Choosing a pre-university/college program could be daunting for many people, we have compiled a general list of the programs available and their pros and cons as well as some of useful information for SPM leavers to choose their own path on pre-university programme.
1. Foundation
The Foundation Program is a program run by the relevant university (local public and local private) under the Ministry of Higher Education. The foundation program is divided into several specialized majors and takes between one to two years. The syllabus of the foundation program is more specific to the degree program of study aimed at the foundation program.
Pros | Cons |
Students have the opportunity to study subjects specific to the course they wish to take at the degree level at the planned university | It can be difficult to change programmes if you want to pursue a different field |
Programs typically take only a year to complete | Limited recognition for overseas degree programs - foreign universities that recognize foundation programs are limited if you wish to continue your studies in another country. |
More cost-effective than programs that take up to two years | |
High chances of entering the intended degree program as long as you meet the entry requirements | |
Who can apply for Foundation?
Malaysian citizen
have an SPM qualification or equivalent with at least five credits including Bahasa Melayu and a pass in Sejarah subjects.
How Can I Apply for Foundation?
By registering and filling in the UPU form on the website starting from 1 June to 28 June.
What are the criteria for the UPU Foundation program?
Here are some of the general minimum requirements to get chosen for your desired courses in the Foundation program. However, requirements may vary depending on the merit and courses that you have applied to as well as the choices of universities you wish to further your studies. The selection criteria used by BPKP require that applicants
achieved good academic results in the SPM examination and has actively participated in co-curricular activities
have a combination of subjects in SPM related to the program applied for
have good subject grades for specialization purposes
pass an interview for a program of study that requires an interview
select programs of study in order of priority
The selection of successful candidates is subject to the availability of places at the respective public universities
What are the courses available and universities offering Foundation programme?
1.UniSza
Asasi Sains dan Perubatan
2.UiTM
Asasi Sains
Asasi TESL#
Asasi Kejuruteraan
Asasi Undang-Undang (KPM)
Asasi Undang-Undang (UiTM)
3.UMT
Asasi STEM
4.UMS
Asasi Sains
5.UKM
Asasi Pintar
6.UM
Asasi Sains Hayat
Asasi Sains Fizikal
Asasi Pengajian Islam dan Sains
Asasi Pengajian Islam
7.UPM
Asasi Sains Pertanian
8.UUM
Program Asasi Pengurusan
9.UNIMAS
Asasi Sains Hayat
Asasi Sains Fizikal
10.UIAM
Asasi Sains Hayat
Asasi Sains Fizikal
Asasi Sains Kesihatan Bersekutu
Asasi Kejururawatan
Asasi Farmasi
Asasi Pergigian
Asasi Perubatan
Asasi Sains Kemanusiaan
Asasi Bahasa Inggeris
Asasi Bahasa Arab
Asasi Bahasa Inggeris Untuk Komunikasi Antarabangsa
Asasi Bahasa Melayu Untuk Komunikasi Antarabangsa
Asasi Bahasa Arab Untuk Komunikasi Antarabangsa
Asasi Ekonomi & Sains Pengurusan
Asasi Perancangan Pelancongan dan Pengurusan Hospitaliti
Asasi Seni Bina dan Reka Bentuk Alam Sekitar
Asasi Kejuruteraan dan Sains Komputer
Asasi Undang-Undang
Asasi Ilmu Pengetahuan Berteraskan Wahyu dan Warisan Islam
11.UPNM
Asasi Perubatan
Asasi Pengurusan dan Strategi
Asasi Kejuruteraan dan Teknologi
12.USIM
Tahmidi Perakaunan dan Muamalat
Tahmidi Syariah dan Undang-Undang
Here are some of the top public universities in Malaysia that offer basic programs for students with SPM qualifications for Foundation programs:
Universiti Malaya (www.um.edu.my)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (www.ukm.my)
Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (www.iium.edu.my)
Universiti Teknologi MARA (www.uitm.edu.my)
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (www.usim.edu.my)
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (www.upnm.edu.my)
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (www.unimas.my)
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (www.ums.edu.my)
Universiti Utara Malaysia (www.uum.edu.my)
The list above only consists of several famous universities in Malaysia, to get a complete view of universities that offers foundation program via UPU, visit here.
