Higher education is one of the key pathways towards building a better future. However, for some students from low-income families, financial constraints remain a major challenge that may affect their opportunity to pursue studies at a higher level.
To ensure that access to higher education remains open to those in need, the Government, through the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN), has introduced the PTPTN eKasih Children’s Scholarship (BAeK PTPTN), a special initiative aimed at supporting students from poor and hardcore poor families who are registered in the eKasih database.
What Is BAeK PTPTN?
BAeK PTPTN is an educational initiative announced by the Honourable Prime Minister during the tabling of Budget 2026 as part of a social justice approach to education. The initiative was introduced to ensure that students from poor and hardcore poor families continue to have the opportunity to pursue higher education without being hindered by financial constraints.
Under BAeK PTPTN, PTPTN financing is provided in the form of a scholarship to students from poor and hardcore poor families who are registered in the eKasih database and pursuing full-time Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree programmes at Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTAs), effective from 1 January 2026.
Eligibility for BAeK PTPTN is based on the PTPTN loan application submitted through the myPTPTN web application. Students will first be approved for a PTPTN loan to ensure the continuity of their studies and will subsequently be offered BAeK PTPTN upon meeting the eligibility requirements.
The BAeK PTPTN initiative also reflects the Government’s and PTPTN’s continued commitment to expanding access to higher education while ensuring that socioeconomic background does not prevent students with potential from pursuing their studies and building a better future.
Eligibility for BAeK PTPTN
Students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Malaysian citizen;
- Not more than 25 years old on the date of application;
- Pursuing a full-time Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree programme at a Public Higher Education Institution (IPTA) commencing from 1 January 2026;
- Listed in the eKasih database;
- Enrolled in a programme registered with PTPTN;
- Have at least one semester remaining at the time of submitting the PTPTN loan application;
- Approved for the maximum PTPTN loan amount;
- Have no outstanding PTPTN loan repayments; and
- Have an active Simpan SSPN account.
Scholarship Amounts Offered
The scholarship amount awarded is based on the student’s level and field of study, as follows:
| Level of Study | Scholarship Amount |
| Diploma | RM4,750 per year |
| Bachelor's Degree (Literature) | RM6,180 per year |
| Bachelor's Degree (Science) | RM6,650 per year |
The scholarship will help cover the student’s educational expenses throughout the duration of their studies, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements and prevailing terms.
Scholarship payments will be made each semester based on confirmation of the student’s enrolment status and examination results received from the Public Higher Education Institution (IPTA). The payment will be credited directly to the student’s bank account. Students must therefore ensure that the bank account details provided are accurate, active and valid to avoid any delays in payment.
BAeK PTPTN Application and Offer Process
The application and offer process is as follows:
- Apply for a PTPTN loan through myPTPTN
Students must submit a PTPTN loan application through the myPTPTN web application.
- Receive the PTPTN loan offer
Students who meet the loan application requirements will receive the PTPTN loan offer documents.
- Complete the PTPTN loan offer documents
The PTPTN loan offer documents must be duly completed and signed in accordance with the prescribed procedures.
- Submit the PTPTN loan offer documents
The completed PTPTN loan offer documents must be submitted online or at the nearest PTPTN Branch Office counter.
- Receive the BAeK PTPTN offer
Upon meeting the BAeK PTPTN eligibility requirements, students will receive the PTPTN eKasih Children’s Scholarship Offer Documents via email and a notification through the myPTPTN application.
- Complete the BAeK PTPTN offer documents
Students must print and complete the BAeK PTPTN offer documents and sign the Notice of Amendment enclosed with the BAeK PTPTN offer.
- Submit the BAeK PTPTN offer documents at a PTPTN counter
The completed BAeK PTPTN offer documents must be physically submitted at the nearest PTPTN Branch Office counter within 14 days from the date of the BAeK PTPTN offer letter.
Conclusion
BAeK PTPTN is one of the key initiatives aimed at ensuring that students from eKasih families are not denied the opportunity to pursue their studies at Public Higher Education Institutions (IPTAs). By providing BAeK PTPTN in the form of a scholarship, eligible students can pursue their studies with greater confidence, better planning and a stronger focus on academic excellence.
