Table of Contents
In this article, we will share an overview of the pathways after SPM you can consider, and a list of top private universities in Malaysia.
Malaysia University: What Are the Pathways After SPM

Generally most students will choose to attend either public or private universities to pursue their higher education.
Some of the pre-university programmes available at private university in Malaysia are more versatile than others since it offers students greater options in degree choices.
Here are a range of pre-university programmes available to cater to the different pathways chosen by students:
Pre-University Course |
Duration |
Average Tuition Fee |
Foundation |
1 year |
RM10,000- RM26,000 |
A-Level |
1 ½ – 2 years |
RM16,000 – RM35,000 |
AUSMAT/SACE |
1 year |
RM35,000 – RM40,000 |
American Degree Transfer Programme |
4 years |
RM60,000 (1st 2 years) |
Diploma |
2 – 2 ½ years |
RM20,000 – RM60,000 |
Malaysian Matriculation |
1 – 2 years |
Less than RM550 |
STPM |
2 years |
FREE |
Study In Malaysia: For you to pursue a pre-university course, you will need to have 5 credits in SPM, especially in Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah.
But that’s not all!
Some degree courses have specific entry requirements related to your SPM results.
For instance, you will need credit in Additional Mathematics as well if you want to pursue a degree in Computer Science.
For an ACCA course, you’ll need credit in Mathematics and a pass in English.
Also Read: What To Study After SPM
List of Top Private Universities in Malaysia
Here is a list of top private universities in Malaysia for you to consider after SPM:
Taylor’s University
Taylor’s is a world-class private higher education institution located in Subang Jaya, Selangor.
This university is ranked 284th among all universities around the world, making it the highest ranked Malaysian private university on the 2023 list.
University Of Malaysia: Widely known for their commitment to providing the highest quality of education to students, graduates from Taylor’s will be equipped with the latest industry trends and practices from industry leaders and faculty members who are experienced professionals.
Here is a list of pre-u and diploma programmes offered at Taylor’s:
Foundation
- Foundation in Business
- Foundation in Science
- Foundation in Arts
- ACCA Foundation in Accountancy (ACCA FiA)
- Foundation in Design
- Foundation in Engineering
- Foundation in Natural & Built Environment
- Foundation in Computing
SACE International
A-Level
American Degree Transfer Programme
Diploma
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Business
- Diploma in Communication
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Interior Design
- Diploma in Culinary Arts (2+0) with Academie de Toulouse
- Diploma in Hotel Management (2+0) with Academie de Toulouse
Asia Pacific University (APU)
Malaysia University: APU is a globally recognised university with its student population from more than 130 countries.
Located in Bukit Jalil, this high tech institution is equipped with premium facilities such as world-class computer labs and equipment.
APU is recognised as one of the Highest Rated Emerging University in Malaysia by the Ministry of Higher Education, and has received 5 Stars by QS for Teaching, Employability, Facilities and Inclusiveness.
It has a 100% employability rate, based on MOE’s most recent Graduate Tracer Study.
Best University In Malaysia: APU also has strong partnerships with key industry leaders as it regularly collaborates with the largest tech firms in Malaysia to produce qualified graduates that are ready for the workforce.
Here is a list of pre-u and diploma programmes offered at APU:
Foundation
- Foundation – Business & Finance
- Foundation – Computer Science
- Foundation – Computing & Technology
- Foundation – Design
- Foundation – Psychology
- Foundation – Engineering
- Foundation – Communication
- Foundation – Accounting & Finance
Diploma
- Diploma in Information & Communication Technology
- Diploma in Information & Communication Technology (Software Engineering)
- Diploma in Information & Communication Technology (Data Informatics)
- Diploma in Information & Communication Technology (Interactive Technology)
- Diploma in Business Information Technology
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Design & Media
- Diploma in International Studies
Multimedia University (MMU)
Malaysia University: MMU is Malaysia’s oldest full-fledged private research and government-linked university.
