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Picking the perfect course to study after SPM can be overwhelming, especially when you do not even know if it is suitable for you. Above all, you need to consider
- Your budget
- Your academic results
- Your needs
If you are unsure which course to take, take a look at some of these pre-university programmes offered at private universities in Malaysia. To help you understand, we have also included a mini guide to help you pick the right study plan for you.
Courses in Malaysia After SPM
Foundation
A foundation programme equips students with the foundations and knowledge needed before entering a bachelor’s degree programme.
Popular programmes that you can find in Malaysia are
- Foundation in Science,
- Foundation in Arts,
- Foundation in Business, and
- Foundation in Accounting.
Foundation programmes are usually 50% exams and 50% assignments. If you choose a foundation course, you will go through quizzes, coursework, and a final examination to assess your performance.
Duration: 1 year
Tuition Fees: RM10,000–RM26,000
A-Level
Based on the UK education system, A-Level is one of the most globally accepted qualifications for students looking to further their studies. This 100% exam-based programme requires students to take up 3 to 4 subjects that will prepare them for their degree of choice.
While challenging by nature, A-level is relatively flexible in its selections. The subjects in this course cover what you need to enter any university course you choose. In addition, examinations will take place twice a year, so you do not have to stick to a single schedule!
If you seek fluidity in choosing to further your studies abroad or keeping your future options open, this pre-university is the one.
Duration: 1 ½ – 2 years
Tuition Fees: RM16,000–RM35,000
SACE International and AUSMAT
Australian education is also popular among youth today. Here in Malaysia, there are two types of Australian Matriculation:
- The South Australian Matriculation (SAM) or SACE International, and
- AUSMAT, also known as the Western Australian Certificate of Education.
Throughout this pre-university, you must complete 5 to 6 subjects of your choice. These subjects can come from both the Arts and Science categories. As such, you get to dip your toes into different fields before narrowing it down to one specialisation!
Moreover, the grading systems of both SAM and AUSMAT strike a balance between exams and coursework. (Say ‘goodbye’ to the stressful last-minute studying!)
Duration: 1 year
Tuition Fees: RM35,000–RM40,000
CIMP
CIMP, also known as the Canadian Pre-University Programme, is another globally recognised programme. It leans on 70% coursework and 30% external examinations. As a CIMP student, you need 6 subjects, with the teaching enhanced by interactive forms of learning.
What differentiates CIMP from other pre-university courses is its focus on communication and other essential soft skills. On top of the classes at school, you will also undergo
- a minimum of 10 hours of community service,
- presentations,
- debates, and
- projects before completing the programme.
So, if you are a more hands-on learner, why not give it a try?
Duration: 12–15 months
Tuition Fees: RM29,000–RM37,000
ADTP and ADP
For those who dream of studying abroad in the future, you can add the American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) to your study plan.
ADTP is a programme that allows students to pursue the first two years of their degree in Malaysia and the remaining years at a university abroad. Alternatively, there is also the American Degree Programme (ADP), which allows students to complete the entire programme locally while still receiving the academic experience and degree certificate of an American university.
Furthermore, the structure of this programme is also perfect for students who prefer to dig into more exciting assignments and projects. 70% of your grades will go into your coursework, while the remaining 30% will go into your final examination. You will also complete 60 credit hours of your general subjects before specialising in a field, giving you time for self-discovery.
Duration: 4 years
Tuition Fees: RM60,000 for the first 2 years for ADTP
Diploma
A diploma programme provides students with another pathway to a degree. Its curriculum is equivalent to what you will learn in your first year.
Why is it a popular study plan?
With a diploma, you will have specific hands-on skills and knowledge that prepare you for the working world. Upon completion of a diploma programme, diploma graduates can either enter the workforce directly or gain entry into the second year of a related degree programme.
Despite that, the syllabus for diploma programmes is tailor-made for a specialisation within a field of study. Therefore, you need to be clear on what you want to do in the future before pursuing it.
