The Public Service Department (PSD) began accepting applications at 2 pm on August 3 for the 2026 Dermasiswa B40 (DB40) scholarship programme, targeting eligible 2025 SPM holders from B40 families to pursue diploma studies. The application window will remain open until 5 pm on August 16, accessible via the PSD Sponsorship Portal at https://penajaan.jpa.gov.my [1, 2, 3].
The DB40 programme is a government effort to widen higher education access for low-income students by providing sponsorships. Scholarship recipients can enroll in diploma courses at public universities, polytechnics, MARA TVET institutions, and Public Skills Training Institutes (ILKA) in fields that support national human capital development [1, 2, 3].
Eligible fields of study include Engineering and Technology; Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET); Social Sciences and Arts; Science; and Architecture [1, 2, 3].
Applicants must be Malaysian citizens who sat for the 2025 SPM exam for the first time and be below 19 years old as of December 31, 2025. Transition students may be up to 20 years old. Applicants must not have chronic or infectious illnesses that could affect study [1, 2, 3].
Applicants and their families must fall within the B40 income bracket, defined as having a monthly household per capita income of RM5,249 or lower [1, 2, 3]. Parents or applicants blacklisted by PSD or subject to legal action are ineligible. Blacklist status can be checked via the eSILA system until August 12 [1, 2, 3].
The PSD encourages all eligible 2025 SPM holders from B40 families to apply during the specified period. Inquiries may be directed to 03-8000 8000 or emailed to [email protected] during office hours on working days [1, 2, 3].
