KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus welcomed more than 1,000 visitors to its Open Day last Saturday (11 April 2026), recording its largest-ever Open Day turnout driven by strong enthusiasm for accessible, world-class Australian education with the newly launched Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES).
Held from 10am to 4pm at Swinburne Sarawak’s campus along Jalan Simpang Tiga, the Open Day offered prospective students and their families a comprehensive overview of the university’s programs, student life, and available financial support options.
A key topic of interest among visitors was FTES, a landmark initiative introduced by the Sarawak government that opens doors for Sarawakians to pursue higher education at Sarawak-owned institutions of higher learning, starting in 2026. The scheme enhances access to higher education for eligible Sarawakians by covering tuition fees for approved undergraduate degree programs, with an additional stipend available for students from households with a monthly per capita income of RM1,500 or below.
At Swinburne Sarawak, FTES currently covers 22 undergraduate degree programs across STEM and professional fields, aligned with Sarawak’s talent priorities under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.
The record-breaking attendance at the Open Day reflected FTES’ impact in expanding access to higher education, including among rural families who may previously have viewed tertiary education as financially out of reach.
Visitor engagement at the event was high across all touchpoints, from one-on-one consultations with education counsellors and academic experts to a dedicated FTES talk session that drew significant interest from parents and students seeking clarity on eligibility criteria, covered programs, and application processes.
For many parents, FTES represented a turning point in how they viewed the affordability and accessibility of higher education for their children.
Dr Jasmine Andrew.
Dr Jasmine Andrew, a parent attending the Open Day event, described the scheme as a great support, especially for parents who previously could not have afforded to send their children to university. “FTES offers families the opportunity for their children to further their education. The scheme lightens parents’ financial burden, allowing them to focus more on their children’s wellbeing.”
On her choice of Swinburne Sarawak, she remarked, “Swinburne is already an established name. With Swinburne being one of the institutions under FTES, students get to benefit from the Swinburne brand and at the same time enjoy free education – it is a great combination.”
Jennifer Lai (left).
Another parent, Jennifer Lai, echoed this sentiment, expressing relief with the introduction of FTES and encouraging other Sarawakian families to make the most of this opportunity.
“I feel very happy that our Sarawak government offers this benefit to our children. Parents should take this opportunity and send their children to university if they wish to further their studies,” she said.
She also pointed out that choosing Swinburne Sarawak meant that her children could pursue an Australian degree without the cost or distance of studying abroad.
“Swinburne is from Melbourne, Australia and it is well-established. We do not have to send our children overseas to pursue an Australian degree because we have Swinburne Sarawak right here,” she said.
Prospective students attending the Open Day also spoke positively of the impact of FTES on their educational journey.
Muhammad Adam Haiqal.
Muhammad Adam Haiqal shared, “I feel very excited and fortunate to have the opportunity to study at a private university. FTES really provides opportunities for Sarawakians who otherwise would not have had the chance to pursue higher education, especially those living in rural areas.”
Looking to the future, he aspired to contribute back to Sarawak after completing his studies. “I would like to work in either the private sector or the government. I may also pursue a master’s degree and become a lecturer.”
Mohammad Fikri Hakim.
Mohammad Fikri Hakim, another student attending the event who hoped to further his studies in cybersecurity, spoke about how the scheme changed his family’s perspective on private university education.
“Previously, my family did not really consider private universities due to the cost. However, with FTES, my mother encouraged me to apply to Swinburne. The scheme definitely opens up more opportunities for Sarawakians, which could lead to better career prospects,” he said.
Beyond FTES, the Open Day offered prospective students an immersive experience of life at Swinburne Sarawak. In addition to gaining valuable insights on their programs of interest and future career pathways, visitors explored the campus through guided tours and connected with current students and the university community.
Adding to the excitement of the day was a showcase by the university’s Faculty of Engineering, Computing, and Science, featuring interactive exhibits that brought learning to life. This included Robert, the robot that guided visitors to booths at The Junction and proved to be a crowd favourite, especially among young visitors.
The presence of external representatives – Yayasan Sarawak, Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN), and Universiti Malaya (UM) – added depth to the event by offering further guidance on funding and study pathways.
Swinburne Sarawak’s upcoming intake for its foundation programs begins on 27 April 2026, while the next intakes for its diploma and degree programs will commence on 22 June 2026 and 1 September 2026, respectively.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), LinkedIn page (Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus), X page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak), YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak), or Xiaohongshu page (@SwinburneSwk).