2. Matriculation (Matrikulasi)
The Matriculation Program began as a result of the decision of the Cabinet Meeting on 10 March 1999 to prepare Bumiputera students who graduated from Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) to pursue a first degree at a public university (UA) in science, technology, and professional fields. This program is organized by the Ministry of Education (MoE) and is known as KPM Matriculation Program. From the 2003/2004 session, 10 percent of all KPM Matriculation Program students were offered to non-Bumiputera students.
Pros | Cons |
An allowance of RM1250 is given each semester | Students with average results will be offered unclaimed courses and are said to be “at auction”. |
Forced to be independent because you will be living away from home or in a hostel that does not allow you to go home arbitrarily | No freedom. Exit time is limited and some matriculations have this rule where female students can only wear baju kurung during class time including non-Muslims. |
Forced to be disciplined because you have to follow campus rules and regulations. Also, you are well protected by guards. | Time is very tight as each subject contains at least 10 chapters and you have to master them all within 4 months and face the exam. |
Who can apply for Matriculation?
Malaysian Citizen
Applicants must not be older than 20 years on 1 January 2022.
How to apply for Matriculation programme?
By registering and filling in the form on the website starting from 1 June to 28 June
What are the criteria for Matriculation programme?
Applicants must register for the following subjects in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination in 2021
a. Science Department
Malay, English, History, Mathematics, Mathematics
Additionally, Chemistry and one of the subjects either Physics or
Biology.
b. Engineering Department
Malay, English, History, Mathematics, Mathematics
Additions, Chemistry, Physics and one (1) of such subjects
the following:
Biology/ Additional Science/ Engineering Drawing/ Engineering Studies
Civil/ Mechanical Engineering Studies/ Engineering Studies
Electrical & Electronics/ Sustainability Basics/ Agriculture/ Home Science/
Design/ Computer Science/ Sports Science/ Engineering Drawing/ Graphics
Technical Communication/ Accounting Principles/ Economics/ Commerce/
Business
c. Accounting Department
Malay, English, History, and Applicant Mathematics as well
need to take any three (3) subjects as follows:
Physics/ Chemistry/ Biology/ Additional Mathematics/ Science/ Additional Science/
Engineering Drawing/ Fundamentals of Sustainability/ Agriculture/ Home Science
Stairs/ Design/ Computer Science/ Sports Science/ Drawing
Engineering/ Graphics Technical Communication/ Accounting Principles/ Economics/
Trade/ Business/ Islamic Shariah Education/ Tasawwur
Islam/ Civil Engineering Studies/ Mechanical Engineering Studies/
Electrical & Electronics Engineering Studies
d. Department of Professional Accounting
Malay, English, History, Mathematics and Mathematics
Extra. Applicants must also take any two (2) points
lessons as follows:
Physics/ Chemistry/ Biology/ Science/ Additional Science/ Engineering Drawing/
Fundamentals of Sustainability/ Agriculture/ Home Science/ Invention/ Science
Computers/ Sports Science/ Graphics Technical Communication/ Principles
Accounting/ Economics/ Commerce/ Business/ Shariah Education
Islamiah/ Tasawwur Islam/ Civil Engineering Studies/ Studies
Mechanical Engineering/ Electrical & Electronic Engineering Studies
For more information on the list of programs offered and minimum requirement visit here
What are the courses available and matriculation college in Malaysia?
