Malaysia’s National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) Loan – Application, Eligibility, Criteria & Repayment

What is the PTPTN Loan & How to Apply for it at Private Colleges & Universities in Malaysia?

• The PTPTN loan is a type of student loan that caters specifically to Malaysian students looking to continue post-secondary education at local institutions
• Malaysian students are eligible to apply for the PTPTN Loan as long as they are citizens under the age of 45 and enrolled for MQA accredited Diploma or Degree programmes at Private Universities or Colleges

One of the factors in choosing a university to study at in Malaysia is your financial ability. The PTPTN Loan is offered by the Malaysian government to help students in their Diploma and Degree studies at private universities and colleges. The Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional, is an agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Education that provides educational financing for students.

The PTPTN Loan is not offered for Pre-University Programmes, Foundation Programmes and Professional Courses like the ACCA. The loan is available for Foundation from selected Government Linked Private Universities.

When you understand how much loan that you can get from PTPTN, you can then better plan on how to finance your studies to successfully completion. Basically, the PTPTN Loan is open to all Malaysian students who are enrolled for diploma or degree programmes at approved private universities or colleges for courses that are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

National Higher Education Fund (PTPTN) Education Loan Scheme for Diploma & Degree Courses in Malaysia

The PTPTN Education Loan Scheme was set up with the aim of providing education loans to students pursuing their studies in local institutions of higher learning (IPT). This loan will enable students to fully or partially pay their fees and their subsistence for the duration of their study in the IPT. Thus, this scheme provides greater opportunities to students to continue their tertiary education.

The scope of the PTPTN education loan facility is open to students pursuing studies at the diploma, first degree, master, doctorate and professional courses levels in IPTs.

Starting March 1st, 2007, students pursuing long distance or part-time studies in IPT’s at the diploma, first degree, master, doctorate and professional courses levels are eligible to receive PTPTN education loan. However, the loan amount sponsored is only for the education fees that has been placed by the IPT and must not exceed maximum amount that’s been stated in the PTPTN Circular Bil2/2007.

The information on the PTPTN Loan below is for reference only and EduSpiral Consultant Services shall not be held liable should the information change. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the college or university on the details or contact PTPTN directly for the latest information.

What are the Criteria and Eligibility to Apply for the PTPTN Loan?

Students are eligible to apply for education loans if they fulfil the following conditions:

• Not exceeding 45 years of age on date of application;
• Not a recipient of other loans (MARA or JPA loan) or scholarship (internal or external)
• Possess a Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) with at least 3 credits & passed BM & Sejarah*
• Possess a Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)* and qualify to enter a private college or University
• Possess other recognized certificates to qualify for a degree programme: STPM, A-Levels, UEC, SAM**, AUSMAT**, CPU**, CIMP**, Foundation, Local Matriculation or Recognized Diploma
• All students must possess entry requirements determined by the Ministry of Higher Education to pursue the course. For students with qualifications that differ from that stipulated, verification that the said qualification is equivalent to the required qualification must be obtained from departments or agencies specified as above;
• Enrolled in a Private Tertiary Education Institution (IPTS) that offers a full-time degree or diploma course that is approved by MQA & JPS
• The courses must be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Students can check the MQA website for the list of courses that are accredited.
• The course and Accreditation Certificate approval period must still be valid on the date of application;
• Have no other sponsor; and
• Student must have SSPN account before making application.

Other criteria:

• For students applying for the second time, loans extended earlier by PTPTN must be settled in full prior to a fresh application.
• Students who have received PTPTN loan through previous colleges / universities but have left or have not completed their course, are required to terminate the contract and make full payment with PTPTN before a new application can be made.
• Students who have completed the diploma and received a PTPTN loan, kindly fill up Borang Penangguhan Bayaran Balik. Please print out the form from the PTPTN website.
• Balance of study upon application must not be less than one year.
• As of Jan 2012, it is compulsory to open a SSPN (Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional) account if students want to apply for a PTPTN loan.

SSPN Account for the PTPTN Loan

Effective from Jan. 2012, all PTPTN applicants MUST open an SSPN account before applying for a PTPTN loan. Minimum deposit to open an account is only RM 20. SSPN account MUST be open with MaybankONLY.

You can check your SSPN account statement the next day after opening your SSPN account on the PTPTN website.

