Tag Archives: what to study after SPM

Which are the Best Courses to Study in Malaysia after SPM or IGCSE / O-Levels?

Top Ten List of Best Courses to Study in Malaysia after SPM, O-Levels, UEC, STPM, A-Levels or Pre-University

I have grouped all the courses that are popular and have job demand in Malaysia into 10 main areas of study. Some courses have higher job demand and salary than others. You have to choose based on your list of criteria of what’s important to you. This list of top ten of the best courses to study in Malaysia makes it easier for students to narrow down to which area that you are interested in and would best suit you.

Choosing a course to study is a process in finding out who you are, what you are good at and its job prospects. An experienced & knowledgeable Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right course. Here at EduSpiral Consultant Services, I do the research on the job demand for the careers in Malaysia, Salary Reports, and universities so that I can advise students based on facts and evidence. Furthermore, in my 20-year career, I have counselled thousands of students to choose their course and career, and many have already graduated and found the career of their dreams.

You might also be interested to read these:

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

The Top Ten List of Best Courses to Study in Malaysia

EduSpiral advised & helped me choose the best college for A-Levels. I obtained a scholarship & have graduated from a top ranked UK University. Lucas, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Law Degree from Queens University Belfast
EduSpiral advised & helped me choose the best college for A-Levels. I obtained a scholarship & have graduated from a top ranked UK University.
Lucas, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Law Degree from Queens University Belfast

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 can be a confusing one if not guided properly by an experienced and knowledgeable education counsellor.

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.

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. Students need to talk to the right education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Below is a list of Top 10 Courses that students can consider studying in Malaysia. Some of them have very high job demand and salary, while others not so much. There are many factors in choosing a course such as your interest & skills, your academic results, the budget for your studies, job demand, salary, and more.

The list would serve as a guide in your decision-making.

  1. Best Computer Science, Computing & Information Technology (IT) Courses to Study in Malaysia
Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)
I was confused about what to study & at which university. Talking to EduSpiral helped clear my doubts.
Zen Yi, Graduated from Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)

Best Accounting, Finance & Quantitative Studies Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Business Management Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Engineering & Built Environment Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Mass Communication Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Hospitality, Tourism & Culinary Arts Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Art and Design Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Health Science Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Applied Science Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Humanities & Social Science Courses to Study in Malaysia

Best Course Choices for Science Stream Students in Malaysia

  1. Engineering & Built Environment
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Electrical & Electronic Engineering
    • Telecommunication Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Chemical Engineering
    • Mechatronic Engineering
    • Petroleum Engineering
    • Geology
    • Quantity Surveying
    • Construction Project Management
    • Interior Architecture
    • Architecture
  2. Health Sciences
    • Medicine
    • Dentistry
    • Optometry
    • Pharmacy
    • Nursing
  3. Applied Sciences
    • Biotechnology
    • Food Science
    • Aquatic Science
    • Nutrition

Best Course Choices for Arts Stream Students in Malaysia

Note that Science stream students from SPM, STPM, UEC, O-Levels or A-Levels can choose to study science or arts courses. Arts students cannot study science course except for engineering if they meet the requirements.

First, EduSpiral took me around to a few universities and advised me on which course that would suit me. Finally, after deciding, EduSpiral met up with me and my Dad to help me to register.
Jia Jin, Foundation in Design at Taylor’s University

Computing

  • Computer Science
  • Software Engineering
  • Information Communications Technology
  • Networking
  • Database Administration
  • Business Information Systems
  • Systems Security
  • Forensic Computing
  • Cloud Computing
  • Mobile Computing
  • Computer Games Development or Games Design
  • Intelligent Systems

Mass Communication

  • Branding & Advertising
  • Journalism
  • Broadcasting
  • Media Studies
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing Communications
  • Events Management
  • Social Media Marketing

Business

  • Management
  • Business Administration
  • Human Resource Management
  • Marketing
  • eBusiness
  • Entrepreneurship
  • International Business
  • Logistics
  • Supply Chain Management

Accounting, Finance & Quantitative Studies

  • Accounting
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Actuarial Science
  • Banking, Finance
  • Finance & Investment
  • Banking & Finance
  • Islamic Banking
  • Economics
  • Financial Economics

Humanities & Social Sciences

  • Law
  • Early Childhood Education
  • English & Communication
  • Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
  • Psychology

Arts and Design

  • Graphic Design
  • Multimedia Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Product Design
  • Industrial Design
  • Interior Design
  • 3D Animation
  • Entertainment Arts

Hospitality & Culinary Arts

  • Hotel Management
  • Culinary Arts
  • Tourism Management
  • Events Management

You might also be interested to read – Top 20 Courses to Study in Malaysia that has High Job Demand & Stable Salary

Ask a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant to Help you Make the Right Choice

Choosing a course to study is not a science, it is a process

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university
Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university

in finding out who you are and what you are good at. An experienced Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right course.

Students should discuss their future choices with knowledgeable and experienced education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Ask the right Education Counselors. Would you ask a Doctor on how to repair your car? Or would you ask a mechanic for medical advise?

Although this sounds ridiculous, but many students do listen to advise from young and inexperienced counselors from universities, colleges or agents’ offices.

Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration. 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.

Useful article for you – Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

What do I want to do for my career?

"I was confused and had some questions. EduSpiral met up with me and my mum to explain more about the course and helped me choose the right course."
“I was confused and had some questions. EduSpiral met up with me and my mum to explain more about the course and helped me choose the right course.”
Gary, Accounting Graduate from University of Wollongong Malaysia (UOWM) KDU

You may have a clear idea of what you want to do for a career which makes choosing a course to study easier, particularly if you want to become a doctor or lawyer. You can search our articles section to see if we’ve already written about your dream graduate career and how you can achieve this.

When making a decision about your career, it is important to take into consideration the average salary. Starting salaries in Malaysia is about RM2800 to RM3000 for most careers while starting salaries in Singapore is about SGD2714.

Although starting salaries is generally the same level for everyone, what you do in the following years of your job will determine how much higher you would get.

Sometimes, the course that you are interested in may not have a high job demand or salary in Malaysia, hence, you have to weigh the cost of taking that course. You have to balance between passion and money.

If you come from a rich family then I guess you have no worries and can go for your passion but if you’re like general population, then you have to consider carefully the future salary of the course that you intend to take.

Many students forget that when they grow older, most will get married and start a family. In addition, you will need to care for your parents when they get old. All these will need money.

Therefore, it is also important to choose the right university that would equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to move up in your career.

Many students make the mistake of choosing the cheapest university for their studies and then later realise that they cannot get the promotion or salary increment because they did not get the skills needed.

English is one of these skills that most students do not take seriously about its importance for promotion and salary increments in future jobs. Think about it, if you are unable to write a report or email in proper English or do a presentation smoothly, how would you be able to become a manager or CEO eventually?

These articles may change your life! – Top 10 Degree Courses in Malaysia with Highest Starting Salaries or List of Top Ranking Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

Help! I don’t know what course to choose to study at university- what do I do?

EduSpiral advised & helped me choose the best college for A-Levels. And now I have graduated from a top ranked UK University in Malaysia Dexter Leong, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Degree from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
EduSpiral advised & helped me choose the best college for A-Levels. And now I have graduated from a top ranked UK University in Malaysia
Dexter Leong, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Degree from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

It is important to choose the right course to study – you don’t want to waste your time and money on a Course you don’t want to do (or end up dropping out of). To help you decide which course is right for you, make a list of courses that are of interest to you.

Is it a subject you have already studied? For example, maybe you loved the English subject and you read novels for pleasure in your own time. You can consider Teaching English as a Second Language, journalism or Mass Communication. In addition, you don’t have to do a journalism degree to become a journalist – many degrees are considered!

Maybe you’ve always been interested in computers and the internet at home, and enjoyed maths at school, so are considering a degree in computer science, a course subject you probably won’t have studied before.

Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration.

Culinary Arts Graduate from KDU University College
I found information on KDU’s Culinary Arts programme easily through EduSpiral. He answered all my questions quickly & helped me to register.
Wei Kang,
Culinary Arts Graduate from KDU University College

Looking at your results in SPM, UEC or O-Levels could help you to decide which course you would be good at. If you are good in Maths & Physics then you can consider Engineering courses. Having good results in Chemistry, Biology & Maths, you can think of a career in Food Science, Pharmacy or Medicine.

Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Many students make the mistake of just listening to advise without verifying whether the information given is true or not. In addition, just because you have heard or seen a lot of advertisements by a particular university, doesn’t mean that it is the best in that course.

You should also ask yourself if you would still be interested in that subject for a further three or four years – enough to motivate yourself to work and research independently? Remember, you are going to work in this career for the next 50 years after graduation, therefore, you should have a high interest in the course.

The course that you choose should also have a job demand for you after you graduate. 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 overseas.

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.

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 15 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. We have worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the 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.

What am I good at? What am I not good at?

I contacted EduSpiral to find an affordable college for culinary arts. He arranged for me and my mother for a campus tour & helped me find a college that had excellent facilities that I could afford. Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
I contacted EduSpiral to find an affordable college for culinary arts. He arranged for me and my mother for a campus tour & helped me find a college that had excellent facilities that I could afford.
Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management

An undergraduate degree course in Malaysia lasts three to five years – that’s a long time to spend studying something which you don’t enjoy, especially at a more intense level! First of all ask yourself what you have enjoyed studying at secondary school in Malaysia.

Your SPM or O-Level results will show what you are actually good at. Having good results in Maths, you can consider Actuarial Science, Accounting, Computing or Finance courses.

Certain courses have compulsory subject requirements to enter into them such as the science subjects for Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, etc or Maths & Physics for Engineering courses. If your results are good in these subjects then you can consider them.

Having narrowed down to these courses, you can go for the Foundation in Arts for 1 year before really choosing which one to study for your degree.

Alternatively you can also think about subjects you definitely don’t want to study at university level and which you can’t wait to say goodbye to. Crossing these off will make your list of options smaller and less overwhelming.

Your parents and friends would also be able to give you an idea of what you are good at. Looking at your hobbies and interests would help to narrow down the list. Your hobby in drawing could open the possibility of choosing design courses.

Best Course After SPM

Which are the Best Courses to Study in Malaysia After SPM?

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services. For more information contact 01111408838

Finally, you have completed SPM, one of the biggest exams in your life, and have been looking for a the right Pre-University Programme or Diploma course so that you can continue on to the degree programme.

There are many questions going through your mind such as: Should you study locally or overseas after SPM? Which university or college is the best? What course should you take? Can my parents afford for me to study at a Private University in Malaysia? How to choose the right course with so many choices?

But with the many difference choices out there, which one will you choose? So, to make it easier for you, I have made a list of the most popular study options in Malaysia. The summary will give you a snapshot of the good points of each Pre-University course in Malaysia so that you can make the best choice after SPM.

You might also be interested to read:

For a personalised advise on how to choose the right course contact 01111408838

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

What are your options after SPM?

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 20 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university
Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 20 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university

Choosing the right Pre-University Programme will help you enter your university of choice to study the degree course that you want. After SPM, before entering a degree programme, students have to take a Pre-University Course or Diploma.

In order to choose the right Pre-University or Diploma course, you have to figure out what you want to study in your degree or at least have some idea. For example, if you plan to study Engineering, then your choices are Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Foundation in Engineering, Foundation in Science, A-Levels Sciences, SACEi Sciences or STPM science stream.

Students who are sure of what they want to study can go specifically for the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or Foundation in Engineering. If you are still considering other courses, then take more general Pre-U like Foundation in Science, A-Levels Sciences, SACEi Sciences or STPM Science stream.

Furthermore, your budget will also determine which course would be suitable. Students who plan to go overseas to study can go for the A-Levels or SACEi while students who plan to study locally at private universities can go for the Foundation or Diploma. Students who have a limited budget can go for the STPM and try to get into your course of interest at the public universities or IPTA.

Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you? Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities. Every Pre-University course will include a % breakdown of assessment. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you.

As you can see, choosing the right course to study can be confusing so do WhatsApp me at 01111408838 for advise if you need more help. Read on below to find out the best points about the various Pre-University programmes in Malaysia.

Diploma Programme – Practical & Specific

EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw - Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw – Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)

Students who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic.

The duration of the diploma is 2 years or 2.5 years depending on the university. Some have internships.

After completing your diploma, you can go find a job or continue on to Year 2 of the degree if your college or university offers the degree or you can transfer credits into another university.

Students will take  25-35 subjects in the diploma and it is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage.

Why Study Diploma?

  • The course is more practical with mixed assessment.
  • You have at least 3 credits in SPM to enter the Diploma programme
  • Students may apply for the PTPN Loan for Diploma courses. There is no PTPN Loan for Foundation & External Pre-University programmes
  • You will study the subjects that you are interested in. The subjects are specific to your field of interest.
  • Upon completion of the Diploma, you may choose to start work or continue on to Year 2 of the related degree

Foundation Course – Short & Affordable

My mum contacted EduSpiral to help advise me on which course & university to choose as I was quite confused. He took us to visit the universities & helped guide me to make the right choice. Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
My mum contacted EduSpiral to help advise me on which course & university to choose as I was quite confused. He took us to visit the universities & helped guide me to make the right choice.
Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Foundation courses are offered by Private Universities as a transition into their degree programmes. It helps students after SPM or O-Levels to familiarise with the university’s own degree courses & adjust to university life.

Furthermore, students will take about 15 subjects depending on the type of Foundation Programme. Assessment is about 50% exam and 50% coursework and assignments.

Why Study Foundation?

A-Levels – Exam-Base with Worldwide Recognition

A-Levels at Taylor's College Lakeside Campuse
EduSpiral advised me to go for the best college for A-Levels in order to fulfil my dream of entering an Ivy League university in the USA. He met us at Taylor’s College to talk to us and tour the college.
Gi Hang, A-Levels at Taylor’s College

A-Levels is a UK-based programme that’s popular in Malaysia. The A-Level programme places emphasis on knowledge, understanding and reasoning abilities and skills. Students can choose to take 2 to 4 subjects from a wide range of subjects depending on their degree path.

The A-level course is 12 – 18 months and is a 100% external examination-based course.

Both the ‘A2’ and ‘AS’ level examination sessions occur twice a year, in June and November, with some subjects only available in June or November.

Why Study A-Levels?

  • Students who have good results in SPM/O-Levels and prefer exam-oriented assessment rather than coursework or assignments, should go for the A-Levels.
  • Accepted by universities worldwide
  • General subjects therefore the choices to enter degree programmes are wide depending on your subject combination

Australian Matriculation – Coursework & Recognised Worldwide

South Australian Matriculation (SAM) at Taylors College
I met EduSpiral a few years back & although I wanted to pursue his advise, my parents asked me to take STPM. I wasn’t satistied with my STPM results and finally, EduSpiral helped me to understand clearly that SAM was the best Pre-U that suit me. Khalil, South Australian Matriculation (SAM) at Taylors College

TheSouth Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International is an internationally-recognised Australian pre-university matriculation programme which is set and administered by the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia (SSABSA).

SAM or SACEi has been offered to students outside of Australia since 1984 and is accepted by many renowned universities in Australia, the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, India, and private universities in Malaysia as an admission criterion into their undergraduate programmes.

SACEi is a 10-month matriculation programme which is 30% exam and remaining 70% is awarded internally through continuous assessment of coursework and tests.

    • South Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International: 70% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 30% exams
    • AUSMAT: 50% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 50% exams

Why Australian Matriculation

  • Recognised for entry by most countries overseas
  • Shorter duration compared to the A-Levels and STPM
  • Continuous assessment helps to accumulate marks towards your final grade, instead of depending on a particular exam or coursework
  • Students who have a strong command of the English language & like assignment based courses would do well in the Australian Matriculation

American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) – Only if you want to Study in the USA

I met EduSpiral at their fair and then at Old Town for more counseling. They then met me at the college to help with the application. Zhi Leong, ADP at HELP College of Arts & Technology
I met EduSpiral at their fair and then at Old Town for more counseling. They then met me at the college to help with the application. Zhi Leong, ADP at HELP University

The USA has one of the world’s finest education systems, with the highest number of top ranked universities in the world. Students interested to save money and study the first part of their degree program in Malaysia before continuing on to the USA for the final part can go for the American Degree Transfer Program or ADTP.

In addition, the American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) provides an education that emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills. It produces graduates with strong critical and analytical thinking skills with the ability to put knowledge into action.

Students after SPM or O-Levels will enter into the American Degree Programme for 2 years before transferring their credits to a university of their choice in the USA for the final 2 years. Students are assessed through exams, coursework, assignments, presentations, quizzes and research papers.

 

Why American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)?

  • You save a lot of money by studying the first 2 years in Malaysia.
  • The curriculum is broad based and flexible.
  • Students are allowed to switch major if they decided to do so even after 2 years of studies.
  • The education is learning-driven instead of exam-driven. Students are groomed to be all rounded team players with strong critical thinking and communication skills.

Canadian Pre-University (CPU) or CIMP

Mr. Lonnie from EduSpiral, guided us in our confusion of which course to take that has a high job demand & salary and after the counseling, we decided on Fintech. Bryan & Wen Kai, Fintech at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Mr. Lonnie from EduSpiral, guided us in our confusion of which course to take that has a high job demand & salary and after the counseling, we decided on Fintech.
Bryan & Wen Kai, Fintech at Asia Pacific University (APU)

The Canadian Pre-University (CPU) or CIMP is the final year of the secondary school programme in Ontario, Canada.

CIMP is a 12-month course where intake occurs three times a year in January, March and July.

The examination sessions occur twice a year, in May and November.

It is 70% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 30% final exam. Students must also complete 10 hours of approved community service

STPM – Exam-Based for Entry into Public Universities

EduSpiral advised us that the Foundation in Science going into Pharmacy would be our best choice because our STPM results didn't meet the requirements. Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy at UCSI University
EduSpiral advised us that the Foundation in Science going into Pharmacy would be our best choice because our STPM results didn’t meet the requirements. Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy at UCSI University

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) 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 in the world.

 

Students will go through a school-based assessment with a weighting of 20-40% of the final score and a centralised examination with a weighting of 60-80% of the final score (The weighting varies according to subjects).

Nevertheless, School Based Assessment (SBA) cannot be repeated and repeaters are required to sit for an alternative written paper in place with SBA.

You will take the examinations at the end of each term (3 in total). One term is 6 months. Students who are not satisfied with their results for the first two terms can retake the examinations at the end of the third term.

Students’ assessment will be carried out each term with the results being released at the end of each respective term. The overall STPM results will be based on the best combined results of the three terms.

Why STPM?

