What is the best course to study in Malaysia after SPM or O-Levels?
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After SPM or O-Levels , there are many different pathways for you to choose from and sometimes it can be confusing. Students may fill up our EduSpiral Career Assessment form for evaluation. Choosing a course to study after SPM or O-Levels in Malaysia is not a science, it is a process in finding out who you are and what you are good at. Some people find out faster while others take more time.
Most great things begin with a plan. Your future career and studies should be no different. A plan will give you something to work towards. It’ll also help you make the most of the opportunities that come your way. It can be confusing to choose the right course after SPM. You should carefully think about what are the options available to you. To choose the best course that fits you, you need to consider the following:
- Look at your results – what are your best & worst subjects, and which subjects are your favourite?
- What are your interests & hobbies?
- What is your passion?
- Discuss the budget for your studies with your parents. There is no point in choosing a course like Pharmacy or Medicine, if you cannot afford it.
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The Best Education Pathway after SPM
Julian Hum, Accounting at Asia Pacific University
There are basically 2 pathways after SPM. You can either go for a Diploma course or Pre-University Course in Malaysia. “Pre” means before, therefore, “Pre-University” means the course that you take before entering into a university bachelors degree programme. The common courses under Pre-University are STPM, A-Levels, Foundation, AUSMAT, etc. Students after SPM can go for the Pre-University course in Malaysia like A-Levels, AUSMAT or Foundation and then proceed on to the degree in Malaysia.
The Diploma pathway in Malaysia for students after SPM is 2 or 2.5 years and then enter into Year 2 of the Degree programme. There are many types of diploma and Pre-University courses in Malaysia as well as hundreds of undergraduate majors to choose from. But knowing the right one for you is the most difficult decision. If you read this guide from start to finish, you’ll know the best courses in Malaysia that would suit you.
If you are not sure what to study, do ask a trained counselor and always make decisions based on evidence and facts. The decisions that you make now, can change your life forever. You can contact us for a free career test to help you understand yourself better so that you are able to make the right decision.
How to choose the right course to study after SPM, UEC or O-Levels?
Choosing the right course to study in Malaysia after high school is one of the most important decisions you can make in your life. This can be a confusing and difficult time if you are unprepared.
With the wide variety of courses available to a student, the time after UEC, SPM or STPM can be a confusing one if not guided properly by an experienced and knowledgeable education counselor.
It can be confusing for students to choose the right major for their undergraduate degree studies in Malaysia.
Preparations should have been made even before this time but fear not it is still not too late if you have not decided on a career path. It is important for you to research carefully the career that you intend to pursue.
At EduSpiral Consultant Services, we have counseled and helped thousands of students to choose the right course and private university to study in Malaysia. Based on our experience we have come up with three simple steps that I will call the GEM method which will help you in your decision-making.
- Gather Information.
- Evaluate the Information.
- Make a Decision.
1. Gather Information – Gather information relevant and related to your course & career of interest
A. Gather all relevant information on the courses that interest you. Make a list of your interests, likes,
strengths, hobbies and talents. Also ask your family members and friends to tell you what you are good at.
Make a simple list of your interests, your hobbies and what you are actually good at. Don’t put down things that you are interested to do but write down things that you know that you are good at. For example, you are good in debates, sports, mathematics, fixing cars, and others.
Your interests should be realistic and related to your strengths and what you are good at. For example, if you are interested in becoming an engineer but your results in Mathematics and Physics are consistently low, you may want to reconsider your choice or if you want to be a musician but cannot play any instrument, it would be an unwise move to choose music as your career pathway.
B. Show your family members and friends the list and ask them whether you are actually good at the things you have listed.
Have your friends go through the list and give comments on how good you are at your interests, hobbies and talents. Your parents and trusted friends may give you a different perspective on what you are good at. This is valuable insight that will help you in your decision-making.
C. Talk to your parents, uncles, aunts, cousins and older siblings who are knowledgeable
Eric Lau from ACS Ipoh taking the Diploma in Graphic Design at KBU International College
Your parents and older siblings may have good insights into your abilities and offer good suggestions. Ask them what talents they think you have and maybe what career options would be good for you.
