Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email Sounds like bad news if PTPTN needs more money. How are parents expected to fund education for children when places in IPTA is limited, while private colleges/universities cost are much higher? Income does not increase in tandem with the expenses and cost of living. Studying for a degree costs any where between RM10,000 to RM40,000 per year depending on the course. That’s a minimum of RM800 per month (exluding living expenses). Imagine if you have two kids going for tertiary education. How much monthly income is needed for family to support those two kids? Remember that our average income is RM3200++ to RM3900++. Is this sufficient? I think the number of well-to-do parents aren’t that many. PTPTN may end up catering for nearly half the student population if costs keep escalating.
PUTRAJAYA: The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) requires RM5 billion a year to ensure those qualified to pursue higher education are not deprived of the opportunity, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said.
He said the amount was required following an increase in the number of students pursuing higher education.
“At the moment, the allocation is RM3 billion but the ministry foresees that the amount will no longer be enough by 2013,” he told reporters after opening the “Real Undergraduate Conference” here on Saturday.
He said the amount was also needed as the loan repayment by students was made in instalments and not in lump sum.
“Now the ministry is studying how to make the PTPTN sustainable and that to ensure loans are given only those who really need them,” he said.
He added that well-to-do parents should take the responsibility to finance their children’s education and not rely on the government alone.
“The Government has provided the infrastructure and other facilities. Those who are rich should be able to finance their children’s education,” he said. – BERNAMA