  • A Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) in Malaysia
  • An affordable Pre-University programme
  • Recognised for entry into universities worldwide
  • With School Based Assessment, teaching and learning are integrated with assessment. Students are allowed to improve on their first term and second term results by retaking these term examinations at the end of the third term. Students who do not obtain satisfactory results for the third term may also re-sit it.

EduSpiral gets to know who you are so we can advise you how to choose the best course that fits you

Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
I contacted EduSpiral to find an affordable college for culinary arts. He arranged for me and my mother for a campus tour & helped me find a college that had excellent facilities that I could afford. Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management

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

  • 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 university 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 private colleges and universities in Malaysia

 

Study Guide After SPM

After SPM – Ultimate Guide on How to Choose the Best Course

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services. For more information contact 01111408838

Now that SPM is over, you have to make some important decisions on continuing your studies. There are so many choices out there, so which one should you choose?

Part of finding the right course to study in Malaysia for you will be picking out the criteria that matters to most to you, and then seeing if any of the top private colleges or universities in Malaysia that you’re looking at fit those criteria. Choosing the right course to study in Malaysia after SPM is one of the most important decisions you will make in your life.

Your decision will be influenced by many criteria such as the budget for your studies, accreditation of the course by MQA & relevant professional bodies, the suitability of the course against your academic results and career goals, tuition fees, job prospects, salary for the career, and more.

There are literally thousands of courses to choose from, and each university and college programme in Malaysia will vary on their offerings. You need to pick a major that your future self will thank you for. With this complete guide where we’ll walk you step-by-step through the process, you’ll be well on the way to finding the best course that will suit you.

In addition, 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.

In this article, we will discuss about the diploma and various types of Pre-University programmes available in Malaysia for you to choose from.

You might also be interested to read these:

For more information on how to choose the right course with high job demand, contact 01111408838

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

After SPM Options – Diploma & Pre-University Programmes

Mr. Lonnie from EduSpiral, guided us in our confusion of which course to take that has a high job demand & salary and after the counseling, we decided on Fintech. Bryan & Wen Kai, Fintech at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Mr. Lonnie from EduSpiral, guided us in our confusion of which course to take that has a high job demand & salary and after the counseling, we decided on Fintech. Bryan & Wen Kai, Fintech at Asia Pacific University (APU)

Choosing the right Diploma or  Pre-University course after SPM can be confusing as there are many out there for you to choose from. Choosing the right course depends on various factors such as your SPM results, budget, personality, learning style, education and capability to handle the course.

Students must ask, “Which is the Best Course that Fits me?” and not “Which is the Best Course?“. There is a big difference. If you just listen to everyone saying that this course is the best one without taking into account your own personality and needs, then you may have chosen the wrong one. It is choosing the right Pre-U programme that fits you and your future goals.

To choose the best Pre-University programme or Diploma course to study in Malaysia, you have to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my learning style?

    My friend introduced me to EduSpiral. He gave me all the information on Facebook & then met us at the Education Fair to guide us on how to choose the right university Lyngkaran, Engineering at Taylor's University
    My friend introduced me to EduSpiral. He gave me all the information on Facebook & then met us at the Education Fair to guide us on how to choose the right university Lyngkaran, Engineering at Taylor’s University

    • Do you prefer exam-based or a mix of exams, assignments, course work, etc.? What is your learning style? Each Pre-University Programme & Diploma has different learning styles from Exam-Based to a mix of coursework, assignments & exams.
    • Understanding your learning style will enhance your ability to perform better in the course.
    • Talk to the EduSpiral counselors to find out in detail about the curriculum of the Pre-University programme to see which one best fits you.
  • What do you want to study for your degree course?
  • What is the Budget for my Studies?
    • A Foundation programme will cost from RM10,000 to RM25,000 while a degree at a private university will cost from RM50,000-RM100,000 for a business course to RM130,000 for a Pharmacy course.
    • Hence, if studying at a private university for Pharmacy costs RM130,000 and you are determined to study Pharmacy, then you should consider taking the STPM and going for Public University.
    • However, note that STPM is extremely tough and takes 2 years of your time. You may not get the degree of your choice when entering into Public University.
    • Or you can consider another course at a private university that would fit your budget.
  • What’s my Educational Goals?

    Mass Communication at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
    EduSpiral picked us up from Subang Airport to take us to visit the universities & advised on which is the best for mass communication. Hui Lan, Mass Communication at KDU University College

    • Do you want to continue your studies in Malaysia or overseas? If you plan to go overseas, then go for the external Pre-University programme and choose based on which country you want to go to.
    • If you plan to continue your degree course in Malaysia, you should just take the Foundation course as it is cheaper and generally easier than the external Pre-U.
    • To study overseas will cost from RM150,000 to RM200,000 a year at least. So, if you do not have the finances to study overseas, there is no point to go for an external Pre-University Programme. A Foundation course at a top private university in Malaysia will be sufficient.
    • Going overseas to study will give you the opportunity to stay there to work and apply for permanent residence. This could be one of your future goals and planning ahead increases your chances of achieving it.
  • What’s my capability?
    • Sometimes students choose the Pre-University programme for the wrong reasons. Students must research carefully the type of Pre-University and its assessment style.
    • Some students don’t perform well in the Pre-University because the assessment of the Pre-University doesn’t fit them or their command of the English language is too weak to handle the written assignments.
    • Just because a Pre-University is free, doesn’t mean that it would be the best or “less burden” to your parents. Taking the STPM may be free but it is a very tough exam. If you have 9As and you take the STPM, which is tougher to score, you may not be able to get 4As to apply for scholarships for degree.
    • But if you take the Foundation, even if you have to pay a bit, but you score because it is very much easier than STPM, you will be able to apply for partial or even full scholarship for your degree.

Understanding What the Diploma & Pre-University Programmes will Help You Choose the Right One

What is a Diploma Course?

EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw - Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw – Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)

Students who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. If you are still not sure, then you should go for a Pre-University programme. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic.

After completing your diploma, you can go find a job or continue on to Year 2 of the degree if your college or university offers the degree or you can transfer credits into another university. If you transfer to another university, you may not be able to get the full exemptions to enter into Year 2 of the degree.

  • What is the Duration of the Diploma?
    • 24 – 30 months
  • How is the Diploma Assessed?
    • Students will take  25-35 subjects in the diploma.
    • It is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage.
    • The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
    • Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts.
    • The learning is very much practical oriented.
  • How much does the Diploma Cost?
    • Depending on the college or university, the Diploma will cost between RM15,000 to RM50,000 total.
  • Why Should you Study Diploma?
    • The Diploma is technically not a pre-university programme; it is one level below undergraduate degree
    • Needs at least 3 credits in SPM to enter the Diploma programme
    • Students may apply for the PTPN Loan for Diploma courses. There is no PTPN Loan for Foundation & External Pre-University programmes
    • You will study the subjects that you are interested in. The subjects are specific to your field of interest.
    • The course is more practical with mixed assessment.
    • Upon completion of the Diploma, you may choose to start work or continue on to Year 2 of the related degree.

What is a Foundation Course?

Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
My mum contacted EduSpiral and he gave me in-depth information on the courses & universities. He arranged for us to tour the universities to help me make the right choice. Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business (Actuarial Science) at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Many private higher educational institutions in Malaysia, 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.

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 businesscomputer 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 is the Duration of the Foundation Course?
  • How is the Foundation Course Assessed?
    • Students will take various subjects depending on the type of Foundation Programme. Assessment is about 50% exam and 50% coursework and assignments.
    • In addition, assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams.
    • The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester.
    • The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. The assessments are subject to quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards and ensuring fair assessment.
  • How much does a Foundation Course Cost?
    • A Foundation programme cost depends on the private university and ranges from RM6000 to RM25,000 total for 1 year.
  • Why Should you Study a Foundation Course?
    • The Foundation Programmes are 1 year and is cheaper compared to the external Pre-University Programmes.
    • Students intending to continue on in the particular university can choose to go for their internal Foundation course.
    • Its accredited by MQA & can transfer to other private universities in Malaysia for the relevant degree.
  • What are the Different Types of Foundation Courses in Malaysia?
    • Unlike the external pre-university programmes in Malaysia which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the Foundation programmes for private universities provide specialisation in specific areas of study such as business, computer & IT, or engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.
    • Below is a list of the different types of Foundation Programmes in Malaysia:
      1. Foundation in Science
      2. Foundation in Arts
      3. Foundation in Business Administration or Management
      4. Foundation in Communication & Media Studies
      5. Foundation in Computing & Technology
      6. Foundation in Engineering
      7. Foundation in Natural & Built Environment or Architecture
      8. Foundation in Design

What is A-Levels?

EduSpiral advised & helped me choose the best college for A-Levels. And now I have graduated from a top ranked UK University in Malaysia Dexter Leong, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Degree from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
EduSpiral advised & helped me choose the best college for A-Levels. And now I have graduated from a top ranked UK University in Malaysia Dexter Leong, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Degree from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

A-Levels is a UK-based programme that’s popular in Malaysia. The A-Level programme places emphasis on knowledge, understanding and reasoning abilities and skills. Students can choose to take 2 to 4 subjects from a wide range of subjects depending on their degree path.

  • What is the Duration of the A-Levels Course?
    • 12 – 18 months
    • Intakes in January, March and July.
  • How is the A-Levels Course Assessed?
    • It is 100% external examination-based.
    • Both the ‘A2’ and ‘AS’ level examination sessions occur twice a year, in June and November, with some subjects only available in June or November.
    • The A-level syllabuses are divided into Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Two (A2) levels, each contributing 50% towards the final A-Level grade.
    • AS Level is the first half of the course and forms the foundation of A-Level. A2 Level is the second part of the syllabus and covers more difficult topics.
  • How much does the A-Levels Course Cost?
    • RM20,000 – RM40,000
  • Why Should you Study A-Levels?
    • Students who have good results in SPM/O-Levels and prefer exam-oriented assessment rather than coursework or assignments, should go for the A-Levels.
    • Commonly considered the ‘Gold Standard’ of Pre-U programmes and is globally accepted (UK, US, Singapore, Australia etc.)
    • Accepted by universities worldwide
    • General subjects therefore the choices to enter degree programmes are wide depending on your subject combination

What is the Australian Matriculation?

South Australian Matriculation (SAM) at Taylors College
I met EduSpiral a few years back & although I wanted to pursue his advise, my parents asked me to take STPM. I wasn’t satistied with my STPM results and finally, EduSpiral helped me to understand clearly that SAM was the best Pre-U that suit me. Khalil, South Australian Matriculation (SAM) at Taylors College

TheSouth Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International is an internationally-recognised Australian pre-university matriculation programme which is set and administered by the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia (SSABSA).

SAM or SACEi has been offered to students outside of Australia since 1984 and is accepted by many renowned universities in Australia, the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, India, and private universities in Malaysia as an admission criterion into their undergraduate programmes.

  • What is the Duration of the Australian Matriculation Course?
    • 7 – 18 months.
    • Typically, you would start the course in January or March and take your exams in November.
    • The June intake is 18 months with the exams in November the following year.
  • How is the Australian Matriculation Course Assessed?
    • SAM is a 10-month matriculation programme with a unique assessment pattern – 50% of the final mark is derived from the final public examination (usually in the month of October/November) while the remaining 50% is awarded internally through continuous assessment of coursework and tests. It offers students the flexibility to complete the programme over an extended period although the normal duration of study is one year.
    • Students taking the SAM programme must complete five subjects, including one subject from List 1 and at least one subject from List 2. In addition, students must achieve a satisfactory score (10/20 or better) in either English as Second Language Studies, or English Studies. Students can also repeat subjects without a penalty.
    • The SAM programme gives students an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR, which is a percentile ranking that is utilised as a selection criterion of students for bachelor’s degree courses by universities in Australia and different parts of the world.
    • South Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International: 70% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 30% exams
    • AUSMAT: 50% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 50% exams
  • How much does the Australian Matriculation Course Cost?
    • RM21,000 – RM40,000
  • Why Should you Study Australian Matriculation?
    • Recognised for entry by most countries overseas
    • Shorter duration compared to the A-Levels and STPM
    • Continuous assessment helps to accumulate marks towards your final grade, instead of depending on a particular exam or coursework
    • Students who have a strong command of the English language & like assignment based courses would do well in the Australian Matriculation
  • Things to Consider
    • There are some slight differences between the two programmes and it is important for students to research and compare to see which on fits them.
    • I would not advise students to go for the March intake as it is an intensive programme which is shorter in duration where the exam is in November.
    • Many students with good SPM results have not done well after taking the March intake for AUSMAT.

What is American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)?

I met EduSpiral at their fair and then at Old Town for more counseling. They then  met me at the college to help with the application. Zhi Leong, ADP at HELP College of Arts & Technology
I met EduSpiral at their fair and then at Old Town for more counseling. They then met me at the college to help with the application. Zhi Leong, ADP at HELP University

The USA has one of the world’s finest education systems, with excellent programs across all disciplines. The USA higher education system has a lot to offer Malaysian students. Students interested to save money and study the first part of their degree program in Malaysia before continuing on to the USA for the final part can go for the American Degree Transfer Program or ADTP.

The American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) structure is flexible, broad and all-rounded, giving equal emphasis on building a strong theoretical base along with importance on practical, employment-related skills.

Furthermore, the highest ranking universities in the world are in the USA. Universities in the USA pride themselves on being at the forefront of technology, research and techniques, and in making the best possible equipment and resources available to their students.

The American undergraduate degree provides an education that emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills. American education provides a flexible, holistic and well-rounded approach to education. It produces graduates with strong critical and analytical thinking skills with the ability to put knowledge into action.

  • What is the Duration of the American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)?
    • The ADTP duration is 24 months although students can also transfer after 12 months.
    • The American education system does not require Pre-University to enter into the degree programme after SPM or O-Levels.
    • After SPM or O-Levels, students will enter into the American Degree Programme for 2 years before transferring their credits to a university of their choice in the USA for the final 2 years.
    • Students after SPM or O-Levels will enter directly into Year 1 of the degree program for a total of 4 years.
    • The American Degree system is
      • Year 1 (Freshman) – American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) in Malaysia
      • Year 2 (Sophomore) – American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) in Malaysia
      • Year 3 (Junior) – University in the USA
      • Year 4 (Senior) – University in the USA
  • How is the American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) Assessed?
    • Students are assessed through exams, coursework, assignments, presentations, quizzes and research papers.
    • The percentage of exams and assignments varies depending on the subject you are taking.
    • Students will take about 40 subjects (110 – 140 credit hours) in total during their four years of studies, where 20 subjects (60 credit hours) are completed at ADP and the rest are completed in the USA.
    • Students will normally take about 4-5 subjects each semester.
    • Final results will be a single score, the Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 0.0 to 4.0 scale. The highest grade is an A, which equals 4.0 The final result is the CGPA (cumulative grade point average) which is also on a 0.0 to 4.0 scale, and is your GPA obtained from all subjects taken.
  • How much does the American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) Cost?
    • RM30,000 – RM60,000 for duration of 2 years of study in Malaysia.
    • Cost of studying in the USA would range from RM150,000 to RM200,000 per year including cost of living.
  • Why Should you Study American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)?
    • The curriculum is broad based and flexible.
    • Students are allowed to switch major if they decided to do so even after 2 years of studies.
    • Students are required to take courses outside of their major (commonly known as the liberal arts education philosophy).
    • Continuous learning and testing system (70% coursework, 30% final examination) where students are involved in projects, teamwork, presentation, extra- and co-curricular activities.
    • The education is learning-driven instead of exam-driven. Students are groomed to be all rounded team players with strong critical thinking and communication skills.
    • Students are expected to speak, ask, and challenge your instructors during discussions in / outside of class.
  • Things to Consider
    • You must be sure that you want to study in the USA because you cannot use the ADTP to enter into the degree programme at other private universities in Malaysia, UK or Australia.

What is Canadian Pre-University (CPU) or CIMP?

EduSpiral advised me to study Finance because it had high job demand & salary. Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate from UCSI University
EduSpiral advised me to study Finance because it had high job demand & salary. Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate from UCSI University

The Canadian Pre-University (CPU) or CIMP is the final year of the secondary school programme in Ontario, Canada. It is designed based on the course guidelines and standards of the Ministry of Education and Training of the Ontario Province.

  • What is the Duration of the CIMP?
    • CIMP is a 12-month course where intake occurs three times a year in January, March and July.
    • The examination sessions occur twice a year, in May and November.
  • How is the CIMP Assessed?
    • Students take a total of six subjects which include one English subject, that is, either ENG4E or ENG4U. The other subjects are Business, Computer Studies.
    • It is 70% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 30% final exam.
  • How much does the CIMP Cost?
    • Between RM13,000 – RM35,000
  • Why Should you Study CIMP?
    • Focuses on interactive learning as opposed to only academic
    • Progressive accumulation of marks towards your final grade instead of depending on one final exam or coursework
  • Things to Consider
    • March intakes are shortened and more intensive therefore I would not recommend for students to go for the March intake for CIMP.
    • Public speaking and debate may not be suitable everyone (requirement for CPU)
    • Very high entry requirements for competitive programmes like Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, etc. It is also not recognised for entry into certain programmes at universities.
    • Students must do well consistently in all assessment types to obtain a high final grade

What is STPM?

EduSpiral advised us that the Foundation in Science going into Pharmacy would be our best choice because our STPM results didn't meet the requirements. Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy at UCSI University
EduSpiral advised us that the Foundation in Science going into Pharmacy would be our best choice because our STPM results didn’t meet the requirements. Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy at UCSI University

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) 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 in the world.

