USM PENANG, 28 September 2021 -- In line with the concerns of the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) which understands the predicaments faced by parents and students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is heeding the call to provide assistance to its students, as they will be continuing their studies when the semester reopens in mid-October.

This was said by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dato’ Dr. Faisal Rafiq Mahamd Adikan who stated that USM introduced several forms of fee reduction to its students.

According to Faisal Rafiq, among them are reduction in fees of 20% for Semester One in the 2021/2022 Academic Session to all local undergraduates and postgraduates including students of Distance Education Programme as proposed by MOHE.

“USM is also giving retaining fees exemption for postponement cases. This exemption applies to students at all levels, beginning from Semester Two of 2020/2021 Academic Session and Semester One of 2021/2022 Academic Session,” he explained.

He added, USM will also refrain from imposing a penalty for the study postponement period, aside from giving a 10% discount for the registration fees to new international students (Semester One intake, 2021/2022 Academic Session). Both initiatives will apply to undergraduates and postgraduates.

“The relaxation and flexibility offered will be inline with the concerns of all parties including USM, MOHE as well as the government in helping to reduce the financial burden of the parents and students due to the pandemic,” he said.

Faisal Rafiq also sees these initiatives as one of the supports to further motivate the students to continue in seeking knowledge regardless of the challenges that may lie ahead.