A-level Results | 4 Neat Questions to Ask After Getting Them

Intro

A-level is one of the most versatile pre-university qualifications you can have, especially for study abroad options.

In this edition, we will go through the 4 questions you can ask yourself as you map out your study plan.

Q1: Do You Want to Study Locally or Venture Abroad?

If you have a sufficient budget to choose between furthering your studies locally or abroad, it can make your decision both exciting and daunting at the same time.

Let us explore the benefits and drawbacks of both options.

Studying Locally

Benefits 

• If you choose to remain, you will be close to home and your loved ones.
• You incur lower expenses compared to going overseas. You do not need to pay for additional administrative expenses.

Drawbacks

• Your choices may be limited. Not all degree courses are available in Malaysia, so you may not find what you are looking for.
• Everything around you is familiar and may not push you as much from a personal growth standpoint.

Studying Abroad

Benefits 

• Studying away from home enhances your soft skills for survival. You will learn how to be independent and manage your time well.
• You expand your horizons and learn firsthand about the local cultures, which will challenge you to adapt to their lifestyle.
• Employers highly value fresh graduates who have gained an eclectic worldview.

Drawbacks 

• A study trip abroad can be costly, as you are paying both tuition fees and living costs in another currency. Luckily, there are many part-time job opportunities.
• The change in the environment can be overwhelming. As you build a new life, you may shoulder more stress and struggles. Thankfully, most universities provide community support for international students.

Q2: Do You Have a University You Are Aiming for?

Next, you might ask yourself

• Which University do I want to go to?
• What kind of life do I want to lead?
• What do I want to do there?

When you look for a university, you consider its ranking, its teaching faculty, its culture, and its facilities. After gathering the information, you start to align each university’s options with your own preferences.

As an A-level student, your qualifications are a big boost to your enrollment. Its course structure prepares you for your university life with a strong foundation. Thanks to its academic structure, it will also help you adapt to your next level of study.

To help you get all the vital details, here is a list of questions you can ask your counsellors during your session:

1. What are some of the track records at this university?
2. What does this university specialise in?
3. When is the next intake?
4. What do I need for my application?
5. What are the accommodations available?

Q3: Do You Know If You Qualify for Your Course?

Before you hit the submit button, check your qualifications. It is an important step!

Generally, most degree courses require at least 3 Cs from A-level graduates. If you are thinking of studying abroad, this certificate is your passport. It receives global recognition across 125 countries. In fact, it is one of the qualifications to enter top universities worldwide, including

1. Cambridge University, UK
2. Harvard University, USA
3. Hong Kong University (HKU), Hong Kong
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA
5. National University of Singapore, Singapore
6. The Australian National University (ANU), Australia
7. The University of Sydney, Australia
8. University of Cambridge, UK
9. University of Oxford, UK
10. University of Toronto, Canada

Thus, you will have better chances of pursuing your overseas education!

But do note that some degree courses require you to study specific subjects. Here are some of the examples from our database.

1. BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
   • BBC Grades in your A-levels
   • Bs in Mathematics and Chemistry

2. BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance @London Metropolitan University
   • 3Cs in 3 A-level subjects, or
   • At least BC Grades in 2 A-level subjects in academic or business subjects

3.  Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at Penang International Dental College (PIDC)
   • At least 3Bs or ABC Grades in your A-levels
     Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics, and Physics/ Mathematics

Aside from academic performance, you may also need to prepare a portfolio or an interview. Take a look at these examples.

1. BA (Hons) Acting at Falmouth University
   • BCC Grades in your A-levels ( UCAS Points: 104–120)
   • GCSE English Grade 4 (C)
   • Audition
   • Portfolio

2. BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing at First City University College
   • At least 2Cs in your A-levels
   • Pass portfolio review
   • Pass in SPM English and Arts (Pendidikan Seni)

Q4: Have You Discussed Your Budget?

Your budget is a key determinant of the options available to you. If you do not set a clear budget, you will not be able to shortlist and make your final choice.

Let’s say your goal is to pursue an English degree.

– At UCSI University, it will cost you around RM65,800.

– Meanwhile, Nottingham Trent University’s English degree is approximately RM 293,572 in total.

Yes, your tuition fees take the largest slice of the pie. But did you know that there are other “hidden” costs too? Tuition fees aside, you will also spend on your administration, ancillary, and living expenses. What do they have? Let’s break it down.

During your enrolment, you need to pay for

1. Your Tuition
2. Registration
3. Study materials: textbooks
4. Support Fees

Then, when you are studying, you will need ancillaries to support you, such as

1. Devices and Gadgets: Laptop, smartphone, tablet, camera
2. Specialised Equipment: Software, crafting materials

You will also need to sustain your campus life with

1. Food
2. Transportation
3. Accommodation

Above all, if you study abroad, you must also get your

1. Student Visa
2. Health Insurance:
   1. AUS: Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
   2. UK: Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
3. Health Check
4. Biometrics
5. Flight Ticket

Despite that, there are ways to fund your education. In Malaysia, you can find several types of financial aid, such as study grants, scholarships, and education loans (e.g., PTPTN loans).

In times like these, tools like Pathway Match are your best allies. At Uni Enrol, we use it to tap into scholarships that match your needs and academic performance. Here, you will discover what and how you can qualify for financial aid with your A-levels.

For instance, if you get 3As in your exams, you are eligible for the

1. IMU Merit Scholarship (Medical, Pharmacy)
   • Awards: 100% Tuition Waiver
2. Monash High Achiever Award – New Students
   • Awards: Up to RM5,000 per semester (Up to RM40,000 in total)
3. Taylor’s University Community Scholarship
   • Awards: 100% Tuition Waiver

Remember to read the terms and conditions carefully before applying. 

(Check out this article on financial assistance, where we explore each option in detail.)

What’s Next After Getting Your A-Level Results?

Everyone’s journey is different, and a helping hand goes a long way. If you need guidance on what you can do after your A-levels, why not connect with Uni Enrol?

Our highly qualified counsellors offer personalised counselling and recommendations. You can also use Pathway Match to get a better picture of where your qualifications can take you. (You might find yourself abroad too!)