1.3 – University anti-poverty programmes

1.3.3 – Low Income Student Support

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is deeply committed to supporting students from low-income (B40) backgrounds by ensuring equal access to quality education through a wide range of financial aid, welfare, and support initiatives. As a public university that upholds the principle of inclusivity, UKM provides substantial government-subsidised tuition fees, food assistance through Dompet Siswa and food bank programs, residential sponsorships, and subsidised on-campus accommodation. These are further complemented by transportation assistance such as free shuttle buses and the Flysiswa program, as well as legal and literacy support through the UKM Legal Aid Clinic. Together, these initiatives reflect UKM’s holistic approach to student welfare—addressing essential needs such as food, housing and mobility—to reduce the financial pressures faced by underprivileged students, enabling them to focus on their studies, thrive academically, and contribute meaningfully to society.

1. Subsidised Tuition Fees

As a leading public university, UKM benefits from substantial financial support from the Malaysian government, which subsidises the majority of tuition fees for students from low-income families. This mechanism significantly eases the financial burden on these students, enabling them to only pay a minimal portion of the overall education costs. By doing so, the government ensures that higher education remains accessible, equitable, and affordable, reflecting its strong commitment to advancing educational opportunities for all Malaysians.

For example, the total cost of a medical programme at UKM amounts to RM267,270.00. However, students from low-income backgrounds are only required to pay RM12,400.00 for the entire duration of study, with the government covering RM254,870.00, or approximately 95% of the cost. This targeted subsidy not only removes prohibitive financial barriers but also provides deserving students with the opportunity to pursue quality medical education and secure brighter career prospects.

The table below shows breakdown of education costs at UKM covered by student and government in year 2024:

Breakdown of Education Costs Covered by Student and Government

Program	Cost Borne By Low-Income Student (RM)	Cost Born By Government (RM)	Total Cost (RM)	Percentage of Cost Borne by Government (%)
Medicine	12,400.00	254,870.00	267,270.00	95.36%
Dentistry	21,900.00	245,370.00	267,270.00	91.81%
Statistics	7,520.00	80,632.00	88,152.00	91.47%
Business Administration	5,340.00	52,875.00	58,215.00	90.83%
Education	7,120.00	70,500.00	77,620.00	90.83%
Engineering	8,320.00	79,832.00	88,152.00	90.56%

2. Food Support Initiative

i. Food Incentives

UKM has launched several food assistance initiatives to help ease the student burden among students. To ensure that students have consistent access to nutritious meals, UKM has established a food incentive program (Dompet Siswa UKM). Under this program, 1,000 students receive RM800 per semester, distributed through a specially designed mobile app, MyUKM. This app allows students to purchase food at designated campus cafeterias. This innovative approach not only guarantees daily access to food but also gives students the flexibility to choose their meals.

ii. Food Bank

The Food Bank initiative for students has a significant impact, particularly in alleviating food insecurity among students from low-income backgrounds, such as those in the B40 group. It ensures that students have access to nutritious meals, reducing their financial burden and enabling them to focus better on their studies. Additionally, it contributes to their overall well-being by preventing hunger and promoting a balanced diet. The initiative also fosters a sense of community support and can lead to improved academic performance due to reduced stress over basic needs.

iii. Gerobok Rezeki FTSM

Gerobok Rezeki Program is an initiative organized by the Student Affairs Executive Committee of the Faculty of Information Science and Technology Student Association (FTSM). The Gerobok Rezeki Program represents the spirit of generosity and community service among university students. This initiative has provided significant benefits to students in need, helping to reduce their financial burden while enhancing their physical and emotional well-being. With continued support from faculty and UKM, we hope this program will sustain and continue to make a positive impact on the community of students in the future.

iv. Food Bank @FSK

The Food Bank at the Faculty of Health Science has been established to ensure students and staff always have access to essential food items. The Food Bank provides snacks, bread, biscuits, cereals, and milk for students and staff in need, helping to ease their daily challenges. By reducing food insecurity, easing financial burdens, and fostering a caring campus environment, this initiative positively impacts students’ academic performance and overall quality of life. Moving forward, continuous efforts will be made to sustain and expand the program, ensuring that no student goes hungry while pursuing their education.

v. KASISWA Foodbank

On 18 March 2024, the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA), in collaboration with HEP-UKM, generously donated 500 food packs to the KASISWA Foodbank to support students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative was instrumental in easing the financial strain faced by vulnerable students, ensuring they had reliable access to daily meals without incurring additional expenses. By reducing the burden of living costs, the program allowed students to focus on their academic goals and personal development rather than struggling with economic hardship. Beyond addressing immediate needs, the effort also promoted greater equity and inclusivity on campus, aligning with the objectives of SDG 1: No Poverty, which seeks to eradicate poverty in all its forms by safeguarding access to basic necessities and supporting long-term well-being.

