Form 6/STPM

A lot of SPM leavers shudder whenever they hear Form 6 (STPM) because this pre-university programme has a reputation of being the most difficult pre-u to take but don’t worry because recently, SPM was revamped. Instead of a big final exam at the end of the programme, Form 6 students take three-term examinations thus making the course easier than it was previously. Furthermore, students who want to raise their grades, can retake their first and second exams in the end of the third term. 

 

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How to apply: 

There is no application system for Form 6 as it is automatically offered by the state education department for students who did not receive an offer for matriculation.

 

Matriculation/Matrikulasi

This pre-university is popular among Malaysian students as it is heavily subsidised by government. This programme offers one- and two-year courses. The one-year programme (PST) is offered to fast learners whereas the two-year programme (PDT) for students who may need extra supervision and time to complete the programme. 

 

 

How to apply: 

Registration starts in July and is done online at www.moe.gov.my. Getting accepted in this programme is rather tough as many students want to avail this. Do note that 90 per cent of Matriculation students are Bumiputera. 

Asasi

Have you set your sights to study locally in a public university? Then asasi would be the best pre-university programme! This pre-u course is offered by Malaysian public universities (List of Public Universities offering Asasi) and exams are done on a semester basis. 

Asasi comes in two types: open and closed. Open asasi are programmes are recognized by other universities and can proceed to any degree programme. Available at: Universiti Malaya (all asasi except asasi alam bina and pengajian Islam; all asasi not accepted in IIUM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (asasi accepted in all IPTA except IIUM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (all except AsasiPintar).

Closed asasi are programmes not recognized in other universities and destined to a particular degree programme. Available at: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

 

How to apply:

SPM leavers with a minimum of 5 credits including BM can apply for this course. Applications for Asasi is made online through Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) website from second week of January to first week of April. Do note that Asasi is generally offered to Bumiputera. However, there are six Asasi courses offered to non-Bumiputeras and these are: AsasiPintar at UKM, Asasi Sains Pertanian at UPM and all four courses at UPNM.

Foundations

College foundations or foundations are generally offered by local private universities. Sometimes called as "feeder courses", college foundations prepare students for a specific course that they will be undertaking at degree level. There are however some exemptions such as Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) which is a non-discipline specific foundation programme that allows students to choose a mix-mash of subject units.

Because of the programme’s preciseness, foundation programmes are mostly only recognised by the university, college or institution that is offering them. Switching courses or universities, may require the student to take extra credits to meet the requirements of the new university or retake another pre-university course.

 

How to apply: 

Intake dates vary for every local private university in Malaysia - some have monthly intakes while others will have two to three intakes in a year. Application forms can be obtained from the private institutions, or can be downloaded at their respective websites. Applicants must complete and submit the forms to the course counselor in person, by registered mail or through e-mail.
 

A-Levels

A-Levels (Advanced Level)is a pre-university course offered by private institutions and is a gateway to studying any course in any part of the world as the scope for A-Levels is very wide. Over 450 US universities A Levels, including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities accept this qualification. 

 

How to apply:
Students who have undergone SPM have to obtain at least 5 credits including English in order to qualify for A-Levels. GCE O-Levels results are also accepted. Application forms can be obtained from the private institutions, or can be downloaded at their respective websites. Applicants must complete and submit the forms to the course counselor in person, by registered mail or through e-mail.

Majority of intakes happen in January with some accepting applicants throughout the year. See Full List of Private Malaysian institutions offering A-Levels

American Degree Programme (ADP)/ American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)

ADP/ADTP is offered by private institutions of higher learning and is designed to prepare the student for entry into American or Canadian universities. Unlike the UK education system, ADP/ADTP allows students to have more time to choose a major as the decision is taken on the second half of their studying years. Furthermore, students are encouraged to take subjects outside their chosen major for a more holistic experience. 

With the weakening Malaysian ringgits, ADP/ADTP can be a cost efficient option for parents as the student needs to stay in Malaysia before transferring to an American/Canadian university, depending on the programme (1+3, 2+2 or 3+1) chosen. 

 

How to apply: 

SPM leavers with 5 credits and UEC students with 3Bs and 2Cs can apply for this programme. Application forms can be obtained from the private institutions, or can be downloaded at their respective websites. Applicants must complete and submit the forms to the course counselor in person, by registered mail or through e-mail. Majority of intakes happen in August with some accepting applicants throughout the year.
List of Private Institutions offering American Degree Transfer Programme

IB Diploma

Of all the pre-university programmes, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is the most rigorous and demanding because it requires a significant amount of responsibility from the student. IB diploma is governed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) in Geneva, Switzerland and administered by the International Baccalaureate Curriculum and Assessment Centre in Cardiff, Wales. It is offered by Malaysian International Schools and a few local institutions. 

Private institutions that offer IB diploma in Malaysia:

• Cempaka International Ladies’ College
• Cempaka School
• Fairview International School Kuala Lumpur
• Fairview International School Penang
• IGB International School
• Marlborough College Malaysia
• Mont Kiara International School
• Nexus International School, Putrajaya
• Sri KDU International School
• Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas
• The International School of Penang (Uplands)
• UCSI International School
• International School of Kuala Lumpur

Public institutions that offer IB diploma in Malaysia:

• MARA College Banting
• Maktab Tentera Diraja
• Mara College Seremban
• The Malay College Kuala Kangsar

How to apply: 

To qualify, applicants need to pass an entrance exam, a mixture of science, math, vocabulary and comprehension questions. There is an interview followed by the entrance exam. The intake for IB is usually in August. 

AUSMAT/SACE International

SACE International (South Australian Certificate of Education International) or also formerly known as South Australian Matriculation or SAM, and AUSMAT (Australian Matriculation) are internationally recognised pre-university programmes offered by local private institutions. These programmes have been available in Malaysia for 30 years and are equivalent to Year 12 pre-university Australian high school course. SACE International is regulated by the South Australian government whereas AUSMAT is regulated by the West Australian government. SACEi is taught in more than 30 schools in Malaysia, China, Vietnam, and the South Pacific. There are 60 subjects to choose from the innovative and contemporary student-centric curriculum. The best part is, rather than sitting for one big exam, SACEi offers students with 70% of school-based assessment, with exams worth 30% and AUSMAT offers 50% school-based assessment, and 50% exams.

How to apply:

Application forms can be obtained from the private institutions, or can be downloaded at their respective websites. Applicants must complete and submit the forms to the course counselor in person, by registered mail or through e-mail. 

CPU/CIMP

The Canadian Pre-University (CPU) and Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) are offered by private institutions of higher learning. Both courses are the same and are approved by the Malaysian Ministry of Education.

How to apply: 

To qualify, applicants need to pass an entrance exam. Intakes happen mostly in January and July.