Top Tips on Choosing the Best Course to Study in Malaysia after SPM

How to choose the Best Course to Study at Top Private Universities in Malaysia after the SPM

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services. For more information contact 01111408838

After having counseled thousands of students since working in the education line in 2000, I have come up with 9 tips that will help students after SPM or UEC to help you choose the right course that would fit you. I have written another article on the Top 10 Best Courses to study in Malaysia that you can read more about.

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. I have students telling me that they have taken personality tests but were not accurate. We must remember that these tests are not 100% accurate and needs to be used together with a counselor.

For more information contact 01111408838

Please fill up the form for more information. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Please make sure you give a correct email address and check your email including the SPAM or JUNK email folder within 48 hours as we will email you the information. 

The Best Advise on How to Choose the Right Course to Study in Malaysia

EduSpiral met me and my parents at KDU University College to explain about the hospitality course and then took us around for a campus tour. This helped me to make my choice on what to study and where to study easier. Jia Lin, Hospitality at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
EduSpiral met me and my parents at KDU University College to explain about the hospitality course and then took us around for a campus tour. This helped me to make my choice on what to study and where to study easier. Jia Lin, Hospitality at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie

Furthermore, the tests are designed by westerners who choose their courses based on interests while as Malaysians, we not only have to choose based on interests but have to take into account which course can give us a career that is stable and can make money.

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, look at your results, interests and budget. 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.

There are basically 3 reasons to choose a career in Malaysia

When EduSpiral students tour the campus & see the environment for themselves, it helps them to decide whether the university fits them. Pic - Students touring the library at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
When EduSpiral students tour the campus & see the environment for themselves, it helps them to decide whether the university fits them. Pic – Students touring the library at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
  1. We have to choose something that we like. If we study something that we do not like, then we will hate our working life for the next 60 years
  2. We have to choose a career that we are actually good at. Just because you like something, doesn’t mean that you are good at it. For example, some people think that they can sing, but when they open their mouths to sing, people run away. Like the American Idol, we see that some people cannot sing but actually believe that they can.
  3. We should choose a career that can give us a good salary. Unless you have rich

parents or just want to work for charity, then you can ignore this. Most of us need money to survive in this world. Especially now for most Malaysians where the cost of living is so high, we need to get a career that can provide for us, our future family as well as to support our parents when they grow old.

So, how do we choose the right course for yourselves? It is not a science, it is a process. Below are the 9 tips to help you narrow down the possible choices for your future career.

9 of the Best Tips on Choosing the Right Course & Career in Malaysia

1  What’s the results in your Secondary School?

EduSpiral analysed my personality and results, subsequently advised me on choosing the right course as well as the best university that fit me. John Lai Wai Hong, Diploma in Mass Comm at KDU University College
EduSpiral analysed my personality and results, subsequently advised me on choosing the right course as well as the best university that fit me. John Lai Wai Hong, Diploma in Mass Comm at KDU University College

2. What are the Courses that you are Interested in? Make a List

  • List the fields of study that interest you, and come up with a list of courses you would consider studying based on these interests.
  • Add the topics that you were most interested in during school as well as jobs.
  • Make a list of your hobbies.
  • List down your favorite subjects at school
  • A list of your extra-curricular activities can provide ideas of what type of person you are.

4. Do a thorough Research on the Course that you are Interested in

  • The internet, newspapers, television and people around you are the best sources of information.
  • Check online about the courses you are interested in and find out about the career prospects and the other info.
  • Find facts and evidence to support the career and job prospects.
  • Starting salaries and how much you can earn eventually.
  • Go to education fairs and Open Days to see the campuses and collect the brochures.

