Foundation in Engineering or Foundation in Science Entry Requirements at Top Private Universities in Malaysia for Students after Secondary School
- To enter into the Foundation in Engineering programmes in Malaysia, students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels would need at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects with a pass in BM and Sejarah.
- Entry requirements for Foreign Branch University campuses are higher
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels interested in a career in Engineering can go for the 1-year Foundation programmes at top private universities in Malaysia instead of an external Pre-University Course like MUFY, CIMP, AUSMAT or A-Levels. The Foundation programmes are cheaper than the external Pre-U programmes and generally easier. If you do not plan on going overseas for your degree programme, then it is better to go for the Foundation programme at a top private university in Malaysia.
You will get the chance to study a variety of subject areas in the Foundation Programme. This will not only give you an idea of what subject you may like to progress on to, but also to develop the valuable learning skills necessary for pursue a degree. A Foundation Programme in Malaysia can be 2 semesters with 6 months each semester or 3 semesters with 4 months each semester.
Many top private universities in Malaysia, have developed their own internal university foundation programmes. These Foundation courses are accredited by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and recognised by the respective foreign partner universities. Unlike the external qualifications which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the internal qualifications provide specialisation in precise areas of study such as the fields of business, computer & IT, and engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.
To enter into the Foundation in Engineering or Foundation in Science programmes in Malaysia, students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels would need at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects with a pass in BM and Sejarah.
Joining the Foundation in Engineering Programmes at Top Private Universities in Malaysia
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels interested in a career in Engineering can go for the 1-year Foundation programme at top private universities in Malaysia before continuing on to the engineering courses. Entry requirements into top private universities such as Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, are higher so you would need to check carefully.
Below is a guide for the minimum entry requirements into the Foundation in Engineering course at private universities in Malaysia. Note that the requirements would vary from university to university. You may contact us for the exact entry requirements for a particular university.
Entry Requirements into the Foundation in Engineering or Foundation in Science programmes in Malaysia, students after SPM would need at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects with a pass in BM and Sejarah.
- Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
Pass with min. C in Mathematics and credits in 4 other subjects including 1 pure science subject - O Level
Pass with min. C in Mathematics and credits in 4 other subjects including 1 pure science subject - Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
Pass with min. 4Bs including English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry - Other Qualifications
Students with other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Why Study Foundation in Engineering?

Melvern, Engineering Graduate
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels interested in a career in Engineering can go for the 1-year Foundation programmes at top private universities in Malaysia instead of an external Pre-University Course like SAM, AUSMAT or A-Levels. The Foundation in Engineering programmes are cheaper than the external Pre-University programmes and generally easier.
If you do not plan on going overseas for your engineering degree programme, then it is better to go for the Foundation programme at a top private university in Malaysia. If you are sure that you want to study engineering for your degree in Malaysia, you can go for the Foundation in Engineering course. If not, you can go for the Foundation in Science which is more general and is still accepted for entry into engineering programmes at top private universities in Malaysia.
Many top private universities in Malaysia, have developed their own internal university foundation programmes. These Foundation courses are accredited by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and recognised by the respective foreign partner universities. Unlike the external qualifications which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the Foundation in Engineering provide specialisation in precise areas of study, and hence, cater to the specific needs of the students.
Engineering Foundation Year at University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM)

University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM) Engineering Foundation Year will equip you with the knowledge, skills and attributes needed to successfully meet the challenges of our engineering degree programmes. This one-year full-time course is integrated with a further four-year MEng degree, and will build your understanding of mathematics, mechanics, computer programming, electricity and electronics, and engineering principles. Successful completion of this Foundation Year guarantees progression to one of the engineering degrees at the University of Southampton Malaysia.
Engineering students have access to world-class facilities including the Testing and Structures Research Laboratory and wind-tunnel complex. Companies that offer placements for UoSM students include Dyson, Intel, Tektronix, JP Morgan, Rolls-Royce and LafargeHolcim.
By dividing their studies between the University of Southampton’s Malaysia and UK campuses, undergraduate engineering students will spend only around 60% of the price a student would pay pursuing their degree entirely in the UK. The split program also allows students to experience life abroad, further their academic pursuits and make invaluable international connections at a distinctively lower price than would otherwise be required.To allow students to gain the skills they need to excel in their chosen fields, the University of Southampton has invested in trailblazing technology and facilities. The UK campus boasts a world-class wind tunnel complex, a high-voltage laboratory, and even a streamlined flight simulator for aeronautic students (developed in collaboration with the team behind the Microsoft Flight Simulator games). State-of-the-art cleanrooms, as well as science and computer labs are also available.
Degree Pathway
This Pathway Allows Progression to the following Programmes at UoSM:
- Master of Engineering in Aeronautics & Astronautics (2+2)
- Master of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering (2+2)
- Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering (2+2)
What are the Entry Requirements for the Engineering Foundation Year?