  • What is the Duration of the STPM?
    • 18 months (+6 months if you intend to apply to public universities)
  • How is STPM Assessed?
    • Students will go through a school-based assessment with a weighting of 20-40% of the final score and a centralised examination with a weighting of 60-80% of the final score (The weighting varies according to subjects).
    • Nevertheless, School Based Assessment (SBA) cannot be repeated and repeaters are required to sit for an alternative written paper in place with SBA.
    • The curriculum is divided into three parts based on topic areas. Each part will be taught and studied in either the first, second or third term.
    • You will take the examinations at the end of each term (3 in total). One term is 6 months. Students who are not satisfied with their results for the first two terms can retake the examinations at the end of the third term.
    • Students’ assessment will be carried out each term with the results being released at the end of each respective term. The overall STPM results will be based on the best combined results of the three terms.
  • How much does STPM Cost?
    • Less than RM1,000
  • Why Should you Study STPM?
    • A Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) in Malaysia
    • An affordable Pre-University programme
    • Recognised for entry into universities worldwide
    • With School Based Assessment, teaching and learning are integrated with assessment. Students are allowed to improve on their first term and second term results by retaking these term examinations at the end of the third term. Students who do not obtain satisfactory results for the third term may also re-sit it.
  • Things to Consider
    • If you had scored high is SPM, you are eligible for scholarships for Foundation programmes at top private universities. The Foundation programmes are easier and so if you score for Foundation, you can get more scholarships to cover part or all of your degree studies.
    • Problem is if you take the STPM which is so much tougher than the Foundation course, although Form 6 is free, but if you don’t score in STPM, you have no scholarship for your degree studies and in the end have to pay all of the fees for your degree studies in private university.
    • The STPM is extremely tough and if you do not do well, you would have wasted 2 years of your life and time is money. The earlier you graduate and join the work force, the more work experience you can gain and add this to your resume where it translates into higher salary. If you take a diploma at a private university in Malaysia, you would have finished it at the same time you would have taken to complete Form 6.
    • You need a lot of discipline and good teachers in order to do well in the STPM. If you have alright results for your SPM, don’t expect a miracle in the STPM as it is 20 times tougher than the SPM.
    • The STPM can be very challenging for students who are weak academically or who do not prepare themselves well
    • Heavy weightage of exam-based assessment
    • As soon as you enter Lower 6 you will have to hit the books because your first exam will be in December and you will have not much time to study and the teachers do no have enough time to cover the material as well. There is no rest as you will need to keep studying  the exams every 6 months.
    • To enter into most private universities, students must achieve at least a CGPA of 2.00 or at least 2 Principal Cs in the relevant subjects. A C- is not a principal and some universities do not accept the Pengajian Am as entry into the university.
    • STPM requires you to take in too much information in 1.5 years. That in itself shows the inadequacies of a system which doesn’t give enough time for students to consume the information required. Furthermore, STPM needs a lot of study time in order to score well. If you are not ready to commit the time and effort, you should consider other options.
    • From the time you enter Form 6 till the exam and getting into IPTA would be 2 years. If you had taken a diploma, you would have already completed it.
    • English language not emphasized so you do not gain the all important language and communication skills needed to succeed in the workforce
    • The government chooses the course and university (IPTA) for you. Therefore, after 2 years, you may not get to study what you want.

EduSpiral gets to know who you are so we can advise you how to choose the best course that fits you

Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
I contacted EduSpiral to find an affordable college for culinary arts. He arranged for me and my mother for a campus tour & helped me find a college that had excellent facilities that I could afford. Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management

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

  • 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 university 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 private colleges and universities in Malaysia

 

 

 

What to Study after SPM

Guide on How to Choose the Right Course to Study after SPM

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services. For more information contact 01111408838

With the SPM exam over, you have to make some important choices about your future education. Many people are giving you a lot of advise and information and with so many choices out there, so which one should you choose?

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.

In this article, we will discuss about the diploma and various types of Pre-University programmes available in Malaysia for you to choose from to help you make the right choice.

You might also be interested to read these:

For more information on how to choose the right course with high job demand, contact 01111408838

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

After SPM Options – Diploma & Pre-University Programmes

Mr. Lonnie from EduSpiral, guided us in our confusion of which course to take that has a high job demand & salary and after the counseling, we decided on Fintech. Bryan & Wen Kai, Fintech at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Mr. Lonnie from EduSpiral, guided us in our confusion of which course to take that has a high job demand & salary and after the counseling, we decided on Fintech. Bryan & Wen Kai, Fintech at Asia Pacific University (APU)

Choosing the right Diploma or  Pre-University course after SPM can be confusing as there are many out there for you to choose from. Choosing the right course depends on various factors such as your SPM results, budget, personality, learning style, education and capability to handle the course.

Students must ask, “Which is the Best Course that Fits me?” and not “Which is the Best Course?“. There is a big difference. If you just listen to everyone saying that this course is the best one without taking into account your own personality and needs, then you may have chosen the wrong one. It is choosing the right Pre-U programme that fits you and your future goals.

To choose the best Pre-University programme or Diploma course to study in Malaysia, you have to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my learning style?

    My friend introduced me to EduSpiral. He gave me all the information on Facebook & then met us at the Education Fair to guide us on how to choose the right university Lyngkaran, Engineering at Taylor's University
    My friend introduced me to EduSpiral. He gave me all the information on Facebook & then met us at the Education Fair to guide us on how to choose the right university Lyngkaran, Engineering at Taylor’s University

    • Do you prefer exam-based or a mix of exams, assignments, course work, etc.? What is your learning style? Each Pre-University Programme & Diploma has different learning styles from Exam-Based to a mix of coursework, assignments & exams.
    • Understanding your learning style will enhance your ability to perform better in the course.
    • Talk to the EduSpiral counselors to find out in detail about the curriculum of the Pre-University programme to see which one best fits you.
  • What do you want to study for your degree course?
  • What is the Budget for my Studies?
    • A Foundation programme will cost from RM10,000 to RM25,000 while a degree at a private university will cost from RM50,000-RM100,000 for a business course to RM130,000 for a Pharmacy course.
    • Hence, if studying at a private university for Pharmacy costs RM130,000 and you are determined to study Pharmacy, then you should consider taking the STPM and going for Public University.
    • However, note that STPM is extremely tough and takes 2 years of your time. You may not get the degree of your choice when entering into Public University.
    • Or you can consider another course at a private university that would fit your budget.
  • What’s my Educational Goals?

    Mass Communication at KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
    EduSpiral picked us up from Subang Airport to take us to visit the universities & advised on which is the best for mass communication. Hui Lan, Mass Communication at KDU University College

    • Do you want to continue your studies in Malaysia or overseas? If you plan to go overseas, then go for the external Pre-University programme and choose based on which country you want to go to.
    • If you plan to continue your degree course in Malaysia, you should just take the Foundation course as it is cheaper and generally easier than the external Pre-U.
    • To study overseas will cost from RM150,000 to RM200,000 a year at least. So, if you do not have the finances to study overseas, there is no point to go for an external Pre-University Programme. A Foundation course at a top private university in Malaysia will be sufficient.
    • Going overseas to study will give you the opportunity to stay there to work and apply for permanent residence. This could be one of your future goals and planning ahead increases your chances of achieving it.
  • What’s my capability?
    • Sometimes students choose the Pre-University programme for the wrong reasons. Students must research carefully the type of Pre-University and its assessment style.
    • Some students don’t perform well in the Pre-University because the assessment of the Pre-University doesn’t fit them or their command of the English language is too weak to handle the written assignments.
    • Just because a Pre-University is free, doesn’t mean that it would be the best or “less burden” to your parents. Taking the STPM may be free but it is a very tough exam. If you have 9As and you take the STPM, which is tougher to score, you may not be able to get 4As to apply for scholarships for degree.
    • But if you take the Foundation, even if you have to pay a bit, but you score because it is very much easier than STPM, you will be able to apply for partial or even full scholarship for your degree.

Understanding What the Diploma & Pre-University Programmes will Help You Choose the Right One

What is a Diploma Course?

EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw - Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw – Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)

Students who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. If you are still not sure, then you should go for a Pre-University programme. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic.

After completing your diploma, you can go find a job or continue on to Year 2 of the degree if your college or university offers the degree or you can transfer credits into another university. If you transfer to another university, you may not be able to get the full exemptions to enter into Year 2 of the degree.

  • What is the Duration of the Diploma?
    • 24 – 30 months
  • How is the Diploma Assessed?
    • Students will take  25-35 subjects in the diploma.
    • It is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage.
    • The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
    • Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts.
    • The learning is very much practical oriented.
  • How much does the Diploma Cost?
    • Depending on the college or university, the Diploma will cost between RM15,000 to RM50,000 total.
  • Why Should you Study Diploma?
    • The Diploma is technically not a pre-university programme; it is one level below undergraduate degree
    • Needs at least 3 credits in SPM to enter the Diploma programme
    • Students may apply for the PTPN Loan for Diploma courses. There is no PTPN Loan for Foundation & External Pre-University programmes
    • You will study the subjects that you are interested in. The subjects are specific to your field of interest.
    • The course is more practical with mixed assessment.
    • Upon completion of the Diploma, you may choose to start work or continue on to Year 2 of the related degree.

What is a Foundation Course?

Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
My mum contacted EduSpiral and he gave me in-depth information on the courses & universities. He arranged for us to tour the universities to help me make the right choice. Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business (Actuarial Science) at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

Many private higher educational institutions in Malaysia, 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.

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 businesscomputer 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 is the Duration of the Foundation Course?
  • How is the Foundation Course Assessed?
    • Students will take various subjects depending on the type of Foundation Programme. Assessment is about 50% exam and 50% coursework and assignments.
    • In addition, assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams.
    • The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester.
    • The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. The assessments are subject to quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards and ensuring fair assessment.
  • How much does a Foundation Course Cost?
    • A Foundation programme cost depends on the private university and ranges from RM6000 to RM25,000 total for 1 year.
  • Why Should you Study a Foundation Course?
    • The Foundation Programmes are 1 year and is cheaper compared to the external Pre-University Programmes.
    • Students intending to continue on in the particular university can choose to go for their internal Foundation course.
    • Its accredited by MQA & can transfer to other private universities in Malaysia for the relevant degree.
  • What are the Different Types of Foundation Courses in Malaysia?
    • Unlike the external pre-university programmes in Malaysia which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the Foundation programmes for private universities provide specialisation in specific areas of study such as business, computer & IT, or engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.
    • Below is a list of the different types of Foundation Programmes in Malaysia:
      1. Foundation in Science
      2. Foundation in Arts
      3. Foundation in Business Administration or Management
      4. Foundation in Communication & Media Studies
      5. Foundation in Computing & Technology
      6. Foundation in Engineering
      7. Foundation in Natural & Built Environment or Architecture
      8. Foundation in Design

What is A-Levels?

EduSpiral advised & helped me choose the best college for A-Levels. And now I have graduated from a top ranked UK University in Malaysia Dexter Leong, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Degree from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
EduSpiral advised & helped me choose the best college for A-Levels. And now I have graduated from a top ranked UK University in Malaysia Dexter Leong, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Degree from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus

A-Levels is a UK-based programme that’s popular in Malaysia. The A-Level programme places emphasis on knowledge, understanding and reasoning abilities and skills. Students can choose to take 2 to 4 subjects from a wide range of subjects depending on their degree path.

  • What is the Duration of the A-Levels Course?
    • 12 – 18 months
    • Intakes in January, March and July.
  • How is the A-Levels Course Assessed?
    • It is 100% external examination-based.
    • Both the ‘A2’ and ‘AS’ level examination sessions occur twice a year, in June and November, with some subjects only available in June or November.
    • The A-level syllabuses are divided into Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Two (A2) levels, each contributing 50% towards the final A-Level grade.
    • AS Level is the first half of the course and forms the foundation of A-Level. A2 Level is the second part of the syllabus and covers more difficult topics.
  • How much does the A-Levels Course Cost?
    • RM20,000 – RM40,000
  • Why Should you Study A-Levels?
    • Students who have good results in SPM/O-Levels and prefer exam-oriented assessment rather than coursework or assignments, should go for the A-Levels.
    • Commonly considered the ‘Gold Standard’ of Pre-U programmes and is globally accepted (UK, US, Singapore, Australia etc.)
    • Accepted by universities worldwide
    • General subjects therefore the choices to enter degree programmes are wide depending on your subject combination

What is the Australian Matriculation?

South Australian Matriculation (SAM) at Taylors College
I met EduSpiral a few years back & although I wanted to pursue his advise, my parents asked me to take STPM. I wasn’t satistied with my STPM results and finally, EduSpiral helped me to understand clearly that SAM was the best Pre-U that suit me. Khalil, South Australian Matriculation (SAM) at Taylors College

TheSouth Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International is an internationally-recognised Australian pre-university matriculation programme which is set and administered by the Senior Secondary Assessment Board of South Australia (SSABSA).

SAM or SACEi has been offered to students outside of Australia since 1984 and is accepted by many renowned universities in Australia, the UK, the US, Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, India, and private universities in Malaysia as an admission criterion into their undergraduate programmes.

  • What is the Duration of the Australian Matriculation Course?
    • 7 – 18 months.
    • Typically, you would start the course in January or March and take your exams in November.
    • The June intake is 18 months with the exams in November the following year.
  • How is the Australian Matriculation Course Assessed?
    • SAM is a 10-month matriculation programme with a unique assessment pattern – 50% of the final mark is derived from the final public examination (usually in the month of October/November) while the remaining 50% is awarded internally through continuous assessment of coursework and tests. It offers students the flexibility to complete the programme over an extended period although the normal duration of study is one year.
    • Students taking the SAM programme must complete five subjects, including one subject from List 1 and at least one subject from List 2. In addition, students must achieve a satisfactory score (10/20 or better) in either English as Second Language Studies, or English Studies. Students can also repeat subjects without a penalty.
    • The SAM programme gives students an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR, which is a percentile ranking that is utilised as a selection criterion of students for bachelor’s degree courses by universities in Australia and different parts of the world.
    • South Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International: 70% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 30% exams
    • AUSMAT: 50% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 50% exams
  • How much does the Australian Matriculation Course Cost?
    • RM21,000 – RM40,000
  • Why Should you Study Australian Matriculation?
    • Recognised for entry by most countries overseas
    • Shorter duration compared to the A-Levels and STPM
    • Continuous assessment helps to accumulate marks towards your final grade, instead of depending on a particular exam or coursework
    • Students who have a strong command of the English language & like assignment based courses would do well in the Australian Matriculation
  • Things to Consider
    • There are some slight differences between the two programmes and it is important for students to research and compare to see which on fits them.
    • I would not advise students to go for the March intake as it is an intensive programme which is shorter in duration where the exam is in November.
    • Many students with good SPM results have not done well after taking the March intake for AUSMAT.

What is American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)?

I met EduSpiral at their fair and then at Old Town for more counseling. They then  met me at the college to help with the application. Zhi Leong, ADP at HELP College of Arts & Technology
I met EduSpiral at their fair and then at Old Town for more counseling. They then met me at the college to help with the application. Zhi Leong, ADP at HELP University

The USA has one of the world’s finest education systems, with excellent programs across all disciplines. The USA higher education system has a lot to offer Malaysian students. Students interested to save money and study the first part of their degree program in Malaysia before continuing on to the USA for the final part can go for the American Degree Transfer Program or ADTP.

The American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) structure is flexible, broad and all-rounded, giving equal emphasis on building a strong theoretical base along with importance on practical, employment-related skills.

Furthermore, the highest ranking universities in the world are in the USA. Universities in the USA pride themselves on being at the forefront of technology, research and techniques, and in making the best possible equipment and resources available to their students.

The American undergraduate degree provides an education that emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills. American education provides a flexible, holistic and well-rounded approach to education. It produces graduates with strong critical and analytical thinking skills with the ability to put knowledge into action.

  • What is the Duration of the American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)?
    • The ADTP duration is 24 months although students can also transfer after 12 months.
    • The American education system does not require Pre-University to enter into the degree programme after SPM or O-Levels.
    • After SPM or O-Levels, students will enter into the American Degree Programme for 2 years before transferring their credits to a university of their choice in the USA for the final 2 years.
    • Students after SPM or O-Levels will enter directly into Year 1 of the degree program for a total of 4 years.
    • The American Degree system is
      • Year 1 (Freshman) – American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) in Malaysia
      • Year 2 (Sophomore) – American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) in Malaysia
      • Year 3 (Junior) – University in the USA
      • Year 4 (Senior) – University in the USA
  • How is the American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) Assessed?
    • Students are assessed through exams, coursework, assignments, presentations, quizzes and research papers.
    • The percentage of exams and assignments varies depending on the subject you are taking.
    • Students will take about 40 subjects (110 – 140 credit hours) in total during their four years of studies, where 20 subjects (60 credit hours) are completed at ADP and the rest are completed in the USA.
    • Students will normally take about 4-5 subjects each semester.
    • Final results will be a single score, the Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 0.0 to 4.0 scale. The highest grade is an A, which equals 4.0 The final result is the CGPA (cumulative grade point average) which is also on a 0.0 to 4.0 scale, and is your GPA obtained from all subjects taken.
  • How much does the American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) Cost?
    • RM30,000 – RM60,000 for duration of 2 years of study in Malaysia.
    • Cost of studying in the USA would range from RM150,000 to RM200,000 per year including cost of living.
  • Why Should you Study American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)?
    • The curriculum is broad based and flexible.
    • Students are allowed to switch major if they decided to do so even after 2 years of studies.
    • Students are required to take courses outside of their major (commonly known as the liberal arts education philosophy).
    • Continuous learning and testing system (70% coursework, 30% final examination) where students are involved in projects, teamwork, presentation, extra- and co-curricular activities.
    • The education is learning-driven instead of exam-driven. Students are groomed to be all rounded team players with strong critical thinking and communication skills.
    • Students are expected to speak, ask, and challenge your instructors during discussions in / outside of class.
  • Things to Consider
    • You must be sure that you want to study in the USA because you cannot use the ADTP to enter into the degree programme at other private universities in Malaysia, UK or Australia.

What is Canadian Pre-University (CPU) or CIMP?

EduSpiral advised me to study Finance because it had high job demand & salary. Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate from UCSI University
EduSpiral advised me to study Finance because it had high job demand & salary. Darren, Finance & Investment Graduate from UCSI University

The Canadian Pre-University (CPU) or CIMP is the final year of the secondary school programme in Ontario, Canada. It is designed based on the course guidelines and standards of the Ministry of Education and Training of the Ontario Province.

  • What is the Duration of the CIMP?
    • CIMP is a 12-month course where intake occurs three times a year in January, March and July.
    • The examination sessions occur twice a year, in May and November.
  • How is the CIMP Assessed?
    • Students take a total of six subjects which include one English subject, that is, either ENG4E or ENG4U. The other subjects are Business, Computer Studies.
    • It is 70% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 30% final exam.
  • How much does the CIMP Cost?
    • Between RM13,000 – RM35,000
  • Why Should you Study CIMP?
    • Focuses on interactive learning as opposed to only academic
    • Progressive accumulation of marks towards your final grade instead of depending on one final exam or coursework
  • Things to Consider
    • March intakes are shortened and more intensive therefore I would not recommend for students to go for the March intake for CIMP.
    • Public speaking and debate may not be suitable everyone (requirement for CPU)
    • Very high entry requirements for competitive programmes like Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, etc. It is also not recognised for entry into certain programmes at universities.
    • Students must do well consistently in all assessment types to obtain a high final grade

What is STPM?

EduSpiral advised us that the Foundation in Science going into Pharmacy would be our best choice because our STPM results didn't meet the requirements. Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy at UCSI University
EduSpiral advised us that the Foundation in Science going into Pharmacy would be our best choice because our STPM results didn’t meet the requirements. Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy at UCSI University

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) 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 in the world.

