Kuala lumpur: The Public Service Department (PSD) has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Dermasiswa B40 (DB40) programme, targeting 2025 Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) holders from eligible B40 families. The programme offers the opportunity for these students to pursue diploma studies at local institutions of higher learning.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, applications are open from 2 pm on August 3, 2026, until 5 pm on August 16, 2026. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the PSD Sponsorship Portal at https://penajaan.jpa.gov.my. The DB40 programme is part of a government initiative to expand access to higher education for students from low-income families via scholarship sponsorship.
The programme enables students to pursue diploma studies at selected public universities, polytechnics, MARA TVET institutions, and Public Skills Training Institutes (ILKA) in fields critical to the country's human capital development. Eligible fields include Engineering and Technology, TVET, Social Sciences and Arts, Science, and Architecture.
Applicants must be Malaysian citizens who have taken the 2025 SPM examination for the first time. They should be under the age of 19, or below 20 for transition students, as of December 31 of the examination year, and be free from chronic or infectious diseases that could affect their studies. Additionally, applicants must come from B40 families with a monthly household per capita income of RM5,249 or below.
The PSD also stated that neither parents nor applicants should be blacklisted by the PSD or face legal action by the department. The blacklist status can be verified through the eSILA system from August 3 to August 12, 2026. The department encourages all eligible 2025 SPM holders to seize this opportunity by submitting their applications within the specified period.
The Dermasiswa B40 programme is a part of PSD's efforts to enhance access to higher education, aiming to produce knowledgeable, skilled, and competitive human capital. For any inquiries during the application period, individuals may contact 03-8000 8000 or email [email protected] during office hours on working days.