Kuala lumpur: Students sponsored by the Public Service Department (PSD) under the 2016 service placement merit-based convertible loan (PBU) scheme now have the opportunity to transition to the PBU Academic model. This phased option, beginning on January 5, will allow students to make the switch gradually, with the initial phase running until February 5, targeting students whose sponsorship concluded on or after January 1, 2025.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the second phase of this option will cater to students whose sponsorship ended on or before December 31, 2024. The PSD has announced that the transition will be facilitated through the Malaysian Student Engagement Online Feed (MySELF) portal. Students are encouraged to ensure their MySELF accounts are active and that their contact details, including address, personal email, and telephone number, are current to enable a smooth transition process.

The government initiated the PBU Academic sponsorship model for PSD-sponsored students on June 1, 2025, which has since benefited more than 11,000 students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Furthermore, the PSD has announced an extension of the deferment period for the repayment of PBU 2016 student loans until June 30, 2026, for students who have no outstanding arrears. Students with arrears are urged to settle them by May 31, 2026.