SharifStudy A way to Study Malaysia
Malaysia is a growing education hub that provides various top-notch pre-university programs. These serve as a gateway to prestigious global universities.
These programs are offered by international schools, colleges, and universities, and they offer a strong academic foundation to get students ready for college.
From A-Levels, International Baccalaureate, Australian Matriculation, to American-based programs, these pre-university options are well-known for their rigorous academics and worldwide acceptance. Let’s delve into these choices to help you make an informed decision.
You would probably require a pre-U qualification to get admission to a university or college if you have an SPM* qualification and wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
Essential study skills, critical thinking abilities, and other abilities required for a bachelor’s degree can all be developed through a pre-U program.
Additionally, it will give you a strong foundation in the area of study you want to pursue. You will also have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities that foster traits like teamwork, leadership, self-assurance, and communication skills.
Even though many pre-U programs are accepted by universities all over the world, it is still advisable to take the time to learn more about each type of pre-U.
The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), or the Malaysian Certificate of Education, is a national examination taken by all fifth-form secondary school students in Malaysia.
It is the equivalent of the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Nationals 4/5 of Scotland, and the GCE Ordinary Level (O Level) of the Commonwealth of Nations. It is the leaving examination of the eleventh grade of schooling.
Types of Pre-University Programs
| Type of pre-university programs | Duration of Study | No. of Subjects | Estimated tuition fee per course (RM) |
| Matriculation Certificate, Ministry of Education Malaysia |
12 months | 6-7 subjects | Minimal fee RM 600 |
| Cambridge GCE A-Levels, UK | 15-24 months | 2-5 subjects | RM 20,000 – RM 38,000 |
| Edexcel Advanced International Levels (Pearson) | 15-18 months | 2-5 subjects | RM 38,000 |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) |
24 months | 6 subjects | RM 42,000 |
| South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) | 11 months | 5 subjects | RM 21,000 – RM 27,000 |
| Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) | 7-10 months | 5 subjects | RM 17,000 – RM 27,000 |
| Canadian International Matriculation Program (CIMP) | 12 months | 6 subjects | RM 27,000 – RM 31,000 |
| New South Wales High School Certificate (HSC) | 11 months | 5 subjects | RM 15,000 |
| Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) | 10 months | 4-5 subjects | RM 27,000 |
| The International Foundation Year Program (IFY, NCUK) | 9 months | 4 subjects | RM 25,000 |
| Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia(STPM) | 18 months | 4-5 subjects | Minimal fees |
| Internal programs at public universities | 10 – 12 months | 5-6 subjects | Minimal Fees |
| Foundation programs by private universities in Malaysia | 12 months | 10-12 subjects | RM10,000 – RM20,000 |
Matriculation Certificate
The Malaysian Ministry of Education offers a one-year pre-university preparatory program called the Malaysian Matriculation Program (Malay: Program Matrikulasi Malaysia).
Beginning in 2005, the program conducts its admissions procedure using a race-based quota system, reserving 90% of the available spots for bumiputera students and leaving the remaining 10% open to non-bumiputera applicants.
This system has caused outrage among the non-Bumiputera community due to the numerous controversies and criticisms, including not being allowed to continue in the program despite achieving good outcomes.
Unlike the STPM or the Malaysian Higher School Certificate, which has worldwide recognition, the matriculation program issues every graduate the “Sijil Matrikulasi KPM.”
All public universities in Malaysia and abroad, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, certify and recognize this certificate.
Matriculation Colleges
- Sarawak Matriculation College in Demak Laut, Sarawak.
- Malacca Matriculation College in Alor Gajah, Melaka.
- Negeri Sembilan Matriculation College in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.
- Penang Matriculation College in Kepala Batas, Penang.
- Perlis Matriculation College in Arau, Perlis.
- Labuan Matriculation College in Merinding, Labuan.
- Kelantan Matriculation College in Selising, Kelantan.
- Johor Matriculation College in Tangkak, Johor.
- Perak Matriculation College in Gopeng, Perak.
- Kedah Matriculation College in Changlun, Kedah.
- Selangor Matriculation College in Banting, Selangor.
- Pahang Matriculation College in Gambang, Pahang.
- Kuala Nerang MARA College in Kuala Nerang, Padang Terap, Kedah.
- Kulim MARA College in Kulim, Kedah.
- Kedah Engineering Matriculation College in Pendang, Kedah.
- Pahang Engineering Matriculation College in Bandar Tun Abdul Razak, Jengka, Pahang.
- Johor Engineering Matriculation College in Pontian, Johor.
Cambridge GCE A-Levels, UK
The Advanced Level of the General Certificate of Education (GCE) is a primary school leaving qualification in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man. Other countries accept it as an alternative qualification.
A levels are typically studied over a two-year period by students.
Historically, A levels were assessed by final exams. These exams were given at the end of two years. In the late 1980s, a more modular exam approach started.
It became standard for cohorts starting in September 2000. Students took half-credit “AS” level after one year. They progressed to full A level the following year.
In 2015, Ofqual reverted to the final exam approach. The AS qualification is still available. However, AS grades don’t count towards an A level anymore.
Most students study two or three A level subjects. They do this concurrently during the two post-16 years. The students usually study at a secondary school or a sixth form college. They might also study at a further and higher education college or a tertiary college.
