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Scholarships and study loans after SPM
Who offers post-SPM scholarships and loans in Malaysia (JPA, MARA, state yayasan and company foundations), who each is for, when 2026 windows opened, bonds to check, and how to apply without paying an agent.
Reviewed by Mereka staff
Published 24 Oct 2026Next check due 24 Jan 20277 min read53 of 53 facts verified against their sources
The figures, at a glance
Paying for study after SPM worries many families. Help exists, from JPA, MARA, state foundations (yayasan) and company foundations. Here is who offers what, who it is for, and when windows opened in 2026, so you are ready for 2027.
First, four words to know
- Scholarship (biasiswa): money you normally do not pay back. Many come with a bond (ikatan): a promise to work for the sponsor for some years after you graduate.
- Loan (pinjaman): money you pay back. Some state loans charge no interest.
- Dermasiswa / bursary: a grant, usually for lower-income families.
When do windows open?
SPM 2025 results came out on 31 March 2026.[4] Many pre-university sponsorships open around then and close within weeks. Khazanah says its foundation applications open "in March / April, yearly".[5] In 2026, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship ran from 8 February to 20 April,[6] and Bank Negara's undergraduate round from 17 to 26 April.[7] By October 2026, no sponsor we checked had announced 2027 dates. Get your documents ready before results day.
Government: JPA
JPA's sponsorship portal is penajaan.jpa.gov.my.[8]
- Program Penajaan Nasional (PPN): a preparatory course, then a degree abroad at a university in the QS top 20 overall or top 10 for your subject (2026 rules). Engineering and science need at least 9A+ in the listed subjects; other fields need 8A+, plus at least A- in any other subjects. You must be under 19 on 31 December of your SPM year. B40 and M40 families get priority.[1]
- LSPM (Program Khas Lepasan SPM Dalam Negara): preparatory course and degree in Malaysia. You need at least 9A+ in any subjects.[2]
- JKPJ: preparatory study, then a degree in Japan, Korea, France or Germany.[3]
- Dermasiswa B40 (DB40): a grant for diploma study at public universities, polytechnics, TVETMARA and selected skills institutes. Household income per person must be RM5,249 a month or less. You need credits in Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah plus at least a C in three other subjects (one, for TVETMARA and skills institutes), and an offer.[9] In 2026 applications were open from 3 to 16 August,[10] with results from 13 to 22 October 2026.[11]
JPA's own 2026 PPN application notice was no longer online when we checked, so we could not confirm when 2026 applications opened; watch the JPA portal once SPM results are out.[8] In June 2026 JPA announced 640 places (30 PPN, 200 LSPM, 140 JKPJ and 270 under the JPA-MARA special programme), with results checked from 19 to 22 June.[12]
Repaying a PBU: under JPA's PBU Akademik model, for students sponsored from 1 June 2025 (except Dermasiswa holders, and except medicine, dentistry and pharmacy, which have their own rules), how much you repay depends on your final CGPA: 5% for 3.75 to 4.00, 10% for 3.50 to 3.74 and 15% for 3.00 to 3.49 if you finish without an extension; 20% for 3.00 or above with an extension; and 100% below 3.00 or if you fail. If you are appointed to a public service post that matches your qualification, the rest of the loan is written off.[13] Check the rates in your own contract.
MARA (for Bumiputera students)
For MARA funding, you and at least one parent must be Malaysian citizens with Bumiputera status.[14][15]
- Young Talent Development Programme (YTP): for excellent SPM results; funds IB, A-Level or foundation study in Malaysia or abroad. You must pass the MARA Student Assessment Programme (MSAP) and be 18 in the year you apply. B40 students get priority.[14]
- Tertiary Education Sponsorship Programme (TESP): a loan for a diploma or degree at MARA-approved institutions in Malaysia. For a diploma you must be under 30. B40 and M40 families get priority.[15]
MARA's pages do not say how much of a loan can be written off, so ask MARA before you sign.