Mother of Nishant, Mechanical Engineering at UOSM
- IGCSE
- 5 A grades in the science stream, including Mathematics and Physics
- SPM
- 5 A grades in the science stream, including Mathematics and Physics, with minimum B+ in Additional Mathematics
- IB MYP
- Grade 6 in 5 subjects including Physics, Mathematics and one other Science subject (excluding Personal Project and Physical and Health Education).
Foundation in Science Leading to Engineering Degree Programmes at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia

The Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Foundation in Science (Engineering) Programme offers the following tailored pathways into the some of the best undergraduate degree programmes in Malaysia.
Heriot-Watt University enjoys an established reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Foundation Programme uses an innovative challenge-based learning approach to provide students with an enhanced and engaging experience.
In addition, the Foundation in Science is a focused programme of academic subjects, study skills and English language training designed to provide you with a direct route into a professionally relevant and internationally recognised degree at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.
What are the Entry requirements for the Foundation in Science (Engineering) at Heriot-Watt

Aun Jie, Chemical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
University Malaysia?
- Minimum 5 credits (C’s), in SPM or O-Levels, including Mathematics, English, Physics, Chemistry and Additional Mathematics – or equivalent global qualifications.
- IB MYP: 3 subjects with Grade 6 (English, Maths & Physics/ Chemistry) & 2 subjects with Grade 5 (Add Maths & Physics/Chemistry)
- Conditional offers will be made to students with forecast results. Advance standing may be available for those with appropriate pre-university qualifications. Final results need to be submitted before programme commencement.
Upon completion of the Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, students can join any of the engineering degree programmes below:
The Best Engineering Degree Programmes at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Chemical Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Chemical Engineering with Oil and Gas Technology (MEng)
- Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) / (MEng)
- Mechanical Engineering BEng (Hons)
- Petroleum Engineering BEng (Hons)
Students interested in registering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, please go to this link. Affordable hostel accommodation is provided at safe and conducive condominiums in Cyberjaya with free bus shuttle to and from Heriot-Watt University Malaysia.
Scholarships are available at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia to deserving Malaysian students who have achieved high results in their SPM or O-Levels examinations.
University of Nottingham Malaysia Foundation in Engineering

The University of Nottingham Malaysia foundation programmes provide a solid academic grounding and are tailored to meet the requirements of various disciplines. Gain essential academic skills and knowledge, such as critical thinking, research, and problem-solving. Whether you aspire to pursue a degree in business, engineering, arts or science, we have a foundation programme that will set you on the right path towards achieving your academic goals. They provide two foundation intakes every year, once in April and another in September.
The Foundation in Engineering programme at the University of Nottingham Malaysia will give you a broad understanding of the fundamentals of engineering and provide a solid grounding in mathematics, physical sciences and programming subjects. After completion of the programme, students successfully proceed onto our BEng or MEng undergraduate engineering degrees. During the course, you will have opportunities to interact with students and lecturers across the Faculty of Engineering to help you to make an informed decision on the branch of engineering you wish to pursue. As an engineering student, you will spend a significant amount of time performing lab work as well as participating in tutorials, written assignments and attending lectures. There is a strong emphasis on the teaching of mathematical and physical sciences along with introductions to computer language and programmes. Furthermore, the course will explore study and research techniques essential for undergraduate level programmes.
This foundation course in Engineering is an ideal entry pathway for their degree programmes. It will provide you with the academic skills and confidence to further your education while offering an automatic and unconditional place on one of our undergraduate degree courses upon successful completion.
You will be getting a UK top ranked degree from the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus. Scholarships are available to deserving students. Students interested to apply online to the University of Nottingham Malaysia may click on the link.
Progressing to degree level after the Foundation in Engineering
On successful completion of the foundation programme, you can choose from the following undergraduate courses depending on your academic performance and interest.
Primary areas for progression:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering
- Mathematics and Management
Entry Requirements for the Foundation in Engineering programme at the University of Nottingham Malaysia
- SPM 5 Bs including Additional Mathematics, Mathematics and Physics, excluding moral studies and religious studies. Consideration to be made based on relevant subjects.
- GCSE/IGCSE 1 A in Mathematics and 4 Bs including Physics. Consideration to be made based on relevant subjects. Applicants who have fallen short in obtaining the minimum mathematics grade requirement by a very narrow margin, but have obtained grade B in Additional Mathematics, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) 6 in Mathematics and 5,5,5,5 including Physics, excluding Personal Project. Consideration to be made based on relevant subjects.
Foundation in Engineering and Foundation in Science Programmes leading to BEM Accredited Engineering Degree Programmes at Taylor’s University

The 1-year foundation in engineering programme at Taylor’s University equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a successful engineering degree. As part of our education pathway, students who complete this foundation programme are eligible to pursue degrees in chemical, mechanical or electrical & electronic engineering.
The programme also places emphasises in learning by doing, and students are regularly required to immerse themselves in hands-on learning activities such as case studies and real-life projects.
As part of their course of study, students will be exposed to an innovative and technologically-driven programme that employs digital tools to enhance teaching and learning. Upon completion, students will develop core competencies in the field of Engineering, which gives them a head-start to becoming sought-after future engineers who are able to positively impact the world around them.
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels who are sure of taking the engineering degree programme may go for the 1 year
Foundation in Engineering at Taylor’s University. If you are unsure of whether engineering or other science programmes, you should go for the Foundation in Science. Intakes for the Foundation in Engineering at Taylor’s University are in January and July of each year. Students who are not sure whether to go for engineering or other science programmes may go for the Foundation in Science. There is a March intake for the Foundation in Science at Taylor’s University.
Upon completion of the Foundation in Engineering at Taylor’s University, students may proceed on to the following engineering programmes below. The 4-year engineering degree programmes at Taylor’s University are accredited by MQA and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
Foundation in Engineering Entry Requirements at Taylor’s University

- Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
Pass with min. B in Mathematics and credits in 4 other subjects including English, Physics and Chemistry - O Level
Pass with min. B in Mathematics and credits in 4 other subjects including English, Physics and Chemistry - Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
Pass with min. 4Bs including English, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry - Other Qualifications
Students with other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Foundation in Science (FIS) Entry Requirements at Taylor’s University

- Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
Pass with min. 5 credits including Mathematics, English and 2 Science subjects with a pass in Bahasa Melayu and History - O Level
Pass with min. 5 credits including Mathematics, English and 2 Science subjects - Unified Examination Certificate (UEC)
Pass with min. 3Bs including Mathematics, English and 1 Science subject - Other Qualifications
Students with other qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis
Foundation in Engineering Leading to BEM Accredited Engineering Programmes at Asia Pacific University (APU)

Vincent Hoy, Graduated from Mechatronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)
The Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) is an award-winning technology university in Malaysia. Asia Pacific University has achieved Tier 5 ranking or Excellent in the SETARA which is Malaysia’s ranking system for universities.
The engineering degree programmes at Asia Pacific University are accredited by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
Students after Secondary School can go for Asia Pacific University’s flexible Foundation – Business, IT or Engineering pathways will leading the various degree programmes at APU for students who are unsure of what to study.
To enter into Asia Pacific University’s Foundation Programme leading to their engineering courses, students after SPM must have an overall credit pass in at least 5 subjects at SPM level including a credit in Mathematics and Physics OR Chemistry and a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History).
Engineering Degree Programmes accredited by BEM at Asia Pacific University (APU)
- B.Eng (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- B.Eng (Hons) in Computer Engineering
- B.Eng (Hons) in MechanicalEngineering
- B.Eng (Hons) in Mechatronic Engineering
- B.Eng (Hons) in Petroleum Engineering
Asia Pacific University staff will advise and assist students in applying for the PTPTN and MARA loans. MARA Loans are only available for bumi students. Students after SPM interested to register at APU for the Foundation programme leading to their engineering degree courses may go to this link. Scholarships, PTPTN Loan and MARA Loan are available at Asia Pacific University. For details, please contact EduSpiral Consultant Services.
Foundation in Science Leading to BEM Accredited Engineering Programmes at UCSI University

Since its inception in 1986, UCSI University has been committed to further the discovery and celebration of knowledge.
To enter into the Foundation in Science leading into engineering degree programmes at UCSI University, students after SPM must have at least 5 credits inclusive of Mathematics and 1 pure science subject.
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels can go for the Foundation in Science at UCSI University before entering into any of the engineering degree programmes which are accredited by the Board of Engineering Malaysia (BEM).
ENGINEERING COURSES at UCSI University
- BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Telecommunication Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering
- BEng (Hons) Mechatronic Engineering
- Beng (Hons) Petroleum Engineering
Students after SPM or O-Levels wanting to register at the top ranked UCSI University in Malaysia
Most Affordable Foundation In Engineering, Science & Technology at First City University College

This affordable Foundation in Engineering, Science & Technology Programme in Malaysia prepares students for undergraduate degree studies in Engineering or Computing at First City University College. The duration for the Foundation is 1 year (3 semesters) with intakes in January, March and May of each year.
With 5 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels including the relevant subjects, you can go for the Foundation in Engineering, Science & Technology at First City University College. After the 1-year Foundation, you can continue on to the 4-year Electrical & Electronic Degree at First City University College.
Students should choose top private universities in Malaysia for their electrical & electronic engineering education so that you can gain the best knowledge and skills for a successful career.
The Faculty of Engineering and Computing at First City University College provides students with the latest in learning experience through the use of state-of-the-art facilities. Students are inspired and motivated through a hands-on approach in the teaching of engineering and computing.
Why Study Engineering at First City UC?
- Students are taught problem-solving skills
- Attend talks by industry experts
- Use of advanced software tools such as Mainframe Computing Technology and Mentor Graphics of Electronic Design Automation (EDA)
- 19 State-of-the-art engineering and computing laboratories
Entry Requirements for the Diploma in Electronic Engineering at First City University College
- SPM (Science stream): Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of English and Mathematics)
- SPM (Art stream): Minimum 7 credits (inclusive of English, Mathematics and General Science)
- UEC: Minimum 4 Bs (inclusive of English and Mathematics)
- GCE O Level (Art stream): Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of English, Mathematics and General Science)
- GCE O Level (Science stream): Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of English and Mathematics)