Private varsities to get more expensive

Private universities and colleges get permission to increase tuition fee

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh  said private universities can increase tuition fees if they seek the approval of the ministry before implantation. The minister added that fees structure is different in universities and colleges. In spite of the flexibility they enjoy, these institutions aren’t allowed to increase their fees arbitrarily.

"They must refer to the ministry first and adhere to certain conditions before being allowed to raise the fees. This is to ensure that the increase will not burden the prospective students" he said.

Tuition fees issues in private institutions have been a serious issue for students who have not been able to secure a place in a public institutions and any increase in tuition fees may have dire consequences. As it is now, a very large number of PTPTN borrowers have not been able to pay their student loans. An increase in fees can potentially add to this crippling factor.

In October of 2015, Malaysia was reported as the fifth most expensive country in the world to get a higher education in relation to household income, according to a survey of 40 countries based on listed tuition by Quacquerelli Symmonds and self-reported income on Gallup.com.

On average, Malaysian parent spend 55% of their salaries on one of their children for higher learning, the survey claimed.

Hungary leads as the most expensive country to get a higher education followed by Romania, Estonia and Chile.