PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — Applications for students from outside the national education system to pursue studies at public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) will open on June 30.

Higher Education director-general Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman said that for this year, applications will be submitted directly to the respective universities before the process is integrated into the UPUOnline system in 2027.

She said the full list of universities accepting applications under this pathway, including Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI), will be announced soon.

“InsyaAllah, we will open applications directly through the universities offering these programmes beginning June 30 to enable applications to be submitted this year,” she said at a special press conference on admission pathways for students from outside the national education system to public universities here today.

Azlinda said applicants must possess qualifications from their respective institutions as well as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM).

They must obtain at least a credit in Bahasa Melayu and a pass in History, in line with existing requirements.

“All applications for admission to public universities will be processed based on the principles of meritocracy and academic qualifications, and are subject to evaluation and approval by the university senate,” she said.

Azlinda said every applicant would be required to undergo interviews conducted by the respective universities, similar to candidates from the mainstream education system applying for designated programmes.

“These are competitive programmes because many candidates apply. This is where we assess suitability and determine how best to provide opportunities for students applying for the programmes offered,” she said.

Asked whether these students would also benefit from government subsidies, she said they would generally be entitled to the same support.

“If they are admitted through this pathway, they are considered part of the mainstream system, which means their programmes are also subsidised by the government,” she said.

Yesterday, the government agreed to several decisions related to admission pathways for students from tahfiz schools and institutions, private schools and Chinese Private Secondary Schools to public institutions of higher learning.

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir said today that Bahasa Melayu and History in the SPM remain compulsory subjects for admission to public universities, including for students from outside the national education system. — Bernama