List of courses offered via matriculation programme:
1. Jurusan Sains:
a) Sains Hayat
b) Sains Fizikal
c) Sains Komputer
2. Jurusan Kejuruteraan:
a) Asas Kejuruteraan
b) Kejuruteraan Awam
c) Kejuruteraan Elektrik & Elektronik
d) Kejuruteraan Mekanikal
3. Jurusan Perakaunan
4. Jurusan Perakaunan Profesional
List of matriculation college in Malaysia
1.Kolej Matrikulasi Melaka Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka.
2.Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, 72000 Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan.
3. Kolej Matrikulasi Pulau Pinang Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, 13200 Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang.
4.Kolej Matrikulasi Perlis Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, 02600 Arau, Perlis. Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Jalan OKK Daud, Merinding, Peti Surat 81735, 87027 Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan.
5. Kolej Matrikulasi Johor Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Jalan Payamas, 84900 Tangkak, Ledang, Johor.
6. Kolej Matrikulasi Perak Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, 31600 Gopeng, Perak. Kolej Matrikulasi Kedah Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, 06010 Changlun, Kedah.
7.Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, 26300 Gambang, Pahang. 8.Kolej Matrikulasi Kejuruteraan Kedah Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Pokok Tai, 06720 Pendang, Kedah
Take note !
Science majors are offered at all KPM matriculation colleges except at the Engineering Matriculation College and the MARA Kuala Nerang College.
· Engineering majors are only offered at:
Kedah Engineering Matriculation College
Pahang Engineering Matriculation College
Johor Engineering Matriculation College
· Accounting majors are offered at all KPM matriculation colleges except:
College of Engineering Matriculation,
Sarawak Matriculation College
MARA Kulim College.
· Professional Accounting Department is only offered at Selangor Matriculation College
3. Diploma
Diplomas in IPTA/UA can be categorized into several types of studies, namely Skills (Kemahiran), Higher Education (Pengajian Tinggi), Vocational (Vokasional), and Technical (Teknikal). Usually, those who choose to continue their studies at the diploma level are those who are sure of the future direction and the job they want to be involved in and want to continue working towards achieving their goals. The diploma is also very suitable for those who like a balance between theory and practice in learning because the emphasized syllabus of studies touches on both of those aspects.
Pros | Cons |
Graduates of the diploma program will gain work experience that is indeed demanded by employers as one of the main conditions when selecting employees | The diploma program usually takes a long time - three years. |
Graduates of diploma programs are more easily offered jobs compared to other routes that rely solely on academic certificate qualifications but no experience | The salary scale earned with a diploma is not commensurate with the work done compared to if you had a degree qualification. |
Graduates of the diploma program can use the diploma certificate to apply for jobs | |
Who can apply for Diploma?
Malaysian citizen
have an SPM qualification or equivalent with at least five credits including Bahasa Melayu and a pass in Sejarah subjects.
How to apply for Diploma programme?
By registering and filling in the UPU form on the website starting from 1 June to 28 June.
What are the courses available and universities offering Diploma programme?