State foundations (yayasan)
- Yayasan Selangor: a loan for a full-time diploma or degree in Malaysia. You or a parent must be born in Selangor, or you must have lived there over 10 years. Household income per person must be under RM3,000 a month, and you cannot already have PTPTN, JPA or MARA funding.[16]
- Yayasan Sarawak: for anak jati Sarawak (at least one parent is Sarawakian). The local study loan is open all year; repayment starts 12 months after you finish. The overseas loan is capped at RM100,000 a year and RM400,000 in total.[17] Its scholarships (BYSTT, YBSTAR) open once a year and need a CGPA of 3.00 after pre-university.[18]
- Yayasan Pelajaran Johor: an interest-free loan if you were born and live in Johor: RM4,000 to RM6,000 a year for a diploma at a public institution, RM6,000 to RM7,000 for a degree. Parents' income must be no more than RM10,000 a month. It was marked closed in October 2026.[19]
- Yayasan Negeri Sembilan: an interest-free loan, open all year. For a diploma or degree, apply to PTPTN first and show its rejection letter.[20]
- Yayasan Sabah: since 2024, Sabah's main sponsors share one portal (PTPS); a state fund has helped B40 students since 2022.[21]
Company and foundation scholarships
| Scheme | Level | Main entry bar | Bond | Latest window seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khazanah Watan (local) / Global (abroad)[5][22] | Foundation or A-Level, then degree | 8As (A or A+), including A or A+ in BM, English, History and Maths; 18 or under at enrolment | Not stated | "March / April, yearly" |
| Khazanah Watan Equity Pathway[23] | Foundation | 6As (including A-); household income RM5,249 a month or less | Not stated | "March / April, yearly" |
| Bank Negara Kijang Pre-University[7] | Pre-university, then degree | 8As (A+ and A only) plus CEFR; 19 or under on 1 July 2026 | 2 years of work for each year of study | Not shown for 2026 |
| PETRONAS (SPM leavers)[24] | UTP or overseas | Local: 8A and CEFR B1. Overseas: 4A+ and 4A and CEFR C1 | Not stated | Closed by October 2026 |
| TNB PRIME (Yayasan Tenaga Nasional)[25] | UNITEN or overseas | Overseas: A in at least 8 subjects and CEFR B1; 19 or under on 1 January 2026 | Not stated | Not stated |
| Yayasan TM Future Leaders[26] | Pre-university to degree | CGPA 3.00 for the degree stage | 5 years (local) or 7 years (overseas) if TM hires you | Opens after SPM results; closed 30 September 2026 |
After pre-university there are degree scholarships too. Yayasan Sime Darby's needs a CGPA of 3.30 and household income of RM11,000 a month or less, with a 3-year bond.[27]
If money is tight
- The Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship covers full degree tuition in Malaysia, with priority for families earning below RM5,250 a month.[6]
- Yayasan Sime Darby's TVET bursary needs three SPM credits and household income of RM5,000 a month or less.[27]
- For PTPTN, the national study loan, see our guide "PTPTN basics".
How to search honestly
- Go to the sponsor's own website. Never pay an agent who promises a place. Nobody can guarantee one: Khazanah says taking part "is not automatic".[23]
- Read the bond before you sign: how many years you would owe, and what happens if you break it.
- Expect one sponsorship at a time. JPA does not allow other funding at the same level of study.[1]
- Keep documents ready. Johor's list is typical: your IC and birth certificate, parents' ICs and payslips, SPM certificate, offer letter and school leaving certificate.[19]
What to do next
- Make a folder this week with scanned copies of those documents. Add your SPM slip when you get it.
- Pick three to five schemes that fit you and bookmark their official pages. Check again in early 2027, before SPM 2026 results.
- Parents: work out household income per person (income divided by dependants, as Yayasan Selangor defines it).[16] Many need-based schemes use it. Facilitators can do this with families in a short session.
How sure are we?
Each fact or figure in this guide, and how well its sources back it up. Checking evidence is a skill: open a source and see if you agree.
53 of 53 facts verified against their sources
Verified · Its sources say this.
The 2026 Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship opened on 8 February 2026 and closed on 20 April 2026 at 2 p.m.
Sources:[6]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Bank Negara's Kijang Undergraduate Scholarship application window was 17-26 April 2026.
Sources:[7]
Verified · Its sources say this.
PPN sponsors a preparatory programme then a first degree at universities in the QS World University Rankings top 20 overall or top 10 by subject (2026).
Sources:[1]
Verified · Its sources say this.
PPN requires at least 9A+ in the listed subjects for engineering/science and technology, or 8A+ in the listed subjects for other fields, plus at least A- in any remaining subjects.
Sources:[1]
Verified · Its sources say this.
For 2026, PPN offered no sponsorship to Singapore, and sponsorship to the United States was subject to current policy.
Sources:[1]
Verified · Its sources say this.
LSPM requires at least 9A+ in any SPM subjects and covers a preparatory programme then a first degree in Malaysia.
Sources:[2]
Verified · Its sources say this.
JKPJ sponsors preparatory study then a first degree in Japan, Korea, France or Germany, in engineering, science and technology, or social science.
Sources:[3]
Verified · Its sources say this.
DB40 is a dermasiswa (grant) for diploma study, including TVET diplomas, at public universities, polytechnics, TVETMARA and selected public skills institutes (IKTBN, ADTEC).
