BKNS expands to include foundation, matriculation and A-level studies
Published on: Mon, Jul 21, 2025 Text Size: Hajiji with some of the recipients. - Pic by CMD KOTA KINABALU: The State Government has expanded its scholarship programme to include students pursuing foundation, matriculation, and A-level studies under the Sabah State Scholarship (BKNS) scheme beginning this year. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the scholarship allowance for all recipients in public and private universities would also be standardised as part of efforts to enhance education access and support.
Advertisement Speaking at the Sabah Excellence Scholarship Award presentation ceremony, he noted that the state has allocated a record RM136 million for BKNS in 2025, compared to RM50 million in 2020. From 2021 to 2024, a total of 13,550 students have benefited from various state-funded educational initiatives, reflecting a steady increase in investment in education development. The Yayasan Sabah Group also allocated RM67.17 million in 2024 to support 3,234 students, while the Sabah State Education Fund (TPNS), launched in June 2022, has aided over 10,000 recipients with RM15.8 million. Additionally, more than 48,000 students have received support worth RM92.4 million over five years through the Sabah Islamic Religious Council (Muis) tithe fund. Hajiji urged scholarship recipients to continue striving for excellence and explore future-oriented fields such as energy, Tvet and AI, while reminding them to be role models in support of the Sabah Maju Jaya agenda and the national Madani vision. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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