PTPTN repayment exemption portal to reopen on Sept 1

PETALING JAYA: The application portal for first-class honours graduates seeking exemption from repaying their National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) loans will reopen on Sept 1.

“Graduates who meet the conditions remain eligible for the exemption.

“PTPTN is currently upgrading its system and the portal will be fully operational on Sept 1, 2025. Applications for exemption can be submitted after that date,” said PTPTN chairman Datuk Seri Norliza Abdul Rahim in an official statement on her Facebook page on Monday (Aug 18).

She also said that the loan repayment exemption policy for first-class honours graduates remains in effect and has never been withdrawn.

“Hopefully, this clarification provides some relief. PTPTN remains committed to fulfilling its mandate in supporting national education,” she said.

On Aug 14, frustrated graduates began appealing to PTPTN for clarity after they were unexpectedly asked to start repaying their loans despite having attained first-class honours.

In email notifications sent to borrowers last month, sighted by The Star, PTPTN provided repayment schedules as stipulated in loan agreements.

In response to complaints regarding the issue, it stated that the exemption application process and submission of supporting documents can only be carried out once the service – currently closed – is reopened.

In a separate response to parents, the agency reiterated that loan repayment exemption approval is subject to the government’s current financial position, and all borrowers must continue repayments during the temporary closure.

“No manual submission method or other channels are allowed,” the email read.

On June 3, an insider told The Star that the exemption application service for first-class honours graduates remains unavailable pending Finance Ministry approval.

“Applications to convert loans into scholarships for first-class honours graduates have not yet opened, and the approval date for borrowers to apply has not been confirmed.

“Borrowers will be informed once applications can be accepted,” said the insider.