Online Application for the PTPTN Loan

All applications for PTPTN loans MUST be made online through the PTPTN Online Application Website at http://www.ptptn.gov.my during the opening and closing dates of the application. Applicants are required to have an e-mail yahoo.com or gmail.com for correspondence purposes.

PLEASE DO NOT LOG IN INTO, epinjaman.ptptn.gov.my.

PTPTN PIN Number

• The PIN number can be purchased from Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) for RM5.00 (valid for 6 months ONLY). Please keep the receipt for website log-in purposes
• Should there be any difficulty in logging-in or in resetting the password, please contact:

PTPTN One-Stop-Centre Unit 1 & 2A, 2B, Level 2, Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Contact number	:	03- 2080 4455
Official Website	:	http://www.ptptn.gov.my
Operation Hours	:	8.30am to 5.00pm (Monday to Thursday)
	:	8.30am to 12.15pm
	:	2.45pm to 5.00pm (Friday)

Application Process and Submission of Documents for the PTPTN Loan

Application for education loans can be made as follows:

• Application for education loans is as follows: The applicant must apply for education financing online through the Online Loan Application website at (http://www.ptptn.gov.my).
• The applicant is allowed to apply based only on the date set by the higher education institute. The guideline for the date for application in accordance with the relevant institutions can be found at the PTPTN website.
• Applicants need to buy a PIN worth RM5 at the Bank Simpanan Nasional or its branches through three channels below before making the initial registration for education financing application. They are:

The documents must be A4-sized photocopies that have been certified as true copies:

• Applicant’s identification card (IC) – Both sides
• SSPN Account Deposit Slip / SSPN Card
• SPM Certificate or UEC (Applicants need to provide SPM certificate if SPM result slip is more than 2 years). Students without SPM (e.g. O-Level) must show proof that their parents have been sent by the government to work or study in other countries.
• STPM / A-Levels / UEC / SAM / AUSMAT / CPU / CIMP / Foundation / Local Matriculation / Recognised Diploma results and others (Foundation students need to provide result transcript)
• Music Qualification Certificate (For Music students only)
• The first page of applicant’s bank account book. (Applicants MUST open a normal savings account withCIMB Bank. For students who do not have a CIMB bank book, kindly provide an account statement from the same bank)
• Parents’ Pay slip (the latest month) / Government Pensioner’s Card / Parents’ J/EA/EC/BA Form / Income Certification Form
• Certificate of Death (if parents are deceased) or Statutory Declaration (if parents cannot be traced)
• Confirmation Letter from the Welfare Department if applicant / mother / father / guardian are receiving monthly payment from the agency
• Letter of Acceptance from the University. (Will be provided by the Institution)

All photocopied documents and PTPTN Declaration form can be certified true & witnessed by one of the listed below ONLY:

• Principal / School Headmaster/Headmistress/Senior Assistant of Student Affair (Government Schools only)
• Professional and Management Group of Government Officers (formerly from Category A)
• Law Enforcement Officers / Commissioners of Oath
• Justice of Peace / Government State Secretariat Committees ( State Executives)
• Village Penghulu / Village Headman (Penggawa) / Longhouse Head (Tuai Rumah) / Tribal Leader (Ketua Kaum) /Commissioned District

8.   Application Deadline 

All online loan applications must be submitted by applicants to PTPTN for processing BEFORE THE DEADLINE (according to batches). Students should check with the individual colleges or universities on the dates. 

• Applicants will be notified of the status of their application (Approved / Rejected) via sms and email* 10 days after the above-mentioned dates.
• The processing of loan applications normally takes between 1 – 2 months
• * Students using Gmail and Yahoo account will receive notification and the offer letter from PTPTN via email. For Hotmail account users, kindly log in to PTPTN website to download the agreement letter.
• ** Students are advised to be prepared and settle the tuition fees until PTPTN disburses the loan.

The amount of loan that students can apply for will depend on the household income. This means the income of both parents combined.

Education Level for Private Universities or IPTS	Household Income
	<RM4,000 MAKSIMUM(RM)	<RM8,000 75%(RM)	>RM8,000 50%(RM)
Foundation	6,800	5,100	3,400
Diploma	6,800	5,100	3,400
Diploma (Pharmacy, Dentistry or Health Sciences)	12,750	9,560	6,380
Science Degree Programme	14,030	10,520	7,010
Arts & Humanities Degree Programme	13,600	10,200	6,800
Degree Programmes for Pharmacy, Dentistry & Health Sciences	17,000	12,750	8,500
Medical Degree or MBBS	30,000	30,000	30,000

Will I be able to get the Full Loan Amount?

