Kuala lumpur: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has announced a significant initiative aimed at supporting new undergraduates entering public universities and polytechnics. Over 26,457 students will benefit from Loan Advance Payments (WPP) of RM1,500 each, as part of an effort to assist with initial preparation costs for the September 2026 intake.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, PTPTN's RM39.7 million scheme is designed to enhance the higher education empowerment agenda in Malaysia. The WPP is specifically available to Malaysian citizens who opted into the scheme during their application process via UPUOnline or respective university websites. Furthermore, eligibility requires that the applicants' parents or guardians are recipients of the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and meet other specified criteria.
Since its inception in 1999, the WPP has benefited over 1 million students, with a total allocation of RM1.48 billion. PTPTN, operating under the Ministry of Higher Education, has made it possible for applicants to check their offers through the myPTPTN mobile app. Successful applicants can collect their cash from Bank Islam branches nationwide from September 4, by presenting their WPP offer letter and MyKad. The WPP is valid until November 3, and third-party collections are not allowed.
PTPTN has recently conducted outreach initiatives, including home visits to students in Tasek Gelugor, Penang, and a WPP handover ceremony in Bukit Gelugor, officiated by PTPTN Chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim. In her speech, she emphasized PTPTN's commitment to ensuring accessible education financing for all societal layers, regardless of background or socio-economic status. She highlighted that the WPP is a strategic initiative to provide early financial support to students, easing the financial burden on families before the commencement of studies.
Students interested in applying for loans can do so online via the myPTPTN application, following the application period set by their respective institutions. PTPTN requires that students have a National Education Savings Scheme (Simpan SSPN) account, which can be opened through the myPTPTN app. Additional information on loan advances and educational financing is available through the app for more efficient service.