How to Apply

What is an interest-free study loan?
Interest-free study loan refers to a kind of study loan where the beneficiary is required to repay only the original amount of the loan, without any interest charges or interest payments.

Who is eligible to apply for the Carlsberg Hua Zong Education Fund (CEF) study loan?
Any Malaysian citizen who has been accepted into a local or foreign institution of higher learning, and holds certification in UEC, SPM or STPM, and/or a Diploma or higher is eligible for the loan. Applicants who are ambitious, enthusiastic and responsible are especially welcome.

Are there age restrictions?
Students of all ages may apply; however priority will be given to students below the age of 25.

Which are the eligible universities and colleges?
Students from any local or foreign universities, colleges and other institutions of higher learning are eligible.

Which are the eligible courses?
Students of any courses are eligible.

Are university/college students in their second year and above eligible?
The CEF grants study loans to students with financial difficulties. For students in their second year and above who face financial problems, they may apply and their applications will be processed as a separate case.

Are Master’s or PhD students eligible?
Students undertaking Master’s or PhD courses may apply; however priority will be given to applicants undertaking Bachelor’s degrees or diplomas. Applications from Master’s and PhD students will be processed separately. For the time being, we are unable to provide study loans to correspondence or long-distance learning students.

Are correspondence or distance learning students eligible?
For the time being, we are unable to provide study loans to correspondence or long-distance learning students.

Are non-full-time students eligible?
For now, the CEF only provides study loans to full-time students.

Are students pursuing A-Levels, Pre-U, certificate and foundation courses eligible?
The CEF only provides study loans to students who are enrolled in an institute of higher learning pursuing a Diploma or Degree. We recommend students doing A-Levels, Pre-U, certificate and foundation courses to further their studies upon completion of their respective courses. They can then apply for the CEF study loan when they pursue their Diplomas or Degrees.

Are students pursuing profesional courses such as CAT, ACCA, etc. eligible?
Students pursuing profesional courses such as CAT, ACCA, etc. may submit their applications. The selection committee will deliberate on their applications based on their applications and merits.

Are students pursuing twinning programmes eligible?
Students pursuing their Diplomas or Degrees via twinning programmes or credit transfer programmes are eligible.

As a beneficiary of other scholarships/study loans, am I still eligible to apply for the CEF study loan?
The CEF does not restrict the beneficiaries of the study loan from receiving scholarships/study loans offered by other institutions. Please check with the relevant institutions if any restrictions are imposed. However, we do not recommend students to apply and receive multiple scholarships/study loans unless necessary. As resources are limited, we hope that those who have other scholarships/study loans will kindly give the opportunity to those needing the financial aid more.

I have enrolled in a university/college for (more than) a semester. Should I apply for the CEF study loan with my current university/college examination results or the results used previously to apply for university/college admission?
Please apply with your latest university/college examination results and submit your SPM/STPM results or results of any other relevant exams as well.

When can I start applying? What is the deadline?
Applications can be made in the period from 23rd March - 30th May 2012. The Committee will publish the exact deadline and other details on the CEF website and in the major newspapers nationwide.

Where can I get the application form?
The loan application form can be downloaded here. Alternatively, applicants may visit or write The Federation of Chinese Associations, Malaysia to request for an application form (for write-in requests, please attach a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Do I need to show the enrolment letter from the institution of higher learning in my application?
Yes, you are required to attach a certified copy of the Letter of Admission or Certificate of Enrolment to the application form.

What are the selection criteria?
The selection criteria include academic performance, performance in extra-curricular activities, family financial circumstances, the institution and the course undertaken.

I have enrolled in a university/college for (more than) a semester. Should I apply for the CEF study loan with my current university/college examination results or the results used previously to apply for university/college admission?
Please apply with your latest university/college examination results and submit your SPM/STPM results or results of any other relevant exams as well.

I will be enrolled in an overseas university/college. It is difficult for me to bring the copy of my admission letter to the university/college authorities for certification. Can the certification be done by other institutions?
The certification of documents can be done by the issuing institutions or the authority of any other education institutions recognised by the Ministry of Education.

Can my parents, guardian, siblings or relatives be my guarantor?
Each applicant must have two guarantors. The first one has to be the beneficiary’s parent or guardian. The other guarantor has to be a Malaysian citizen aged 21 and above with a fixed income.

My parents or guarantors are self-employed and they do not have pay slips. What alternative documents can I use for my application?
If your parents or guarantors do not have pay slips, you may submit other alternative proof of income such as Income Tax Statement (EA Form or BE Form), EPF Statement, Income Tax Form J, employment/appointment letter or reference letter issued by their respective employers.

When and how will I know the application result?
If you are successful, you will be notified via mail and telephone within one-and-a-half months from the application deadline. You will also be invited to attend a loan-contract signing and award ceremony.

How much study loan will the CEF provide me?
If your application is successful, you will receive an interest-free loan of RM5,000 in each academic year, for the official duration of the course.

Are there any conditions to the CEF study loan?
Loan beneficiaries are required to sign a contract with the CEF. The beneficiaries must fulfill their responsibilities and obligations throughout the loan period, and make loan repayments after graduation in accordance with the contract.

Will the CEF terminate or withdraw the loan released if the beneficiary does not perform well or fails in the examinations?

The CEF reserves the right to terminate or withdraw the loan released if the beneficiary fails in the examinations or is retained. The section on Responsibilities & Obligations also states other circumstances in which the loan may be terminated or withdrawn.