Career Choices

What to Study with SPM/O-Levels 3 Credits or UEC 3 B’s?

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With 3 Credits in SPM or UEC 3Bs you can join a Diploma Course in Malaysia

Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services. For more information contact 01111408838

You have just received your SPM/O-Levels or UEC results and you may be disappointed that you only got 3 credits. Looking on the bright side, if you have at least 3Cs in SPM/O-Levels or UEC 3Bs, you can still continue your tertiary studies by joining a diploma programme at a private university or college in Malaysia.

Joining the diploma course would not make you lose any time after SPM/O-Levels as it will take the same amount of time to complete a degree compared with taking a Foundation course.

There are many advantages to taking a diploma course and many more to continue your studies instead of finding a job. Read on to find out more about the diploma courses available for you to study in Malaysia.

You might also be interested to read:

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Choosing the Right Diploma Course to Study in Malaysia

Diploma in Accounting Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)

After I finished my SPM, I felt confused about my further study. Eduspiral, was so patient to answer all my questions and took us around for a campus tour.
Hui Ying, Diploma in Accounting Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)

Now that you know that with 3 credits in SPM/O-Levels or UEC, you can join most diploma courses at top private universities or colleges in Malaysia, you will need to choose the right course and university.

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.

Diploma programmes in Malaysia tend to be more practical oriented while degree programmes are more theoretical. Foundation programmes are more academic.

After the Diploma course, you can continue on to a degree and generally enter into the 2nd Year for another 2 years of study. If you enter engineering, it could be another 2 or 3 years depending on which course.

It depends on the exemptions from the particular institution. Generally you will enter into Year 2 of the similar programme at the same university but if you choose to transfer to another university, you may not get enough exemptions and may only enter into the Final semester of Year 1.

Choose the Right College or University to Study Your Diploma Course

Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management

I contacted EduSpiral to find an affordable college for culinary arts. He arranged for me and my mother for a campus tour & helped me find a college that had excellent facilities that I could afford.
Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management

Some of the colleges charge RM30,000 for a business diploma but with terrible facilities or even is located in a shoplot! I know of 2 institutions with medium sized campuses where you can complete the 2-year diploma at a cost of only RM21,000.

This is great savings for the facilities that you get. It is value for money as when you graduate with a business diploma, your starting salary is about RM1500-1800, so for a RM21,000 diploma is pretty good investment. I know of an automotive college charging RM50,000 for their 2.5 year diploma and the starting salary for a mechanic is about RM1000-1800. Do you think that it is worth the investment?

Top Reasons to Study the Diploma Programme in Malaysia

Studying Information Technology (IT) was my dream but my results didn't achieve the requirements. But EduSpiral gave me in-depth advise & helped me to choose the right course that suited me.

Studying Information Technology (IT) was my dream but my results didn’t achieve the requirements. But EduSpiral gave me in-depth advise & helped me to choose the right course that suited me.
Harold, Diploma in Business IT at Asia Pacific University (APU)

  1. The diploma programme develops both academic understanding and practical skills required for careers in the professional field.
  2. Entry requirement is 3 relevant credits in SPM or O-Levels
  3. You will study the subjects for the course that you are interested in
  4. The diploma course is more practical and application of concepts
  5. PTPN Loan is available
  6. You can stop at diploma level to start working
  7. Completed in 2 or 2.5 years
  8. You can complete a diploma in 2 years while those taking STPM would complete theirs at about the same time and it is only a Pre-U level
  9. The Diploma programme is easier than the STPM or A-Levels course

What qualifications do I have already?

Diploma in IT (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University (APU)

EduSpiral shared about the scholarship & the importance of getting a solid education in IT for a successful career. EduSpiral talked to my mum to convince her that with the scholarship, APU would be a good investment in my future
Jia Chong, Diploma in IT (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University (APU)

You may already have an idea of the area you want to study and find a career in, which will have dictated what subjects you’re already studying at school.

However it’s good to look at the qualifications and grades you have (or are predicted to have) to see what you are already eligible to study. For example, some students want to study Computer Science, however, if you don’t have a credit for Maths, you cannot join the Computer Science course.

It would be unrealistic to choose a course where you do not qualify for entry.

Entry Requirements for Diploma Courses in Malaysia

I found EduSpiral online and he met me and my Dad at the university to counsel us & take us around for a tour. As I didn't come from a rich family, EduSpiral helped me to find a university that's affordable and good. Eric Ng, Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at First City University College

I found EduSpiral online and he met me and my Dad at the university to counsel us & take us around for a tour. As I didn’t come from a rich family, EduSpiral helped me to find a university that’s affordable and good.
Eric Ng, Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at First City University College

To join a diploma programme, you will need at least 3 credits in your SPM/IGCSE O-Levels or 3 Bs in UEC. SPM students must have a Pass in BM and Sejarah. A credit in SPM or IGCSE O-Levels are A, B or C. Passes are D and E.

For UEC, a credit is a B, while C’s are not considered for entry.

There are other specific entry requirements depending on which course you want to study. For example, Maths will be a required credit for Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology (IT), Finance and Accounting. While Engineering course, you must have at least a credit for Maths and Science (for Arts students) or 1 Pure Science subject (for Science students).

Most courses in Design, Hospitality and Business would just require at least 3 credits however some universities may have additional requirements like English.

You may contact EduSpiral for guidance for which course that your results would allow you to enter.

How to Transfer my Diploma Credits to Another University for my Degree Studies?

