PUTRAJAYA, Sept 27 —The Public Services Department (PSD) has given the students it sponsors in Egypt the choice of continuing their studies there or at local universities. 

Supporters of Egyptian president Mohamed Mursi waving a national flag run from tear gas during clashes with riot police at the 6th October Bridge in the Ramsis square area in central Cairo July 15, 2013. Malaysian PSD students can choose to continue their studies back home in light of the growing violence in Egypt. — Reuters pic

PSD director-general Tan Sri Mohamad Zabidi Zainal said so far many have chosen to return to Egypt. 

“We don't have a problem with their decision and advise them to always be in touch with the Malaysian Embassy and the PSD Education and Training Advisor Muhamad Zikril Azan Abdullah in Kaherah,” he said.   

He was speaking at a gathering with more than 600 students who were sponsored to Egypt, at Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang here today.

He said those who chose to continue their studies here would still be sponsored based on the scholarship rates for Malaysia and student loans according to the balance.

Students who have applied to continue at local universities will be informed of the results by Oct 19 the latest, he added.

“Based on the Education Ministry's statistics, more than 2,000 PSD, MARA and other sponsored students have applied for places at public and private local universities,” he said.

Students may contact the PSD at 03-88853939, 03-88853511 or 03-88853491 and the Education Ministry's operations room at 03-88706611 to find out the status of their applications, he said. — Bernama