Education Ministry gets RM66.2 billion in Budget 2026
Budget 2026 has made education a top priority, with the Education Ministry receiving RM66.2 billion, up from RM64.1 billion this year. The Higher Education Ministry is also getting RM18.6 billion, reflecting the government’s strong commitment to education.
Key highlights include free higher education for 5,800 low-income students and a PTPTN loan exemption for top graduates from lower- to middle-income families, benefiting about 6,000 students annually. RM2 billion is also allocated to upgrade over 520 dilapidated schools, mainly in Sabah and Sarawak.
Academics are praising the inclusive measures, especially the PTPTN loan exemption, which they see as a breakthrough for equitable access to education. However, some experts stress the importance of clear implementation to ensure the budget benefits all students, especially those in underserved communities.