3. Housing Assistance

i. Residential College Sponsorship

In 2024, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) remains committed to supporting underprivileged students by providing free residential rooms throughout their studies. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student and Alumni Affairs (HEPA), Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Suzeren Md Jamil, stated that the sponsorship of residential rooms is an initiative under the HEPA portfolio, involving the Student Affairs Centre, Alumni Relations Centre, Islamic Centre, Student Housing Centre, and Kolej Akademia, with a total allocation of RM451,200. He explained that with this allocation, UKM is able to sponsor 51 residential rooms across 10 colleges, directly easing the financial burden of 408 students to complete their studies.

In addition, in 2024, UKM granted a full exemption of accommodation fees to 10 students from the B40 income group. These students comprised four from the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB), two from the Faculty of Economics and Management (FEP), and one each from the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Dentistry.

ii. Residential College Subsidy

In addition to providing full housing scholarships for selected, eligible students from very low-income backgrounds, UKM offers subsidised residential college rates to make on-campus housing affordable for all low-income students. According to the Student Financial Guidebook provided by the UKM Student Housing Center (Page 13), students from low-income families benefit from a housing subsidy, paying a minimum rate of RM 3.50 per day (in total RM11,949,735 per year), while full-paying students pay a minimum rate of RM 7.00 per day. This subsidy structure reflects UKM’s commitment to supporting students from low-income backgrounds with additional financial assistance, while maintaining affordable on-campus housing options for all.

Student Financial Guidebook: Buku Panduan Kewangan Pelajar

iii. Endowment Room Sponsorship Program

a. Aminuddin Baki Residential College (KAB)

Kolej Aminuddin Baki, UKM, provides accommodation for underprivileged students through an initiative by the UKM Alumni Office. The college administration identifies eligible students based on asnaf data from the UKM Zakat Center. The selection criteria require students to have successfully secured a place at Kolej Aminuddin Baki through merit-based student activity participation.

The room sponsorship is funded by UKM alumni, who cover the accommodation fees for students for a period of four years. This initiative helps students alleviate financial burdens and enables them to focus more on their studies. Sponsors bear the cost of RM987.00 per room per semester, with a total contribution of RM1,974 per semester for two sponsored rooms (4 low income students).

This program plays a crucial role in ensuring the welfare of financially disadvantaged students by easing their financial constraints and providing them with a comfortable and conducive living environment. The initiative also enhances students’ academic performance by allowing them to concentrate on their studies without the stress of accommodation expenses. Additionally, it encourages alumni engagement in university activities, strengthening the social and economic networks between students, alumni, and the university.Moving forward, this program should be continued to attract more sponsors, enabling a larger number of students to benefit from free accommodation. By providing financial relief and a stable living environment, the initiative motivates students to excel academically while also encouraging them to actively participate in college activities. Ultimately, this program contributes to UKM’s mission and vision of producing high-quality graduates who are well-equipped for the future.

b. Burhanuddin Helmi Residential College (KBH)

The Endowment Room Sponsorship Program (Accommodation) is an initiative designed to support financially disadvantaged college students who are in need of assistance. This program aims to provide comfortable and affordable accommodation for underprivileged students, ensuring they have a stable living environment while pursuing their studies. The initiative is made possible through the generous sponsorship of UKM alumni, who contribute funds to support the program. Each sponsor covers RM493.50 per semester per student, helping to ease the financial burden for four students.

By providing much-needed financial relief, the program allows students to focus on their academic success and personal growth without the added stress of accommodation expenses. It plays a crucial role in promoting equal opportunities for students from less privileged backgrounds, ensuring that financial difficulties do not hinder their ability to pursue higher education.

This initiative has positively impacted numerous students, enabling them to continue their studies with greater confidence and stability. By alleviating financial stress, students can dedicate themselves more fully to their education and personal development. The program also fosters a sense of community support and solidarity, as alumni contribute to the welfare of future generations of students.In conclusion, the Waqf Rooms and Sponsorship for Accommodation Program has the potential to significantly enhance the lives of financially disadvantaged students by providing them with a secure and supportive living environment. However, to ensure its continued success and long-term impact, careful planning and sustainability strategies must be implemented.

c. Dato’ Onn Residential College

UKM Sponsored Accommodation Handover Ceremony is designed to provide sponsorships for college accommodations, specifically for asnaf students at  Dato’ Onn Residential College throughout their studies at UKM. By offering sponsored room accommodations, the initiative aims to ease the financial burden on students from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring they have a comfortable and conducive living environment that supports their academic journey.