Know yourself. Your SPM results is a guide of what you are good at. If you do well in Sejarah, BM and English, you can consider Marketing, Mass Comm, or Business. If you are good in Modern Maths, you can consider Business Admin, Finance or Accounting. For Add Maths & Physics, engineering, software engineering, IT, or programming.
So, choose according to what you are good at, not what you think you are good at. If you are still not sure, talk to your parents,
friends, school counselor or professionals in your field of interest to find out more.
Remember some relatives just simply share information that is not supported by facts or evidence. When asking for opinions, ask from people who are knowledgeable and experienced. Would you ask a doctor how to repair your car? If not, then do not simply listen to hearsay and gossip.
D. Talk to your career guidance counsellor at school.
Your guidance counsellor or Guru Kaunselor from the Unit Bimbingan Kaunseling may have materials and tests that will guide you in choosing a career. Their advice may be useful in finding out the job prospects of a certain career.
E. Talk to professionals in the field of interest.
Talk to professionals in the fields that you are interested in to find out what they do. Ask them what they do in their jobs, what they like about it, what are its future prospects, what type of talents are required for the work, and other relevant questions.
Visit their place of work if possible to gain a ‘feel’ for their type of work. Talking to the professionals will help you gain a wider perspective and insight into the type of work. They will be able share with you inside information on the work.
F. Attend education fairs
Vincent Hoy, Scholarship student at Asia Pacific University
Go for education fairs and talk to the lecturers and counselors but do not register to quickly. Listen to their advise and take the information and then talk to your parents. Remember that the colleges and universities want your money for their “business” so they will want you to register quickly.
Take time to think carefully and do not be taken in by the sales gimmicks of getting a car or iPad or discount if you register on the spot.
Talk to the various counsellors at the booths to find out more information about the individual careers. Ask about tuition costs,
short description of the career, job prospects, facilities offered in the college, and others.
Check with them to see if the course is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), if you can apply for the PTPTN loan and how much you can apply for, how long is the course, etc.
G. Use the Internet
Google the Internet to find the information that you need. Use these resources available to you to find out more information about the careers that you are interested in.
2. Evaluate the information.
Gan Wei Cheng, 3A* in A-Levels at KDU College Penang and now JPA Scholarship at U. of Sydney for Pharmacy
After you have gathered all the necessary information then you need to weigh your options.
Go through all the information and choose the careers that you would like to take up and take out those that you don’t like.
Make a pros and cons list for each career that you like. From the information evaluate the points carefully on its workability, your financial viability, future prospects, your interests and results.
You can make a ranking of the top choices down to the least favourable choices.
The entry requirements for the courses and the budget for your studies will also assist in making your decision.
Should you be interested in medicine but is not from the Science stream or have at least 5Bs in the SPM, then it is not possible to study medicine.
Or if you want to study medicine but do not have at least RM300,000 for the fees, then it is no point to choose this course unless you score very high and is able to get a scholarship to study in private or you take the STPM to enter into Public University.
3. Make the decision
Nixonn Cheong, Engineering at UCSI University
After evaluating all the information that you have, now you are ready to make a decision. Decide on maybe four career choices. For example, you may want to put your first career choice as Medicine, second in Pharmacy, third in Food Science and fourth in Nutrition. When one does not work out because of grades, finances or interest then you have a back up choice.
Remember two things: It is okay to change career options during your time of study, however, you need to make informed and educated choices. Secondly, the career that you choose should meet your needs and fit your beliefs and character. You must be happy with the choice and one where it would fit your desired financial status.
- List your strengths, what you are good at, your favourite subjects, the subjects that you do well in, etc.
- List your weaknesses, what you are not good at, what you don’t like, the subjects that you suck at, etc.
- List down your hobbies, interests, likes and dislikes, your personality, etc.
- Discuss the list with your parents, teachers, counselors, or friends
- Search the Internet for descriptions of careers and courses
- Does the course you have chose interest you, how much is the starting salary? What does the work involve?
Diploma Course at Top Private Universities in Malaysia
John Lai Wai Hong, Diploma in Mass Comm at KDU University College
With 3 credits in SPM, you can join most diploma courses at top private universities or colleges in Malaysia. Nowadays, you can finish a diploma in 2 years, it used to be 2.5 years. Therefore, now you will complete a degree in 4 years after the diploma which is the same duration if you go for the Foundation programme.
