While reading this part of news, Study at Harvard University for free; a slight sadness overcomes me. Why is this happening in the US of A of all the nations in the world.

Why can't we have free education in a muslim state? Malaysia? The so-called Islamic country?

Most probably, USA is a more islamic principle practicing country than Malaysia? or Saudi?

The captured text is presented below:-

The Star Online > Nation

Friday November 5, 2004

Study at Harvard University for free

KUALA LUMPUR: Successful candidates admitted to Harvard University in the United States will not have to pay a single ringgit for their education.

This follows an initiative by the Ivy League institution to offer 100% financial aid to needy students from anywhere in the world.

“It’s like striking a lottery,” said Dr Goh Cheng Teik, the sole interviewer in Malaysia for undergraduate admissions to Harvard.

He said the full scholarship amounts to more than RM600,000 for a whole course.

“No academically deserving candidate would be denied a place at Harvard. Students whose parents’ total income falls below US$40,000 (RM152,000) annually, qualify for 100% financial aid under this scheme,” he said in an interview.

Dr Goh said the aid package includes a large scholarship, a small student loan and light term-time employment. “This financial initiative is intended to ensure that no student from a low-income family would be denied an opportunity to study at Harvard because their parents are unable to pay the fees,” he added.

For this year’s admission into Harvard, it is estimated that a student would have to spend US$44,700 (RM170,000), inclusive of tuition fees, room and board, personal expenses and insurance.

Dr Goh said that Harvard has incorporated a term-time job into the financial package as it wanted students to appreciate the “dignity of labour.” Students would be required to do part-time jobs on campus. This, added Dr Goh, is part of Harvard’s philosophy.

He said that the admission committee is looking for well-rounded students so aspects like community service, leadership and distinction in extra-curricular activities would be considered.

A high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is another pre-requisite.

Dr Goh, who is himself an alumnus of Harvard, urged more Malaysians to apply for undergraduate admission to the university. For more information, log on to: http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu or contact the Malaysian-American Commission on Educational Exchange (Macee) at 11th Floor, Menara Kemayan, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2166 8878. The deadline for undergraduate applications to Harvard is Jan 1, 2005.

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