The sponsorship is generously provided by Syarikat Bulan Bintang, Yayasan Taqwa MAIWP, and Pelaburan Hartanah Berhad, covering a total of six rooms for 12 students. This contribution significantly improves students’ overall well-being by reducing financial stress and allowing them to focus entirely on their studies.

Providing accommodation for asnaf students is a meaningful initiative that enhances their campus experience. With a safe and comfortable living space, students can fully concentrate on their academic and personal development without the constant worry of financial constraints. Furthermore, this support plays a crucial role in promoting mental well-being and reducing dropout rates, ensuring that students have a higher chance of successfully completing their education.In the long run, initiatives like this contribute to the development of highly competitive graduates who can uplift their families and improve their overall quality of life. By fostering an inclusive and supportive educational environment, this program helps bridge the gap for underprivileged students, empowering them to achieve academic success and a brighter future.

d. Tun Hussein Onn Residential College

The Sponsorship Room of Kolej Tun Hussein Onn, in collaboration with the Chancellor Foundation and Taqwa Foundation, aims to alleviate the financial burdens of disadvantaged students by providing support for their accommodation fees. This initiative is designed to assist students who struggle to pay for their on-campus housing, allowing them to focus on their studies without the added stress of financial concerns. By offering direct financial aid to cover or reduce accommodation costs, the program ensures that students facing financial difficulties can secure a place to stay on campus without the burden of high expenses. Three (3) students have benefited from this initiative, which not only enhances their well-being by providing a stable and comfortable living environment but also fosters an inclusive and socially responsible community. Overall, the program has a positive and lasting impact on students’ educational experiences and overall success.

4. Transportation Support

i. Free Shuttle Buses

UKM recognises the importance of reliable transportation for student life and ensures all students have access to free transportation within and around the campus. The university operates 19 shuttle buses that serve the campus community, providing a convenient and cost-free mode of transport for students.

ii. E-bike

For on-campus mobility, UKM also provides e-bike facilities for students. These e-bikes can be used by students to conveniently travel from their residential colleges to their respective faculties.

iii. Government and Corporate Transportation Initiatives

UKM also collaborates with corporate partners to support underprivileged students. The assistance provided includes free transportation for students to return to their hometowns, particularly during festive seasons. In 2024, the Federal Territory Islamic Religious Council (MAIWP) contributed a total of RM158,000 to 1,120 students to enable them to travel home for festive holidays (Hari Raya celebration).In addition, the Malaysian government, through the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, also assists university students by providing subsidies for domestic flight tickets for public university students. This initiative, known as Flysiswa, is carried out in collaboration with airlines such as Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia. UKM students can apply through the website: subsidiudara.mot.gov.my

5. Literacy And Legal Aid Clinic (KLBG)

The Literacy and Legal Aid Clinic (KLBG) of UKM is an initiative by the UKM Faculty of Law, aimed at fulfilling their social responsibility to the community (including UKM students), particularly those in need of legal consultations. The services offered by the KLBG cover all types of cases, whether in Civil Courts or Syariah Courts, including criminal cases. Legal issues presented to the KLBG are referred to a panel of consultants, consisting of UKM Faculty of Law lecturers and appointed lawyers. 

The KLBG also refers cases to relevant agencies that can provide legal assistance or related services. Additionally, it serves as a medium for spreading legal knowledge and awareness to the public through organising legal literacy programs. The KLBG has taken steps to expand its services by introducing mediation, counselling, and assistance to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). To strengthen its services, the KLBG has established strategic collaborations with several agencies, such as the Malaysia Legal Aid Department (JBG), the Malaysian Muslim Lawyers Association (PPMM), and the Family, Social, and Community Division of the Islamic Development Department of Malaysia (JAKIM).

Through a comprehensive range of initiatives, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has demonstrated a strong commitment to reducing the financial burden faced by low-income (B40) students and ensuring equitable access to higher education. The university’s targeted assistance including subsidised tuition fees, food aid programs such as Dompet Siswa UKM and Gerobok Rezeki, free or sponsored accommodation under various college endowment schemes, and transport subsidies through Flysiswa and free campus shuttle services, collectively enhances student well-being and academic success. These initiatives not only address essential needs like food, housing, and mobility but also promote inclusivity and equal opportunity. By alleviating financial pressures, UKM enables students to focus on their studies and personal development, fostering a supportive learning environment that empowers underprivileged students to complete their education successfully and improve their families’ socio-economic mobility.