To join a diploma programme, you will need at least 3 credits in your SPM or 3 Bs in UEC. You must have a Pass in BM and Sejarah. The credits of the subjects will depend on what course you take. For example, Maths will be a required credit for IT and Engineering.
The Diploma pathway is a good choice if you do not have enough money, you can at least graduate with a diploma as it is cheaper and a shorter duration. After working a few years to save money, you can continue to complete your degree. If you find it difficult to study and yet would like a certificate, maybe you should study a diploma as takes less time to complete. A degree may be too difficult and is longer hence you may not have the motivation to finish it.
Diploma programmes in Malaysia tend to be more practical oriented while degree programmes are more theoretical. Foundation programmes are more academic. If you are sure of what you want to study, then you can go for the Diploma course. Students after SPM who are not sure what to study should go for the Foundation or Pre-University Programme. You have 1 year in the Foundation or Pre-U in Malaysia to really decide what to study for your degree.
You can apply for the PTPN Loan for the Diploma course while there is no PTPN loan for Foundation or Pre-University courses.
After the Diploma course, you can continue on to a degree and generally enter into the 2nd Year for another 2 years of study. If you enter engineering, it could be another 2 or 3 years depending on which course.
It depends on the exemptions from the particular institution. Generally you will enter into Year 2 of the similar programme at the same university but if you choose to transfer to another university, you may not get enough exemptions and may only enter into the Final semester of Year 1.
Pre-University or Foundation Programmes in Malaysia
Shaun Chin, University of London Business programme at HELP Academy
You will need at least 5 Relevant SPM credits to enter into a Pre-University programme or Foundation Course in Malaysia
It is important to find out what you would like to study after SPM instead of blindly following your friends or just assuming that some said that the A-Levels is good, and so you chose it without finding out more.
I don’t have anything against the A-Levels, but my humble opinion is that it is a great programme and is quite challenging. Students should choose the A-Level programme if they want to study Law, Medicine or Pharmacy.
Keep in mind that the A-Levels is quite challenging, is in English and takes up 1.5 years. If you do not make it, you may have wasted a lot of time. If you know what you would like to study, you should just take up the college’s Pre-U/Foundation programme or an internationally recognised Pre-U programme such as the SAM, CPU, AUSMAT, UNSW, etc. They generally take 8-12 months to complete, so you could save on time. Note that if you want to pursue Medicine, some of the Pre-U programmes are not accepted.
The Pre-U programmes in Malaysia vary in time and course content. Some emphasise on course work, others exam oriented so choose one that fits your character.
Many private higher educational institutions, have developed their own internal university foundation programmes. These courses are accredited by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and recognised by the respective foreign partner universities and also accepted by many other overseas universities as an equivalent to pre-university qualification in their respective home countries.
Unlike the external qualifications which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the internal qualifications provide specialisation in precise areas of study such as the fields of business, computer & IT, and engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.
Students who know what they want to study can just go for the Foundation at the university offering the degree of interest. It is cheaper, easier and a faster way to continue to completing the degree.
What about studying STPM?
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course
Jia Loon, Biotechnology at UCSI University
recognised for entry into public universities in Malaysia. The STPM is also accepted for entry into private universities in Malaysia and overseas universities.
The STPM is acknowledged as one of the toughest exams.
STPM is very tough and takes 2 years to finish. If you do not do well in STPM, you would have wasted the time which is also money. If you had graduated faster, you would have started work earlier and start earning money and gain experience valuable for your resume.
STPM will take about 2 years, more time than that if you calculate the time after your SPM until you enter into Public University. The time you take for STPM, you would have completed the diploma.
There were 58,355 students who took STPM in 2013 and in 2014 it dropped to 48,615 students. It is a drop of 16.69% (9,740 candidates)
48,615 candidates registered for the STPM examinations in 2014 but only 42,854 sat for it. Only 390 out of 48,615 STPM 2014 obtained a 4.0 CGPA. 57 candidates failed the exam.
The national CGPA was 2.62 but for non-bumis to get their courses of choice, you will need higher CGPA. Ten students scored 5As, and a total of 398 students scored 4As. To obtain scholarships from private universities or overseas, you need to score 4As or 5As, so based on this, you can calculate the chances of you scoring in the STPM and obtaining a scholarship.
