SERDANG, October 12 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Vice-Chancellor, Dato’ Prof. Ir. Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, has commended the government’s initiative to offer free education through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) to 5,800 students from low-income families beginning next year.
He said the measure not only alleviates the financial burden of the B40 families but also serves as a powerful motivator for students to continue striving for academic excellence.
“This incentive will encourage students to work harder and study with greater determination. Every success they achieve will be a bonus—not merely to repay a loan, but as a testament to their effort and perseverance,” he said during the Vice-Chancellor’s Session and New Student Pledge Ceremony, held in conjunction with Minggu Perkasa Putra for new students of the 2025/2026 academic session.
He added that while the educational aid provides a significant advantage to students from low-income families, the pursuit of knowledge must remain a priority regardless of financial incentives.
“Students should see hard work and excellence as their main motivation. This incentive is merely a catalyst for success, not a reason to stop striving,” he emphasised.
Earlier, under Budget 2026, the government announced the provision of PTPTN Free Education initiative for 5,800 students from underprivileged families enrolled in public universities (IPTA), along with loan repayment exemptions for First-Class Honours graduates from low- and middle-income households.