Sources:[9]
Verified · Its sources say this.
DB40 requires household per-capita income in the B40 category of RM5,249 a month or less.
Sources:[9]
Verified · Its sources say this.
DB40 requires credits in Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah plus at least grade C in three other subjects (one other subject for TVETMARA and ILKA institutes), and an offer from or registration at the institution.
Sources:[9]
Verified · Its sources say this.
DB40 2026 applications were open from 3 August 2026 (2 p.m.) to 16 August 2026 (5 p.m.) for SPM 2025 leavers.
Sources:[10]
Verified · Its sources say this.
DB40 2026 results could be checked from 13 October 2026 (5 p.m.) to 22 October 2026 (5 p.m.).
Sources:[11]
Verified · Its sources say this.
In June 2026 JPA offered 640 places to SPM leavers: 30 PPN, 140 JKPJ, 200 LSPM and 270 Program Khas JPA-MARA, with results checks from 19 June (10 a.m.) to 22 June 2026 (5 p.m.).
Sources:[12]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Under JPA's PBU Akademik, for new sponsored students from 1 June 2025 (except Dermasiswa holders and the medicine, dentistry and pharmacy fields), repayment is 5% for a final CGPA of 3.75-4.00, 10% for 3.50-3.74 and 15% for 3.00-3.49 without an extension, 20% for 3.00 or above with an extension, and 100% below 3.00 or after failing; appointment to a matching public service post exempts the remaining balance.
Sources:[13]
Verified · Its sources say this.
MARA's Young Talent Development Programme (YTP) funds IB/A-Level/foundation/pre-university study in Malaysia or abroad for excellent SPM results; applicants must pass MSAP, be 18 in the application year, and B40 applicants get priority.
Sources:[14]
Verified · Its sources say this.
MARA TESP is a loan for diploma or first-degree study at MARA-approved local institutions; diploma applicants must be under 30; B40 and M40 families get priority.
Sources:[15]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Selangor's study loan is for full-time diploma or degree study at recognised local IPTA/IPTS.
Sources:[16]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Selangor applicants (or a parent) must be born in Selangor, or have lived in Selangor more than 10 years with verification by a local leader.
Sources:[16]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Selangor requires household per-capita income (parents' income divided by dependants) below RM3,000 a month, and excludes students already funded by PTPTN, JPA, MARA or similar.
Sources:[16]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Sarawak loans are for anak jati Sarawak (at least one parent Sarawakian).
Sources:[17]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Sarawak's local study loan (Biasiswa Pinjaman Pelajaran Dalam Negara) is open all year, and repayment starts 12 months after completing studies.
Sources:[17]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Sarawak's overseas study loan is capped at RM100,000 a year and RM400,000 for a programme of 4 years or more.
Sources:[17]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Sarawak's BYSTT and YBSTAR scholarships open once a year by advertisement and need a CGPA of 3.00 or above after STPM/matriculation/foundation/diploma.
Sources:[18]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Pelajaran Johor's domestic study loan is interest-free (0%) for applicants born and living in Johor.
Sources:[19]
Verified · Its sources say this.
YPJ lends RM4,000-RM6,000 a year for a diploma at IPTA (RM6,000-RM10,000 at selected IPTS) and RM6,000-RM7,000 a year for a bachelor's degree at IPTA.
Sources:[19]
Verified · Its sources say this.
YPJ requires parents' income ('pendapatan ibu DAN bapa') of no more than RM10,000 a month.
Sources:[19]
Verified · Its sources say this.
YPJ's domestic loan was marked 'Ditutup' (closed) on 22 October 2026.
Sources:[19]
Verified · Its sources say this.
YPJ asks for copies of the student's and parents' ICs, parents' payslips or income confirmation, birth certificate, IPT offer letter, school leaving certificate and SPM certificate.
Sources:[19]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Negeri Sembilan's education loan is interest-free and open all year; diploma and degree applicants must apply to PTPTN first and submit PTPTN's rejection letter.
Sources:[20]
Verified · Its sources say this.
The Sabah Education Sponsorship Portal (PTPS), launched by the Sabah Government in 2024, brings the state's main education sponsors onto one platform.
Sources:[21]
Verified · Its sources say this.
The Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS) has provided sponsorships since 2022, particularly for B40 students.
Sources:[21]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Khazanah Global A-Level scholars study at Kolej Yayasan UEM before undergraduate study abroad.
Sources:[22]
Verified · Its sources say this.
The Khazanah Watan Equity Pathway is for post-SPM B40 students with combined household income of RM5,249 a month or less, needs at least 6As (including A-), age 18 or under at enrolment, and offers full coverage for foundation study.
