3 credits in SPM/IGCSE O-Levels – What Can You Study in Malaysia?
Study Diploma in Malaysia
With 3 Credits in SPM/IGCSE O-Levels or UEC 3Bs you can join a Diploma Course in Malaysia
Now that you have received your SPM/IGCSE O-Levels or UEC results, you may be disappointed that you only obtained 3 credits. However, look on the bright side in that you can still continue to study at university by going for the diploma course. You should not give up your studies because without any university education, it will be difficult for you to find a job that is stable and will provide a good salary.
One of the aims of studying a course is to get a job. And the aim of getting a job is to obtain a salary so that you can take care of yourself, your future family and your parents. Therefore, keep in mind what kind of lifestyle you want and whether the course that you are choosing will give you the salary to sustain that lifestyle.
With at least 3 credits in your SPM/IGCSE O-Levels or 3 Bs in UEC, you can join the Diploma course for 2. Some colleges or universities which offer hotel management or design diploma courses may be 2.5 years in duration.
After SPM or IGCSE O-Levels , there are many different pathways for you to choose from and sometimes it can be confusing. Students may fill up our EduSpiral Career Assessment form for evaluation.
You might also be interested to read:
- Choosing the Right Course After SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels Increases Your Chances of Getting a Good Job & Salary in Malaysia
- Can IGCSE Students Apply to Malaysian Universities?
- What to Study after IGCSE / O-Levels in Malaysia and How to Choose the Right Course
- 25 Top Diploma Courses to Study in Malaysia
- Best Course to Study in Malaysia with 3 credits in SPM, IGCSE/O-Levels or UEC
- Where to Study the Best Diploma Courses in Malaysia?
- 3 credits in SPM/IGCSE O-Levels – What Can You Study in Malaysia?
- Best Diploma Courses in Malaysia at Top Colleges & Universities
- Entry Requirements for Foundation, Diploma & Degree Courses in Malaysia
- Top 20 Courses to Study in Malaysia that has High Job Demand & Stable Salary
- Top 10 Best Courses to Study in Malaysia
Please fill up the Form below and I will WhatsApp you and provide you with sound advise on how to choose the best private university or college in Malaysia to study at. If you do not give your mobile number or full name as in IC, your query will not be answered. Our knowledgeable & experienced counsellor will send you a message on WhatsApp & provide assistance from there.
Which Course Should I Choose to Study Diploma in Malaysia?
Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
The Diploma pathway is a good choice if you do not have enough money, you can at least graduate with a diploma as it is cheaper and a shorter duration. After working a few years to save money, you can continue to complete your degree. If you find it difficult to study and yet would like a certificate, maybe you should study a diploma as takes less time to complete. A degree may be too difficult and is longer hence you may not have the motivation to finish it.
If you are not sure what to study, do ask a trained counselor and always make decisions based on evidence and facts. The decisions that you make now, can change your life forever. You can contact us for a free career test to help you understand yourself better so that you are able to make the right decision.
At EduSpiral Consultant Services, we have counseled and helped thousands of students to choose the right course and private university to study in Malaysia.
What are the Top Diploma Programmes to Study in Malaysia?
Part of finding the right career in Malaysia for you will be looking at the future job demand in Malaysia and globally. You don’t want to have completed a degree course and then not be able to find a job or realise that the job pays very low salary. Therefore, it is important for students after high school or Pre-University to choose the right course to study – you don’t want to waste your time and money on a course you don’t want to do
I have prepare a list of the best diploma courses to study in Malaysia that has high job demand to help students choose the right career for a successful future. They are not in any particular order.
