Chapters
- 01. Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)
- 02. Cambridge A levels
- 03. Malaysian Matriculation programme
- 04. Foundation
- 05. Diploma
- 06. CPU & CIMP
- 07. American Degree Program (ADP)
- 08. ACCA
In Malaysia, two of the most popular examinations taken by students at the end of their secondary school education are the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
The academic journey does not end there. There are a variety of study opportunities available and students together with their parents should research all options in order to make an informed decision.
There are many study routes after you complete SPM or IGCSE. Students can choose to study in Malaysia, overseas or pursue a twinning or credit transfer programme where you can study in Malaysia and abroad to complete your chosen course.
In this article, we will take you through the multiple study options available after SPM and IGCSE.
Click here if you are curious to know the differences between SPM and IGCSE!
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)
STPM which is set and run by the Malaysian Examination Council is equivalent to pre-university qualifications such as A levels or Australian Matriculation programme. This is one of the many options for students who have completed SPM.
STPM results are endorsed by a representative from the Cambridge Assessment from the UK to uphold the standard and quality of this programme. The modular system adopted by STPM since 2012, assesses students continuously over three terms as opposed the earlier terminal system based on one final exam.
It is widely recognised as it is accepted by public and private universities, as well as many universities abroad. The duration of the course is 18 months, with only one intake per year.
It is also a cost effective choice as students enrolled in government schools do not have to pay any school or exam fee.
If you opt for private institutions, the fee will differ according to your choice. In addition, candidates will be required to pay RM120 for STPM registration fee, with an additional RM90 per subject.
However, STPM has gained a reputation for being one of the toughest pre-university examinations. It depends on the student’s capability and determination if it is good choice.
STPM is a good choice for SPM certificate holders who fall into any of these categories:
- Prefer an affordable pre-university option
- Planning to join public universities
- Require more time to decide which degree course to pursue
- Motivated and independent learner
- Thrive in challenging learning environment
Cambridge A levels
A levels is one of the popular pre-university programmes offered in private institutions. It is known as the gold standard of pre-university studies which is widely accepted by many top universities around the world.
In order to pursue this course in Malaysia, students must have 5 credits in either SPM or IGCSE. The average duration to complete this course is 18 months and it is 100% exam based. The programme is divided into two levels, AS and A2 which contributes 50% each towards your final.
The cost can be anywhere in between RM 20,000 to RM 38,000 depending on which institution you choose. There are two streams available, science and arts. Students generally choose three to four subjects. The combination of subjects offered varies depending on the institution. Do your research to find which institution suits your needs.
A levels is a good choice if you:
- Have not decided on the university and/or the degree of your choice
- Planning to pursue your degree in one of the top-tier universities in UK
- Prefer a structured programme
- Are academically inclined with an analytical and inquisitive mind
- Planning to purse competitive degrees like medicine or pharmacy
Malaysian Matriculation programme
This programme which typically takes one to two years to complete is a pre-university course that creates an extremely cost effective route for SPM certificate holders to pursue their degree with local public institutions.
It is also recognised by several foreign universities such as those from Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
However, the Malaysian Matriculation programme caters mainly for the Bumiputera students with 90% entry allocation reserved for them.
There are two programmes offered with different durations which are the two semester and four semester programmes. It offers four streams: Science, Accounting, Professional Accounting and Engineering. The assessments are a mix of classroom assignments and examinations.
The Matriculation programme is good choice if you:
- Require a quick pathway to pursue degree in a public university
- Prefer a cost effective pre-university option
- Aim for competitive public university degrees
Foundation
The foundation course is designed to equip student with the knowledge and skills to pursue an undergraduate degree. The duration of the course is usually 1 year and the assessment is generally divided into 50% coursework and 50% final exam.
There are different types of foundation programs offered which are streamed according to field of study, allowing students to get started on their studies in their area of interest. Some of the common ones are Foundation in Arts, Science, Business, Law and Computing.
Students with 5 credits in SPM or IGCSE are eligible for this programme. This is a good choice if you:
- Require a quick pathway to pursue degree
- Have decided your preferred field of study
- Have plans to pursue your degree at the same institution
Diploma
Diploma is a good alternative to pre-university programme. Most diploma programmes take 2 years to complete. Students with 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE are eligible to pursue this programme.
Practical and industry-specific skills and knowledge are the main focus of this course in order to train you for the working world.
Once you complete a diploma programme, you can either start a degree course in year 2 or work. Most students and parents do not consider diploma and views it as an option for weaker students. However, if you have decided which field you want to study, diploma is a great choice. For example, if you are sure that you want to pursue a degree in accounting, completing diploma in accounting will help you learn the basics of accounting and you are able to progress directly into year two of degree in accounting.
Diploma is a good choice if you:
- Have 3 or 4 credits in SPM or IGCSE
- Want to gain work experience first before pursuing a degree
CPU & CIMP
Canadian Pre-University (CPU) and Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) lead to an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), which is awarded to Canadian students who successfully complete 12th Grade in high school.
The programme which takes 12 to 15 months to complete, requires students to complete six subjects. Most subjects are graded based on 70% coursework and 30% final exams. The entry requirement is 5 credits in SPM or IGCSE.
It is widely recognised not only in Canada but other countries like Australia, UK and even Malaysia.
CPU and CIMP is a good choice if you:
- Enjoy the flexibility of choosing different subjects from different fields
- Interested to study overseas, especially Canada or in a private institution in Malaysia
- Love speaking and presentations and working on group assignments instead of final exams
American Degree Program (ADP)
ADP allows students with five credits in SPM and IGCSE join their degree programme directly without needing a pre-university qualification. The ADP program lasts for 4 years. You have the option to study in Malaysia for one or two years before applying for a transfer to a university in the US to complete your remaining years.
One of the most unique features of ADP is its flexibility, where you are able switch majors within two years if you decide to do so. The assessments focus on presentations, written papers, group projects and quizzes.
ADP is a good choice if you:
- Enjoy the flexibility of choosing different subjects from different fields
- Interested to study overseas, especially in USA and Canada
- Prefer continuous assessment with minimal score contribution from final exams
ACCA
Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a professional certificate given to you if you opt to become an accountant. However, do take note that it is not a degree program. Nonetheless, it is a prestigious professional qualification and often sought after by employers.
You have to attend the program for 3 years and take up 13 subjects. The ACCA certificate is recognized worldwide and you can use your ACCA accreditation to apply for work, both locally or internationally.
Both SPM and IGCSE are examinations of equivalent level and will open many doors towards excellent tertiary education options. Achieving good results in your SPM will give you the chance to enter matrikulasi or both public and private universities in Malaysia and overseas. With IGCSE, good results will lead you towards local or international private university or college.
Even though there are quite a number of differences between SPM and IGCSE, the study options after both examinations are almost similar. However, to be accepted into these institutions after SPM and IGCSE, you need to meet the set minimum requirements.
SPM and IGCSE are both challenging in different ways. So, it is advisable for you to prepare well before the exam day to get good results. One of the best ways to achieve good results is to hire a tutor from Superprof to assist you. Having a tutor will help you improve in your studies and eventually your academic results.
The platform that connects tutors and students
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