PSD begins phased option for PBU 2016 students to switch to academic loan model, with loan repayment deferment extended to June 2026.
PUTRAJAYA: Students sponsored by the Public Service Department (PSD) under the 2016 service placement merit-based convertible loan (PBU) scheme can now opt to switch to the PBU Academic model in phases.
The first phase of the option offer runs from 5 January to 5 February and involves students whose sponsorship ended on or after 1 January 2025.
A second phase will follow for students whose sponsorship ended on or before 31 December 2024.
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The PSD stated that the option exercise will be implemented through the Malaysian Student Engagement Online Feed (MySELF) portal.
“PSD-sponsored students are advised to ensure that their MySELF accounts are active and that contact information such as address, personal email and telephone number is updated to ensure the smooth implementation of the option process,” the department said.
The government introduced the PBU Academic sponsorship model for PSD-sponsored students starting 1 June 2025, benefiting over 11,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Additionally, the government has agreed to extend the deferment period for repayment of PBU 2016 student loans until 30 June 2026 for students with no outstanding arrears.
“Students who still have outstanding arrears are advised to settle them no later than 31 May 2026,” the PSD advised. – Bernama
