Having to choose whether to pursue a higher education qualification or not is a dilemma that our future generation should not be making. Unfortunately, this is a situation that is faced by many young Malaysians whose families are struggling financially to support their children’s dreams to pursue higher education and realise their dream careers and have a brighter future.
This situation is further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, where countless students’ parents are struggling to stay afloat financially, forcing students to postpone their higher education plans indefinitely.
For Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (‘TAR UC’), this situation is nothing new, apart from the challenges arising from the pandemic. After all, this institution’s very founding was to help needy and deserving Malaysians attain a higher education qualification regardless of their financial situation, background, or creed, a mission that has kept TAR UC going since 1969.
One of the many approaches TAR UC employs to help financially needy students is the TAR UC Student Loan Fund. With 50 interest-free revolving student loan funds available, qualified students can apply and have the entire of their tuition fees covered by the loan. Since its inception in 1979, a total of 14,464 loan awards amounting close to RM56 million have been disbursed via the TAR UC Student Loan Fund.
The TAR UC Student Loan Fund has helped countless Malaysians over the decades, including Sonia Alexandra, a recipient of the TARC-Toh Kim Eng Student Loan which has allowed her to undertake the Bachelor of Interior Architecture (Hons) programme.
Hailing from Kuala Lumpur, Sonia was on the verge of having to postpone her tertiary education after discovering that Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (‘PTPTN’) was unable to fully cover her tuition fees.
“I was a little sad because I managed to pass the portfolio test prior to receiving the offer to study at TAR UC. However, I received a call from TAR UC’s Department of Student Affairs (‘DSA’) asking about my family background and financial situation. As a result, I was offered a lifeline via the TARC-Toh Kim Eng Student Loan.
“I am both honoured and grateful to receive this financial aid because it has not only allowed me to undertake and focus on my studies to the fullest, but it also has removed my family’s financial worries on funding my academic goals. It truly means so much to me that I can follow my passion today,” said Sonia.
Sonia is now enjoying her tertiary education journey, adding: “TAR UC is full of opportunities to learn and grow academically and in life. Here I can learn valuable skills, experience and knowledge even beyond the classroom, which I can put to good use even in my future career.”
Apart from the TARC Student Loan Fund, TAR UC has many other financial aid options available to cater to underprivileged but deserving and qualified students.
This includes scholarships or bursaries such as the Star Education Fund, Sin Chew Daily Education Fund, Nanyang Tertiary Education Fund, TAR UC Sports Scholarship, TAR UC – TAA Scholarship, TAR UC – TAA Scholarship (Top Glove), TAR UC Eco Shop Scholarship, TAR UC MSEF Scholarship, TAR UC – Jinbodhi Bursary, and Bursary for State/National Players.
In addition, many benevolent organisations and philanthropic corporations have external scholarships and grants to help students continue their studies like the Ann Joo Undergraduate Scholarship, CIMB ASEAN Scholarship, Hong Leong Foundation Scholarship, Kuok Foundation Study Grants, Maxis Scholarship, OSK Foundation Scholarship, Shimano Scholarship, Senheng Scholarship, Lion-Parkson Foundation Scholarship, and many more.
Due to the financial plight suffered by many Malaysian families due to the Covid-19 pandemic, TAR UC’s Prihatin Flexi Payment Plan can help alleviate some financial burdens by providing greater flexibility in first-semester fee payments. Introduced in 2021 and now extended into 2022, students can begin their studies at TAR UC with an initial payment of RM263 with the balance of fees to be paid in either 1 or 2 instalments, depending on the intake. This plan is available for Malaysian students with a full offer of admission for Foundation, Diploma, and Bachelor Degree programmes for all 2022 intakes.
For parents with two or more children studying at TAR UC, there is a sibling discount offered as extra financial support. Under this incentive, students registering for the FIRST TIME and with sibling(s) who are full-fee-paying student(s) in the same semester can be eligible for an RM1,000 discount off their first semester tuition fee.
To find out more about TAR UC’s financial aid options and programmes offered for the ongoing October/November 2022 intake, please visit our website at www.tarc.edu.my. Prospective students are also encouraged to apply online at www.tarc.edu.my.