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Business Administration or Management
- Diploma in Business with Information Technology (IT)
- Diploma in Finance
- Diploma in Logistics Management
- Diploma in Computer Studies
- Diploma in Information Technology (IT)
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Interior Design or Diploma in Interior Architecture
- Diploma in Fashion Design & Marketing
- Diploma in Multimedia Design
- Diploma in 3D Animation
- Diploma in Digital Animation and Visual Effects
- Diploma in Hotel Management or Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Event Management
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Baking or Pastry
- Diploma in Physiotherapy
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
- Diploma in Medical Imaging (Radiography)
- Diploma in Nursing
- Diploma in Mass Communication
- Diploma in Law Enforcement Administration
Choose to Study the Diploma Course that’s Accredited and Recognised
Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
Some students and parents are not aware that there are diploma courses in Malaysia offered by some colleges that are not recognised or accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
The diploma course presented by the counselor may sound very attractive with low tuition fees and promises of job guarantee.
However, if you choose to study a diploma course that’s not accredited by MQA, you may not continue on to a degree programme at any private university in Malaysia and your future employers may not recognise the certificate to offer you a job.
Therefore, you should check the MQA website to see if the course is listed in there.
What is the Main Aim for Studying a Diploma Course for Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels?
One of the aims of education is to get a job. One of the aims of getting a job is to obtain a salary that can take care of yourself, your future family and your parents. Therefore, keep in mind what kind of lifestyle you want and whether the course that you are choosing will give you the salary to sustain that lifestyle.
In addition, IGCSE/O-Level students who are sure of what they want to pursue for their degree course may go for the Diploma as the subjects are more focused and will prepare you well for the degree course.
The level of entry is 3 credits for most Diploma programmes and allows IGCSE/O-Level graduates who have obtained the minimum to continue on with their tertiary education without delay. The quality is not lower that other programmes although the entry may be lower.
The assessments for the Diploma course are similar to the IGCSE/O-Level teaching and learning practice at school level. Students will be familiar with the academic style and excel.
What is a Diploma Programme? – Practical & Specific
Han Siang, Diploma in Accounting at UCSI College
Students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course.
The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic.
It may require more hands on learning experience in the field of its study so that you are well trained and have specific knowledge the particular field.
Diploma programmes at private universities in Malaysia are specific niche areas such as Diploma in Accounting, Diploma in Mass Communication, Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and so forth.
Therefore, students have to be sure that they want to specialise in that field for their degree studies as you cannot change to another course for your degree. For example, if you have studied a Diploma in Accounting, you cannot go for a degree in Engineering or Computer Science.
What’s the Entry Requirements for a Diploma Course?
Dora, Diploma in Hotel Management at YTL International College of Hotel Management
With at least 3 credits in your SPM or IGCSE O-Levels, you can join the Diploma course for most majors.
However, for health science diploma courses, you will need at least 5 credits.
There will be other subject requirements depending on the course & university. Some universities may require a Credit in English.
Other requirements would be Mathematics for Diploma courses in computer studies, computer science, information technology, architecture, accounting and finance.
Engineering diplomas would require credits in Mathematics & 1 science subject.
What’s the Grading for Entry into the Diploma Course?
- SPM
- A credit is all grades from A+ to C. The “C-” is not considered a credit. For SPM holders, in addition to credits in the relevant subjects, students must have at least passes in Sejarah and Bahasa Melayu (BM). A pass will include all credits and “D” and “E’.
- IGCSE/O-Levels
- A credit means anything from A* to C. A*(a*) is the highest grade and E(e) the lowest. “D’ and “E” are passes but do not qualify as a credit to for entry ‘UNGRADED’ shows that the candidate failed to reach the standard required for grade E(e).
Below is a chart to compare the equivalent grading for the IGCSE/O-Levels to the SPM.
| SPM | IGCSE/O-Levels |
| A+ | A* |
| A | A |
| A- | |
| B+ | |
| B+ | B |
| B- | |
| C+ | |
| C+ | C |
| C- | Ungraded |
| D | D |
| E | E |
| G | Ungraded |
How long does it take to Study the Diploma Course?
The duration of the diploma is 2 years or 2.5 years depending on the university. Some diploma programmes will include internships.
Is the PTPTN Loan Available for Diploma Courses?
Mak, Ong & Chaw – Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
Yes, students may apply for PTPTN Loan for diploma courses that are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA)
IGCSE/O-Level graduates are able to apply for the PTPTN Loan.