Duration: 2 – 2 ½ years
Tuition Fees: RM20,000–RM60,000
How to Apply for the Course You Want
Now, back to the concern: Applying for the right course after SPM can be lengthy and complicated.
With Uni Enrol’s Pathway Match, that process will become simpler.
Pathway Match combines technology and human experience to smooth your higher education progression with
- maximum savings and
- customised information.
It helps you compare more than 100 universities for specific courses.
All you need to do is key in the results for your highest academic qualification and personal background information. Then, you will be given a list of eligible universities and the net fee for the relevant course.
The best part is that the use of Pathway Match and consultation from our counsellors are free! We work closely with top private universities to ensure students receive the latest higher education information without any additional charges.
4 Benefits of Using Pathway Match
A quick and easy way to find information about tuition fees.
You get to skip the long research process!
With Pathway Match, you will get matches with courses and universities based on your preferences and results. Moreover, it will also show you the tuition fees from the shortlisted institutions and courses in one place to help your decision-making process.
Get matched with deals that can lower your costs.
Along with the list of matched institutions and courses, you can view various types of academic and merit scholarships and additional benefits in the personalised report.
Aside from not missing out on eligible scholarships, you could also be matched with the bursaries available at Uni Enrol. These scholarships cover hostels, flights, and bus tickets.
Once you have successfully applied for your course with Uni Enrol, you can even enjoy discounts at more than 3,000 merchants!
Fill up your application online.
Paper applications are a pain to fill out. Yet, many institutions still rely on them for course registration. With Uni Enrol, you can choose to complete your entire application process online with the help of our experienced counsellors.
Did we mention that our services are free?
Be guided by experienced counsellors.
When you have received your results from Pathway Match, you can speak with our experienced counsellors about what to do next. They are there to guide you through the decision-making process.
Do you have questions about the cost, course, university, or career options? They have updated the news. Are you finding the best way to finance your studies? You can work on a study plan that allows you to pay through installment plans, other education loans, or even an income share agreement (allowing you to pay once you start working after graduation).
Begin searching for the course you want with these 6 simple steps:
Step 1: Visit https://unienrol.com/pathwaymatch
Step 2: Fill in your academic results and personal preferences.
Step 3: Review courses and scholarships matched to you with our counsellors.
Step 4: Complete your application online.
Step 5: Pay the registration fee to the university/college.
Step 6: Receive an offer letter from your desired institutions.
No matter how big or small your doubts are, you are welcome to approach us!
3 Tips on Choosing a Course to Study After SPM
Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Do you know what you are good or bad at? Understanding yourself gives you a head start in shaping your goals and visions for the future.
Your strengths are the power hubs of your journey. They help create effective pathways to your goals and motivate you to grow. On the other hand, your weaknesses are some of the best mentors you can find. They will teach you valuable lessons so that you can turn them into successful opportunities.
Know what your interests are.
Other than evaluating your strengths and weaknesses, determining what you love to do gets you closer to deciding the best course to take after SPM. It is the first step in pursuing a career that aligns with your interests and skills. One of the easy ways to do this is by taking career quizzes to help narrow down your interests.
(*Note: While they do not give a direct answer, they certainly give you a foundation to work on.)
After completing the quizzes, pick 3 to 5 things you enjoy or feel close to. Once you have identified them, you can look into university courses that match their characteristics and document the essential information.
If you have done so, you are ready to make a well-informed and strategic decision in choosing a course.
Know your financial situation.
Last but not least, we have to identify the elephant in the room: money. The cost of higher education varies, but it is still a significant investment.
Despite that, there are multiple financing options to help students fund their studies. Therefore, it is crucial to identify a budget for your tertiary education.
Then, you will be able to narrow down the options to fit your preferences. In this phase, remember to include financial aid as part of your study plan, such as
- scholarships,
- student grants and
- loans from PTPTN, banks, and corporations.
Still, have questions? Contact Uni Enrol now to speak to our experienced counsellors.
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