans for Malaysian students. These loans help students fund their education fully or partially. It also plays a role as a helping hand for the students’ living cost while they’re pursuing their higher education.

Am I eligible to apply?

Before applying for the study loan, it’s mandatory to check the requirements to make sure that you are qualified to apply. The requirements for PTPTN are as follows:

Here’s how you apply through UPU:

1. Buy a unique number ID from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). 2. Use your pin number to register on the UPU website (upu.moe.gov.my/web) 3. Check for the course requirements. Make sure you qualify for the particular course(s) that you’re applying for. 4. Fill in your personal details in the application form provided. 5. Choose your preferred course(s). As an SPM leaver, you can choose up to eight universities and eight courses. 6. Double-check your filled-in form. Make sure it is error free. 7. Submit your application and print a copy. 8. And finally, wait for your offer letter!

Does it cover my course?

Many courses are actually covered by PTPTN. Note that it only applies to the courses that are accredited by MQA. It’s for you to do your own research before applying for this study loan. The table below shows the summarised version of the relevant courses that are and are not covered.

Education Level Private Public Institutions

Pre-U Courses (e.g. AUSMAT) x x

Foundation x

Diploma (full-time and part-time) Degree (full-time and part-time)

*Only foundation courses at Multimedia University (MMU), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP), Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK), and UNITAR International University are covered by PTPTN loans.

**For part-time courses at private institution, PTPTN loan can only be applied if the course is done at UNITAR International University (UNITAR), Wawasan Open University, Asia E University (AeU), Open University Malaysia (OUM) and Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK).

How much can I get?

The amount of loan that you’ll receive depends on your institution, the course you’re pursuing and your household income. Because PTPTN is a needs-based study loan, those from the lower-income families will qualify to loan a larger amount. Applicants from private institutions will typically earn a bigger loan as the tuition fee is higher comparing to public universities. Same goes for science-related course students, they will have higher loan comparing to those taking humanities. For more in-depth information, head on to our website (www.coursesmalaysia.com) for a complete table of the loan amount based on the education level and household income. This will help you get a better picture regarding your education funding.

How do I apply?

As mentioned above, you will need to have an SSPN-i account so if you don’t have it, the first thing you have to do is head to a PTPTN counter (Google this!). The procedure is for you to open a savings account and later buy a PTPTN number from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). Next, let’s move on to the last (and most important) step, which is to apply to the loan on the PTPTN website (www.ptptn.gov.my/gateway). Make sure you do it meticulously to avoid any mistakes. It is useful to note that most universities have representatives that are able to help you out if you were to hit a roadblock in applying for PTPTN. So don’t fret it!