KUALA LUMPUR: More students will benefit from National Higher Education Corporation (PTPTN) loans.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung said that 905 independent Chinese school students have applied for the loans this year.

"So far, we have approved loans for 44 students, but most applicants are qualified for the loans.

"Only two students were deemed ineligible, because one is pursuing a course that is not recognised by the Malaysian Qua­lifications Agency (MQA), and the other had applied for a course which is less than a year long.

"We estimate that the remaining students should get their loans, amounting to a total cost of RM39.7mil," he said.

Dr Hou was speaking to reporters after attending the 17th Institute Kojadi graduation ceremony here yesterday.

In April, it was announced that PTPTN loans will be made available to independent Chinese school students with the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) for courses at local private higher education institutions.

Previously, only Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) school leavers were eligible for PTPTN loans.