  • What is the Duration of the STPM?
    • 18 months (+6 months if you intend to apply to public universities)
  • How is STPM Assessed?
    • Students will go through a school-based assessment with a weighting of 20-40% of the final score and a centralised examination with a weighting of 60-80% of the final score (The weighting varies according to subjects).
    • Nevertheless, School Based Assessment (SBA) cannot be repeated and repeaters are required to sit for an alternative written paper in place with SBA.
    • The curriculum is divided into three parts based on topic areas. Each part will be taught and studied in either the first, second or third term.
    • You will take the examinations at the end of each term (3 in total). One term is 6 months. Students who are not satisfied with their results for the first two terms can retake the examinations at the end of the third term.
    • Students’ assessment will be carried out each term with the results being released at the end of each respective term. The overall STPM results will be based on the best combined results of the three terms.
  • How much does STPM Cost?
    • Less than RM1,000
  • Why Should you Study STPM?
    • A Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) in Malaysia
    • An affordable Pre-University programme
    • Recognised for entry into universities worldwide
    • With School Based Assessment, teaching and learning are integrated with assessment. Students are allowed to improve on their first term and second term results by retaking these term examinations at the end of the third term. Students who do not obtain satisfactory results for the third term may also re-sit it.
  • Things to Consider
    • If you had scored high is SPM, you are eligible for scholarships for Foundation programmes at top private universities. The Foundation programmes are easier and so if you score for Foundation, you can get more scholarships to cover part or all of your degree studies.
    • Problem is if you take the STPM which is so much tougher than the Foundation course, although Form 6 is free, but if you don’t score in STPM, you have no scholarship for your degree studies and in the end have to pay all of the fees for your degree studies in private university.
    • The STPM is extremely tough and if you do not do well, you would have wasted 2 years of your life and time is money. The earlier you graduate and join the work force, the more work experience you can gain and add this to your resume where it translates into higher salary. If you take a diploma at a private university in Malaysia, you would have finished it at the same time you would have taken to complete Form 6.
    • You need a lot of discipline and good teachers in order to do well in the STPM. If you have alright results for your SPM, don’t expect a miracle in the STPM as it is 20 times tougher than the SPM.
    • The STPM can be very challenging for students who are weak academically or who do not prepare themselves well
    • Heavy weightage of exam-based assessment
    • As soon as you enter Lower 6 you will have to hit the books because your first exam will be in December and you will have not much time to study and the teachers do no have enough time to cover the material as well. There is no rest as you will need to keep studying  the exams every 6 months.
    • To enter into most private universities, students must achieve at least a CGPA of 2.00 or at least 2 Principal Cs in the relevant subjects. A C- is not a principal and some universities do not accept the Pengajian Am as entry into the university.
    • STPM requires you to take in too much information in 1.5 years. That in itself shows the inadequacies of a system which doesn’t give enough time for students to consume the information required. Furthermore, STPM needs a lot of study time in order to score well. If you are not ready to commit the time and effort, you should consider other options.
    • From the time you enter Form 6 till the exam and getting into IPTA would be 2 years. If you had taken a diploma, you would have already completed it.
    • English language not emphasized so you do not gain the all important language and communication skills needed to succeed in the workforce
    • The government chooses the course and university (IPTA) for you. Therefore, after 2 years, you may not get to study what you want.

EduSpiral gets to know who you are so we can advise you how to choose the best course that fits you

Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
I contacted EduSpiral to find an affordable college for culinary arts. He arranged for me and my mother for a campus tour & helped me find a college that had excellent facilities that I could afford. Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management

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

  • 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 university 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 private colleges and universities in Malaysia

 

 

 

What is the best course to study in Malaysia after SPM?

Which Course Should I Study After SPM? Diploma or Pre-University (Foundation, STPM, A-Levels, etc)

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services For more information contact 01111408838

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.

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.

You might also be interested to read these:

For more information on the top private universities and colleges in Malaysia, Whatsapp 01111408838

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

Which is the Best Education Pathway after SPM?

I wanted to study mobile computing & EduSpiral shared with me about the course & helped me to choose the right university
I wanted to study mobile computing & EduSpiral shared with me about the course & helped me to choose the right university Mun Kit, Mobile Computing at Asia Pacific University (APU)

It can be confusing for students to choose the right course to study in Malaysia after SPM.

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.

With the wide variety of courses available to a student, the time after SPM can be a confusing one if not guided properly by an experienced and knowledgeable education counselor.

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.

At EduSpiral Consultant Services, we have counseled and helped thousands of students to choose the right course and private university to study in Malaysia.

The Different Types of Pre-University Programmes for SPM/O-Level School Leavers

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, Graduated in Mass Communication from KDU University College

Choosing the right Pre-University course after SPM or O-Levels can be confusing. There is no such thing as the “best” Pre-University programme. It is choosing the right Pre-U programme that fits you and your future goals. We have come up with a list of the Top Ten best Pre-University programmes to study in Malaysia,

Below is a list of pre-university programmes offered by top universities & colleges in Malaysia:

  1. Foundation programmes by private universities in Malaysia
  2. Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) Malaysia
  3. Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
  4. University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) UK A-Levels
  5. South Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International
  6. American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP)
  7. Edexcel International Advanced Level UK A-Levels
  8. Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)
  9. Matriculation Certificate, Ministry of Education Malaysia
  10. Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP)

There are many different Pre-University programmes available in Malaysia. I will list some of the most popular ones.

Diploma Course in Malaysia

EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw - Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw – Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)

With 3 credits, you can join most diploma courses. 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 Foundation.

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

Actuarial Science, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
My father wanted me to study at the best university for actuarial science & I wasn’t sure about my results. EduSpiral met up with us, explained about the course and university. Min En, Actuarial Science, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

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

After STPM I was searching for the right university to accept my results to pursue my dream but couldn't find until EduSpiral helped me. Jia Loon, Biotechnology at UCSI University
After STPM I was searching for the right university to accept my results to pursue my dream but couldn’t find until EduSpiral helped me.
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?

I contacted EduSpiral to find an affordable college for culinary arts. He arranged for me and my mother for a campus tour & helped me find a college that had excellent facilities that I could afford. Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
I contacted EduSpiral to find an affordable college for culinary arts. He arranged for me and my mother for a campus tour & helped me find a college that had excellent facilities that I could afford. Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management

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.

Summary of the Best Pre-University Programmes in Malaysia

Top Foundation Programmes in Malaysia

Students after SPM or O-Levels can consider taking the Foundation Programmes at top private universities in Malaysia. The Foundation Programmes are 1 year and is cheaper compared to the external Pre-University Programmes.

Many private higher educational institutions in Malaysia, have developed their own internal university foundation programmes. 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 in Malaysia.

Duration 12 months
Number of subjects 12-15. Varies depending on the programme and university (usually combination of compulsory, elective & MPU subjects)
Recognition & Accreditation Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA)
Assessment Assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams. The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester. The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. 
Price RM8,000 – RM25,000
Advantages
  • Tailored specifically towards the degree course offered by the university
  • Shorter duration compared to the STPM and A-Level programmes
  • Generally, cheaper than most Pre-University (Pre-U) programmes
  • Most students find it easier compared to other Pre-University programmes
  • English-speaking environment which would help you to improve your language skills (depends on which university you choose)
  • The course is taught and marked by Malaysians who would understand the language skills of Malaysian students. Therefore, students who are weak in the English language should choose the Foundation and take the opportunity to improve their language skills during the Foundation programme.
Disadvantages
  • Depending on which Foundation, it may be difficult to change courses if you decide to pursue a different field
  • May not be accepted by other private universities for your undergraduate degree
  • May not be accepted into universities overseas

 

The Best A-Level Programmes in Malaysia

EduSpiral advised me to go for the best college for A-Levels in order to fulfil my dream of entering an Ivy League university in the USA. He met us at Taylor’s College Subang to talk to us and tour the college.
Gi Hang, A-Levels at Taylor’s College

The A-Levels is quite popular however it is quite tough and not for those who do not have the discipline or motivation to complete it. I would recommend the A-Levels for those intending to pursue medicine, dentistry, law or pharmacy or who are planning to go overseas. The A-Levels is internationally-recognised for admission into universities worldwide including professional courses.

The A-level syllabuses are divided into Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced Two (A2) levels, each contributing 50% towards the final A-Level grade. AS Level is the first half of the course and forms the foundation of A-Level. A2 Level is the second part of the syllabus and covers more difficult topics.

Students who have good results in SPM/O-Levels and prefer exam-oriented assessment rather than coursework or assignments, should go for the A-Levels.

 

Country of origin United Kingdom (UK)
Duration 12 – 18 months
Number of subjects 2- 4. Students may choose the following subjects:

  • Mathematics
  • Further Mathematics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Economics
  • English Literature
  • Law
  • Accounting
Assessment It is 100% external examination-based. Both the ‘A2’ and ‘AS’ level examination sessions occur twice a year, in June and November, with some subjects only available in June or November. Results are issued in August and February respectively.
Awarding Body
  • University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) or
  • Edexcel International Advanced Levels (Modular structure)
Price RM20,000 – RM40,000
Advantages
  • Commonly considered the ‘Gold Standard’ of Pre-U programmes and is globally accepted (UK, US, Singapore, Australia etc.)
  • Accepted by universities worldwide
  • General subjects therefore the choices to enter degree programmes are wide depending on your subject combination
Disadvantages
  • Higher cost compared to most Pre-University (Pre-U) programmes
  • Longer duration than most Pre-University programmes
  • The A-Levels is rigorous and requires students who have strong academic results in SPM or O-Levels to do well in it
  • Subjects are general therefore students who have taken it may not be sure of what they want to study at degree level
  • If your command of the English language is weak then you may find this course very challenging
  

Australia Matriculation Programmes in Malaysia

I met EduSpiral a few years back & although I wanted to pursue his advise, my parents asked me to take STPM. I wasn’t satistied with my STPM results and finally, EduSpiral helped me to understand clearly that SAM was the best Pre-U that suit me.
Khalil, South Australian Matriculation (SAM) at Taylors College

There are 2 different Australian Matriculation programmes in Malaysia which are the:

  • South Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International
  • Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)

There are some slight differences between the two programmes and it is important for students to research and compare to see which on fits them.

I would not advise students to go for the March intake as it is an intensive programme which is shorter in duration where the exam is in November. Many students with good SPM results have not done well after taking the March intake for AUSMAT.

Country of origin Australia
Duration 7 – 18 months
Number of subjects 5 subjects (including English)
Assessment
  • South Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International: 70% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 30% exams
  • AUSMAT: 50% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 50% exams
Awarding Body South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE)
Price RM21,000 – RM40,000
Advantages
  • Recognised for entry by most countries overseas
  • Shorter duration compared to the A-Levels and STPM
  • Continuous assessment helps to accumulate marks towards your final grade, instead of depending on a particular exam or coursework
  • Students who have a strong command of the English language & like assignment based courses would do well in the Australian Matriculation
Disadvantages
  • Very high entry requirements for competitive programmes like Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, etc.
  • Students must do well consistently in all assessment types to obtain a high final grade
  • Self-directed learning may not be suitable for everyone
  • The March intake for AUSMAT is short and too intensive. Many students do not do well in it

Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) in Malaysia

The Canadian Pre-University (CPU) or CIMP is the final year of the secondary school programme in Ontario, Canada. It is designed based on the course guidelines and standards of the Ministry of Education and Training of the Ontario Province.

Country of origin Canada
Duration 12 – 15 months
Number of subjects 6 subjects which include one English subject, that is, either ENG4E or ENG4U. The other subjects are Business, Computer Studies, Mathematics, Science and Social Science.
Assessment 70% coursework (e.g. tests, research papers, assignments) and 30% final exam
Awarding Body Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)
Cost Between RM13,000 – RM35,000
Advantages  

  • Focuses on interactive learning as opposed to only academic
  • Progressive accumulation of marks towards your final grade instead of depending on one final exam or coursework
Disadvantages
  • Public speaking and debate may not be suitable everyone (requirement for CPU)
  • Very high entry requirements for competitive programmes like Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, etc.
  • Students must do well consistently in all assessment types to obtain a high final grade

 

American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)

Students after SPM or O-Levels will enter directly into Year 1 of the degree program for a total of 4 years. The American Degree system after SPM or O-Levels is

  • Year 1 (Freshman) – ADTP in Malaysia
  • Year 2 (Sophomore) – ADTP in Malaysia
  • Year 3 (Junior) – University in the USA
  • Year 4 (Senior) – University in the USA

The American undergraduate degree provides an education that emphasizes problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills. American education provides a flexible, holistic and well-rounded approach to education. It produces graduates with strong critical and analytical thinking skills with the ability to put knowledge into action.

Country of origin USA
Duration 48 months. After SPM or O-Levels, students will enter into the American Degree Programme for 2 years before transferring their credits to a university of their choice in the USA for the final 2 years.
Number of subjects Students will take about 40 subjects (110 – 140 credit hours) in total during their four years of studies, where 20 subjects (60 credit hours) are completed at ADP and the rest are completed in the USA. Students will normally take about 4-5 subjects each semester.
Assessment Students are assessed through exams, coursework, assignments, presentations, quizzes and research papers. The percentage of exams and assignments varies depending on the subject you are taking.
Grading System Final results will be a single score, the Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 0.0 to 4.0 scale. The highest grade is an A, which equals 4.0 The final result is the CGPA (cumulative grade point average) which is also on a 0.0 to 4.0 scale, and is your GPA obtained from all subjects taken.
Cost RM30,000 – RM60,000 for duration of 2 years of study in Malaysia. Cost of studying in the USA would range from RM150,000 to RM200,000 per year including cost of living.
Advantages
  • The curriculum is broad based and flexible.
  • Students are allowed to switch major if they decided to do so even after 2 years of studies.
  • Students are required to take courses outside of their major (commonly known as the liberal arts education philosophy).
  • Continuous learning and testing system (70% coursework, 30% final examination) where students are involved in projects, teamwork, presentation, extra- and co-curricular activities.
  • The education is learning-driven instead of exam-driven. Students are groomed to be all rounded team players with strong critical thinking and communication skills.
  • Students are expected to speak, ask, and challenge your instructors during discussions in / outside of class.
Disadvantages
  • Students must transfer to the USA for the final part of the studies. If you complete the ADTP and decide not to go to the USA, it is not accepted for entry at any university in Malaysia.
  • Students who prefer exam-based programmes will find the ADTP challenging.

Diploma Course at Private Universities in Malaysia

Students who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. If you are still not sure, then you should go for a Pre-University programme. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic.

After completing your diploma, you can go find a job or continue on to Year 2 of the degree if your college or university offers the degree or you can transfer credits into another university. If you transfer to another university, you may not be able to get the full exemptions to enter into Year 2 of the degree.

Duration 24 – 30 months
Number of subjects 25-35 subjects (May include internship)
Assessment A mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.

Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts. The learning is very much practical oriented.

Recognition  Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)
Cost RM15,000 to RM50,000
Advantages
  • The Diploma is technically not a pre-university programme; it is one level below undergraduate degree
  • Needs at least 3 credits in SPM to enter the Diploma programme
  • Students may apply for the PTPN Loan for Diploma courses. There is no PTPN Loan for Foundation & External Pre-University programmes
  • You will study the subjects that you are interested in. The subjects are specific to your field of interest.
  • The course is more practical with mixed assessment.
  • Upon completion of the Diploma, you may choose to start work or continue on to Year 2 of the related degree.
Disadvantages
  • You cannot change to a different course for degree level
  • You may lose some credits when transferring to a different university

 

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)

I was planning to study in IPTA after STPM but then my parents talked to EduSpiral. They realised the importance of studying at a top award winning university for computing.
Mark Siew, Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) 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 in the world.

If you had scored high is SPM, you are eligible for scholarships for Foundation programmes at top private universities. The Foundation programmes are easier and so if you score for Foundation, you can get more scholarships to cover part or all of your degree studies.

Problem is if you take the STPM which is so much tougher than the Foundation course, although Form 6 is free, but if you don’t score in STPM, you have no scholarship for your degree studies and in the end have to pay all of the fees for your degree studies in private university.

The STPM is extremely tough and if you do not do well, you would have wasted 2 years of your life and time is money. The earlier you graduate and join the work force, the more work experience you can gain and add this to your resume where it translates into higher salary. If you take a diploma at a private university in Malaysia, you would have finished it at the same time you would have taken to complete Form 6.

You need a lot of discipline and good teachers in order to do well in the STPM. If you have alright results for your SPM, don’t expect a miracle in the STPM as it is 20 times tougher than the SPM. If you can afford, choose an easier way through the 1-year Foundation offered at top reputable Private Universities in Malaysia.

Country of origin Malaysia
Duration 18 months (+6 months if you intend to apply to public universities)
Number of subjects Between 4 – 5 (including General Paper)
Assessment
  • Students will go through a school-based assessment with a weighting of 20-40% of the final score and a centralised examination with a weighting of 60-80% of the final score (The weighting varies according to subjects).
  • Nevertheless, School Based Assessment (SBA) cannot be repeated and repeaters are required to sit for an alternative written paper in place with SBA.
  • The curriculum is divided into three parts based on topic areas. Each part will be taught and studied in either the first, second or third term.
  • You will take the examinations at the end of each term (3 in total). One term is 6 months. Students who are not satisfied with their results for the first two terms can retake the examinations at the end of the third term.
  • Students’ assessment will be carried out each term with the results being released at the end of each respective term. The overall STPM results will be based on the best combined results of the three terms.
Grading Final results will be a single score, the Overall Subject Grade Point. Grades are given from A to F for each subject taken, which corresponds to a grade point. The Overall Subject Grade Point is the average of the top four subjects with the maximum score of 4.0.
Cost Less than RM1,000
Advantages
  • A Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) in Malaysia
  • An affordable Pre-University programme
  • Recognised for entry into universities worldwide
  • With School Based Assessment, teaching and learning are integrated with assessment. Students are allowed to improve on their first term and second term results by retaking these term examinations at the end of the third term. Students who do not obtain satisfactory results for the third term may also re-sit it.
Disadvantages
  • The STPM can be very challenging for students who are weak academically or who do not prepare themselves well
  • Longer duration compared to most Pre-University courses in Malaysia
  • Heavy weightage of exam-based assessment
  • As soon as you enter Lower 6 you will have to hit the books because your first exam will be in December and you will have not much time to study and the teachers do no have enough time to cover the material as well. There is no rest as you will need to keep studying  the exams every 6 months.
  • To enter into most private universities, students must achieve at least a CGPA of 2.00 or at least 2 Principal Cs in the relevant subjects. A C- is not a principal and some universities do not accept the Pengajian Am as entry into the university.
  • STPM requires you to take in too much information in 1.5 years. That in itself shows the inadequacies of a system which doesn’t give enough time for students to consume the information required. Furthermore, STPM needs a lot of study time in order to score well. If you are not ready to commit the time and effort, you should consider other options.
  • From the time you enter Form 6 till the exam and getting into IPTA would be 2 years. If you had taken a diploma, you would have already completed it.
  • English language not emphasized so you do not gain the all important language and communication skills needed to succeed in the workforce
  • The government chooses the course and university (IPTA) for you. Therefore, after 2 years, you may not get to study what you want.

