Over 200,000 places in universities for 2011/2012

(Bernama) – KUALA LUMPUR: Public and private institutions of higher learning in the country have the capacity to accommodate more than 200,000 students for the 2011/2012 academic session, said Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

The intake was to pursue studies at the levels of post-Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or its equivalent, first degree, Masters and doctorate, he said.

Besides, he said, 100,500 places were available for the 2011 intake of students in the fields of technical, vocational and skills training at 27 polytechnics and 323 public skills training institutes.

Muhyiddin, who is also the education minister, said the primary agenda of the government was to elevate the status of education in the country by enhancing access to quality and affordable education.

“With the opportunities for higher education available at public and private tertiary institutions and technical and vocational training institutes, I believe students have many options to pursue the courses they like and fulfil their dreams,” he said when closing the seventh “Jom Masuk U” (Let’s Go to the U) 2011 Higher Education Carnival at the Mines International Exhibition Centre in Seri Kembangan, here Saturday.

The two-day carnival, organised by the education and higher education ministries, offered elaborate information to students on the courses offered at tertiary institutions and the career prospects in their chosen disciplines.

Muhyiddin said more than 580,000 students were pursing first degree, Masters and doctorate programmes at public and private institutions of higher learning in the country.

He said it was the objective of the government to make available quality education at the pre-school, primary and secondary levels to prepare students for greater success at universities.

The deputy prime minister said it was the government’s desire, through huge financial allocations to the education sector, to constantly elevate the standard of education to make quality education the basis for the production of creative, innovative and high-skilled human capital.

“Successful creation of human capital capable of innovation and exploitation of new disciplines to generate national wealth is a critical factor that will determine the future progress and prosperity of our country,” he said. — Bernama