4. Ask the right people about what to study at top universities in Malaysia

I was confused about what to study and talking to EduSpiral helped me a lot. Coming from Sarawak made it difficult for me to know which university was best in Malaysia & EduSpiral provided good insights. Eric Lu, Business at KDU University College
I was confused about what to study and talking to EduSpiral helped me a lot. Coming from Sarawak made it difficult for me to know which university was best in Malaysia & EduSpiral provided good insights. Eric Lu, Business at KDU University College
  • Speak to professionals in your field of interest and find out what it is like working in that job.
  • People who have completed university courses can give you an insight from a student’s perspective – they can tell you the pros and cons.
  • Listen to people who are experienced in the industry or know what they are talking about. Not just simply listen to Aunties or Friends who don’t know what they are talking about.
  • Talk to your school counselor or an experienced career guidance counselor. This is important as you would not ask a Doctor on how to repair your car so you must ask the right person to help you.
  • Ask your parents and friends what type of personality you are and what could fit you however note that some parents may not be objective and want you to choose the course they want for you.

5. Cost of studying a diploma or degree in Malaysia

EduSpiral picked us up from KL Sentral & took us to Asia Pacific University for a campus tour as well as arranged the Software Engineering lecturer to explain the courses in detail to us. Chin Mun (Left) with friends from INTI, now studying Business Computing at APU
EduSpiral picked us up from KL Sentral & took us to Asia Pacific University for a campus tour as well as arranged the Software Engineering lecturer to explain the courses in detail to us. Chin Mun (Left) with friends from INTI, now studying Business Computing at APU
  • Talk to your parents and find out what is their budget. There is no point going around asking about studies overseas and then find out that you can only afford to study in Malaysia.
  • You need to know the budget for your studies in order to choose the right university that fits you. There is no point to choose a university and then find out that you cannot afford the fees
  • Affordability is another aspect you need to consider while deciding on your course, as well as the additional costs that occur, such as text books, field trips etc.
  • Financial aid available are basically scholarships and the PTPN Loan.

6. Career opportunities in Malaysia for the Course that You are Interested in  

  • Look at the career prospects of the course before selecting one. Consider various factors such as income, job security, stress, responsibility and other benefits while researching a profession.
  • Look at statistics, evidence and facts. Not just listen to your auntie say that she thinks a particular career is excellent or a university counselor say that the course is good based on their experience.

7. Look at the subjects offered in the Course at the University that you are Interested in

  • Read through the course outline of the course(s) you want to apply for. See if the subjects interests you.
  • Have a look at the subjects you must undertake and the types of learning, assignments and examination tasks involved.

8. Quality of the Private University in Malaysia

Being in Sabah made it difficult for me to survey the universities in Peninsula. I found EduSpiral online and they provided detailed information & helped me with my application. They even took me around the university for a tour when I went to visit. Xavier Phang, Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University
Being in Sabah made it difficult for me to survey the universities in Peninsula. I found EduSpiral online and they provided detailed information & helped me with my application. They even took me around the university for a tour when I went to visit. Xavier Phang, Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University
  • Compare course outlines and academic facilities between universities to make sure you make the right choice for your educational needs and preferences.
  • If possible, visit the university and their Open Days to get a feeling of what the campus is like.
  • If you choose a university with extremely low fees, then don’t be surprised at the low quality of education there. If you pay for a Kancil, you will get Kancil power. However, it doesn’t mean that you should pay so much until you are just paying for the lake only. Pay what is value for money.
  • Choose a university that promotes the use of the English language.Research by Star newspaper has shown that professionals with good command of the English language has a 25% higher salary and chances of promotion. Some graduates wonder why they can’t find a job because they cannot communicate in simple English when they chose a university that has lower fees but with a Mandarin-speaking environment.
  • An overseas education is not better but it will help expose you to a different culture and expand your thinking abilities.Although rankings are a guide but in Malaysia, some universities are ranked high but are low in terms of quality.
  • The SETARA 2013 & 2011 Ranking system by MQA can be used as a guide in choosing the best universities in Malaysia to study at

9. Choose the Best Course to Study in Malaysia that fits you

  • Choosing a course or career 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.
  • A personality or career test is not magic or science that will show you what your future is. They are just a guide.
  • You can always work in other fields after you graduate as long as it is not a technical field. Engineers and Doctors have switched to Finance or Marketing careers.

Best Degree Programs in Malaysia

  • There are a lot of graduates with diplomas & degrees. In order to be competitive in the job market, you should get at least
    EduSpiral took us to visit APU and UCSI so that we can see the campus facilities and make a better decision about our future. Kian Yong (Mechanical Engineering) at UCSI University and Hong Ann (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University
    EduSpiral took us to visit APU and UCSI so that we can see the campus facilities and make a better decision about our future.
    Kian Yong (Mechanical Engineering) at UCSI University and Hong Ann (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University

    a degree.