1.UPSI
Diploma Sains
Diploma Sains (Mathematics)
Diploma Teknologi Makmal
Diploma Sains Sukan Dan Kejurulatihan
Diploma Muzik
Diploma Tari
Diploma Teater
Diploma Bahasa Inggeris
Diploma Reka Bentuk Dan Pembangunan Permainan
Diploma Keusahawanan
Diploma Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak
Diploma Sains Komputer (Komputeran Internet)
2.UTHM
Diploma Sains Gunaan
Diploma Kejuruteraan Awam
Diploma Kejuruteraan Elektrik
Diploma Kejuruteraan Mekanikal
Diploma Teknologi Maklumat
Diploma Teknologi Kejuruteraan Kimia
3.UTeM
Diploma Kejuruteraan Elektrik
Diploma Kejuruteraan Elektronik
Diploma Kejuruteraan Mekanikal
Diploma Kejuruteraan Pembuatan
Diploma Kejuruteraan Teknologi Maklumat & Komunikasi
4.UniSZA
Diploma Sains Kejururawatan
Diploma Radiografi
Diploma Teknologi Makmal Perubatan
Diploma Fisioterapi
Diploma Pengajaran Bahasa Inggeris Sebagai Bahasa Kedua (TESL)
Diploma Perakaunan
Diploma Pengajian Bank
Diploma Pengajian Insurans
Diploma Kewangan
Diploma Pemasaran
Diploma Perdagangan Antarabangsa
Diploma Pengurusan Sumber Manusia
Diploma Reka Bentuk Perindustrian
Diploma Teknologi Pembuatan
Diploma Undang-Undang
Diploma Pengajian Islam (Syariah)
Diploma Pengajian Islam (Usuluddin)
Diploma Pengajian Islam (Bahasa& Kesusasteraan Arab)
Diploma Pengajian Islam (Dakwah)
Diploma Pengajian Islam (Al-Quran Dan As-Sunnah)
Diploma Pengajian Islam (Pentadbiran Islam)
Diploma Pengajian Islam (Sejarah & Tamadun Islam)
Diploma Pengajian Islam dengan Teknologi Maklumat
Diploma Teknologi Maklumat
Diplomat Teknologi Maklumat (Multimedia)\
5.UiTM
Diploma Sains
Diploma Teknologi Makanan
Diploma Akuakultur
Diploma Kejururawatan
Diploma Teknologi Makmal Perubatan
Diploma Pemulihan Carakerja
Diploma Fisioterapi
Diploma Kesihatan Persekitaran
Diploma Pengimejan Perubatan\
Diploma Teknologi Tekstil
Diploma Industri Perkayuan
Diploma Kimia Perindustrian
Diploma Mikrobiologi
Diploma Teknologi Polymer
Diploma Pengurusan Ladang
Diploma Pengeluaran Herba
Diploma Farmasi
Diploma Seni Lukis Dan Seni Reka
Diploma Seni Muzik
Diploma Animasi
Diploma Teater
Diploma Filem
Diploma Penulisan Seni
Diploma Penulisan Skrip
Diploma Komunikasi Dan Media
Diploma Komunikasi Media Baru dan Keusahawanan Kandungan
Diploma Bahasa Inggeris Komunikasi Profesional
Diploma Pengurusan Maklumat
Diploma Perakaunan
Diploma Sistem Maklumat Perakaunan
Diploma Pengajian Perniagaan
Diploma Pengajian Perbankan
Diploma Pengajian Perniagaan (Insuran)
Diploma Analisis Pelaburan
Diploma Pengajian Perniagaan (Pengangkutan)
Diploma Muamalat
Diploma Pentadbiran Awam
Diploma Pentadbiran Korporat
Diploma Pengurusan Hotel
Diploma Pengurusan Pelancongan
Diploma Seni Kulinari
Diploma Pengurusan Perkhidmatan Makanan
Diploma Pengurusan Halal
Diploma Seni Pastri
Diploma Pengurusan Teknologi Pejabat
Diploma Pengajian Sukan
Diploma Pengurusan Sukan dan Rekreasi
Diploma Pengurusan Perpustakaan
Diploma Seni Bina Landskap
Diploma Ukur Bangunan
Diploma Reka Bentuk Dalaman
Diploma Bangunan
Diploma Pengurusan Hartanah
Diploma Ukur Bahan
Diploma Perancangan Bandar & Wilayah
Diploma Sains Geomatik
Diploma Kejuruteraan Awam
Diploma Kejuruteraan Elektrik (Kuasa)
Diploma Kejuruteraan Elektrik (Elektronik)
Diploma Kejuruteraan Mekanikal
Diploma Kejuruteraan Kimia
Diploma Industri Higien Dan Teknologi Keselamatan
Diploma Sains Komputer
Diploma Sains Matematik
Diploma Sains Aktuari
Diploma Statistik
6.UMT
Diploma Perikanan
7.UMS
Diploma Kejuruteraan Proses (Operasi Minyak dan Gas)
8.UMP
Diploma Kejuruteraan Awam
Diplomas Kejuruteraan Elektrik (Elektronik Industri)
Diploma Kejuruteraan Mekanikal
Diploma Kejuruteraan Kimia
Diploma Sains Komputer
9.UPM
Diploma Pertanian (Kampus Bintulu,Sarawak)