Universities in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland recognize A Levels. They use them to assess the suitability of applicants. Admissions offers are often based on predicted A level grades. Most offers are conditional on achieving a minimum set of final grades.
Edexcel Advanced International Levels (Pearson)
Pearson Edexcel International AS/A Levels (IAL) are globally recognized qualifications that provide access to top universities around the world.
They have a modular structure and are available for 21 subjects, but they are still comparable to GCE AS/A levels, according to NARIC, the national agency responsible for providing information and expert opinion on qualifications and skills worldwide.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)
Educators in Geneva, Switzerland developed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), a two-year educational program primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19, in the early to mid-1960s.
This program, now recognized by universities worldwide as a qualification for entry into higher education, exists in 140 countries. After concluding a six-year pilot program in 1975, they established a bilingual diploma.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) administers the IBDP in over 140 countries in English, French, or Spanish. To offer the IB diploma, schools must earn certification as an IB school.
Students of the IBDP must undergo assessment in six subjects, one from each of the six subject groups, and fulfill three core requirements: CAS, TOK, and the Extended Essay. Students can choose an additional subject from one of the other groups in place of a group 6 subject like Art or music.
To evaluate students, IBDP uses both internal and external assessments. Courses usually end with an externally assessed series of exams, generally composed of two or three timed written tests.
Internal assessments may require oral presentations, practical work, or written work, depending on the subject. Typically, the classroom teacher grades these first, then an appointed external moderator verifies or modifies them as necessary.
South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
Students who have completed their senior secondary education in South Australia receive the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
The SACE Board of South Australia, an independent statutory authority of the South Australian Government that holds ISO 9001:2008 certification, administers this certificate.
Secondary schools in the Northern Territory also teach the SACE curriculum and call it the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training.
The South Australian Matriculation Board administers the South Australian Matriculation (SAM) certificate, a qualification based on the SACE curriculum, and some schools in Malaysia and China teach it.
To receive the SACE, students must accumulate 200 credits from a variety of subjects, typically over two years. A full-year subject demands twenty credits, while a semester subject requires ten credits. Most students complete Stage 1 in Year 11 and Stage 2 in Year 12.
Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)
Sunway College has offered the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT), a pre-university curriculum, for over 30 years.
The School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) of Western Australia represents the Western Australian government.
It ensuring the highest standards of the AUSMAT program. Students who successfully complete the AUSMAT curriculum receive the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
Canadian International Matriculation Program (CIMP)
The Canadian International Matriculation Program (CIMP) is a Year 12 secondary school curriculum delivered in accordance with the Ministry of Education of Ontario (Canada).
The method of assessment and evaluation in the context of an authentic student-centered learning environment distinguishes CIMP.
Students can participate in leadership activities, extracurricular activities, and grow as socially responsible and globally conscious citizens in their communities.
CIMP graduates receive the prestigious Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), as well as the academic and interpersonal skills required to compete successfully in the global world.
New South Wales High School Certificate (HSC)
The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) awards the Higher School Certificate (HSC), a secondary school credential, to students who complete senior high school level studies (Years 11 and 12 or equivalent) in New South Wales, some ACT schools in Australia, and some international schools in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga.
The first implementation occurred in 1967, and the most recent major revision took effect in 2019. NESA is currently responsible for its development and management.
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
The Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY), also known as “Year Zero” in Monash Tertiary Education, serves as an academic bridge for students to successfully progress into undergraduate studies at Monash University.
This course, which is equivalent to the Australian Year 12, is taught in a modular format and is usually completed over two semesters, between nine and eleven months.
Students can extend their study period to three semesters if necessary in order to retake selected units and improve their overall grade.
The International Foundation Year Program (IFY, NCUK)
Studying in small classes with NCUK in your home country gives you confidence. This confidence is useful before beginning your degree program. They prioritize quality in everything they do.
Therefore, their credentials meet the highest academic standards. Their university partners demand this.
The NCUK International Foundation Year gives you academic information. It also provides specialized English language, study, and cultural skills. These are crucial for your degree program.
Thanks to this special combination, you can enroll in your chosen university. This will help you progress with your future career.
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia(STPM)
The Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia, also known as the STPM or Malaysian Higher School Certificate, is the nation of Malaysia’s equivalent of the SAT. Previously, it went by the name Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC), a statutory council under the Ministry of Education, has been in charge of administering
STPM, alongside the Malaysian Matriculation Program and the Malaysian Higher Islamic Religious Certificate, serves as a key pre-university scheme for admissions into Malaysian public universities.
Many universities globally acknowledge STPM, and its results are considered on par with GCE Advanced Level results.
Starting from 2012, the modular system has replaced the former terminal system.
Rather than having one main examination at the end of the examination series as was the norm under the previous system, they now split the examination series into three semesters for extensive evaluation.
Additionally, a representative from Cambridge Assessment monitors the exam outcomes to maintain standards and quality.
Entry Requirements of Pre-university Programs in Malaysia
All Malaysian Pre-University Programs have the same general entry requirements:
- 5 credits from SPM, “O” Level, or an equivalent. Depending on the Pre-University Program or degree you wish to pursue, additional prerequisites can include courses in English, Mathematics, or Science.
- While engineering programs will need credits in physics and math, medical and pharmacy degree programs will demand at least 5Bs in SPM, including the science disciplines.
- Students must have BM and Sejarah passes in SPM. Be aware that you must consider the degree requirements for some courses in SPM disciplines.