It was established by Telekom Malaysia.
Known to be one of the top universities in Malaysia that offers students affordability and quality, MMU has 2 campuses located in Cyberjaya, Kuala Lumpur and Ayer Keroh, Melaka.
Here is a list of pre-u and diploma programmes offered at Multimedia University (MMU):
Foundation
- Foundation in Information Technology
- Foundation in Law
- Foundation in Engineering
- Foundation in Business
- Foundation in Creative Multimedia
- Foundation in Communication
- Foundation in Cinematic Arts
- Foundation in Management
Diploma
- Diploma in Digital Business
- Diploma in 3D Modeling & Animation
- Diploma in Creative Audio
- Diploma in Creative Multimedia
- Diploma in Digital Creative Producing
- Diploma in Digital Motion Graphic
- Diploma in Management
- Diploma in Finance
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Applied Communication
- Diploma in Cinematography
International Medical University (IMU)
Malaysia University: IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and health science university.
Located in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur, this university has a strong focus on medicine, health sciences and related medicine programmes.
IMU encourages innovation, imagination and insight among students and staff to ensure that IMU graduates are work-ready, knowledgeable, competent and caring healthcare professionals.
Here is a list of pre-u and diploma programmes offered at IMU:
Foundation
- Foundation in Science
- Foundation in Science (Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy)
- Foundation in Science (Nursing)
Diploma
HELP University
Since 1986, HELP has become one of Malaysia’s leading universities for tertiary education by distinguished itself as a thought leader, an incubator of outstanding graduates, a model of selective excellence, and as a community-caring institution.
HELP is most recognised for its postgraduate Psychology and Business programmes whilst being a reliable gateway for students to pursue their course in top universities abroad (Australia, The UK, Canada).
Here is a list of pre-u and diploma programmes offered at HELP:
Foundation
A-Level
- Cambridge International Examinations (3 subjects)
- Cambridge International Examinations (4 subjects)
- Edexcel (3 subjects)
- Edexcel (4 subjects)
Diploma
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Business Management
- Diploma in Business
- Diploma in Communication
- Diploma in Marketing
- Diploma in Education
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education
UOW Malaysia KDU University College
Malaysia University: Previously known as KDU University and College, UOW Malaysia is part of the University of Wollongong Australia’s global network known for providing accessible, quality, tertiary education to students.
UOW Malaysia is committed to becoming a prominent provider of higher education in Malaysia.
This commitment combines UOW Malaysia’s internationally recognised teaching programmes and personalised approach to students with its experience of operating for over 38 years in Malaysia, modern campuses and vibrant, industry-focused programmes.
Here is a list of pre-u and diploma programmes offered at UOW Malaysia:
A-Level
Foundation
- Foundation in Arts
- Foundation in Arts (Accounting, IT)
- Foundation in Arts (Communication)
- Foundation in Arts (Computer Science & Software Engineering)
- Foundation in Arts (IT & Information Systems)
- Foundation in Engineering
- Foundation in Science
- Foundation in Science (Architecture)
- Foundation in Science (Computer Science & Software Engineering)
- Foundation in Science (Engineering)
- Foundation in Science (IT & Information Systems)
- Foundation Studies (Art & Technology – Accounting)
- Foundation Studies (Art & Technology – Communication)
- Foundation Studies (Art & Technology – Computer Science)
- Foundation Studies (Art & Technology – IT)
- Foundation Studies (Art & Technology)
Diploma
- Diploma in Nursing
- Diploma in Physiotherapy
- Diploma in Medical Assistant
- Diploma in Healthcare Services
- Diploma in Early Childhood Education
- Diploma in Accountancy
- Diploma in Business Administration
- Diploma in Communication & Media
- Diploma in Computer Science
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Entertainment Arts
- Diploma in International Hotel Management
- Diploma in Business
- Diploma in Interior Design
- Diploma in Information Technology
- Diploma in Professional Chef Training
- Diploma in Mechatronics Engineering
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