Diploma Perikanan (Kampus Bintulu,Sarawak)
Diploma Perhutanan (Kampus Bintulu,Sarawak)
Diploma Kesihatan Haiwan dan Perternakan
Diploma Pengurusan Perladangan Makanan
Diploma Perniagaan Tani
Diploma Kejuruteraan Pertanian
10.UniMAP
Diploma Kejuruteraan (Kejuruteraan Komputer)
Diploma Kejuruteraan (Kejuruteraan Elektrik)
Diploma Kejuruteraan (Kejuruteraan Mekatronik)
Diploma Kejuruteraan (Kejuruteraan Mikroelektronik)
Diploma Kejuruteraan (Kejuruteraan Pembuatan)
11.UPNM
Diploma Kejuruteraan (Kejuruteraan Metalurgi)
Diploma Ketangkasan dan Pertahanan
Diploma Pentadbiran Perniagaan
Diploma Pengurusan Logistik
The above information is subject to public universities in Malaysia that offer diploma programs, to refer to polytechnic institutes, students can refer to the website here.
4. STPM
Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) is conducted by the Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM) in contrast to other public examinations conducted by the Examination Board (LP). STPM is also recognized by several universities internationally, especially universities in the Commonwealth countries and also in the United States, Ireland, and Australia. Most universities consider STPM results to be equivalent to A-level. Candidates who take STPM are better known as Form Six students.
Pros | Cons |
Study structure that includes skills (soft skills) as well as academics | If a student fails even in one of the subjects, they have to repeat the STPM syllabus |
The STPM certificate obtained can be used to apply for employment in the public sector or the private sector. If the public sector the starting grade can be up to N29. | Re-use SPM qualifications to apply for further studies starting from the certificate or diploma level |
STPM is extremely affordable,infact it is one of the cheapest route to tertiary education,since you will need to pay less than RM1000 for the entire course. | If the subject “General Studies” fails, it means failing STPM even if the other subject gets a CGPA of 4.00 |
| |
Who can apply for STPM?
General requirement
Student who wish to apply must pass the SPM examination with at least credit for the subject of Bahasa Melayu
Aged between 17 years to 20 years on January 1 of 2022
Special requirement
candidates wishing to continue in STEM field, candidates must obtain at least THREE credits with a total grade point not exceeding 18 units for three subjects in the prescribed group.
For candidates who wish to continue in the field of social sciences in Government Secondary School, the candidate must obtain at least THREE credits with a total grade point not exceeding 12 units for three subjects in the prescribed group.
For candidates who want to continue in the field of social sciences at Sekolah Menengah Agama, namely at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA) and Sekolah Menengah Agama Bantuan Kerajaan (SABK), candidates must obtain at least Grade D for Arabic or Al-Lughah. Al-Arabiah Al-Mu'asirah or Turath Arabic and also need to get at least THREE credits with a total grade point not exceeding 14 units for 3 subjects in the prescribed group.
For candidates who wish to continue in the field of social sciences at Sekolah Menengah Agama, namely at Sekolah Berasrama Penuh for Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah (KISAS) and Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan (SMAP) Labu, candidates must obtain at least Grade C in Arabic. or Al-Lughah Al-Arabiah Al-Mu'asirah or Turath Arabic and also need to get at least THREE credits with a total grade point not exceeding 14 units for 3 subjects in the prescribed group.
How to apply for STPM?
There is no application process to study STPM.