  • Starting salaries for Degree holders range from RM2,500 onwards depending on which course you graduate from.
  • Generally, most degrees take up 3 years of studies. Engineering takes 4 years because they need BEM accreditation. Medicine and Dentistry takes 5 years while Pharmacy takes 4 years.
  • You can apply for the PTPN Loan for the Degree course.
  • The starting salary is slightly higher than a diploma holder but if you are good, the promotions come faster.
  • You will learn more and develop more critical thinking skills.
  • Your career upward mobility is faster.
  • There are many degree courses that you can choose to study in Malaysia. If you plan to work in Malaysia, then you should choose degree courses that would be in demand  in Malaysia and has a high salary so that you can support your family.

Some of the Best Pre-University & Degree Programmes to Study in Malaysia

Best Pre-University Programmes in Malaysia

Top Engineering and Built Environment Courses in Malaysia

After explaining in detail, EduSpiral took me & my parents to tour the campus & helped with the scholarship application. Darren Fong, Engineering at Asia Pacific University
After explaining in detail, EduSpiral took me & my parents to tour the campus & helped with the scholarship application.
Darren Fong, Engineering at Asia Pacific University

Outstanding Computing and Information Technology Courses in Malaysia

I whatsapped EduSpiral and got the information I needed about the university and course. He then arranged for me and my mother to meet up with APU counselors and to tour the campus as well. Li Jian, IT at Asia Pacific University
I whatsapped EduSpiral and got the information I needed about the university and course. He then arranged for me and my mother to meet up with APU counselors and to tour the campus as well.
Li Jian, IT at Asia Pacific University

First Rate Applied and Health Sciences in Malaysia

The Best Business & Accounting Courses in Malaysia

EduSpiral explained the pathway to become an actuaries & gave facts on why Heriot-Watt is the best for actuarial science. We also toured the campus and hostel. Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
EduSpiral explained the pathway to become an actuaries & gave facts on why Heriot-Watt is the best for actuarial science. We also toured the campus and hostel.
Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Excellent Social Science Courses in Malaysia

Top Design Courses in Malaysia

I was confused about what to study and talking to EduSpiral gave me a sense of direction. Hoh Ching, Diploma in Creative Media at KDU Penang University College
I was confused about what to study and talking to EduSpiral gave me a sense of direction.
Hoh Ching, Diploma in Creative Media at KDU Penang University College

First Rate Hospitality and Culinary Arts Courses in Malaysia

Education and Music Courses in Malaysia

Choose EduSpiral Consultant Services to Help you to Apply to Top Private Universities in Malaysia

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral Consultant Services, has more than 15 years of experience in counseling students and helping them change the world!
Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral Consultant Services, has more than 15 years of experience in counseling students and helping them change the world!

Choosing a course that you are passionate about without job demand and you may end up being jobless.

Look for statistics and research to support whether there is a job demand for your future career in Malaysia or Singapore. Here at EduSpiral Consultant Services, we do our research on the job demand for the careers in Malaysia, Salary Reports, and universities so that we can advise our students based on facts and evidence. Our in-depth knowledge about the courses, careers and private universities in Malaysia combined with my working in experience in the private universities itself are tools that would help you to choose the right university.

Now why would you want to talk to EduSpiral Consultant Services when you can contact the private universities directly? Well, EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 20 years experience in counseling students. Having worked in the private education industry, we have in-depth knowledge of each private university and college in what they are good at. This sets us apart from other agents or representatives who are staffed with young and inexperienced counselors.

Furthermore, we have worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the

EduSpiral met me and my parents at KDU University College to explain about the hospitality course and then took us around for a campus tour. This helped me to make my choice on what to study and where to study easier. Jia Lin, Hospitality at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
EduSpiral met me and my parents at KDU University College to explain about the hospitality course and then took us around for a campus tour. This helped me to make my choice on what to study and where to study easier.
Jia Lin, Hospitality at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie

counselors at the private universities or agents’ offices change every few years therefore they would not have the in-depth knowledge of the courses and the university that they are working at.

