Pre-University, wait, Overseas? Does that even possible?
Don't worry we got you covered.
Choosing a pre-university programme overseas is possible for SPM leavers who want to continue their journey off the country with their desired course.
Here we've compiled some of the programmes available for a pre-university programme overseas:
1. A-Levels
A-Levels are a pre-university programme in Malaysia that’s based on the UK education system. You can think of it as the UK’s STPM. Also known as GCE Advanced Level, it prepares you for a university degree through an in-depth study of several subjects.
The A-Levels in Malaysia are administered by 2 examination boards — the Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and Edexcel. Most colleges in Malaysia offer the A Levels from the Cambridge board.
A-Levels is 100% exam-based, so you’re pretty much reliving your SPM days. But unlike SPM where students usually take 9 subjects, you only need to take a minimum of 2 – 3 subjects.
After studying A-Levels, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge of your chosen subjects. The independent and logical thinking you were taught throughout your studies will help you intelligently present reasoned explanations, preparing you for relatively easier university life.
Pros | Cons |
A Levels is widely recognised by many top universities worldwide.A Levels is well-known as the gold standard of pre-university courses and is accepted by many top universities around the world. While it is generally the go-to programme if you wish to study in the UK, it is also accepted by many other countries, including Australia, USA, Canada and Singapore. | Student might have to delay his or her application for up to a year. There is also the chance of A-level retakes occurring at a similar time to other exams, which can increase stress during this difficult period. |
It keeps your options open Foundation programmes may limit you to certain degrees at certain universities as the programme prepares you for advanced study in the field you’ve chosen. A Levels, on the other hand, allows you to pursue a wide range of degrees upon successful completion. This is especially great if you’re not sure what degree to study yet! Choosing Maths and Science subjects will not only allow you to study Science Degrees but also Business, Law, Communication Computer Science Degrees among others. | Retake exams are only available at certain times having to wait for them will often delay a student's application to a university by up to a year. If the student is retaking his or her first year A-level exams, the retake will be at at roughly the same time to the second year exams. This can put extra strain on the student and may reduce the amount of prep time available for the important second year tests |
It gives you deep knowledge in your chosen subjects Instead of having to juggle 5 or 6 subjects such as in other pre-university programmes, A Levels allows you to focus on only a few subjects and gain in-depth knowledge in your chosen subjects. This is great for those who are passionate about a few subjects and want to dive straight in. | Expensive cost of studies A Levels fees in Malaysia can go from as cheap as RM16,000 to a more elevated fee of RM35,000, depending on the institution you decide to study at |
Who can apply for A-Levels?
A-levels is equivalent to other pre-university programmes such as Australian Matriculation, Canadian Pre-University (CPU), and STPM. Similar to other pre-university courses, A-Levels in Malaysia require a minimum of 5Cs at SPM, O-Level or equivalent.
Certain A-Levels subjects, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Further Mathematics, have subject prerequisites that you need to fulfill. This means you need to have studied and achieved the minimum required grades for the relevant subjects at the SPM level in order to take these subjects in A Levels.However, do take note that A-Levels requirements are subjected to respective universities of entry.
How to apply for A-Levels?
You can always visit the websites of private universities such as Sunway, INTI, and BAC, or for more information on private universities that offers A-level program visit here.
Courses Available for A-Levels
List of recommended and essential subjects in A-levels
Degree | Recommended Subjects |
Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance | Essential: Mathematics & Economics Recommended: Business Studies, Accounting, Law, Psychology |
Actuarial Science | Essential: Mathematics Recommended: Further Mathematics, Economics, Physics |
Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Nutrition | Essential: Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics Recommended: Physics |
Computer Science | Essential: Mathematics Recommended: Physics, Further Mathematics, Computing |
Engineering | Essential: Mathematics & Physics Recommended: Chemistry, Further Mathematics |
Law | Essential: None Recommended: Mathematics, Economics, Law, English Literature, Accounting |
Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy | Essential: Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics Recommended: Physics |
Courses on this list are incomplete, for more information on the 84 courses offered in A-Levels visit here
Educational Institutes offering A-Levels
A-Levels courses are not under governmental support, most of the educational institutes are private universities offering A-Levels programmes for pre-university.