The PTPTN loan is divided into three categories – full, partial and tuition fees only. The amount of the loan is determined by the applicant’s monthly household nett income and number of dependants.

Category of Education Funding	Monthly Household Nett Income (RM)*
Full	Not exceeding 4,000
Partial	More than 4,000 but not exceeding 5,000
Tuition fees only	More than 5,000

* The monthly household nett income will be subtracted with the number of dependents (1 dependent = RM250)

Peringkat jumlah pembiayaan ditentukan berdasarkan kelayakan di bawah:-

PERINGKAT PEMBIAYAAN	KELAYAKAN
Maksimum	Sekiranya pelajar atau penjaga pelajar disenaraikan sebagai penerima Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M)
75% daripada pembiayaan maksimum	Pendapatan keluarga tidak melebihi RM8,000  (tiada dalam data BR1M)
50% daripada pembiayaan maksimum	Pendapatan keluarga melebihi RM8,000 (tiada dalam data BR1M)

 

How will the PTPTN Loan be Disbursed?

Mode of Payment Payment from PTPTN will be made TWICE a year directly into the university’s account. Students must make payment of first semester’s tuition fees to the university and then apply for the PTPN Loan for it to come into effect for the second semester.Eligibility for the 2nd Payment and onwards Student must obtain GPA 2.0 and above in order to continue enjoying the loan.

• The first loan payment is released only after the completed agreement is received by PTPTN.
• Subsequent payments will be made after PTPTN receives confirmation from the IPT
• The loan payment is credited directly to the student’s account.
• Repayment of education loan / financing starts 6 months after graduation / education financing. You have between 5-20 years to pay back depending on the loan amount.
• The loan rates are 1% per annum on flat rate

Students Must Maintain Academic Performance to Continue Getting the PTPTN Loan

PTPTN will stop disbursement under the following circumstances:

• Deferment of studies.
• Failure to complete studies within the designated time-frame.
• Student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) is lower than 2.0 (50%).
• Prior to disbursement of the loan, PTPTN will request the University to provide student’s results at the end of each semester. Please take note that PTPTN has the right to discontinue disbursement of the loan if a student’s academic performance has deteriorated.

Please refer to the example below:

Semester	CGPA	Status of Payment
Jan. 2013	<2.0	PTPTN will disburse loan
May 2013	2.0	Stop payment based on Jan. 2013 results
Jan. 2014	<2.0	Will disburse based on May 2013 results
May 2014	2.0	Stop payment based on Jan. 2014 results

* Please note that PTPTN will not pay back STOPPED PAYMENTS.

Insurance for the PTPTN Loan

Starting 1st June 2008, all student recipients of the PTPTN loan must sign-up for the Students’ Insurance Policy.

• The appointment of an insurance company and payment of premium (deducted from the loan total) will be handled by PTPTN.
• Insurance deductions will be done for every semester when the loans are disbursed.
• The insurance deduction depends on the total loan amount as below;

Bil.	Loan per semester (RM) (a)	Total semester (b)	Total loan (RM) (c)= (a) x (b)	Total premium (RM)	Deduction of premium every semester (RM)
1	2,500.00	6	15,000.00	180.00	30.00
2	3,500.00	6	21,000.00	252.00	42.00
3	6,500.00	6	39,000.00	655.20	109.20
4	8,000.00	6	48,000.00	806.40	134.40
5	10,000.00	6	60,000.00	1,296.00	216.00
6	15,000.00	10	150,000.00	3,384.00	338.40

• For current loan borrowers whose insurance deduction prior to this is less than the amount stated, the amount will be re-calculated and extra deductions will be made.

Loan Repayment

Subject to the latest policy, PTPTN will charge a 1% service fee per year on the total outstanding loan amount. Graduates must start repaying the loan 6 months after graduation or employment (whichever is earlier).

The repayment period for:

• Science degree – 240 months (20 years)
• Arts degree – 180 months (15 years)
• Diploma – 120 months (10 years)

The repayment will be sent to the National Income Tax Board (LHDN) through the graduates’ salary deductions by their employers.

The borrower is responsible for repaying the education loan / financing granted to him by PTPTN, including other costs such as administrative costs, insurance costs, revenue stamp tax and other payments as stated in the letter of offer of education loan / financing which was signed by PTPTN and the borrower.

