10.6 – Measures against discrimination

10.6.2 – Access to university track underrepresented groups applications

UKM tracks the applications and admissions of underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, disabled students, and low-income students. In 2024, 315 ethnic minority students were accepted, making up 5.10% of acceptances. The Bumiputera ethnic groups from Sabah and Sarawak are among the highest in number accepted to study at UKM, reflecting the university’s strong commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to higher education. 

For disabled students, 35 were accepted in 2024 (0.57%), improving from 28 (0.48%) in 2023. This upward trend shows UKM’s dedication to supporting students with disabilities.UKM also focuses on B40 students, accepting 2816 in 2024 (45.56%), up from 1,865 (30.97%) in 2023. Through Jejak Anak Watan, selected students receive financial aid and scholarships to pursue their studies at UKM, ensuring financial barriers do not limit access to education.

Summary of the tracking the applications and admissions of underrepresented groups

No	Initiatives
1	Ethnic Minority Groups
2	Students with Disabilities
3	Low-Income Students

1. Ethnic Minority Groups

The tables demonstrate UKM’s strong and ongoing commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equitable access to higher education among ethnic minority groups from 2022 to 2024.

The first table highlights a steady participation of ethnic minority students, with notable representation from Bumiputera Sabah and Bumiputera Sarawak, who continue to make up the largest proportion of new enrollments each year. The number of students from these groups increased significantly between 2022 and 2023, with Bumiputera Sabah rising from 115 to 302 students and 134 in 2024. For Bumiputera Sarawak, there were 144 in 2023 to 50 students in 2024. Although the total enrollment adjusted to 315 students in 2024, the consistent intake across multiple ethnic categories reflects UKM’s inclusive admission approach that welcomes students from diverse cultural and regional backgrounds.

In terms of acceptance, showing that ethnic minority students consistently secured places at UKM, representing 5.24% of total acceptances in 2022, a remarkable 10.50% in 2023, and 5.10% in 2024. Although the number of ethnic minority group admissions shows a slight decline in 2024, the data reflects UKM’s continued commitment to embracing students from diverse cultural and multiracial backgrounds. The university remains steadfast in promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in higher education. This openness demonstrates UKM’s ongoing effort to create a learning environment that celebrates diversity and unity, welcoming students from all ethnicities and regions across Malaysia and beyond.

Table: First Year Enrollment of Ethnic Minority Groups (2022–2024)

Year/Ethnic Group	2022	2023	2024
Orang Asli	4	16	10
Bumiputera Sabah	115	302	134
Bidayuh	1	6	3
Dusun	26	21	4
Kadazan	38	42	4
Melanau	8	9	2
Bumiputera Sarawak	57	144	50
Iban	29	41	12
Murut	2	3	2
Serani	1	2	0
Sikh	11	15	3
Thai/Siam	13	13	9
Bajau	14	12	6
Brunei	5	6	3
Kedayan	3	0	0
Cina Baba	0	0	1
Sri Lanka	0	0	1
Arab	0	0	1
Bangladesh	0	0	1
Filipino	0	0	15
Kemboja	0	0	2
Khmer	0	0	3
Pakistan	0	0	8
Indonesia	0	0	41
Total Students	327	632	315

Table: Ethnic Minority Groups’ Admission Acceptance (2022–2024)

Category/Year	Total Applications	Total Accepted	Ethnic Minority Groups’ Acceptance	% Ethnic Minority Groups’ Accepted
2022	14872	6244	327	5.24%
2023	17958	6021	632	10.50%
2024	20,679	6181	315	5.10%

2. Students with Disabilities

In 2024, UKM made steady progress in supporting disabled students through its admissions process. A total of 35 disabled students were accepted, accounting for 0.57% of the total accepted students, which shows an improvement from 0.48% in 2023. This upward trend reflects UKM’s continuous efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen inclusivity, particularly for students with disabilities, ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunities to pursue academic excellence.

The efforts made in 2024 demonstrate a continued commitment to providing access to education for all students, including those with disabilities. UKM’s steady work in increasing the percentage of disabled students in the overall acceptance rate reflects its dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, ensuring that no group is left behind. The progress seen in 2024 indicates a positive direction for the university’s efforts toward inclusivity.

Table: Disability Students’ Admission Acceptance (2022-2024)

Category/Year	Total Applications	Total Accepted	Disability Students’ Acceptance	% Disability Students’ Accepted
2022	14872	6244	18	0.29%
2023	17958	6021	28	0.48%
2024	20,679	6181	35	0.57%

3. Low-Income Students

In Malaysia, low-income households are categorised under the B40 group, representing the bottom 40% of income earners. UKM is committed to ensuring that students from these B40 households have access to higher education, as reflected in the data from 2022 to 2024.In 2024, 2816 B40 students were accepted into UKM, making up 45.56% of the total 6,181 accepted students, an increase from 1,865 (30.97%) in 2023. UKM supports both B40 students and ethnic minorities through Program Jejak Anak Watan, an initiative providing financial aid to those accepted into the university. Selected students also receive full scholarships worth RM42,000 per year for five years, amounting to a total sponsorship of RM154,000.00, ensuring that financial and socio-economic challenges do not hinder their educational journey. The steady increase over the three-year period demonstrates UKM’s proactive role in supporting inclusive growth and reducing educational disparity in line with national aspirations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Table: B40 First-Year Enrollment at UKM (2022–2024)

Year	Total Applications	Total Accepted	Total B40 Students	Percentage of B40 Students (%)
2022	14872	6244	1460	23.38%
2023	17958	6021	1865	30.97%
2024	20,679	6181	2816	45.56%