The online application for entry into public universities for 2017 is being extended until April 5, said Higher Education Ministry deputy secretary-general (Development), Datuk Nik Ali Mat Yunus.

He said the application period that should end on March 31, is now being extended, to provide sufficient time for students with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) following the late announcement of the results.

"This extension will enable students to make correct decisions on the choice of programmes to apply for," he said when officiating the National Higher Education 2017 Cranival for North Zone at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) here today.

A total of 110 exhibitors from 20 public universities, 47 private universities and 43 agencies are involved in the two-day carnival.

Nik Ali said the carnival was one of the ongoing efforts in producing talents with first class mentality to face the challenges in economic development based on knowledge and innovation.

He said the carnival was very important to help school leavers of SPM, Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM), matriculation as well as diploma holders in getting the right information on courses to apply for at higher education institutions.

"The carnival also served as a 'one-stop' centre for students to meet directly with representatives of the universities and colleges as well as the sponsors," he said.

This 13th carnival, organised by the Ministry of Higher Education, aimed to promote and disseminate information on existing programmes and new programmes offered by public universities, polytechnics, community colleges, matriculation division and the private higher education institutions as well as other institutions for the 2017/2018 academic session.

-- BERNAMA