TUITION fees for more than 600 Palestinians studying at public universities in Malaysia will be waived for one year with immediate effect, Higher Education Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said today.

He said the Higher Education Ministry (MOHE) will also discuss with private universities to do the same for more than 200 Palestinians studying at these institutions.

“We are also considering providing monthly allowances to all the Palestinian students (both in public and private universities) in Malaysia for the same period,” he told a press conference after opening the Global Higher Education Forum 2023 in Sepang today.

“This (exemption of fees and provision of monthly allowances) will involve a cost of about RM20 million, with contributions from public and private universities as well as the public.”

Khaled said details on the tuition fee waiver and monthly allowances would be announced soon.

“We will announce the exact amount for these initiatives. It is in the final stages,” he said.

Khaled said the ministry is concerned about the challenges faced by the Palestinian students.

“They are, of course, among those who are directly affected by what is happening in their country. They may no longer be able to receive financial support from their families or sponsors,” he said. – Bernama, November 15, 2023.