SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) is targeting an intake of up to 5,000 students for the 2026/2027 academic session as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and accommodate the rising number of applications.
Unimas deputy vice-chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) Professor Dr Fitri Suraya Mohamad Hapni Joblie said the target includes student admissions at all levels of study, including Pre-University (Pre-U), Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree programmes.
She said the current total student population at Unimas stands at approximately 19,000, comprising both local and international students.
“Of this total, about 14,666 are undergraduate students, followed by 2,582 postgraduate students and 1,052 Pre-University (Pre-U) students.
“This figure has remained relatively consistent as the maximum capacity of Unimas is around 20,000 students,” she said during an interview held in conjunction with the Jom Masuk Universiti (JMU) 2026 Carnival, Zone II Sibu, at Unimas today.
She added that Unimas is also exploring flexible learning approaches to accommodate applications that may exceed its current capacity.
She said one of the initiatives being implemented is the expansion of Open and Distance Learning (ODL) programmes, which allow students to pursue their studies without needing to be physically present on campus.
“We have started with the Corporate Master of Business Administration (CMBA) programme. Through ODL, students can study from home and only need to interact with lecturers online for guidance sessions and assignments.
“This is one of the approaches we are implementing under the concept of flexible learning.”
She added that Unimas plans to expand ODL implementation by introducing another programme, the Master of Science in Human Resource Management (MSc HRD), which is expected to be offered next year.
She also said that the development of ODL programmes requires time, as the university is currently relying fully on internal resources to ensure quality implementation.
“Therefore, we are working to develop more Master’s level programmes to be offered via ODL. God willing, the expansion of educational opportunities, particularly at the Master’s level, will continue to be strengthened at Unimas.”
On a related matter, she acknowledged that the ODL initiative helps the university address limitations in physical facilities while providing a more flexible learning method for students.
