Funding Your Education Without PTPTN

Just the mention of money is enough to put people in distress. But this time, it doesn’t have to be, as coursesmalaysia lists down some little-known financial aid that will ease this process for you.

It’s natural for people to gravitate towards PTPTN to help fund their education. However, there are more financial aids that are often swept under the rug, and the truth is, you don’t have to know all of what is out there – just be sure to know where to look.

#1 BANTUAN KEWANGAN ASASI

This financial aid that curates to SPM leavers, who are enrolled in the Foundation programme under their listed public universities in Malaysia. As this aid is needs-based instead of merit, this aid is only available to students whose combined family income is less than RM10,000.

For more information, you may visit their website at www.mohe.gov.my/ penajaan/lepasan-spm/ bantuan-kewangan-asasi

#2 YAYASAN NEGERI

Known as state foundations in English, this is a government loan that students can apply for according to the state they were born in. As an example, students born in the Selangor state may apply for loans from Yayasan Selangor only. The amount of loan offered will vary according to each state, however it does open doors to applicants who reside in every state in Malaysia.

Hence, each state has their separate websites, so you would need to look them up according to the state in which you were born in.

#3 BANTUAN PELAJARAN TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN (BPTAR)

The creation of this financial assistance is devoted to students who come from a low-income family background. It covers the cost of living for two semesters, which is about 10 months. This is only available to those in public universities.

To know more, please refer to www.yayasantar.org.my/ bantuan-pelajaran-tunkuabdul-rahman-bptar

#4 SOCSO EDUCATION LOAN

Malaysia’s Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), also known as PERKESO administers education loans to individuals who are financiallychallenged, as well as those who are unable to secure loans from other organisations. This loan is applicable to students studying at both public or private universities, and whose diploma and degree courses are MQAapproved.

Visit their website at www. perkeso.gov.my/index. php/en/a-syarat-syaratkelayakan-permohonanpinjaman for more information.

#5 BANTUAN KEWANGAN PELAJAR ORANG KELAINAN UPAYA

Funded by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), this aid aims to assist OKU (Orang Kelainan Upaya) students to obtain funds to further their tertiary studies in private or public universities, polytechnics, or community colleges. It’s worth noting that one’s family income level will not be a deciding factor for a disabled student to receive this aid. Moreover, students must be registered under the Social Welfare Department (JKM).

Should you require further information, please refer to biasiswa.mohe.gov.my/ bk_oku/

#6 PEMBIAYAAN PENDIDIKAN BOLEH UBAH (PPBU)

PPBU is an education loan created by Bank Rakyat specifically dedicated to students of any race, ethnicity, and religion who require further financial assistance. Students will be required to have a Bank Rakyat account with a minimum amount of RM100, not to mention, this loan is interest-free!

However, priorities will be given to certain fields of study, which you will be able to find on their website at www.yayasanbankrakyat. com.my/index.php/ppbu/ ppbu

#7 BANK RAKYAT EDUCATION FINANCING-i

This loan allows applicants between the ages of 18-60 to apply, ensuring that mature students are also taken care of. You would have to be a Malaysian citizen, as well as have a minimum fixed monthly income of RM2,000 to be eligible.

For more information, please visit their website at www. bankrakyat.com.my/c/ perbankan/pembiayaan_i/ education_financing_i-44/ edu

#8 PETRONAS EDUCATION SPONSORSHIP PROGRAMME (PESP)

This annually offered scholarship is for those who aims to pursue their higher education at Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP). Keep in mind that the closing date will be around March each year. It only covers certain courses so you need to do your own research on that.

If you’re interested, check out the application information on their website educationsponsorship. petronas.com.my/OAS

There you have it, a few loans to start you off in the right (and stressfree!) direction. However, do keep in mind that there are more options out there available to you that we didn’t cover, and you should do a thorough research before applying. A few things worth noting would be to check the interest rate of each loan you’re about to apply, as well as the bonds (this requires you to work for the institution after you graduate). If you feel student loans isn’t what’s best for you, fret not, as we have a list of scholarships over on our website at coursesmalaysia.com!