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The APU Foundation Programme is a one-year pre-university qualification designed to prepare students for undergraduate studies at Asia Pacific University (APU). It gives students the opportunity to build academic skills, explore different study areas, and gain way more clarity in understanding of the degree pathway that best matches their interests and career goals.
Whether you plan to pursue Business, Computing, Engineering, Psychology, Design, or Finance, the Foundation Programme provides the knowledge and confidence needed to transition smoothly into university-level education.
APU Foundation programme goal
By the end of the programme, students can progress into a wide range of APU degree programmes with a stronger academic foundation and a better understanding of their chosen field.
| Duration | Awarded by | Intakes |
| 1 Year (3 Semesters) | APU, Foundation | 02 July 2026 | 24 September 2026 | 20 November 2026 |
The APU Foundation Programme is designed to help students bridge the gap between secondary school and university. During the programme, students develop essential academic, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while exploring subjects related to their future degree.
Key benefits include:
- Direct progression into selected APU degree programmes
- Exposure to different academic disciplines before choosing a specialisation
- Development of university-level study skills
- Guidance from dedicated academic mentors
- A smooth transition into higher education
APU Foundation Programme Entry Requirements
| General Requirements | |
| SPM | 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History); |
| IGCSE/O-LEVELS | 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels |
| UEC | 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC |
Please be aware that the entry requirements mentioned above may change for certain programs. This is because they follow the most recent program standards set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
To decide the qualification and entry requirements for the programs, we use the “Comparison List of Equivalency of International Qualifications with SPM (O-Levels equivalent) and STPM (A-Levels equivalent)” which is also published by MQA.
Think of these entry requirements as your ticket to join our programs. They make sure everyone starts the program with a similar level of knowledge.
We base these requirements on standards set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), a reliable body that ensures the quality of education in Malaysia. They publish a “Comparison List” which we use to understand how international qualifications compare to local ones.
English Language Requirements
International students need to take English exams and get the proper scores. English requirements for foundation program in APU university include:
- IELTS : 4.0
- TOEFL IBT : 30-31
- Pearson (PTE) : 36
- MUET : Band 3
Area of Study Requirements
Study in Business, Management and Marketing
If you plan to study in Business, Management, Marketing, Digital Marketing & Tourism, Media and International Relations or Industrial Design, Animation & Visual Effects, you should have following requirements:
- 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History);
- 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels;
- 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC;
- A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.
Study in Psychology
In case you plan to study in Psychology, you should have following requirements:
- 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level including Mathematics and Science OR Physics OR Chemistry OR Biology and a pass in English with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History);
- 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects including Mathematics, Science OR Physics OR Chemistry OR Biology and a pass in English at IGCSE/O-Levels;
- 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC including Mathematics, Science OR Physics OR Chemistry OR Biology;
- A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.
Study in Computing and Technology
If you plan to study in Computing, Technology & Games Development or Accounting, Banking, Finance and Actuarial, you should have following requirements:
- 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level including Mathematics with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History);
- 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects at IGCSE/O-Levels including Mathematics;
- 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC including Mathematics;
- A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.
Study in Engineering
In case you plan to study in Engineering, you should have following requirements:
- 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level including a Credit in Mathematics and Physics OR Chemistry OR Technical Science with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History);
- 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects including Mathematics and Physics OR Chemistry OR Technical Science at IGCSE/O-Levels;
- 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC including Mathematics and Physics OR Chemistry OR Technical Science.
- A qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.
Modules You Study
The subjects offered in the APU Foundation Programme are designed to prepare students for their chosen degree pathway. Students gain exposure to core academic concepts while developing critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills needed for university studies.
Depending on the pathway selected, students may progress into areas such as:
- Business and Management
- Accounting, Banking and Finance
- Computing and Technology
- Engineering
- Psychology
- Animation and Visual Effects
- Industrial Design
These classes will help you get ready for college. You’ll get a taste of what your major will be like, whether that’s Accounting, Banking, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Psychology, Business & Management, Computing & Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Animation, or Visual Effects. Plus, you’ll have a chance to explore different study options based on the major you pick.
Choose What You Study
They have a one-year Foundation Program that helps students who have finished SPM, IGCSE, O-Levels, or similar to get ready for their first year of university. After you finish this Foundation Program, you’ll know more about what you’re interested in, and you can pick the degree that’s right for you.
While you’re in the Foundation Program, you can pick different paths depending on what you like. This helps you get ready for a specific degree at APU that’s connected to what you studied in the foundation program.
APU Foundation Program is like a stepping stone towards university education. It’s a big change for students, but it’s important because it gives them the basic knowledge, skills and attitudes they need to do well in their studies and to be ready for work. They help students grow in four main areas:
- Leadership and teamwork
- Problem-solving skills
- Social skills and responsibilities
- Practical skills
In Foundation Program at APU, we have a special team of academic mentors who are there to help you. They are dedicated to helping you do well in your studies, giving you advice, and encouraging you to do your best. They also make sure you smoothly move from high school to university learning.
FAQs
What is the Foundation Programme at APU?
- It is a one-year pre-university programme that prepares students for degree studies at APU by building academic skills and introducing key subject areas.
What happens during a foundational year?
- A foundation year allows you to get an understanding of your profession before committing to the full three-year degree plan. In addition to subject knowledge, you will become accustomed to the HE environment and learn the skills required for higher level studies.
Why choose a Foundation Year?
- A foundation year degree is intended to give you with the skills and information you’ll need to transfer into undergraduate studies. The transition from sixth form/college to university can be intimidating for some students, with different sorts of classes and more independent study being top worries among new students.