Malaysian Matriculation Programme (Matrikulasi) and Asasi IPTA

Program Matrikulasi Malaysia) is a one-year pre-university preparatory programme offered by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia. Starting 2005, the selection process for the programme is done through a race-based quota system, where 90% of the places are reserved for bumiputeras students while the remaining 10% are open for non-bumiputeras.

Prior to 2006, only one-year programmes are being conducted. Since then, four different programmes are offered. They are One Year Programme (PST, short for Program Satu Tahun in Malay), Two Year Programme (PDT, short for Program Dua Tahun in Malay), Technical Programme and Accounting Programme. Mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry and informatics science subjects are conducted in English. Other compulsory subjects are English, Dynamics Skills (Kemahiran Dinamika), Islamic/Moral Study and Information Technology. Students are also required to take up a co-curricular activity of their choice (sports/games, societies/clubs or marching band) during the programme.

Country of origin Malaysia
Duration 12 months (Program Satu Tahun) – 24 months (Program Dua Tahun)
Number of subjects Students must study at least six subjects over two semesters (one year). There is one intake a year, usually in March or April. The matriculation programme in Malaysia offers three streams – science, accountancy and technical streams
Assessment Combination of classroom assignments and examinations
Grading System Your GPA is determined from the grade values associated with the grades that you obtain for each subject every semester. All grades are internally assessed.
Cost RM600
Advantages
  • Extremely affordable
  • Good prospects to gain admission into public universities
  • Wide range of subjects to choose from
Cons
  • Recognised for entry into universities in Commonwealth countries
  • Has limitations, such as ‘Program Dua Tahun’ only open for bumiputras
  • Fewer options of degree courses as the subjects are divided into ‘streams’

Comparison Chart of the Top Pre-University (Pre-U) Programmes in Malaysia

Pre-U Programme Brief introduction Duration Assessment Subjects
Cambridge A-Levels           Awarded by Cambridge Advanced Level Certificate                                                                               The Cambridge GCE A Level is the general certificate of education qualification through examinations by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).The GCE A Level programme places emphasis on knowledge, understanding and reasoning abilities and skills. Duration is 12 or 18 months                Intakes in January, March and July                                                                                                Exams in June & November Assessed totally through external examinations. The examination papers are set and marked by examiners from the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).  You can now sit for the A-Level examination in two phases:  at Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS) and at Advanced Two (A2) Level. Students unsatisfied with any of their individual units must re-sit the entire level, ie either AS or A2, and only the last score will automatically be taken into account. No. of Subjects: 3-4                                                SciencePhysics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Economics.Arts

Law, Mathematics, Economics, History, Accounting, English Literature and Business Studies.

LONDON EDEXCEL INTERNATIONAL – A-Levels          The Qualifications & Curriculum Authority (QCA) in the UK only recognises the London A-Levels. The London A-Levels is under the tight scrutiny of the QCA for all preparation, distribution and marking of the examination papers. For the London A-Levels, there is a centre in every region to facilitate communication with Edexcel UK, in addition to ensuring that the London A-Levels centres meet the standards set by the QCA. Duration is 12 or 18 months      Intakes in January, April and July         Exams in January & May/June 100% external examination. n Modular A-levels, each A-Level subject is subdivided into SIX UNITS where each unit is separately assessed in stages. In the Staged assessment it is divided into stages and in each stage the candidates get to select any number of the six units to be assessed in each examination session. An assessment is done every six months and the number of units selected for each examination session is entirely up to the candidate. The best grades for all the 6 units will be added together for a full A-Level final grade. No. of Subjects: 3-4

Mathematics

Further Maths

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Economics

Accounting

Law

Business

South Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International                                                               Awarded by South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) SAM offers  – Proven learning techniques tailored to university study- A balanced choice of subjects leading to a variety of university degree courses- A mixture of school assessments and external examinations that assess students fairly

– The flexibility for students to complete the program over an extended period

– An opportunity for students to increase their tertiary entrance rank by repeating subjects without penalty.

Duration is 10 – 18 months with intakes in January, April or August Balance of continuous internal assessment and a final external examination. Students are provided with a university aggregate score (out of 90 marks) and a tertiary entrance rank (TER), a percentile ranking that is recognised without modification by all tertiary selection agencies in Australia. Students must complete 5 subjects, including 1 subject from List 1 and at least 1 subject from List 2. In addition, students must achieve a satisfactory score (10/20 or better) in either English as Second Language Studies, or English Studies. No. of Subjects – 6                                       • Accounting
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Economics
• English as an Additional
Language
• Legal Studies
• Mathematical Methods
• Nutrition
• Physics
• Psychology
• Research Project B
• Specialist Mathematics
Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)  Awarded by Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) The AUSMAT is the Year 12 curriculum of Western Australia. The Curriculum Council of Western Australia, on behalf of the Government of Western Australia, overseas the quality implementation of the curriculum. Duration is 7-10 months with Intakes in January & March

Exam in November

50% internal continuous assessment(moderated by the Curriculum Council)and 50% external final examinations (TEE)

Provides opportunities to use multiple assessment techniques to help students progress – continuous assessment may include topic tests, quizzes, assignments, investigations, research and exams.

Flexibility of calculating a student’s score based on Best-4 or Best-5 subjects .

No. of Subjects – 5                                              Required to take English as an Additional Language (EAL/D) or English The remaining subjects must include one subject from each from List 1 and List 2:LIST 1 – German, English, Economics,  LIST 2 – Accounting and Finance, Biological SciencesChemistry, Computer Studies

Mathematics, Mathematics : Specialist Physics

Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) or International Canadian Pre-University (ICPU)                               Awarded by Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) Offered according to the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Education, students to graduate with the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) In the CIMP, they focus on your development in the following areas:- Effective communication; using English as the language   for international communication- Independent learning skills; learn how to learn

– Effective transition from secondary to tertiary education

– Talent and leadership development

– Community outreach

Duration is 10 months.               Intakes in January, March and July                Exam in May & November Assessment will be 70% coursework and 30% final examinations. Coursework includes evaluations conducted throughout the programme; quizzes, assignments, projects and class tests. The final assessment will be in the form of an examination.In addition, to graduate, students must sit for anexternal literacy test administered in March, perform Ten (10) hours of recognised Community Involvement.  No. of Subjects – 6                                            Business, Computer Studies, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences & English Courses.
Internal Foundation at Private Universities in Malaysia -Internal qualification  It is cheaper and easier than the external Pre-University programmes. Students intending to continue on in the particular university can choose to go for their internal Foundation course. Its accredited by MQA & can transfer to other private universities in Malaysia for the relevant degree. Duration is 12 mths or 3 semesters with intakes in Jan, April, July, August or October depending on the university Assessments comprise coursework, class tests and examinations. Internally assessed by the private university. No. of Subjects – 12-15

Subjects depends on the type of Foundation

 American Degree Program (ADP)  -Direct entry into Year 1 of degree continue to Year 2 in Malaysia and then transfer to a university in the USA for the final 2 years- Holistic education Duration is 2 years in Malaysia and 2 years in the USA Assessment includes quizzes, assignments, projects and class tests. Students will take general studies for the first 2 years before specializing in their major for the final 2 years

 

 

Malaysia’s Top 10 Universities for the Best Foundation Programmes

List of Top Private Universities to Study a Foundation Course in Malaysia

One of the pathways for students who have just completed their secondary school education is to take the Foundation Programme at Malaysia’s top private universities. In order to study a bachelor’s degree at a private university in Malaysia, the Foundation programme is the next step for you. Therefore, students have to search for the right private university and foundation programme that will fit their undergraduate academic goals. Where you choose to study your Foundation Programme is an important decision as it will provide the necessary fundamental knowledge and skills to handle the rigours of the degree programme.

The Foundation programme is a Pre-University Programme designed by a particular private university intending to equip their students to familiarise and handle the degree programme offered. Students will seamlessly move on to the degree course upon completion. There are many types of Foundation Programmes offered by private universities. We will discuss about the popular private universities in Malaysia for Foundation programmes in this article.

You may also be interested to read the following articles:

Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.

Top Private Universities’ Foundation Programmes in Malaysia

EduSpiral advised me on WhatsApp & provided all the information on Taylor’s University. He also helped to arrange a campus tour. Finally, he helped me to register as well as apply for the scholarship.
Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)

Foundation courses can be seen as preparatory courses that assist students to transition from SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in Malaysia to specific bachelor’s degree programmes at private universities.

In addition, the Foundation Programme in Malaysia is a pre-university program designed to help students meet the entry requirements for first-year university and prepare them to handle the rigours of undergraduate studies. Students gain a solid grounding in academic and communication skills, with a focus on developing their Critical Thinking and English language skills.

Unlike the external pre-university programmes in Malaysia which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the Foundation programmes for private universities provide specialisation in specific areas of study such as business, computer & IT, or engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.

10 Top Private Universities in Malaysia for Foundation Programmes

Malaysian private universities have been preparing students for study in top universities worldwide since the 1970s therefore they have the necessary experience to ensure quality for the Foundation programmes are adhered to.

Students after SPM or O-Levels should choose the foundation programme in Malaysia that best fits their career goals and needs. Students can consider the following private universities in Malaysia offering various types of Foundation programmes:

  1. Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus
  2. Asia Pacific University (APU)
  3. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
  4. University of Nottingham Malaysia
  5. University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
  6. UOWM KDU Penang University College
  7. Multimedia University (MMU)
  8. HELP University
  9. First City University College
  10. MAHSA University
  11. Berjaya University College
  12. Saito University College

Where to Study a Foundation Programme in Malaysia after your SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels?

I had visited a university & was planning to join them as they were cheaper. I asked EduSpiral for advise & he met me & my parents at Nottingham University & explained to us why it matters to my future if I choose to study at a top ranked university.
I had visited a university & was planning to join them as they were cheaper. I asked EduSpiral for advise & he met me & my parents at Nottingham University & explained to us why it matters to my future if I choose to study at a top ranked university.

Top private universities in Malaysia, have designed and developed their own internal university foundation programmes to help students familiarise and gain the necessary fundamentals to be able to handle the degree programme offered.

Many students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels have chosen to go for the Foundation programmes at top private universities in Malaysia before pursuing their undergraduate degree studies.

Below is a list of the Foundation courses offered at top private universities and colleges for you to consider

  1. Taylor’s College
  2. Asia Pacific University (APU)
  3. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia (HWUM) 
  4. University of Nottingham Malaysia
  5. UOWM KDU University College, Utropolis Glenmarie
  6. UOWM KDU Penang University College
  7. Multimedia University (MMU)  Cyberjaya
  8. Multimedia University (MMU) Melaka
  9. HELP University
  10. First City University College (First City UC)
  11. Saito University College
  12. MAHSA University
  13. Berjaya University College 

The Best Degree Programmes to Study in Malaysia at Top Private Universities

Upon completing the 1-year Foundation programme, students can continue to many degree programmes offered at the best private universities in Malaysia. You can consider the degree courses below:

Top Engineering and Built Environment Courses in Malaysia
Outstanding Computing and Information Technology Courses in Malaysia
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
First Rate Hospitality and Culinary Arts Courses in Malaysia
Education Courses in Malaysia

Top Ten Reasons to Study the Foundation Programme at the Best Private Universities in Malaysia

My mum contacted EduSpiral and he gave me in-depth information on the courses & universities. He arranged for us to tour the universities to help me make the right choice.
Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business (Actuarial Science) at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

  1. Foundation Programmes are cheaper than the External Pre-University Programmes such as A-Levels, AUSMAT, CPU, IB, etc.
  2. They are generally, easier than the External Pre-University Programmes such as A-Levels, STPM or AUSMAT
  3. Some are recognised for entry into overseas universities
  4. Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency
  5. You study subjects that you like, which is Arts-related
  6. Your coursework and exams are marked by Malaysians who understand what you write or express
  7. You will be exposed to different types of arts-related subjects which would help you to decide which major to choose in the degree.
  8. Faster to enter the degree programme compared to taking the STPM or A-Levels
  9. If you do not plan to go overseas, there is no reason to take an external Pre-University programme which is tougher and more expensive.
  10. When you score well in the Foundation in Arts, you can apply for scholarships for the degree programme at the same university.

Study at the Best Universities & Colleges in Malaysia for your Foundation Course after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels

Top private universities in Malaysia, have tailored their own internal university foundation programmes to the degree courses offered.

The title of the Foundation Programme might be the same at a few universities but the content focus and subjects are different.

The curriculum and examination of the Foundation programmes are set by the local private colleges & universities, following the quality criteria set by the Ministry of Higher Education and quality assurance agency, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

IS THE FOUNDATION PROGRAMME RECOGNISED?

Mostly in Malaysia and some overseas. As long as the Foundation course is accredited by the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA), it will be accepted by another private university for entry into the relevant degree programme.

What is the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)?

The Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA) is an official body that is governed by the Ministry of Higher Education and is the only body that controls universities’ accreditation status, regulate curriculum and set operational standards for both public and private universities and other higher learning institutions in Malaysia. MQA also accredit individual courses and programmes at each university. MQA’s operation is important because it works to ensure that higher learning in the country is up to global standards and is fit for the future of the nation.

Accreditation of Courses in Malaysian Private Universities

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

Accreditation is a formal recognition that a certificate, diploma or degree programme has attained the quality standards and criteria set by MQA and is in compliance with the MQF.

Institutions whose programmes have been accredited can use MQA recognition in their advertisements or any other statement. These programmes can be considered for recognition by the government for the purpose of employment in the public sector. Accreditation is a status or achievement as a result of quality assessment by MQA.

It is a commitment by MQA to all stakeholders in higher education i.e students, parents, employers that the programme accredited by MQA is quality-assured. It is also a basis for other parties to recognise the programme for a variety of reasons. For example, the Public Service Department (PSD) will use this accreditation status to recognise the qualification for employment in the public service.

HOW LONG IS THE DURATION FOR THE FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE PROGRAMME?

3 semesters  (1 year of full-time study). Some universities offer a 2-semester Foundation which is still 1 year in duration.

IS THE FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE & Foundation in Arts PROGRAMME RECOGNISED?

Mostly in Malaysia and some overseas. As long as the Foundation course is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), it will be accepted by another private university for entry into the relevant degree programme.

How are the Foundation Programmes Assessed at Private Universities in Malaysia?

Assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams.

The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester. The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. The assessments are subject to quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards and ensuring fair assessment.

HOW MANY SUBJECTS ARE THERE IN A FOUNDATION PROGRAMME?

The number of subjects vary from 8 to 12 subjects depending on which university. Students will take about 10-12 subjects in 3 semesters (1 year) for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia.

What will I Study in a Foundation Programme in Malaysia?

Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor's University
My dream was to study at Taylor’s University and with the Taylor’s Excellence Award that EduSpiral shared with me, I am able to achieve it.
Chun Tim, Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor’s University

A Foundation course in Malaysia focuses on the topics related to the field and by concentrating on specific subjects related to the degree programmes it will lead to at the university. There will be core subjects like Mathematics, English and Computing.

You will then have options to choose electives that would be related to your degree programme of interest.

For example, if the university offers business, communication and computing degree programmes, they may offer a Foundation in Arts & Technology and offer subjects such as business, accounting, marketing, communications, computing, etc.

MPU SUBJECTS / GENERAL STUDIES (COMPULSORY UNITS)

I was planning to study at a "famous" university but EduSpiral provided facts & evidence that First City UC had won many awards compared to my "famous" university. Zi En, Interior Design at First City University College
I was planning to study at a “famous” university but EduSpiral provided facts & evidence that First City UC had won many awards compared to my “famous” university.
Zi En, Interior Design at First City University College

  • Through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the Ministry of Education (MOE), Higher Education Sector has imposed the following requirements on programmes offered by all private tertiary education providers:
  • MPU (i.e. General Studies) will replace MPW from September 2013 onwards (Ministry of Education directive of 18th June 2013).
  • The Ministry of Education requires that all NEW Degree (International and Malaysian) students enrolled in September 2013 and onwards must take the MPU units as a prerequisite for the award of their degree.
  • Malaysian Degree students must take the units and pass them as a prerequisite for the award of the degree.
  • Students are required to take other MPU units which will be rolled out during the course of their study.
HOW MUCH DOES A FOUNDATION  PROGRAMME COST?

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels would need to figure out their budget as it would determine which Pre-University course would be suitable for you. Students with moderate budgets can consider the Foundation programme as it is cheaper than the external Pre-University programmes.

The cost will vary from university to university. It will range from RM8,000 to RM30,000. Generally cheaper than overseas Pre-University courses and A-Levels

What are the Requirements to Enter the Degree Course?

To enter into the degree programmes, you will need at least a CGPA of 2.00 or 2.50 depending on the university and the course.

Can I transfer to Another Private University?

Yes, you can transfer to another private university on a case-to-case basis. Students may transfer to another private university upon completion of the Foundation in Arts programme by providing the university of interest your high school certificate, transcripts, course outline & syllabus and Foundation certificate in order for them to evaluate for entry into their degree programme.

Can I transfer to Another University overseas like the UK or Australia?

was confused about what to study & didn't want to do what my dad was working as because he was so busy. My mum asked EduSpiral to advise me. He showed my that I am different from my dad & helped me to make the right choice. Chong Han, Foundation in Engineering at Taylor's University
I was confused about what to study & didn’t want to do what my dad was working as because he was so busy. My mum asked EduSpiral to advise me. He showed my that I am different from my dad & helped me to make the right choice.
Chong Han, Foundation in Engineering at Taylor’s University

Generally, the Foundation Programmes are for students to continue on to degree programmes at the particular private university. Some Foundation programmes are accepted for entry into overseas universities in the UK or Australia. It depends on the partnership agreement with the private university in Malaysia.

However, you could transfer overseas after completing Year 1 of your degree. Meaning that, you complete the Foundation and then enter into Year 1 of the degree programme at the private university in Malaysia and then transfer overseas for the final part of your degree programme. Many top private universities will have a list of partner universities overseas that you can transfer to.

