Polytechnic, community college student enrolment up by almost 20pct

The intake of students to polytechnics and community colleges have increased by almost 20 per cent in the 2023/2024 Academic Session I, according to the Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges department (JPPKK).

The department’s director-general Mohd Zahari Ismail said new student registration statistics at Aug 25 showed polytechnics and community colleges have received 26,539 new students for this session compared to 22,634 students in last year’s session.

“It is a big jump and was beyond expectation. I want to thank the JPPKK Student Intake and Development Division for its continuous efforts to raise student enrolment in polytechnics and community colleges,” he said in a statement.

He said out of the 36 polytechnics nationwide, 10 also recorded an excellent intake of new students when they exceeded 100 per cent.

At the same time, 24 out of 105 community colleges received a very encouraging intake of students.

Among the fields of study in high demand at polytechnics and community colleges are electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering (automotive), civil engineering, and architecture.

In addition, food technology, information technology (digital technology), creative technology, culinary arts, trade and tourism and hospitality were also in demand.

"As the student registration session is still open until Sept 18, JPPKK is targeting a total of 32,000 new students to register at polytechnics and community colleges for this session," he said.

- Bernama