27,342 (63.80%), passed in four subjects, 7,130 in three subjects, 3,563 in two subjects and 2,410 passed just one subject. Pass here includes D and E. You need at least 2 Cs to join a degree course in private universities.
The number of candidates achieving 4 Principals (C) in STPM 2014 is 60.14 per cent. You need at least 2 Principals to join a degree course in private universities.
Still not sure what to study after SPM or O-Levels?
Daniel Wan, Hospitality & Tourism at Reliance College
If you are not sure of what you want to study, then you can join the Pre-U or Foundation course. After that, you will continue on to the degree programme for another 3-4 years depending on the course. You do not have to choose what to study yet during foundation as it is general.
The only choice is either Foundation in Arts or Foundation in Science. Note that if you take Foundation in Science, you can change to arts courses for your degree but if you take Foundation in Arts, you can’t change to science-based courses.
It is important to talk to the right people to give you proper advise.
Just like you won’t ask a Doctor how to repair your car or a mechanic about your health, you should ask someone who has the necessary experience with in depth knowledge of the hundreds of courses and universities out there.
The choice that you make now can change your life forever, so you should talk to the right people and make the right choices.
Helping Students in Malaysia to Choose the Best Course that Fits Them
Having worked in the private education industry for more than 15 years, I have counseled thousands of Malaysians
Andrew Tan from Sitiawan
students in finding the right course that fits their personality, academic ability, budget and career choice so that they have a successful future.
I have worked in the private education industry in marketing and communications therefore I have garnered knowledge and experience about the many courses and private colleges out there. Having conducted market research, this helps in being able to identify the right college that would fit the student. My work experience includes Monash University, UCSI University, SEGi and a few other education institutions.
Why am I telling you this? Well, it is important that when you ask for help, you ask the right people. You won’t ask a Doctor on how to repair your car right? Therefore, in making this life changing decision, it is important to ask experienced and knowledgeable people who are interested in your future.
I enjoy helping students find their right place at the college of choice. I love helping students and their families navigate the college and career search process. With thousands of career options and about 500 private colleges & universities out there, it can be a confusing and stressful process.
There are so many different steps involved in applying to college, and I hope to provide clear direction and simplify the process.
EduSpiral gets to know who you are so we can advise you how to choose the best course that fits you
- We review the student’s high school profile, all high school transcripts, projected courses, extracurricular activities, awards, hobbies, interests and outstanding talents.
- Then we discuss the factors that are most important to the student in identifying appropriate colleges & universities that would fit you
- We assist to develop priorities for college selection, including courses of study, location, size, extracurricular opportunities, and many other factors
- Ensure that the student’s interests and achievements are carefully matched with appropriate colleges and universities in Malaysia
Grading Systems for SPM, UEC, O-Levels, STPM and A-Levels
| SPM | UEC | O-Levels | STPM | A-Levels |
| A+ | A1 | A | A | A |
| A | A2 | B | A- | B |
| A- | B3 | C | B+ | C |
| B+ | B4 | D | B | D |
| B | B5 | E | B- | E |
| C+ | B6 | U – Ungraded | C+ | F |
| C | C7 | C | ||
| D | C8 | C- | ||
| E | D+ | |||
| G | D |
What to Study After SPM or O-Levels?
Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM or O-Levels can contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to help guide you to choose the right course and university. There are many Pre-University or Diploma programmes that you can go for after SPM so it can be confusing for you to choose the right one.
Choosing the right university can be confusing and depends on a lot of factors like your budget, results, passion, skills and career goals.