Exemption of Loan / Financing Repayment for Bachelor with First Class Honours

Eligibility and application conditions

Students who wish to avail themselves of this facility must submit an application to PTPTN by submitting the following documents:

• Official application letter
• Copy of  bachelor’s degree with first class honours or its equivalent as certified by the Academic Department of the public/private higher education institute concerned;
• Copy of the examination transcript certified by the Academic Department of the public/private higher education institute concerned;
• Student Declaration PTPTN-P-04/4-2007 Pin.3 (click here) which has been duly completed; and
• Copy of the Accreditation Certification from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Note: All copies of documents and the letter of confirmation must be certified by a group A officer in the Academic Department of the institution concerned.

FAQs on the PTPTN Loan

• Question 1: 
  I have more than one SPM results, am I allowed to combine these results to apply for PTPTN loan?
  • Answer: 
    Yes. You can combine the SPM pass results only. In addition, only the subjects with the highest grades  are taken into account.
• Question 2:
  I do not have 3 credits in SPM but have been accepted into a higher education institute based on my work experience. Can I apply for an education loan?
  • Answer: 
    No. The condition for applying for PTPTN education financing is the applicant must have passed the SPM with at least 3 credits in any of the subjects.
• Question 3:
  I completed my first degree through PTPTN education financing. If I wish to study  for a diploma in another area, can I apply for PTPTN education loan?
  • Answer: 
    No. Second education financing will only be considered for students who have graduated and are pursuing higher level studies.
• Question 4:
  I have ceased studying / failed in my study at a higher education institute and now want to resume studying at the same level. Can I still apply for PTPTN education financing?
  • Answer:
    Yes, provided you have settled the full amount of the education financing received previously  (the amount of education financing is subject to confirmation from the PTPTN Loan Ledger Unit, Accounts Department).
• Question 5: 
  Can I apply for PTPTN education financing for the 2 + 1 programme (twinning programme) conducted in collaboration with overseas institutions? This programme is conducted locally for two years and one year abroad.
  • Answer: 
    Yes. However, PTPTN  provides education financing only for the period of study undertaken in the country.
• Question 6:
  I am studying in the second semester and wish to apply for PTPTN education financing. Can I obtain financing from the first semester?
  • Answer:
    No. The period of approved education financing is based on the current semester during which the application is made. If you are applying in the second semester, the approved education financing is effective from the second semester until the expiry of your typical study period.
• Question 7: 
  I did not receive full education financing compared to my friends. What are the determining factors in the amount granted to an applicant?
  • Answer: 
    Determination of the PTPTN loan amount is dependent on the nett income of the guardian, after deducting the number of dependants (1 dependant = RM250).
• Question8:
  After the documents have been submitted to PTPTN, how long will it take before the first disbursement?
  • Answer: 
    If all necessary offer documents and agreements have been completed, the first disbursement will be made within 21 working days of the date of receipt of the document. The approved disbursement will be credited directly into the student’s bank account.
• Question 9:
  Why is the amount of education loan credited into my account not the same as that which should be received every semester?
  • Answer: 
    This is because the total withdrawal of education financing is subject to the amount of tuition fees, insurance deductions and loan advance deductions (where applicable).
• Question 10: 
  How is the education loan for the second and subsequent semesters disbursed to the borrower?
  • Answer: 
    Disbursement of education financing will be made after PTPTN receives confirmation from the institute that the student:
    1. Student  is confirmed as registered in the institute.
    2. obtained a GPA of 2.0 and above.

     

• Question 11: 
  When is the education loan disbursed to students  every semester?
• Answer:
  The education loan will be disbursed to students within 2 weeks of their registration subject to confirmation from the institute.
• Question 12: 
  Will I continue to receive the education  loan / financing  if I postpone my studies?
  • Answer: 
    Education financing will be suspended  the semester you postpone your studies. If you  receive financing in that semester, then the disbursement of your loan will be suspended the following semester. Disbursement for the following semester will be based on verification by the institute.
• Question 13: 
  Am I eligible for the education financing which has been suspended owing to obtaining a GPA below 2.0?
  • Answer: 
    Not eligible. Arrears will not be paid if the education financing is suspended due to a GPA below 2.0. However, PTPTN will demand repayment only for the amount already received by the student.