Generally, you will have no problem securing a place in Form Six (if you did not get Matrikulasi) when you meet these minimum requirements in SPM:
· Compulsory credit in Malay Language and pass in History, and
· For Science stream – Total grade values of best three subjects (to be safe, your three Science subjects) do not exceed 18 units, or
· For Arts stream – Total grade values of best three subjects do not exceed 12 units
If you have achieved the above results, you will be offered a place to take STPM. You can check if you have been offered a place and accept this offer online through the Ministry of Education’s website. For students who did not get a place in Form Six, you can go to the State Education Department (JPN) office to submit an appeal.
Do remember to print out your offer letter and bring it along with you on registration day at school.
For STPM studies, students who are interested in taking it do not need to apply
On the other hand, students only need to wait for the offer letter from the kpm (if they meet the minimum requirements) 2-4 weeks after the SPM results are announced.
What are the courses available and educational institutes offering STPM?
Courses Available
STPM programmes offer two streams – Science and Arts. Students can enrol for the examination with a minimum of one subject and a maximum of five subjects (including General Studies)
Language and Literature | General Studies (compulsory) Malay Language Chinese Language Tamil Language Arabic Language Literature in English Communicative Malay Literature |
Social Sciences and Religion | Sharia (Islamic Law) Usuluddin (Islamic Studies) History Geography Economics Business Studies Accounting |
Science and Mathematics | Mathematics M (Management)- May not be taken with Mathematics T. Mathematics T (Technology)-May not be taken with Mathematics M. Information And Communications Technology (ICT) Physics Chemistry Biology Sports Science |
Educational Institutes Offering STPM
Here are some of the list of educational insititues offering STPM
Government Secondary School
SBP(Sekolah Berasrama Penuh)
Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah (KISAS)
Sekolah Menengah Agama Persekutuan Labu (SMAP Labu)
Kolej Tingkatan Enam (KTE)
for more info about the educational institutes offering STPM visit here
5. STAM
Malaysian Higher Religious Certificate (STAM) is a certificate issued by the Ministry of Education Malaysia through the Examination Board in collaboration with Al-Azhar Al-Syarif, Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt starting in 2000. STAM certificate was also introduced to assist Malaysian students who wish to continue their studies at Al Azhar University, Egypt, or any equivalent institution. STAM candidates are usually known as Form Six students.
Pros | Cons |
STAM certificate is equivalent to certificates such as STPM and Diploma | Most and practically all STAM subjects require high memory skills |
Tuition fees for students who sit for the STAM examination are usually cheaper than other streams | If a student fails 1 subject, the student is considered to have failed all even if the other subject has high marks |
Students have the opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree in and outside the country, especially in Arab countries | Passing marks for all subjects are 40 and above |
Who can apply for STAM?
SPM leavers
Aged between 17 years to 20 years on January 1 of 2022
Pass interview for the selected school
Pass tafsiyah exam during tahmidi interview
How to apply for STAM?
Students who are interested in continuing their STAM studies, can apply at the school that offers it
You do not have to wait for the SPM results to be issued to connect to STAM application because the STAM application uses the results of religious certificate examinations such as SMA, SKK and others according to their respective states
Application can be done about 2-3 months after the end of the SPM examination
For more information about STAM registration join here
What are the courses available and educational institutes offering STAM?
Courses available
For STAM students,they are compulsory of taking 10 subjects,STAM only have one courses pathway,therefore all of STAM student are required of taking 10 subjects.
Adab Nusus
Insyak Mutolaah
Hadis Mustolah
Arudh Wal qofiah
Tafsir Dan Ulum
Hifz Wal Al Quran
Balaghah
Nahu and Sorof
Mantik and Tauhid
Ilmu Fiqh
Educational Institutes offering STAM
Here are some of the educational institutes offering STAM includes :
Government Islamic Secondary School (SMKA,SABK)
Maahad Tahfiz (Tahfiz School)
Sekolah Berasrama Penuh :
Kolej Islam Sultan Alam Shah (KISAS)
Sekolah Agama Persekutuan Labu (SMAP Labu)
However do take notes that STAM educational insititutes are subjected to your respective State Government
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