PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA: More students will get to further their studies in public universities this year as more places will be made available.

Those intending to study medicine can also expect more places, including at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

Department of Higher Education director-general Prof Datuk Dr Radin Umar Radin Sohadi said about 68,500 places would be available in public universities for those with SPM, STPM and matriculation qualifications.

"The actual space is still in negotiation.

"We have also increased space for medical studies to 1,100," he said at a press conference.

However, there will be a slight decrease in places for undergraduates in USM, with only 3,500 spots offered, since its Apex university status requires it to concentrate more on graduate studies.

Radin said the ministry had received 139,207 applications to study in all 20 public universities for the 2009/2010 academic session which starts in July.

The first phase for applications was from Nov 3 to Dec 31 last year, requiring the candidates to only fill in their particulars without making any course selections. -NST