Students whose parents are under Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) may get the full PTPTN Loan amount RM14,030 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 13,600 (Arts-related Diploma). This is the total loan amount for the whole course.
Students whose parents’ combined income is not more than RM8,000 but not under BR1M will get RM10,520 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 10,200 (Arts-related Diploma).
Finally, students whose parents’ combined income is more than RM8,000 will get RM7,010 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 6,800 (Arts-related Diploma).
The details of the loan level are as below:
| No | Level | Description of Eligibility |
| 1 | Maximum | Student’s or parents’ names are listed as recipient of BR1M |
| 2 | 75% from maximum loan amount | Family income lower than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
| 3 | 50% from maximum loan amount | Family income higher than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M) |
Mode of Payment Payment from PTPN will be made TWICE a year directly into the university’s account. Students must make payment of first semester’s tuition fees to the university and then apply for the PTPN Loan for it to come into effect for the second semester. Eligibility for the 2nd Payment and onwards Student must obtain GPA 2.0 and above in order to continue enjoying the loan.
PTPTN Loan Amount
| PERINGKAT PENGAJIAN UNTUK IPTS | JUMLAH PEMBIAYAAN SETAHUNMENGIKUT PERINGKAT* | ||
| MAKSIMUM(RM) | 75%(RM) | 50%(RM) | |
| Diploma in Business | 6,800 | 5,100 | 3,400 |
How do we Apply for the PTPTN Loan for our Diploma Course?
Most private universities and colleges will have a special department and staff to help you to make all the necessary arrangements for the loan so you do not need to worry about it. They will brief you about it during Orientation
Please note that generally, you have to pay the First Semester Fees first and then apply for the loan, which would take 2-3 months to process. The loan should be given out in time for the second semester but if it doesn’t happen in time, you have to prepare the fees for the Second Semester.
How many Subjects are there in a Diploma Course at a Private University in Malaysia?
Erwin, Graduated from Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism
Students will take 30-35 subjects in the diploma and it is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage.
Generally, students will take about 5-7 subjects including MPU subjects a semester.
Students are required by the government to take about 3-4 MPU subjects during their diploma studies. You will need a Minimum of 90 Credits or 30 subjects to Graduate.
Some diploma courses will have an internship such as the Diploma in Hotel Management, Diploma in Culinary Arts, Diploma in Information Technology (IT), etc.
How is the Assessment for Diploma Courses?
Wei Siong, Diploma in Interior Design at First City University College
A diploma course is more practical while a Foundation, external Pre-University programme and degree courses are more academic.
The assessments for a diploma programme at private universities and colleges in Malaysia is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts. The learning is very much practical oriented.
Methods of Delivery
- Lectures
- Lab work (depends on the course)
- Tutorials
- Field visits (e.g. business organisations, universities, non-governmental organisations, government-related corporations, etc.)
- Scenario-based learning
- Guest lecture series (prominent speakers from the industry and academic institutions)
- Interactive learning
Can I change to another private university for the degree course?
After completing your diploma, you can continue on to Year 2 of the related degree if your college or university offers it or you can transfer the diploma credits to another private university in Malaysia or even overseas to Australia or UK.
How to Transfer credits from Diploma into Degree Year 2 into Top Private Universities in Malaysia
Soon Hong, Marketing at HELP University
Most diplomas can be transferred to another college or university into the Year 2 of the relevant programme. If you have taken the Diploma in Accounting, it is highly likely that you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Accounting or Accounting & Finance.
For the Diploma in Business Administration, you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Business Administration depending on the exemptions.
However, if you go from the Diploma in Business Administration into the Degree in Accounting, then you may not get the optimum amount of exemptions because the subjects in your diploma are not similar with the degree course of the university that you want to transfer to.
To transfer your credits into another university, you will need to submit the following documents for exemptions:
- Transcripts from your current college or university
- Course outline and Syllabus for all the subjects taken
- Letter of completion or Diploma Certificate
- Copy of SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels Certificate