EduSpiral Consultant Services has helped hundreds of students to choose the right course and university in Malaysia and Singapore since 2009.  With our first-hand knowledge of the universities in Malaysia and access to staff at the universities we represent, we can provide in-depth, personalized advise that no brochure or website can.

There are many factors to consider in choosing a university other than the ad in the newspaper. You have to look at the fees, financial aid, location, student culture, teaching quality, accreditation, recognition, ranking, campus size, facilities, university partnerships and more. With our vast knowledge and experience of the private higher education industry in Malaysia, we are able to help students to navigate through all the information and narrow down their choices to the best courses and universities that fit them.

We are able to offer unbiased information on the many colleges & universities in Malaysia or Singapore if you are unable to visit their campuses. We will share our first hand knowledge and email you pictures of the facilities, fees, forms and other important information. We will also assist in arranging accommodation and campus tours to the universities.

Take Time and Effort to Choose the Right Private University in Malaysia to Study at

We didn't know that First City University College had won many awards for Interior Design until EduSpiral showed us the awards. The "famous" college that we had planned to join hadn't even won any awards in interior design. Zhi Yih & Chin Xien, Foundation in Design at First City University College
We didn’t know that First City University College had won many awards for Interior Design until EduSpiral showed us the awards. The “famous” college that we had planned to join hadn’t even won any awards in interior design.
Zhi Yih & Chin Xien, Foundation in Design at First City University College

Choosing a university is important as it will help to shape your mind, character and help you to develop the necessary skills for a successful career. Therefore, not all private universities are the same. You should not choose a university because it is the cheapest, easiest and nearest. It should be based on which university that best fits your needs.

Many students in Malaysia also make the common mistake in choosing a university because their friends are going there. I even had one student tell me that his choice of university depends on where his girlfriend is going! This is one of the most important decisions that may change your life forever hence it should not be taken lightly.

Talk to a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant to Help you to Choose the Best Private University or College in Malaysia

EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 15 years experience in counseling students
EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 15 years experience in counseling students

Choosing a the right university to study after SPM or O-Levels in Malaysia takes time, it is a process in finding out which university in best for you. You need to talk to the right counselors who are knowledgeable and experienced.

A knowledgeable counselor would be able to provide detailed information about the course, facts & evidence to support the job prospects for the course and in-depth information about which university would be suit you. While an experienced counselor would be able to analyse your results, understand your personality & skills to figure out which course and career suits you.

A knowledgeable education consultant means that he or she would know the entry requirements, course details, in-depth knowledge of the hundreds of courses out there, career prospects, job demand, professional recognition requirements, accreditation, best universities for the course, and other information that would help a confused student to make the right choice.

While an experienced education consultant would have had counseled hundreds of students analysing their

EduSpiral has more than 10 years of experience in counseling students on choosing the right courses
EduSpiral has more than 10 years of experience in counseling students on choosing the right courses

personalities and skilfully guiding them to the right course and university.

At EduSpiral Consultant Services, I have worked in the private higher education industry in Malaysia for more than 15 years advising students with facts and evidence on how 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, students may fill up our EduSpiral Career Assessment form for evaluation.

The EduSpiral Career Assessment form is a simple form designed by us that gathers information from students after SPM, O-Levels, UEC, STPM or A-Levels in order to assess their aptitude helping us to determine the most suitable course and career progression. After knowing which course, we can then determine which private university in best for that course.

EduSpiral Consultant Services- Your Personal Online Education Advisor

Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services helps provide information and counselling

EduSpiral provided us with in-depth information about UCSI University and also took us around for a campus tour and to find accommodation. It really helped us to make a good decision about our future. En Qi, Pharmacy student
EduSpiral provided us with in-depth information about UCSI University and also took us around for a campus tour and to find accommodation. It really helped us to make a good decision about our future.
En Qi, Pharmacy student

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 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.

Please contact us for more details.

Please fill up the form for more information. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Please make sure you give a correct email address and check your email including the SPAM or JUNK email folder within 48 hours as we will email you the information. 

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