Sources:[23]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Khazanah states that participation in the Equity Pathway 'is not automatic and does not constitute an entitlement'.
Sources:[23]
Verified · Its sources say this.
BNM Kijang Pre-University Scholarship requires at least 8As (A+ and A only) in SPM plus CEFR, and applicants must be Malaysian and not over 19 on 1 July 2026.
Sources:[7]
Verified · Its sources say this.
BNM scholars must serve an employment bond of two years of service for each year of study.
Sources:[7]
Verified · Its sources say this.
BNM's scholarship page did not show a 2026 application window for the Kijang Pre-University Scholarship.
Sources:[7]
Verified · Its sources say this.
PETRONAS's SPM-leaver sponsorship needs current-year SPM: minimum 8A and CEFR B1 for local programmes, or 4A+ and 4A and CEFR C1 for overseas programmes.
Sources:[24]
Verified · Its sources say this.
PETRONAS's SPM-leaver sponsorship was closed on 22 October 2026.
Sources:[24]
Verified · Its sources say this.
TNB PRIME (overseas) requires age not over 19 on 1 January 2026, CEFR B1 in English, and at least A in 8 subjects.
Sources:[25]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan TM Future Leaders Scholarship applications open after SPM results and the 2026 round closed on 30 September 2026.
Sources:[26]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan TM requires a CGPA of 3.00 for the first-degree scholarship and a bond of 5 years (local) or 7 years (overseas) if hired by TM Group.
Sources:[26]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Sime Darby's Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship needs a CGPA of 3.30 after pre-university and household income of RM11,000 a month or less, and carries a 3-year service bond.
Sources:[27]
Verified · Its sources say this.
Yayasan Sime Darby's TVET bursary needs at least three SPM credits and monthly household income of RM5,000 or less (age 25 or under).
Sources:[27]
Verified · Its sources say this.
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship gives full tuition at MQA-accredited universities in Malaysia and prioritises families earning below RM5,250 a month, people with disabilities and rural applicants.
Sources:[6]
Verified · Its sources say this.
JPA-sponsored students may not receive financial help or sponsorship from any other party at the same level of study.
Sources:[1]
Sources
Numbers in the text, like [1], jump here.
- [1]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA)Program Penajaan Nasional (PPN) (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [2]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA)Program Khas Lepasan Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Dalam Negara (LSPM) (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [3]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA)Program Khas Jepun, Korea, Perancis dan Jerman (JKPJ) (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [4]Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia (KPM)Kenyataan Media: Keputusan Peperiksaan SPM Tahun 2025 (opens in a new tab)Published 9 Mar 2026 · Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [5]
- [6]Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman (YTAR)Tunku Abdul Rahman Scholarship (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [7]Bank Negara MalaysiaScholarships (Kijang Pre-University and Undergraduate) (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [8]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA)Portal Biasiswa & Penajaan JPA (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [9]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA)Program Dermasiswa B40 (DB40) (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [10]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), via Jabatan Penerangan dmediaSiaran Media: JPA Buka Permohonan Program Dermasiswa B40 (DB40) Tahun 2026 (opens in a new tab)Published 5 Aug 2026 · Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [11]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA)Semakan Keputusan Program Dermasiswa B40 Tahun 2026 (opens in a new tab)Published 13 Oct 2026 · Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [12]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA), via Jabatan Penerangan dmediaSiaran Media: JPA Tawar 640 Slot Penajaan Lepasan SPM 2026, Perkukuh Pembangunan Bakat Negara (opens in a new tab)Published 19 Jun 2026 · Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [13]Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam (JPA)Siaran Media: Kerajaan MADANI Perkenalkan Model Baharu Penajaan JPA Berasaskan Merit Akademik bagi Latihan Sebelum Perkhidmatan (LSP) (opens in a new tab)Published 28 Apr 2025 · Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [14]Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA)Pembiayaan Pelajaran: Peringkat Persediaan (Program Pembangunan Bakat Muda, YTP) (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [15]Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA)Pembiayaan Pelajaran: Peringkat Diploma dan Ijazah (TESP) (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [16]
- [17]
- [18]
- [19]Yayasan Pelajaran Johor (YPJ)Pinjaman Pelajaran Dalam Negara (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [20]Yayasan Negeri Sembilan (YNS)Seksyen Pembiayaan Pendidikan: Permohonan Pinjaman Pendidikan (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [21]
- [22]
- [23]Yayasan KhazanahKhazanah Watan Scholarship - Equity Pathway Programme (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [24]PETRONASStudents & Graduates: Education Sponsorship (SPM Leavers) (opens in a new tab)Checked 22 Oct 2026
- [25]
- [26]
- [27]