3 Exclusive Matrikulasi Facts To Know Before Applying

1. What Is Matrikulasi?

The Malaysian Matriculation Programme or fondly referred to as Matrikulasi, is a pre-university preparatory course for SPM students to enter degree courses at public universities.

Matrikulasi is typically completed within 1–2 years at matriculation colleges located in various states.

The Matriculation programme is offered under two study systems:

• One-Year Programme (SDS – Sistem Dua Semester), which is the standard pathway completed within two semesters.

• Two-Year Programme (SES – Sistem Empat Semester), designed for selected students who may benefit from a longer learning period across four semesters.

Matrikulasi is very affordable, costing an average of RM500 for the whole course as it is a government-supported programme.

Upon completing the Matriculation programme, students may apply to Malaysian public universities such as UKM, UM and USM through the UPU system. Admission into specific degree programmes is not automatic and depends on the student’s final CGPA, course competitiveness, and available university quotas. High-performing students typically gain access to competitive programmes such as Medicine, Engineering, and Accounting.

Warning! Students are assigned to matriculation colleges based on programme availability, capacity, and regional considerations. While students may indicate preferences during application, final placement decisions are determined by the Ministry of Education.

2. What Am I Studying In Matrikulasi?

Throughout your matriculation programme, you will have a combination of exams and assessments. As part of your curriculum, you will get to dabble in debates, quizzes, and essays that count towards a final grade.

You will choose subjects from various fields, including

1. Science,
2. Engineering,
3. Accounting, or
4. Professional Accounting (JPPro).

Each stream has a different set of core subjects.

Certain matriculation colleges also offer Computer Science-focused modules within the Science stream, reflecting increasing demand for digital and technology-related fields.

Science Stream

If you love exploring all things scientific, you can choose one of three modules 

• Module 1: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
• Module 2: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science
• Module 3: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science

Engineering Stream 

If you are thinking about studying engineering, you can consider taking

1. Engineering Mathematics,
2. Engineering Chemistry,
3. Engineering Physics, and
4. Engineering Studies (for civil, mechanical or electrical engineering) 

Accounting Stream 

If Accounting is your thing, why not give one of these modules a go?

1. Mathematics for Accounting,
2. Accounting,
3. Economics, and
4. Business Management

Professional Accounting Stream

Thinking of becoming an accounting expert? Matrkulasi also offers these courses for your tertiary education.

1. Mathematics,
2. Financial Accounting,
3. Management Accounting, and
4. Business Accounting

All students will also study compulsory subjects such as English, Dynamic Skills (classes that build essential skills), and Islamic or Moral Studies.

You are also required to participate in extracurricular activities. At school, you can be part of sports, clubs, societies, or uniformed units. While it may take you back to your high school days, these activities can spur an eventful leisure time. As a bonus, they will boost your personal growth too!

Note: You may not get your first choice when choosing a stream. However, you can appeal to change streams after applying to a matriculation college.

3. How To Apply For It?

Entry Requirements

Applications for the Matriculation programme are conducted online through the Ministry of Education portal. Applicants typically purchase a BSN PIN (approximately RM16) or use available online payment methods, depending on the intake year before submitting their application. Students are encouraged to check official announcements annually as application procedures may be updated periodically.

As you are working your way through, check up on your SPM grades. They must meet these general entry requirements for you to take your enrolment to the next step.

Science Stream:

1. Achieve a C in
   • Bahasa Melayu,
   • English,
   • Additional Mathematics,
   • Chemistry, and
   • Physics or Biology.
     
2. Achieve a B in Mathematics.

Engineering Stream:

1. Achieve a C in
   • Bahasa Melayu,
   • English,
   • Physic,
   • Additional Mathematics, and
   • 1 other SPM subject.
     
2. Earn a B in Mathematics, and pass in Chemistry.

Accounting Stream:

1. Achieve a C in
   • Bahasa Melayu,
   • English,
   • Physics,
   • Additional Mathematics,
   • Mathematics, and
   • 2 Other SPM subjects

Professional Accounting Stream:

1. Achieve a C in
   • Bahasa Melayu,
   • Additional Mathematics.
2. Achieve an A- in English.
3. Achieve an A in Mathematics and 3 other SPM subjects.

No matter what you choose, all students must also pass their SPM Sejarah. 

Note: Entry requirements vary slightly each year based on national intake targets and applicant performance. Typical minimum requirements include strong SPM results in relevant subjects, particularly Mathematics and Science for science-based streams. Final selection is based on merit ranking, programme availability, and Ministry of Education policies for the intake year.

Fees For A Malaysian Matriculation Programme

How much does a matriculation programme cost? The matriculation programme fees for 2025 are as follows: 

• Science and Engineering: RM600
• Accounting and Professional Accounting: RM547

There are also additional fees to purchase study materials of RM600 for books and RM1,690 for students sitting for ACCA exams.

Eligible students from B40 and selected M40 households may receive financial assistance during their studies. This includes a living allowance of up to RM1,250 per semester or RM2,500 per year under government support schemes, helping students manage daily expenses while studying full-time in the programme.

4. What If I Don’t Get A Spot?

Matrikulasi seats are very competitive as it is coveted due to the flexibility of the course and affordability.

Failing to get a spot is not the end of the world. You can appeal for Asasi, which refers to the Foundation course of public universities.

Good News!

The Malaysian government has also come out to announce that students achieving 10As in their SPM will be able to secure a place in Matrikulasi.

Alternatively, there are also private colleges and universities you can consider!

Though, private institutions do cost more than public universities, there are various scholarships and loan schemes such as PTPTN that you can tap into to manage the budgeting.

At Uni Enrol, we specialise in pathways into private higher learning institutions locally in Malaysia and abroad. We also represent the private channels into Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and University Malaya (UM).

If you are heading towards the private institution route, here are some guides to get you started:

• Your One-Stop After SPM Guide: What To Study Next?

• What’s Next After IGCSE: Your One-Stop Study Guide

Use our FREE Pathway Match tool to match with scholarships from over 200 private universities and save on your higher education. Moreover, our team of supportive counsellors are ready to guide you to the right course and university.