Now that many of you have been accepted into Diploma programmes, you may apply to PTPTN. But some of you may not even be aware of this. To those who are aware, there may be some grey areas that are filled with doubt. So let us explain to you how PTPTN works, right from the requirements all the way to paying them back, and everything in between.

What is PTPTN Loan?

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The PTPTN Education Loan Scheme was established with the purpose of providing educational loans to students studying in Higher Education Institutions locally. These loans will enable students to finance a full or partial tuition fee and living cost during the study period, thus, opening up more opportunities for all students to pursue higher education.

What are the Minimum Requirements?

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Many already know PTPTN's requirements by now, but for those of you who don't, here is a gentle reminder:

• You are a Malaysian citizen
• You are aged 45 years and below
• You must already have an offer to study at an institution of higher learning (both public and private institutions - colleges, universities and polytechnics are accepted)
• The course that you are pursuing is approved and accredited by MQA (Check if your course is accredited by MQA)
• The remaining period of your study must not be less than one year
• You have no other sponsors
• You must have an SSPN-i savings account before sending in your application

What courses do they cover?

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PTPTN covers many courses, which we have listed down just below. However, if you do have to ask, PTPTN does not cover private pre-university courses such as A-Levels, AUSMAT/SACE, Matriculation and the like. Moving onwards to the good bit (please note the type of institution they have listed down):

• Diploma (Full-time): IPTA, Politeknik dan IPTS
• Diploma (Part-time): IPTA, Politeknik dan IPTS*
• Diploma (PJJ): IPTA
• Advanced Diploma: IPTA dan Politeknik
• First Degree (Full-time): IPTA dan IPTS
• First Degree (Part-time): IPTA dan IPTS*
• Masters (Full-time/Part-Time/PJJ): IPTA
• PhD (Full-time/Part-time/PJJ): IPTA
• Professional Courses (Full Time/Part-time/PJJ): IPTA

* Education Loans are prioritised for students in UNITEM, UNITAR, Wawasan Open University and Asia e University.

How much do they sponsor?

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According to PTPTN, the amount given is based on three categories. You guys cab refer to the table below: 

Most of you may now ask, "I understood all that, but what do you mean by maximum amount?". Well, good question, keen observer. The maximum amount is dependent on what type of course you study and what type of university you study that in. For example, Student A studying Pharmacy at an IPTS would have a different maximum amount compared to Student B studying Education at an IPTA. Here is the list of the maximum amount based on the course and type of university.

For full-time studies:

Part-time studies:

Note: If you are still confused, please scroll above to re-check with the category you fall under. Remember, it is based on household income.

What exemptions are there? Will I have to pay the whole amount back?

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PTPTN waiver will only be eligible for First Class Honour students that come from M40 and B40 families.

Do note however that First Class Honours may differ from university to university, so make sure you check with your counsellors so that you know what to aim for. Generally, however, First Class Honours typically requires you to have at least CGPA of 3.67/4.00, or higher.

What about the repayment? How do I do that? When do I have to do that?

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As far as PTPTN goes, you will need to start making payments 12 months after you graduate, with or without notice from PTPTN. Evidently, many have failed to note the very important statement, with the news of droves of people being blacklisted coming to light in recent times. The time allotted for an individual to complete the repayment depends on the amount borrowed.

• Less than RM10,000: 5 years
• RM10,000-RM22,000: 10 years
• RM22,000-RM50,000: 15 years
• >RM50,000: 20 years

The structure of the repayment schedule is also dependent on your financial ability to repay your loan. In fact, the repayment schedule can be extended up until you're 60 years old but with an interest fee. If you're facing difficulties, visit one of the PTPTN offices and talk to their employees who may help you in settling. 

How to apply for PTPTN Loan?

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To apply for a PTPTN Loan, just follow these 5 Simple steps:

• Open an SSPN-i account — you can do this at any PTPTN counters, or at Maybank, Bank Islam, BSN, CIMB Bank, Agrobank or Bank Rakyat.
• Open a savings account at a panel bank — you will need to open a savings account with a specific bank based on your choice of institution (IPTS panel banks; IPTA panel banks)
• Buy a PTPTN number from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) — this will cost you RM5 and is valid for six months
• Head to PTPTN’s website to apply online: http://www.ptptn.gov.my/gateway
• Complete the application form carefully based on the instructions

Confused? Then feel free to check out our other PTPTN guides:

When Do I Apply for PTPTN

PTPTN Loan - A Complete Guide

PPBU vs PTPTN : Which One is Better?

Foundation Programmes in IPTS Eligible for PTPTN Loan

Can You Apply for PTPTN If You’re in a Twinning Programme?

Twinning Programmes and PTPTN

How to Check How Much You Will Receive From PTPTN in Two Steps

PTPTN 2020 Deadlines for Every Course and Every Institution Released

How to Qualify for a PTPTN Loan Repayment Exemption

Deadlines for PTPTN Online Applications at Every UA & IPTS for Every Course

How To Use The New PTPTN Direct Debit System & List Of Associated Banks

8 Questions about Repaying Your PTPTN Loan

How Much Loan Does PTPTN offer?

How to Check How Much You Owe PTPTN