Choosing a top private university in Malaysia to study after SPM or O-Levels for your Pre-University or Foundation course takes time, it is a process in finding out which one best fits you. You need to talk to the right counselors who are knowledgeable and experienced. Students should choose top universities in Malaysia that has an English-speaking environment so that it will help you to improve your language skills. Good English is important to obtain higher salaries and faster promotions in Malaysia. English-speaking environments promote critical thinking, problem-solving and leadership skills which enhance your career prospects.

Foundation or External Pre-University or STPM in Malaysia

Our mum asked us to talk to EduSpiral as we did not know what to study. EduSpiral had helped our older sister before. He met us at Taylor’s, talked to us and then gave us a tour.
Gan twins, Foundation in Arts at Taylor’s University

Students after SPM or O-Levels can consider taking the Foundation Programmes at top private colleges & universities in Malaysia. The Foundation Programmes are 1 year and is cheaper compared to the external Pre-University Programmes. Foundation programmes are generally easier than external Pre-University courses. If you do not plan on going overseas for your degree programme, then it is better to go for the Foundation programme at a top private university in Malaysia.

Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you? Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities.

Every Pre-University course in Malaysia will include a percentage of the breakdown of assessment for the subjects. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you. Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM can contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to help guide you to choose the right course and university.

After SPM, one of the choices that students have is to take Form 6 and eventually the STPM examination. Most students choose the STPM because of financial difficulties which is a valid reason. However, if your parents can afford or if they can sacrifice, it is better to go for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia. In the article below, we will discuss in detail the advantages and disadvantages of taking the STPM and why you should take the Foundation programme.

If you are still not sure of what to study for your degree, the Foundation programme is a good choice and is shorter in duration than the STPM or A-Levels and less difficult.

What are the Entry Requirements into Foundation Programmes in Malaysia?

EduSpiral advised me on WhatsApp & provided all the information on Taylor’s University. He also helped to arrange a campus tour. Finally, he helped me to register as well as apply for the scholarship.
Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)

General Entry Requirements are 5 SPM Credits with Passes in BM & Sejarah or IGCSE/O-Levels minimum 5Cs. Note that the entry requirements will vary from university to university. Furthermore, the entry requirements will vary from the type of degree course you plan on studying.

You will need to check with the university of interest to find out exactly what their entry requirements are. Or you may contact EduSpiral Consultant Services for advise on your entry to top private universities in Malaysia.

  • Foundation in Arts entering into the following degree programmes:
    • Business Administration, Management, Logistics & Marketing – 5 Credits
    • Accounting, Finance, Banking, Investment & Actuarial Science – 5 Credits including Maths and a Pass in English
    • Arts, Design, Advertising, Hospitality, Hotel Management & Communication  – 5 Credits
    • Psychology – 5 Credits including Maths, one Science subject and a Pass in English
    • Architecture and Information Technology (IT) – 5 Credits including Maths
    • Computer Science – 5 Credits including Additional Maths
    • English Language, TESL & Mass Communication – 5 Credits including English
  • Foundation in Science entering into:
    • Engineering – 5 Credits including Maths and 1 Science (Physics/ Chemistry/ Biology)
    • Architecture and IT – 5 Credits including Maths
    • Computer Science – 5 Credits including Add Maths
  • Foundation in Science entering into the following degree programmes
    • Biotechnology, Culinology, Food Science, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Medical Imaging & Optometry – 5 credits including Mathematics and 2 science subjects
    • Pharmacy – 5Bs including Biology and Chemistry and Physic and Math (or Additional Math)
    • Medicine & Dentistry – 5Bs including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Additional Mathematics and 1 other subject
    • Architecture and IT – 5 Credits including Maths
  • Foundation in Computing & Technology into the following degree programmes
    • Computing, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Game Development, Intelligent Systems, Cyber Security & Networking,  – 5 credits including Mathematics
  • Foundation in Business into the following degree programmes
    • Business Administration, Management, Human Resource Management, International Business, Logistics & Marketing – 5 Credits
    • Accounting, Finance, Banking, Investment & Actuarial Science – 5 Credits including Maths and a Pass in English
  • Foundation in Engineering entering into:
    • Mechanical, Civil, Electrical & Electronic, Telecommunication & Mechatronic – 5 Credits including Maths and 1 Science (Physics/ Chemistry/ Biology)
  • Foundation in Architecture or Natural & Built Environment entering into:
    • Architecture – 5 Credits including Maths
    • Interior Architecture or Interior Design – 5 Credits
  • Foundation in Design to enter into:
    • Graphic Design, Interior Design, Product Design, Multimedia, Animation – 5 Credits
    • Some universities may require a portfolio of your artwork or a credit in Art
  • Foundation in Communication to enter into:
    • Mass Communication, Media Studies, Public Relations, Journalism, Branding & Advertising – 5 Credits
English Language Requirement For Foundation Programmes in Malaysia

In addition to the academic requirements, students are also required to meet the English Language requirements. An applicant who does not meet the Universities’ English Language Requirements may need to take an extra English course at the university or an external English examination such as the IELTS.

Summary of the Foundation Programme
Duration 12 months
Number of subjects 12-15. Varies depending on the programme and university (usually combination of compulsory, elective & MPU subjects)
Recognition & Accreditation Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA)
Assessment Assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams. The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester. The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. 
Price RM8,000 – RM25,000
Advantages
  • Tailored specifically towards the degree course offered by the university
  • Shorter duration compared to the STPM and A-Level programmes
  • Generally, cheaper than most Pre-University (Pre-U) programmes
  • Most students find it easier compared to other Pre-University programmes
  • English-speaking environment which would help you to improve your language skills (depends on which university you choose)
  • The course is taught and marked by Malaysians who would understand the language skills of Malaysian students. Therefore, students who are weak in the English language should choose the Foundation and take the opportunity to improve their language skills during the Foundation programme.
Disadvantages
  • Depending on which Foundation, it may be difficult to change courses if you decide to pursue a different field
  • May not be accepted by other private universities for your undergraduate degree
  • May not be accepted into universities overseas

Top Criteria to Consider When Choosing the Best Private University in Malaysia for a Foundation Programme that Fits You

EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw - Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university.
Mak, Ong & Chaw – Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)

  • Is the Foundation course popular at that university? Quality/reputation/ranking of the private university in Malaysia
  • Are the courses recognised and approved by the Ministry of Education Malaysia?
  • Are the courses accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Audit (MQA)?
  • Subjects offered in the Foundation (Are they relevant, up-to-date, and help you to achieve your career goals)
  • Do they have enough students to start a class?
  •  How many students do they have studying that course at that university?
  •  What is the duration of the course?
  •  Quality of lecturers. What are their qualifications? How many years of experience in teaching?
  • Faculty contact/classes taught by full-time qualified & experienced faculty
  •  Ask your friends who have studied there for their opinion. Ask your friends who are currently studying there as well.
  • Entry requirements (Foreign branch campuses in Malaysia have higher entry requirements)
  • How much money do I have to pay for the course and cost of living? Ask your parents. Note that you will need to have enough to pay the tuition fees as well as your cost of living. (tuition, hostel, food, transportation, etc.)
  • What are the Financial assistance available at the university? (Scholarships, PTPN Loan, EPF withdrawal, MARA Loan, etc)
  • Is the PTPTN loan available for the course at the university?
  • How much are the tuition fees? Does it include the exam and other fees?
  • How much is on-campus accommodation?
  • How much is off-campus accommodation? Note that it might be cheaper to find off campus accommodation on your own with friends. Is the accommodations near eateries, banks, entertainment, public transportation, etc.?
  • What is the student culture at the university? (English-speaking environment, ambitious, serious about studies, lifestyle or party university, etc) The language spoken mostly at the college by the students may also matter if you don’t know Mandarin or BM or English. If most of the students speak Mandarin at that university then it will not help you to improve your English. Having a good command of the English language helps you to get good jobs and promotions.
  • What is the make up of the student body (diversity, international students, gender, etc.)
  • What are the Extra-curricular activities available? (Student organisations, clubs, sports, etc.)
  • Public vs. Private (STPM is tougher and choice of course & university is determined by the government)

Common Factors in Choosing the Best Private University in Malaysia for the Foundation Programme

Mr. Lonnie from EduSpiral, guided us in our confusion of which course to take that has a high job demand & salary and after the counseling, we decided on Fintech. Bryan & Wen Kai, Fintech at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Mr. Lonnie from EduSpiral, guided us in our confusion of which course to take that has a high job demand & salary and after the counseling, we decided on Fintech.
Bryan & Wen Kai, Fintech at Asia Pacific University (APU)

Here’s a list of common criteria in choosing a top private university in Malaysia for the Foundation course:

  • What type of university do I like? (Large, medium, small, city, suburbs, or outer city) Some people like small universities where you get a community feel while others like large university campuses where they get to meet lots of people.
  • The size of the university also matters to some people as some prefer a small and friendly university environment where you know everyone’s names. Some may prefer a medium sized university where there are more students to interact with and more facilities to use like a bigger library, student centre, computer labs etc.
  • In large universities you might feel lost but there will be more facilities like a football field, gym, swimming pool, basketball courts, etc. You just need to understand your personality and then choose the type of university that fits you.
  • If you are a sports person, you might want to find one with a football field, basketball courts, gym or swimming pool.
  • Safety at the university campus and community.
  • Know yourself, if you like city life, don’t choose a university far away from the city even though the facilities are great. However, if you have a discipline problem in having too much fun, studying away from the city may be a good choice
  • What are the facilities and resources offered at the university? – engineering labs, computer labs, computers, science labs, sports facilities, student centre, job placement centre, etc. Note – You should expect to get what you pay for.
  • If you like sports, you may not want to choose a university without a basketball court or gym.
  • Is it near public transportation? This is important if you do not have transportation.
  • Note that you get what you pay for, if you pay for a Kancil don’t expect a Mercedes service. Nothing wrong with a Kancil, it’s just being realistic with your “purchase” however that does not mean that you should get lousy service from that college.

How to Choose the Right course to Study in Malaysia

Helping Students in Malaysia to Choose the Best Course that Fits Them

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services For more information contact 01111408838

Having worked in the private education industry for more than 15 years, I have counseled thousands of Malaysians 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.

For a personalised advise on how to choose the right course 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. 

EduSpiral gets to know who you are so we can advise you how to choose the best course in Malaysia 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

There are basically 3 reasons in choosing a course to study in Malaysia

1. We have to choose a course that we like. If we study something that we do not like, then we will hate our working life for

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

the next 60 years. There must be interest as well as passion for the course of study.

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. We assist students with research on the top jobs in demand in Malaysia to best advise which one would be the best choice. 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.

Help! I Don’t Know Which is the Best Course to Choose to Study at the Top Private University in Malaysia

It is important to choose the right course to study – you don’t want to waste your time and money on a

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

course you don’t want to do (or end up dropping out of). To help you decide which course is right for you, make a list of courses that are of interest to you.

Is it a subject you have already studied? For example, maybe you loved the English subject and you read novels for pleasure in your own time. You can consider Teaching English as a Second Language, journalism or Mass Communication. In addition, you don’t have to do a journalism degree to become a journalist – many degrees are considered!

Maybe you’ve always been interested in computers and the internet at home, and enjoyed maths at school, so are considering a degree in computer science, a course subject you probably won’t have studied before. Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration.

Looking at your results in SPM could help you to decide which course you would be good at. If you are good in Maths & Physics then you can consider Engineering courses. Having good results in Chemistry, Biology & Maths, you can think of a career in Food Science, Pharmacy or Medicine. Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Many students after SPM make the mistake of just listening to advise without verifying whether the

My friend introduced me to EduSpiral because for a long time after SPM I still did not know what and where to study. EduSpiral took time to explain the courses to me and even took me around the university for a tour. Yammie Chau, Diploma in Business at UCSI University
My friend introduced me to EduSpiral because for a long time after SPM I still did not know what and where to study. EduSpiral took time to explain the courses to me and even took me around the university for a tour.
Yammie Chau, Diploma in Business at UCSI University

information given is true or not. In addition, just because you have heard or seen a lot of advertisements by a particular university, doesn’t mean that it is the best in that course.

Many of the course counselors at the universities are paid by the universities to get you to register there, so their main motivation is to get you to register, not to help you make the right choice.

You should also ask yourself if you would still be interested in that subject for a further three or four years – enough to motivate yourself to work and research independently? Remember, you are going to work in this career for the next 50 years after graduation, therefore, you should have a high interest in the course.

The course that you choose should also have a job demand for you after you graduate. 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.

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 15 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. We have worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the 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.

How to Choose the Right Course to Study after SPM?

My mother whatsapped EduSpiral & he provided vital information to help me make my decision to transfer my diploma. Soon Hong, Marketing at HELP University
My mother whatsapped EduSpiral & he provided vital information to help me make my decision to transfer my diploma.
Soon Hong, Marketing at HELP University

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.

Students after SPM or O-Levels would need to go through some sort of a Pre-University programme before entering into the degree course. Therefore, you still have about 1 to 1.5 years in your Pre-U programme to really figure out what to study for your degree.

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?
  • Job demand for the career of choice. There is no point in choosing a course out of passion and then graduate to find out that you cannot get a job in that field.
  • Salary of the career of choice
  • 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.

What to Study After SPM?

Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM 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:

Ask a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant in Malaysia to Help you Choose the Right Course after SPM

Choosing a course to study after SPM is not a science, it is a process

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university
Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university

in finding out who you are and what you are good at. An experienced Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right course. Students need to talk to the right education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Ask the right Education Counselors. Would you ask a Doctor on how to repair your car? Or would you ask a mechanic for medical advise? Although this sounds ridiculous, but many students do listen to advise from young and inexperienced counselors from universities, colleges or agents’ offices.  Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration. EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 15 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.

EduSpiral Consultant Services has worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the 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.

What am I good at? What am I not good at?

"I attended EduSpiral's Education Fair at KInta Riverfront after my SPM exam in December and obtained great information there. Although Asia Pacific University is famous for IT but I found out that they have a solid accounting programme and I can get a UK degree. I got a scholarship as well from APU." Julian Hum, from SMK St. Michael Institution, Ipoh studying Business at Asia Pacific University.
“I attended EduSpiral’s Education Fair at KInta Riverfront after my SPM exam in December and obtained great information there. Although Asia Pacific University is famous for IT but I found out that they have a solid accounting programme and I can get a UK degree. I got a scholarship as well from APU.”
Julian Hum, from SMK St. Michael Institution, Ipoh studying Business at Asia Pacific University.

An undergraduate degree course in Malaysia lasts three to five years – that’s a long time to spend studying something which you don’t enjoy, especially at a more intense level! First of all ask yourself what you have enjoyed studying at secondary school in Malaysia.

Your SPM or O-Level results will show what you are actually good at. Having good results in Maths, you can consider Actuarial Science, Accounting, Computing or Finance courses. Having narrowed down to these courses, you can go for the Foundation in Arts for 1 year before really choosing which one to study for your degree.

Alternatively you can also think about subjects you definitely don’t want to study at university level and which you can’t wait to say goodbye to. Crossing these off will make your list of options smaller and less overwhelming.

Your parents and friends would also be able to give you an idea of what you are good at. Looking at your hobbies and interests would help to narrow down the list. Your hobby in drawing could open the possibility of choosing design courses.

What qualifications do I have already?

You may already have an idea of the area you want to study and find a career in, which will have dictated what subjects you’re already studying at school. However it’s good to look at the qualifications and grades you have (or are predicted to have) to see what you are already eligible to study. Some students want to study medicine but in their SPM results, they only managed to get 5Cs. To study in medicine, one needs to have at least 5Bs including the science subjects. Students need to be realistic in choosing their course of study by looking at their actual results.

If your actual results do not meet the entry requirements for your particular course of interest, then you may need to consider other options or to resit the SPM or O-Level exam to get the necessary results.

What are my interests?

I loved motorsports and EduSpiral gave me great advise to help guide me to achieve my dream. Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor's University
I loved motorsports and EduSpiral gave me great advise to help guide me to achieve my dream.
Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University

If you can’t think of an academic subject which you’re especially strong at or one which you would want to pursue at university-level, think about your non-academic interests outside of school. It’s likely that you’re much more passionate about these but you’ve never even thought you could study a course related to these (or pursue a career in this area).

Your hobbies, interests and which clubs & societies that you have joined in secondary school would give you some idea of what you are good at. These, together with your actual results would contribute to your decision-making process in choosing the right course of study.

New courses are being created all the time to prepare and develop talent for growing industries, such as animation or computer game design. Projects, events and knowledge related to these interests can all contribute to show that you’re passionate about this area and eligible to study on a course which can prepare you for a related career.

In other cases there may be several routes to your dream career, some of which may allow you to study something different before transferring or. Talk to those who are already working in this area to see how they got to where they are now, including what they studied (or even what they wish they had studied).

What do I want to do for my career?

EduSpiral explained the courses in detail and took us around the campus to view the Pharmacy facilities to help me make a good decision about my future career. Ka Jun, Pharmacy at UCSI University
EduSpiral explained the courses in detail and took us around the campus to view the Pharmacy facilities to help me make a good decision about my future career.
Ka Jun, Pharmacy at UCSI University

You may have a clear idea of what you want to do for a career which makes choosing a course to study easier, particularly if you want to become a doctor or lawyer. You can search our articles section to see if we’ve already written about your dream graduate career and how you can achieve this.

When making a decision about your career, it is important to take into consideration the average salary. Starting salaries in Malaysia is about RM2800 to RM3000 for most careers while starting salaries in Singapore is about SGD2714. Although starting salaries is generally the same level for everyone, what you do in the following years of your job will determine how much higher you would get.

Therefore, it is also important to choose the right university that would equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to move up in your career. Many students make the mistake of choosing the cheapest university for their studies and then later realise that they cannot get the promotion or salary increment because they did not get the skills needed. English is one of these skills that most students do not take seriously about its importance for promotion and salary increments in future jobs.

Think about it, if you are unable to write a report or email in proper English or do a presentation smoothly, how would you be able to become a manager or CEO eventually?

Best Education Pathway After SPM

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

There are basically 2 pathways after SPM or O-Levels. You can either go for a Diploma course or Pre-University Course in Malaysia or Singapore. “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 or O-Levels who are not sure what to study at degree level can go for the Pre-University course in Malaysia like A-Levels, AUSMAT or Foundation and then proceed on to the degree in Malaysia.

Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you? Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities. Every Pre-University course will include a % breakdown of assessment. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you.

Students who are sure of what they want to study after SPM or O-Levels can enter the Diploma course first. 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.

Choosing the best possible course to study is a very important decision to make, and often a challenging one.  For some people, choosing the course is simple as they have always wanted to be a brain surgeon or a dentist or an engineer.

Many students in Malaysia tend to choose their course based on what their parents or relatives recommend, rather than on what they are good at or really like to study. The end result is that a lot of Malaysian students discover that they have started on courses that may be unsuitable to them after studying a few semesters. Worse is when they start work, they find that it is not what they like.

When choosing a course students need to choose based on your personal strengths and your career

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

goals. Let the experienced counselors at EduSpiral Consultant Services take you step-by-step through the choices.

Most importantly, the right course will help you to develop skills for the long term, for your career and personal development. The skills for a successful future include, communication, English-language proficiency, problem-solving, strategic and analytical skills, creative thinking, innovation, team-work, leadership and assimilating new ideas.

There are so many courses out there and it can be confusing to choose the right course to study after SPM, UEC, STPM, O-Levels or A-LevelsChoosing the right course is a big decision and it is important to get it right as it can impact your future success.

So how should you go about choosing the best course that fits you?

Step 1: Look at your Interests, Skills & Personality 

I was confused about what to study & concerned about Mass Comm. EduSpiral answered my questions with facts to show that mass comm is in demand in Malaysia. Jacob Lean, Mass Comm at KDU University College
I was confused about what to study & concerned about Mass Comm. EduSpiral answered my questions with facts to show that mass comm is in demand in Malaysia.
Jacob Lean, Mass Comm at KDU University College

This requires the individual to develop a certain degree of self-awareness. This require you to ask:

  1. What kind of person am I?
  2. What do I like?
  3. What are my hobbies?
  4. What is my personality?

This process of self-assessment consists of using several instruments in order to uncover your interests, personality type, work related values and skills. It is looking at these things in combination that can help you figure out what courses will be good matches for you, and you could learn something that will surprise you. The greater the overlap between an individual’s interests, aptitudes and personal characteristics and those required by the area of study, the greater the degree of satisfaction when engaged in that area of study. This process will help you decide which course best fits you. If you find the right course at the right college you will be inspired to succeed.

Match what you have come to know about yourself (self-assessment) to a course. During this phase of the career planning process you will decide which course is the best fit for you based on what you now know about yourself and the courses you have researched. This will entail looking at the jigsaw pieces of your life to date and putting them together. Considering your interests, hobbies, skills, aptitudes and achievements, both academic and personal, and identifying certain personality traits combined with appropriate course exploration will hold the key to successful course choice.

Step 2: Look at your Actual Results

Your results in SPM, UEC, or O-Levels will act as a guide in what you are actually good at. For example, if you are good in Physics & Add Maths, then you can consider engineering courses. If you fail in any of these subjects and want to study engineering, then you are being unrealistic.

Step 3: Research the courses and offer at top colleges or universities

EduSpiral explained the courses in detail and took us around the campus to view the Pharmacy facilities to help me make a good decision about my future career. Ka Jun, Pharmacy at UCSI University
EduSpiral explained the courses in detail and took us around the campus to view the Pharmacy facilities to help me make a good decision about my future career.
Ka Jun, Pharmacy at UCSI University

Make a list of courses to explore that are of interest to you and then research each course. The internet, college prospectuses, family and friends are your best sources of information and support. Someone who is already studying the course can give you great insight from a student’s perspective.

It is important to attend college open days or other career events and make every effort to speak to lecturers, tutors or admissions staff in the colleges you are interested in, as they will facilitate your decision-making.

Many students drop out or change course, so something is going wrong with students initial decisions. A lot of heartache can be avoided if you take the time to look at the college websites to find out not just which subjects you will be studying on your course but also to find out the content of the individual modules of each subject.

In this way you will know exactly what lies ahead of you. Discovering that you have made the wrong choice can be upsetting, and expensive.

Check out the duration of the course, accreditation, and additional costs such as accommodation, books, travel etc.

Step 4: Talk to the Right People

I received a lot of in-depth information about the course & university from EduSpiral. He took us around for a campus tour as well as the hostel in Cyberjaya. Wen Hang, Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
I received a lot of in-depth information about the course & university from EduSpiral. He took us around for a campus tour as well as the hostel in Cyberjaya.
Wen Hang, Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

If your car needs to be repaired, you would ask advise from a mechanic and not from a Doctor. So, when asking about your future career, ask from people who are experienced and knowledgeable. Many Malaysians tend to listen to their parents and relatives without checking the facts to see if it is true. An uncle would tell them to study a certain course and the student would just go for it without doing any research or consideration to see if it fits them.

EduSpiral Consultant Services has more than 15 years experience in helping students choose the right course based on facts and evidence. Students who are still confused and need advise can contact us for a free consultation at 01111408838.

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

Top Scholarships Available from the Best Private Universities in Malaysia

Study at the Best Private Universities and Colleges in Malaysia

EduSpiral helped me to find the right college for A-Levels, & now they have helped me to choose what to study after my A-Levels. Chee Kin, Actuarial & Finance degree at UCSI University
EduSpiral helped me to find the right college for A-Levels, & now they have helped me to choose what to study after my A-Levels.
Chee Kin, Actuarial & Finance degree at UCSI University

Switzerland

Malaysia

  1. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
  2. Curtin University, Sarawak campus
  3. Asia Pacific University (APU) 
  4. APIIT
  5. UCSI University
  6. Taylor’s University
  7. UCSI University Sarawak Campus
  8. First City University College
  9. HELP University
  10. HELP Academy
  11. HELP College of Arts & Technology
  12. KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
  13. KDU College Damansara Jaya
  14. KDU University College Penang
  15. YTL International College of Hotel Management
  16. IACT College
  17. Point College
  18. Saito College
  19. Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
  20. Nilai University
  21. 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.

I am so glad that my mother found EduSpiral online. I used to be quiet and not able to communicate well in English. Now, I am more confident and speak a lot in English because of the great university environment. Zhi Kang, Business at Asia Pacific University
I am so glad that my mother found EduSpiral online. I used to be quiet and not able to communicate well in English. Now, I am more confident and speak a lot in English because of the great university environment.
Zhi Kang, Business at Asia Pacific University

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. 

Study Foundation at a Private University or take Form Six STPM?

Should I choose to Study Form 6 or take the Foundation Course in Malaysia?

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services. For more information contact 01111408838

After SPM, there are many different pathways for you to choose from and sometimes it can be confusing. Because of this confusion, some students just take the easy way out of by choosing to study Form 6. This is actually a very bad decision as you must take the time to understand the system and how Form 6 works to see if you are able to handle the material to pass. Scoring high in STPM is possible but it takes immense amount of focus and hard work. If you are not prepared for that, then you are already doomed from the start.

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) in Malaysia. Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you? Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities. Every Pre-University course in Malaysia will include a percentage of the breakdown of assessment for the subjects. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you. Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM can contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to help guide you to choose the right course and university.

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. 

List of the Best Private Universities Offering Top-Rate Foundation Programmes in Malaysia

Get a top ranked UK degree in Malaysia at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Get a top ranked UK degree in Malaysia at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

  1. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia 
  2. Asia Pacific University 
  3. Taylor’s University
  4. Curtin University Sarawak
  5. UCSI University

    Asia Pacific University new campus at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur
    Asia Pacific University new campus at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur

  6. KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
  7. HELP University
  8. First City University College
  9. Berjaya University College of Hospitality

    Taylors University offers a conducive environment for students to excel in their studies
    Taylors University offers a conducive environment for students to excel in their studies

  10. KDU Penang University College 
    • Foundation in Business
  11. HELP College of Arts & Technology
    • Foundation in Arts
    • Foundation in Science
  12. KDU College Damansara Jaya
    • Foundation in Arts
    • Foundation Studies (Science)
  13. Nilai University
    • Foundation in Business
    • Foundation in Science

Study Foundation at Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

UCSI University is ranked Tier 5 or Excellent in the SETARA 2013 offers state-of-the-art facilities at their strategically located campus in Cheras, KL
UCSI University is ranked Tier 5 or Excellent in the SETARA 2013 offers state-of-the-art facilities at their strategically located campus in Cheras, KL

Malaysian private universities have been preparing students for study in top universities worldwide since the 1970s therefore they have the necessary experience to ensure quality for the Foundation programmes are adhered to.

Students after SPM or O-Levels should choose the foundation programme in Malaysia that best fits their career goals and needs. Students will take about 10-12 subjects in 3 semesters (1 year) for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia.

If you are still not sure of what to study for your degree, the Foundation programme is a good choice and is

Curtin is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide in the highly regarded Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). In 2014, Curtin’s position increased by more than 100 places to equal 303rd in the world and equal 10th in Australia.
Curtin is ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide in the highly regarded Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). In 2014, Curtin’s position increased by more than 100 places to equal 303rd in the world and equal 10th in Australia.

shorter in duration than the STPM and less difficult.

  • Duration: 1 year
  • Entry Requirements: Min. 5 credits, inclusive of Maths and 2 pure Science subjects for Foundation in Science or Engineering. For IT, you must have a credit in Maths. Other courses just require 5 credits. For Medicine and Pharmacy, Min. 5B in Maths, Additional Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics but will vary from university to university.
  • Recognition: Mostly in Malaysia and some overseas. As long as the Foundation course is accredited by MQA, it will be accepted by another private university for entry into the relevant degree programme.
  • Cost: Generally cheaper than overseas Pre-University courses and A-Levels

Assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain

I loved motorsports and EduSpiral gave me great advise to help guide me to achieve my dream. Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor's University
I loved motorsports and EduSpiral gave me great advise to help guide me to achieve my dream.
Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University

a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams. The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester. The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. The assessments are subject to quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards and ensuring fair assessment.

Unlike the external pre-university programmes in Malaysia which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the Foundation programmes for private universities provide specialisation in specific areas of study such as business, computer & IT, or engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.

However, there are also general Foundation programmes such as Foundation in Arts and Foundation in Science offered by the private universities. Foundation in Science programmes can lead to engineering, pharmacy, medicine, applied sciences, health sciences and other arts related degree programmes. The Foundation in Arts programme can lead to accounting, business, computing, architecture, design, and other arts related courses. After completing the Foundation in Science students have the choice to choose sciences or arts related degree programmes.

The Foundation programmes at HELP University and UCSI University are recognised by some top universities in Australia, UK and New Zealand for entry into their degree programmes. Asia Pacific University is the only private university in Malaysia where all students will study the same subjects for the first semester and then when they figure out which course suits them, they choose the stream for their second and final semester.

What is the STPM?

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course

After STPM I was searching for the right university to accept my results to pursue my dream but couldn't find until EduSpiral helped me. Jia Loon, Biotechnology at UCSI University
After STPM I was searching for the right university to accept my results to pursue my dream but couldn’t find until EduSpiral helped me.
Jia Loon, Biotechnology at UCSI University

recognised for entry into public universities (IPTA) 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 in the world.

The other way to enter public university (IPTA) is the Matriculation course where only 10% of the seats are set aside for Non-bumis therefore the competition will be extremely high for the spots.

The STPM is set and run by the Malaysian Examinations Council since 1982, which also runs the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) since 1999.

All students who have passed the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) are eligible to enter into Form 6 to take the STPM, and will be automatically assigned a place in a government secondary school after the release of the SPM results.

The examination body, Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia (www.mpm.edu.my), allows students to enroll for the examination with a minimum of one (1) subject and a maximum of five (5) subjects (including General Studies). The intake for Form 6 is in May of each year.

Most students take STPM after attending two years of Form 6 (Lower 6 and Upper 6) at a government or private secondary school.

Should I study Form Six and take the STPM In Malaysia?

In order to consider studying Form 6, students should take the time to understand the system and how Form 6 works.

We did not know where to go after our STPM results and our friend recommended EduSpiral to us. EduSpiral helped us to make the best choice. Foo Hong, Business at HELP College of Arts and Technology Kuo Qiat, Marketing at UCSI University
We did not know where to go after our STPM results and our friend recommended EduSpiral to us. EduSpiral helped us to make the best choice.
Foo Hong, Business at HELP College of Arts and Technology
Kuo Qiat, Marketing at UCSI University

Let’s look at the statistics below to help you decide whether you should take Form 6 or not.

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.

If you had scored high is SPM, you are eligible for scholarships for Foundation programmes at top private universities. The Foundation programmes are easier and so if you score for Foundation, you can get more scholarships to cover part or all of your degree studies.

Problem is if you take the STPM which is so much tougher than the Foundation course, although Form 6 is free, but if you don’t score in STPM, you have no scholarship for your degree studies and in the end have to pay all of the fees for your degree studies in private university. Are you willing to take that risk?

Advantages of the STPM

With School Based Assessment, teaching and learning are integrated with assessment.

SBA humanises assessment making schooling a cooperative enterprise between teachers and students.

Through the new examination system, students will also have more opportunities to obtain better results. Students are allowed to improve on their first term and second term results by retaking these term examinations at the end of the third term. Students who do not obtain satisfactory results for the third term may also re-sit it.

Disadvantages of the STPM

Lower 6 used to be called the honeymoon year, but now, as soon as you enter Lower 6 you will have to hit the books because

EduSpiral provides counseling that is supported by facts & evidence to help students make the best choice. Pic - Student, with his mother, registering at UCSI University after the tour
EduSpiral provides counseling that is supported by facts & evidence to help students make the best choice. Pic – Student, with his mother, registering at UCSI University after the tour

your first exam will be in December and you will have not much time to study and the teachers do no have enough time to cover the material as well. There is no rest as you will need to keep studying  the exams every 6 months.

To enter into most private universities, students must achieve at least a CGPA of 2.00 or at least 2 Principal Cs in the relevant subjects. A C- is not a principal and some universities do not accept the Pengajian Am as entry into the university.

STPM requires you to take in too much information in 1.5 years. That in itself shows the inadequacies of a system which doesn’t give enough time for students to consume the information required. Furthermore, STPM needs a lot of study time in order to score well. If you are not ready to commit the time and effort, you should consider other options.

From the time you enter Form 6 till the exam and getting into IPTA would be 2 years. If you had taken a diploma, you would have already completed it. There are 180,000 graduates each year and competition for jobs are high therefore the faster you graduate, the faster you get a job and start your savings.

English is very important to secure a job as well as getting a higher salary and faster promotions. This is

We did not know where to go after our STPM results and our friend recommended EduSpiral to us. EduSpiral helped us to make the best choice. Foo Hong, Business at HELP College of Arts and Technology Kuo Qiat, Marketing at UCSI University
We did not know where to go after our STPM results and our friend recommended EduSpiral to us. EduSpiral helped us to make the best choice.
Foo Hong, Business at HELP College of Arts and Technology
Kuo Qiat, Marketing at UCSI University

reported in the Star and from research conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia.

The medium of instruction in IPTA is in BM and most of the Chinese there communicate in Mandarin. In 2011, 70,000 IPTA graduates were unemployed.

Personally, I only recommend the STPM if students do not have the finances to study in private universities but with the PTPN Loan, studying in the private colleges or universities are more accessible.

A lot students and parents want to save money by going for the STPM but do not realise that for some, in the end, they are wasting time and eventually have to spend more money.

The STPM is extremely tough and if you do not do well, you would have wasted 2 years of your life and time is money. The earlier you graduate and join the work force, the more work experience you can gain and add this to your resume where it translates into higher salary.

If you take a diploma at a private university in Malaysia, you would have finished it at the same time you would have taken to complete Form 6.

You can choose an easier way through the 1-year Foundation offered at the Private Universities.

You need a lot of discipline and good teachers in order to do well in the STPM. If you have alright results for your SPM, don’t expect a miracle in the STPM as it is 20 times tougher than the SPM.

Advantage Disadvantage
Free The toughest Pre-University course around
Modular system Take 1.5 years but if you include the 6 months taken to enter Form 6 and the 6 months waiting to enter Public university, it will be 2.5 years
If you fail, then you would have wasted 2.5 years
English language not emphasized so you do not gain the all important language and communication skills needed to succeed in the workforce
You do not get to choose the course you want to enter Public University

Modular System for the STPM

The new modular STPM format began in 2012, will combine two forms of assessments, and will be similar to the A levels format

I talked to EduSpiral on Facebook to find out which is the best place to study A-Levels to help me achieve my goals. I am glad I did. Gan Wei Cheng, 3A* in A-Levels at KDU College Penang and now JPA Scholarship at U. of Sydney for Pharmacy
I talked to EduSpiral on Facebook to find out which is the best place to study A-Levels to help me achieve my goals. I am glad I did.
Gan Wei Cheng, 3A* in A-Levels at KDU College Penang and now JPA Scholarship at U. of Sydney for Pharmacy

except that it will be in BM.

Students will go through a school-based assessment with a weighting of 20-40% of the final score and a centralised examination with a weighting of 60-80% of the final score (The weighting varies according to subjects).

Nevertheless, School Based Assessment (SBA) cannot be repeated and repeaters are required to sit for an alternative written paper in place with SBA.

The curriculum is divided into three parts based on topic areas. Each part will be taught and studied in either the first, second or third term.

You will take the examinations at the end of each term (3 in total). One term is 6 months. Students who are not satisfied with their

results for the first two terms can retake the examinations at the end of the third term.

Students’ assessment will be carried out each term with the results being released at the end of each respective term. The overall STPM results will be based on the best combined results of the three terms.

Soft skill such as communication skills, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving,information management and ethics are included in the new curriculum.

School-Based Assessment (SBA) for the STPM

When you have the right information, you are able to make a good decision. Pic - Ipoh student registering at KDU College Penang after the tour
When you have the right information, you are able to make a good decision. Pic – Ipoh student registering at KDU College Penang after the tour

The introduction of SBA in this system is in line with the aspiration of the Education

Ministry to develop human capital who embrace intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical values in line with the National Educational Philosophy.

The SBA consists of project work, field study and practical work. The coursework question/task is prepared by the Council and will be conducted either over three terms or as determined by the individual subject requirements.

Examination

A centralised written examination is administered at the end of each term. Question

types consist of multiple choice, structed and essay questions. Question papers are prepared and provided by the Council, and the marking of answer scripts will be carried out by Council-appointed examiners.

Ask a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant to Help you Make the Right Choice

Choosing a course to study after SPM, UEC, STPM, O-Levels or A-Levels is not a science, it is a process

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university
Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university

in finding out who you are and what you are good at. An experienced Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right course. Students need to talk to the right education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Ask the right Education Counselors. Would you ask a Doctor on how to repair your car? Or would you ask a mechanic for medical advise? Although this sounds ridiculous, but many students do listen to advise from young and inexperienced counselors from universities, colleges or agents’ offices.  Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration. EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 15 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.

EduSpiral Consultant Services has worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the 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.

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?

I was confused what to study & which university. My cousin introduced me to EduSpiral who helped me to make the right choice. Ye Lun, Actuarial Science at Asia Pacific University
I was confused what to study & which university. My cousin introduced me to EduSpiral who helped me to make the right choice.
Ye Lun, Actuarial Science at Asia Pacific University

It can be confusing to choose the right course after SPM or O-Levels. 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?
  • Job demand for the career of choice. There is no point in choosing a course out of passion and then graduate to find out that you cannot get a job in that field.
  • Salary of the career of choice
  • 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.

What to Study After SPM?

Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM 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

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

Top Scholarships Available from the Best Private Universities in Malaysia

Study at the Best Private Universities and Colleges in Malaysia & Singapore

I needed to complete my degree as quickly as possible and EduSpiral introduced me to MDIS where I was able to obtain a UK degree in IT in less than 3 years! Danny Chan studying IT at MDIS Singapore
I needed to complete my degree as quickly as possible and EduSpiral introduced me to MDIS where I was able to obtain a UK degree in IT in less than 3 years!
Danny Chan studying IT at MDIS Singapore

Singapore

  1. MDIS College
  2. PSB Academy

Switzerland

Malaysia

  1. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
  2. Curtin University, Sarawak campus
  3. Asia Pacific University (APU) 
  4. APIIT
  5. UCSI University
  6. Taylor’s University
  7. HELP University
  8. HELP Academy
  9. HELP College of Arts & Technology
  10. KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
  11. KDU College Damansara Jaya
  12. KDU University College Penang
  13. YTL International College of Hotel Management
  14. IACT College
  15. Point College
  16. Saito College
  17. Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
  18. Nilai University
  19. Reliance College
  20. UCSI University Sarawak Campus

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 & Singapore.

EduSpiral gets to know our students personally in order to be able to advise on which course & university is the best such as these 2 students after a visit of Asia Pacific University
EduSpiral gets to know our students personally in order to be able to advise on which course & university is the best such as these 2 students after a visit of Asia Pacific University

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.

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. 

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. 

Choosing the Best Course to Study at the Right University in Malaysia

How to choose the right course to study after SPM at the Best Universities in Malaysia

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services For more information contact 01111408838

Many students are clueless after SPM about what to study and how to choose the right university that will equip them for a successful future. But do not worry, it is normal not to know which course that would fit you.

  • In a Gallup survey of 1.7 million workers in the USA, only about 20 percent said that they used their best strengths everyday at work.
  • In a Rockport Institute Survey, more than 70% of successful professionals thought that they could have done a much better job of making decisions about their lives. They said that they had not know how to go about making choices in a competent way.
  • In another survey, 64% of college seniors in the USA said that they had serious doubts that they had picked the right major or course.

For a personalised advise on how to choose the right course 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. 

Choosing the Best University to Study in Malaysia

It is interesting that most students do not invest time and effort to make a decision about something that could potentially change their lives forever. This decision on choosing the right university could cost from RM20,000 to RM200,000 and yet students and parents do not really take the time to research on which is the best choice.

I talked to a student who had 3 credits in SPM and would qualify to join a Diploma course. However, he joined TAR College’s Certificate course for 1 year 4 months first before entering into the 2.5 year Diploma. To enter into TAR College’s Diploma programmes, one needs to have at least 5 credits compared to 3 credits for all other

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, 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, Engineering at Asia Pacific University

universities and colleges.

Now, he is anxious to transfer into a degree programme at another private university with an English-speaking environment to quickly complete his degree. He told me that he regretted not doing the research to choose the right university and therefore wasted 1.4 years.

He also needed an environment to help him improve his communication and command of the English language.

More time is spent on doing research to buy the right smart phone or car than on choosing the right course or university. Joseph Germani put it aptly that students spend more time choosing their mobile phone covers.

Some of the reasons I hear from students on choosing the course or university are:

  • My friends are going there.
  • It is cheap.
  • It is near my house.
  • I prefer a Mandarin-speaking environment because I find it difficult to talk in English.
  • My auntie said that it is good. (Not knowing what really defines good or what are the statistics and evidence to support the choice)
  • I don’t want to burden my parents so I chose the cheapest university.
  • The university counsellor said that it is good.
  • The university sent me a letter telling me that I have been accepted into the course even though I did not apply there.

    I scored 10As in my SPM and needed scholarships to help me continue my studies. EduSpiral gave me the information online and took me around to the campuses to help me make the best choice. Lay Hoe, A-Levels at HELP University
    I scored 10As in my SPM and needed scholarships to help me continue my studies. EduSpiral gave me the information online and took me around to the campuses to help me make the best choice.
    Lay Hoe, A-Levels at HELP University
  • I like the lifestyle there.
  • I have heard about the university somewhere so it must be good.
  • I see a lot of their ads, so they must be good.
  • I heard that they are the no. 1 college for that course. (Even though there is no external body to say that this college is ranked no. 1 or that the No. 1 claim is something the college is using for the advertising campaign)
  • My girlfriend is going there.
  • My parents told me to take this course because the future is good.
  • It is easy to pass at that university.

Now, some of the reasons above are not totally wrong. It depends on the situation and whether you put in the effort to research. It is important to make the decision that would change your life forever based on facts and evidence.

Talk to the right people to help you choose the right course

"I met EduSpiral at their Education Fair in Ipoh. I don't come from a rich family but I very much wanted to go to KL to study. EduSpiral recommended KBU to me and my parents. We found that KBU is excellent for design and the fees are very affordable as well. Eric Lau from ACS Ipoh graduated from Diploma in Interactive Design at KBU International College
“I met EduSpiral at their Education Fair in Ipoh. I don’t come from a rich family but I very much wanted to go to KL to study. EduSpiral recommended KBU to me and my parents. We found that KBU is excellent for design and the fees are very affordable as well.
Eric Lau from ACS Ipoh graduated from Diploma in Interactive Design at KBU International College

Have you ever asked for directions to a place and your friend gave you the wrong information? It can be very frustrating and stressful. You would have wasted precious time. If you ask directions from someone who don’t know where the place is, they will give you the wrong directions.

Would you ask a doctor on how to repair your car? It does sound ridiculous but most of the time we do ask people who are not trained nor have the expertise for their advise on what to study.

I talked to this boy who was working at Parkson to save money so that he can continue his degree studies in Mass Communication.

He stopped after Year 1. He had graduated with a Diploma in IT and realised that he did not like IT. So, he had to begin all over again by taking the Foundation before going into the Degree in Mass Comm.

I guess he could have saved time if he had asked the right people to help him.

Some of these university counselors have little or no training in career counselling. They are trained in the products that the university is offering and on how to best “sell” them to you.

Their priority is not your future but to ensure they meet their sales targets. Therefore, you cannot believe everything they tell you. You need to check with the proper authorities and people with experience.

Always make your decisions based on facts and evidence. Do not decide based on your feelings or that your relatives say that it is good. Ask, “What are the reasons that it is a good course to study?”

Just because you like the course, doesn’t mean that it suits you

Talking to EduSpiral on Facebook helped me to find my direction in life and to choose the right college that fit my career goals. Austin Ang, KDU College Penang
Talking to EduSpiral on Facebook helped me to find my direction in life and to choose the right college that fit my career goals.
Austin Ang, KDU College Penang

This sweet girl told me she wanted to study Forensic Science. I told her she must have loved to watch all the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) TV series. She smiled.

I then asked her if she had ever seen a dead body without a head or with the intestines outside the stomach. She paused and got what I was trying to get at. What we see on TV may not reflect real life.

Like the people trying out for American Idol, we have seen some who could not sing a tune and yet got angry when the judges told them that they could not sing. We laugh at that, but sometimes, we ourselves also make the same mistake. We like something a lot but if we do not have the skill or talent for that, it would lead to pain.

It is important to choose a course that we are actually good at. There should be evidence that we are good at it such as our SPM results and what our parents, friends and teachers tell us.

I had talked to a student who only had low credits for Physics and Add Maths and wanted to study Mechanical Engineering.

Although he met the minimum requirements, I discouraged him from taking it because he was weak at it and his personality was playful. He insisted and after 2 semesters, he had dropped out of university.

Choosing the Course to Study in Malaysia for Passion or for Money?

Sometimes choosing something that you love may get you a job that does not pay high or you could not even find a job as well.

EduSpiral provided a lot of useful information to us on Facebook. They picked us up at KL Sentral to tour the college and to find hostel as well. Oliver Yong and Weng Lok, Hospitality & Tourism at Reliance College
EduSpiral provided a lot of useful information to us on Facebook. They picked us up at KL Sentral to tour the college and to find hostel as well.
Oliver Yong and Weng Lok, Hospitality & Tourism at Reliance College

Last year, it was reported in the Star that there were 1,100 jobless fresh graduate pilots and yet when I told some students that, they still insist on spending RM250,000 to pursue their passion. Now, there is nothing wrong with that if you are rich.

I did not come from a rich family so I decided to choose to study Communication instead of my passion, Psychology because  there were not many jobs for this back during my time. In addition, I needed to go for a Masters too which I could not afford.

Now, with what I have learnt in Communications, I have combined it with my passion for Psychology to work in marketing with universities helping students to choose the right course and university.

If we do not come for a rich family, we have to research to make sure that the course we choose will provide job stability and a good salary.

The university that we choose is important as well. Star Newspaper has reported that those who have a good command of the English language has a 25% higher salary and fast promotion opportunities than those who don’t.

It is important to choose a good university who can prepare you well for a successful future instead of choosing a cheap university so that you can just get the degree qualification.

If you are not well equipped, even with a degree, you will get low salary for the next 60 years of your work life.

If you need advise on what to study, please feel free to contact me for a free career test and advise.

Best Course to Choose to Study at the Top Private University in Malaysia

It is important to choose the right course to study – you don’t want to waste your time and money on a

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

course you don’t want to do (or end up dropping out of). To help you decide which course is right for you, make a list of courses that are of interest to you.

Is it a subject you have already studied? For example, maybe you loved the English subject and you read novels for pleasure in your own time. You can consider Teaching English as a Second Language, journalism or Mass Communication. In addition, you don’t have to do a journalism degree to become a journalist – many degrees are considered!

Maybe you’ve always been interested in computers and the internet at home, and enjoyed maths at school, so are considering a degree in computer science, a course subject you probably won’t have studied before. Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration.

Looking at your results in SPM could help you to decide which course you would be good at. If you are good in Maths & Physics then you can consider Engineering courses. Having good results in Chemistry, Biology & Maths, you can think of a career in Food Science, Pharmacy or Medicine. Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Many students after SPM make the mistake of just listening to advise without verifying whether the

My friend introduced me to EduSpiral because for a long time after SPM I still did not know what and where to study. EduSpiral took time to explain the courses to me and even took me around the university for a tour. Yammie Chau, Diploma in Business at UCSI University
My friend introduced me to EduSpiral because for a long time after SPM I still did not know what and where to study. EduSpiral took time to explain the courses to me and even took me around the university for a tour.
Yammie Chau, Diploma in Business at UCSI University

information given is true or not. In addition, just because you have heard or seen a lot of advertisements by a particular university, doesn’t mean that it is the best in that course.

Many of the course counselors at the universities are paid by the universities to get you to register there, so their main motivation is to get you to register, not to help you make the right choice.

You should also ask yourself if you would still be interested in that subject for a further three or four years – enough to motivate yourself to work and research independently? Remember, you are going to work in this career for the next 50 years after graduation, therefore, you should have a high interest in the course.

The course that you choose should also have a job demand for you after you graduate. 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.

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 15 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. We have worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the 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.

Ask a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant in Malaysia to Help you Choose the Right Course after SPM

Choosing a course to study after SPM is not a science, it is a process

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university
Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university

in finding out who you are and what you are good at. An experienced Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right course. Students need to talk to the right education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Ask the right Education Counselors. Would you ask a Doctor on how to repair your car? Or would you ask a mechanic for medical advise? Although this sounds ridiculous, but many students do listen to advise from young and inexperienced counselors from universities, colleges or agents’ offices.  Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration. EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 15 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.

EduSpiral Consultant Services has worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the 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.

Best Education Pathway After SPM

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

There are basically 2 pathways after SPM or O-Levels. You can either go for a Diploma course or Pre-University Course in Malaysia or Singapore. “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 or O-Levels who are not sure what to study at degree level can go for the Pre-University course in Malaysia like A-Levels, AUSMAT or Foundation and then proceed on to the degree in Malaysia.

Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you? Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities. Every Pre-University course will include a % breakdown of assessment. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you.

Students who are sure of what they want to study after SPM or O-Levels can enter the Diploma course first. 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.

Choosing the best possible course to study is a very important decision to make, and often a challenging one.  For some people, choosing the course is simple as they have always wanted to be a brain surgeon or a dentist or an engineer.

Many students in Malaysia tend to choose their course based on what their parents or relatives recommend, rather than on what they are good at or really like to study. The end result is that a lot of Malaysian students discover that they have started on courses that may be unsuitable to them after studying a few semesters. Worse is when they start work, they find that it is not what they like.

When choosing a course students need to choose based on your personal strengths and your career

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

goals. Let the experienced counselors at EduSpiral Consultant Services take you step-by-step through the choices.

Most importantly, the right course will help you to develop skills for the long term, for your career and personal development. The skills for a successful future include, communication, English-language proficiency, problem-solving, strategic and analytical skills, creative thinking, innovation, team-work, leadership and assimilating new ideas.

There are so many courses out there and it can be confusing to choose the right course to study after SPM, UEC, STPM, O-Levels or A-LevelsChoosing the right course is a big decision and it is important to get it right as it can impact your future success.

So how should you go about choosing the best course that fits you?

Step 1: Look at your Interests, Skills & Personality 

I was confused about what to study & concerned about Mass Comm. EduSpiral answered my questions with facts to show that mass comm is in demand in Malaysia. Jacob Lean, Mass Comm at KDU University College
I was confused about what to study & concerned about Mass Comm. EduSpiral answered my questions with facts to show that mass comm is in demand in Malaysia.
Jacob Lean, Mass Comm at KDU University College

This requires the individual to develop a certain degree of self-awareness. This require you to ask:

  1. What kind of person am I?
  2. What do I like?
  3. What are my hobbies?
  4. What is my personality?

This process of self-assessment consists of using several instruments in order to uncover your interests, personality type, work related values and skills. It is looking at these things in combination that can help you figure out what courses will be good matches for you, and you could learn something that will surprise you. The greater the overlap between an individual’s interests, aptitudes and personal characteristics and those required by the area of study, the greater the degree of satisfaction when engaged in that area of study. This process will help you decide which course best fits you. If you find the right course at the right college you will be inspired to succeed.

Match what you have come to know about yourself (self-assessment) to a course. During this phase of the career planning process you will decide which course is the best fit for you based on what you now know about yourself and the courses you have researched. This will entail looking at the jigsaw pieces of your life to date and putting them together. Considering your interests, hobbies, skills, aptitudes and achievements, both academic and personal, and identifying certain personality traits combined with appropriate course exploration will hold the key to successful course choice.

Step 2: Look at your Actual Results

Your results in SPM, UEC, or O-Levels will act as a guide in what you are actually good at. For example, if you are good in Physics & Add Maths, then you can consider engineering courses. If you fail in any of these subjects and want to study engineering, then you are being unrealistic.

Step 3: Research the courses and offer at top colleges or universities

EduSpiral explained the courses in detail and took us around the campus to view the Pharmacy facilities to help me make a good decision about my future career. Ka Jun, Pharmacy at UCSI University
EduSpiral explained the courses in detail and took us around the campus to view the Pharmacy facilities to help me make a good decision about my future career.
Ka Jun, Pharmacy at UCSI University

Make a list of courses to explore that are of interest to you and then research each course. The internet, college prospectuses, family and friends are your best sources of information and support. Someone who is already studying the course can give you great insight from a student’s perspective.

It is important to attend college open days or other career events and make every effort to speak to lecturers, tutors or admissions staff in the colleges you are interested in, as they will facilitate your decision-making.

Many students drop out or change course, so something is going wrong with students initial decisions. A lot of heartache can be avoided if you take the time to look at the college websites to find out not just which subjects you will be studying on your course but also to find out the content of the individual modules of each subject.

In this way you will know exactly what lies ahead of you. Discovering that you have made the wrong choice can be upsetting, and expensive.

Check out the duration of the course, accreditation, and additional costs such as accommodation, books, travel etc.

Step 4: Talk to the Right People

I received a lot of in-depth information about the course & university from EduSpiral. He took us around for a campus tour as well as the hostel in Cyberjaya. Wen Hang, Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
I received a lot of in-depth information about the course & university from EduSpiral. He took us around for a campus tour as well as the hostel in Cyberjaya.
Wen Hang, Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

If your car needs to be repaired, you would ask advise from a mechanic and not from a Doctor. So, when asking about your future career, ask from people who are experienced and knowledgeable. Many Malaysians tend to listen to their parents and relatives without checking the facts to see if it is true. An uncle would tell them to study a certain course and the student would just go for it without doing any research or consideration to see if it fits them.

EduSpiral Consultant Services has more than 15 years experience in helping students choose the right course based on facts and evidence. Students who are still confused and need advise can contact us for a free consultation at 01111408838.

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

Top Scholarships Available from the Best Private Universities in Malaysia

Study at the Best Private Universities and Colleges in Malaysia

EduSpiral helped me to find the right college for A-Levels, & now they have helped me to choose what to study after my A-Levels. Chee Kin, Actuarial & Finance degree at UCSI University
EduSpiral helped me to find the right college for A-Levels, & now they have helped me to choose what to study after my A-Levels.
Chee Kin, Actuarial & Finance degree at UCSI University

Switzerland

Malaysia

  1. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
  2. Curtin University, Sarawak campus
  3. Asia Pacific University (APU) 
  4. APIIT
  5. UCSI University
  6. Taylor’s University
  7. UCSI University Sarawak Campus
  8. First City University College
  9. HELP University
  10. HELP Academy
  11. HELP College of Arts & Technology
  12. KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
  13. KDU College Damansara Jaya
  14. KDU University College Penang
  15. YTL International College of Hotel Management
  16. IACT College
  17. Point College
  18. Saito College
  19. Malaysian Institute of Art (MIA)
  20. Nilai University
  21. 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 gets to know our students personally in order to be able to advise on which course & university is the best such as these 2 students after a visit of Asia Pacific University
EduSpiral gets to know our students personally in order to be able to advise on which course & university is the best such as these 2 students after a visit of Asia Pacific University

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.

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.