Students interested on how to choose the best universities in Malaysia for the particular courses like the ones below can contact me for more information:
Some of the Best Pre-University & Degree Programmes to Study in Malaysia
Best Pre-University Programmes in Malaysia
- A-Levels
- AUSMAT
- Foundation in Engineering
- Foundation in Arts
- Foundation in Science
- Foundation in Business
- Foundation (General)
- Foundation in Design
- Pre-University Programmes
Top Engineering and Built Environment Courses in Malaysia
Darren Fong, Engineering at Asia Pacific University
- Engineering
- Mechatronic engineering
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Telecommunication Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
- Materials engineering
- Applied Geology
- Architecture
- Quantity Survey
Outstanding Computing and Information Technology Courses in Malaysia
Li Jian, IT at Asia Pacific University
- Computer Science
- Computing
- IT
- Information Technology
- Information Technology with Database Administration
- Software Engineering
- Computer science or computer engineering
- Information systems security
- Mobile Computing
- Games Development
- Intelligent Systems
- Computer System Engineering
- Business Information Systems
- Business Computing with E-Commerce
First Rate Applied and Health Sciences in Malaysia
- Food science
- Biotechnology
- Optometry
- Nutrition
- Nutrition with Wellness
- Biomedical Science
- Pharmacy
- Aquatic Science
- Aquaculture
The Best Business & Accounting Courses in Malaysia
Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Accounting
- Accounting & Finance
- Accounting & Finance with Internal Audit
- Accounting & Finance with Forensic Accounting
- Accounting & Finance with Taxation
- Management & Marketing
- Actuarial Science
- Business
- Business Administration
- Business Management
- Business Administration
- Banking & Finance
- Finance & Investment
- Finance & Investment
- FOREX & Investment
- Investment & Risk Management
- International Business
- International Business Management
EduSpiral provided me with in-depth advise on choosing the right course for my career.
Terence Wong, Business at Taylor’s University - Entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurship & Marketing
- Economics
- Marketing
- Finance & Marketing
- Public Relations & Marketing
- Human Resource Management
- Logistics Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Media Marketing
- Advertising & Brand Management
- Branding & Advertising
Excellent Social Science Courses in Malaysia
- Psychology
- Mass Communication
- Marketing Communications
- Film Studies
- Journalism
- Media Studies
- Public Relations
- Entertainment Arts
- Social Media Marketing
Top Design Courses in Malaysia
Hoh Ching, Diploma in Creative Media at KDU Penang University College
- Design
- Multimedia Design
- Interactive Design
- 3D Animation
- Fashion design with marketing
- Textile & Fashion Design
- Product design
- Transport Design
- CGI & Digital Effects
- Visual Effects
- Entrepreneurial design
- Interior Design
- Interior Architecture
- Graphic Design
- Fashion Design
First Rate Hospitality and Culinary Arts Courses in Malaysia
Education and Music Courses in Malaysia
Top Scholarships Available from the Best Private Universities in Malaysia
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Scholarships
- Curtin University Sarawak Scholarships
- Asia Pacific University Scholarships
- UCSI University Scholarships
- KDU University College Petaling Jaya Campus Scholarships
- KDU University College Penang Campus Scholarships
- First City University College (KBU International College) Scholarships
- HELP University Scholarships
- HELP Academy Scholarships
- HELP College of Arts and Technology Scholarships
Study at the Best Private Universities and Colleges in Malaysia
Chee Kin, Actuarial & Finance degree at UCSI University
Switzerland
Malaysia
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Curtin University, Sarawak campus
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- APIIT
- UCSI University
- Taylor’s University
- UCSI University Sarawak Campus
- HELP University
- HELP Academy
- HELP College of Arts & Technology
- KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
- KDU College Damansara Jaya
- KDU University College Penang
- YTL International College of Hotel Management
- IACT College
- Point College
- Saito College
- Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
- Nilai University
- Reliance College
EduSpiral Consultant Services- Your Personal Online Education Advisor
Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services helps provide information and counselling on courses and universities in Malaysia.
EduSpiral Consultant Services represents the best colleges and universities in Malaysia offering a wide range of choices for students to choose from. These colleges and universities offer value for money in the quality of education and excellent facilities that you get. These universities and colleges are chosen by EduSpiral because they represent the best in their fields in Malaysia and affordable.
EduSpiral Consultant Services represents the best colleges and universities in Malaysia offering a wide range of choices for students to choose from. These colleges and universities offer value for money in the quality of education and excellent facilities that you get.
These universities and colleges are chosen by EduSpiral because they represent the best in their fields in Malaysia and affordable. EduSpiral provides in-depth information and counseling on their courses so that students are able to make the right choice.
If you are still not sure what to study, please contact us and we will send you a free EduSpiral Career Assessment Form.
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Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia 