External qualifications like A levels, IB or STPM give students more options when deciding on what and where to study. These qualifications are accepted around the world so students can have many choices when it comes to courses as well as university or college. It is an big advantage for students who still haven't quite decided where or what course they want to study.
| External Pre-University Qualification | Qualification Awarding Body and Country of Origin |
|---|---|
| Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | Malaysian Examination Board, Malaysia |
| University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) for AS and A2 Levels | CIE, UK |
| Edexcel International Advanced Level | Edexcel, UK |
| South Australian Matriculation (SAM) | SACE, Australia |
| Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) | Curriculum Council of Western Australia |
| New South Wales High School Certificate | Board of Studies, New South Wales, Australia |
| Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) | Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Ministry of Education Ontario, Canada |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme | IB Board of Governors, IBO |
In contrast, students who already know what they want to pursue could benefit from internal qualifications like foundation or matriculation programmes. Students will be introduced to subjects they will study at bachelor's degree level; and the programme usually takes only 10-12 months to complete. For most foundation courses at private higher education institutions in Malaysia, entry into first year of a degree programme is automatic as along as the student passes all the required exams.
| Internal Pre-University Qualification | Qualification Awarding Body and Country of Origin |
|---|---|
| Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) | Monash University |
| University of New South Wales (UNSM) Foundation Year | University of New South Wales |
| Degree foundation courses (offered by public HEIs) | Internal qualification awarded by public HEIs in Malaysia |
| Degree foundation courses (offered by private HEIs) | Internal qualification awarded by private HEIs in Malaysia |
| Matriculation certificate | Ministry of Education Malaysia |
Find out more about the pros and cons of various pre-U programmes and how to choose the programme that suits you best in the all-new Education Guide Malaysia (14th edition).
Blurb: Get it now! Your one-stop resource to higher education in Malaysia.
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