Here are some of the famous educational institutes offering A-Levels in Malaysia:
Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU)
Kolej Yayasan UEM (UEM)
Sunway College
INTEC Education College
For a full list of educational institutes offering A-Levels, visit here
2. American Degree Programme
The American Degree Program (more commonly known as ADP) is a direct entry into the university level after SPM or O-Level. Unlike other Pre-University programmes such as A-Level, SAM and STPM, enrolling in ADP would mean that you are already pursuing your degree.ADP programmes in Malaysia usually have a credit-transfer option, which means that you can transfer to a university overseas (typically in the USA or Canada) to finish your degree after studying anywhere between 1 – 2 years in Malaysia.
Most students will transfer to universities in the USA to complete their degrees.
ADP is a direct route to an undergraduate degree after SPM that lasts about 4 years.
Pros | Cons |
Provides flexibility: This course allows you to choose majors in two years | If you prefer exam-based program: The ADP program works by a ratio of 70% of coursework and 30% exams that contributes to your grade |
Fewer Exams: If you’re a person who prefers coursework over exams, then ADP is the best pick for you | If you don’t want to study an unrelated subject,ADP requires you to push through unrelated subjects.Although the ADP program is excellent for those who are discovering their passion, |
Provides exposure and a broad range of subjects | ADP students are often costly,as students are directly transferred to an American institutes which will require much cost of living and expenses for college. |
Who can apply for ADP?
ADP in Malaysia requires a minimum of 5Cs at SPM, O-Level or equivalent .Although this is just a general overview qualification of ADP in Malaysi ,some are subjected to respective universities.
How to Apply for ADP?
Unlike the A-Levels,ADP programmes are offered by various private universities in Malaysia, ADP programmes are subjected to respective private universities in Malaysia.For more admission information,vis it here.
Courses available for ADP programmes,
ADP prprogramffers various courses in :
Business
Computer Science
Engineering
Liberal Arts/Literature
Humanities
Social Sciences
Natural Sciences
Quantitative Skills
Oral Communication and Writing
For more information on subjects and pathways ADP visit here.
Educational Institutes offering ADP programme
So far there have been 16 American Degree Programme Courses offered by 11 Universities in Malaysia,
Here are some of the famous educational institutes offering ADP programme in Malaysia
INTEC University
INTI University
Sunway University
Taylors University
For more information on where you could study for American Degree Program, visit here.
3 .Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)
Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) or WACE (West Australian Certificate of Education) is also a pre-university program that is based on Australia and is equivalent to year-12. It is administrated by the Curriculum Council of Western Australia. This program takes up to 12 months to completion .
Pros | Cons |
Bigger emphasis on coursework | Mastering your learning material, and juggling assignments, quizzes and tests all at the same time is not your strength |
Widely accepted qualification | Graded on a curve |
Shorter Duration | Self-directed learning may not be for everyone |
Continuous assessment | You are planning to pursue a highly competitive degree (e.g. Medicine) where entry requirements are very high |
Who can apply for AUSMAT?
Passed SPM, O-Level, or equivalent with a minimum five (5) credits including English.
Passed UEC with minimum three (3) subjects with Grade B including English.
Please note that the above requirements are for Sunway University,requirements may vary subjected to respective private universities entry.
English Language Requirement For students without a credit or higher in English:
IELTS - Minimum score of 5.5 and Writing not less than 5.5 with no band less than 5.0 or equivalent.(International English Language Test System).
How to apply for AUSMAT?
Admission for AUSMAT programme are subjected to respective private universities,for more information,visit here.
Courses available in AUSMAT programme
Here are some of the AUSMAT subjects and courses by degree.
