Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has expressed confidence that the allocation it received under Budget 2026 will further strengthen the country's higher education ecosystem, making it more resilient, inclusive, and future-oriented.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the ministry stated it has been allocated RM18.60 billion for 2026, representing a 2.76 per cent increase from RM18.09 billion in 2025. This increase in allocation reflects the government's commitment to enhancing graduates' employability, strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), advancing research, development and innovation, broadening access to quality higher education, and supporting student welfare.

Of the total allocation, RM14.68 billion has been designated for operating expenses, while RM3.91 billion is set aside for development expenses. Budget 2026 includes initiatives aimed at strengthening student welfare through programs such as Ikhtiar Dapur MADANI and MySiswa Job On Campus. Additionally, there is a provision for the maintenance of higher education institution (IPT) infrastructure, with a total allocation exceeding RM446 million.

The government has also introduced the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) Free Education incentive for 5,800 students from low-income families, with an allocation of RM120 million per year. Furthermore, loan repayment exemptions have been announced for 6,000 first-class honours bachelor's degree graduates from B40 and M40 families.

Among the initiatives, the prioritisation of Bumiputera education is highlighted, providing a total of RM6 billion in allocation to Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Yayasan Peneraju, and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). MOHE will continue to collaborate with all public universities, polytechnics, community colleges, and private institutions to ensure that each allocation is utilised prudently and directly impacts the development of the country's human capital.