Degree | Subjects |
Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance | Essential: Mathematics & Economics
Recommended: Accounting, Law, Psychology, Business Management |
Actuarial Science | Essential: Mathematics & Specialist Mathematics
Recommended: Chemistry, Physics, Accounting, Economics |
Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Nutrition | Essential: Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics
Recommended: Physics, Psychology, Nutrition |
Computer Science | Essential: Mathematics
Recommended: Physics, Specialist Mathematics, Economics |
Engineering | Essential: Mathematics & Physics
Recommended: Chemistry, Specialist Mathematics, Economics |
Law | Essential: None
Recommended: Mathematics, Economics, Law, Accounting |
Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy | Essential: Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics
Recommended: Physics, Psychology |
Educational Institutes offering AUSMAT
There are currently 6 educational institutes offering AUSMAT programme in Malaysia:
INTEC Education College
INTI International University
Sunway College
Taylor's College
Methodist College Kuala Lumpur
For more information about educational institutes offering AUSMAT,visit here.
4.Canadian Pre-University Programme (CPU)
The Canadian Pre-University programme is a Pre-University programme for students who have completed SPM, O-Levels or equivalent. This means that you take this course before pursuing a degree at university (hence, the word pre).
There are two primary programmes offered in Malaysia – Canadian Pre-University (CPU) and CIMP (Canadian International Matriculation Programme).
Both CPU and CIMP are the same and leads to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which is awarded to Canadian students who successfully complete 12th Grade in high school.
The programme is 12 – 15 months long and will require you to take 6 subjects, where you will be graded on a combination of coursework and final exams.
Pros | Cons |
Holistic Approach,not an exam-based course. | Emphasis on assignments & projects may not be for everybody |
Worldwide recognition,CPU are recognized around universities all across the globe. | Debates & public speaking may not be for everyone (Requirement for Canadian Pre-U) |
Relatively short duration,around 12-15 months | A coursework based program,70% of assessment are done through coursework. |
Who can apply for CPU?
Most private universities fixed that the minimum requirements for students applying CPU programme will be 5 credits on SPM results,(Stratford,President and Sunway College).Canadian Pre-University requires you to have a minimum of 5 credits (C and above) at SPM, O-Level or equivalent.However,requirements may vary subjected to respective private universities.
How to apply for CPU?
Admission for CPU programme are subjected to respective private universities,for more information,visit here.
Courses available in CPU
CPU offers:
English
General
Business Studies
Mathematics
Science
Computer Studies
For more information,on the subjects available offered on each,visit here.
Educational Institutes offering CPU
Currently there are 3 educational institutes offering CPU,
Sunway College
President College
Stradford College
For more information on educational institutes offering CPU,visit here.
5,International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
International Baccalaureate (or its full name, International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, sometimes known as IBDP or just IB) is a Pre-University programme from Geneva, Switzerland.
It prepares SPM or O-Level leavers for entry into a Degree at university (hence the word, pre).
The course is approximately 24 months long, and is known to be an academically challenging and demanding course, requiring you to take a wide range of subjects across various disciplines.
Pros | Cons |
International Recognition,IBDP programme are recognized by most universities across the globe | Heavy workload,with internal assessments, a 4,000-word essay, oral presentations, philosophy papers, 150 hours of community and service, mock exams and final exams, it is nearly impossible to procrastinate and still get good marks. |
A well rounded, well-organized curriculum | Less flexibility and less opportunity for students who don’t want to pursue liberal arts,students who wanted to focus on essential subjects are not granted flexibility to do so.
|
An emphasis on critical thinking and independent projects | |
Who can apply for IBDP?
Minimum requirement of 5 credits at SPM or equivalent, you may also be required by some schools to sit for an entrance exam and / or an interview.However it is subjected to respective private universities.
How to apply for IBDP?
Admission for IBDP programme are subjected to respective private universities,for more information,visit here.
Courses available for IBDP
Group | Subjects |
Language and Literature | English, Malay |
Language Acquisition | Malay, Mandarin, French, Spanish |
Individuals and Societies | Geography, History, Economics, Business and Management, Psychology |
Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems & Societies |
Mathematics | Mathematics, Mathematical Studies |
The Arts | Visual Arts, Theatre Arts, Music and Film |
For more information on subjects offered on IBDP programme,visit here.
Educational Institutes offering IBDP programme
Here are some of the top college/institutes that offers IBDP programme
Sri KDU International School
International School of Kuala Lumpur
Mont Kiara International School
Nexus International School
For more information about the IBDP programme visit here.
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