I met EduSpiral a few years ago after completing my Diploma at LKW. I wanted to continue my degree at a better university & EduSpiral showed the number of awards won by First City UC for interior design which convinced me. Jun Hao, Graduated with Interior Architecture & Design at First City University College

I met EduSpiral a few years ago after completing my Diploma at LKW. I wanted to continue my degree at a better university & EduSpiral showed the number of awards won by First City UC for interior design which convinced me.
Jun Hao, Graduated with Interior Architecture & Design at First City University College

After the 2 or 2.5-year diploma, you can continue on to Year 2 of the Degree at the same university or college if the degree course is offered. There is no need to perform exemptions if you continue on to degree at the same university.

If not, you can transfer your diploma credits into another university to enter into Year 2 of the degree for another 2 years depending on the exemptions.

It will take about one to three weeks for the university to perform the exemption evaluation.

To perform exemptions, you will need to submit the following documents to the university of interest for exemption evaluation:

  • Transcripts for the subjects taken
  • Course outline for all subjects taken
  • Letter of Completion or Diploma Certificate
  • Copy of SPM/O-Levels or UEC certificate

For assistance in transferring to top private universities in Malaysia, diploma graduates may contact EduSpiral Consultant Services at 01111408838

PTPTN Loan for Diploma  Course in Malaysia

EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university. Mak, Ong & Chaw - Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)

EduSpiral counseled us online & then picked us up from the airport to visit MMU in order to help us choose the right university.
Mak, Ong & Chaw – Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)

Students may apply for PTPTN Loan for diploma courses that are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA)

Furthermore, 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.

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:

PTPTN Loan Amount
PERINGKAT PENGAJIAN UNTUK IPTS JUMLAH PEMBIAYAAN SETAHUNMENGIKUT PERINGKAT*
MAKSIMUM(RM) 75%(RM) 50%(RM)
Foundation 6,800 5,100 3,400
Diploma 6,800 5,100 3,400
Diploma (Farmasi, Pergigian & Sains Kesihatan) 12,750 9,560 6,380
Ijazah Sarjana Muda (Sains) 14,030 10,520 7,010
Ijazah Sarjana Muda (Sastera) 13,600 10,200 6,800
Ijazah Sarjana Muda (Farmasi, Pergigian & Sains Kesihatan) 17,000 12,750 8,500
Ijazah Sarjana Muda Perubatan (MBBS) 30,000 30,000 30,000

Peringkat jumlah pembiayaan ditentukan berdasarkan kelayakan di bawah:-

PERINGKAT PEMBIAYAAN

KELAYAKAN

Maksimum

Sekiranya pelajar atau penjaga pelajar disenaraikan sebagai penerima Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M)

75% daripada pembiayaan maksimum

Pendapatan keluarga tidak melebihi RM8,000  (tiada dalam data BR1M)

50% daripada pembiayaan maksimum

Pendapatan keluarga melebihi RM8,000 (tiada dalam data BR1M)

How to Choose the Right Diploma Course to Study?

I didn't know which college fit me, so, EduSpiral took me to visit 4 universities to help me choose. Erwin, Graduated from Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism

I didn’t know which college fit me, so, EduSpiral took me to visit 4 universities to help me choose.
Erwin, Graduated from Diploma in Hospitality & Tourism

It can be confusing for students to choose the right major for their undergraduate degree studies in Malaysia. Preparations should have been made even before this time but fear not it is still not too late if you have not decided on a career path. It is important for you to research carefully the career that you intend to pursue.

It can be confusing to choose the right course after SPM. You should carefully think about what are the options available to you. To choose the best course that fits you, you need to consider the following:

  • Look at your results – what are your best & worst subjects, and which subjects are your favourite?
  • What are your interests & hobbies?
  • What is your passion?
  • Job demand for the career of choice. There is no point in choosing a course out of passion and then graduate to find out that you cannot get a job in that field.
  • Salary of the career of choice
  • Discuss the budget for your studies with your parents.
  • What are your results? There is no point in choosing a course like Pharmacy or Medicine, if you don’t qualify for entry.

Ask a Knowledgeable & Experienced Education Consultant in Malaysia to Help you Choose the Right Diploma Course

Choosing a course to study is not a science, it is a process

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university

Lonnie Sik, Founder of EduSpiral, has more than 15 years of experience counseling thousands of students on how to choose the right course & university

in finding out who you are and what you are good at.

An experienced Education Advisor would be invaluable in assisting you to choose the right Diploma course. Students need to talk to the right education counselors so that you get the right information to help you in making this life-changing decision.

Ask the right Education Counselors. Would you ask a Doctor on how to repair your car? Or would you ask a mechanic for medical advise? Although this sounds ridiculous, but many students do listen to advise from young and inexperienced counselors from universities, colleges or agents’ offices.

Talking to an experienced education advisor would help you to navigate through this confusing time of choosing the best course that fits you.

Experienced education counselors are able to analyse your interests, personality and exam results to help you make a list of possible courses for consideration. EduSpiral Consultant Services staff have more than 20 years experience in counseling students. Having worked in the private education industry, we have in-depth knowledge of each private university and college in what they are good at.

EduSpiral Consultant Services has worked with our partner universities and colleges for many years while the counselors at the private universities or agents’ offices change every few years therefore they would not have the in-depth knowledge of the courses and the university that they are working at.

What are the Diploma Courses that you can Study in Malaysia?

Diploma in Hotel Management at YTL International College of Hotel Management

EduSpiral helped me to find a college that’s affordable and with a job guarantee too!
Dora, Diploma in Hotel Management at YTL International College of Hotel Management

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.

  1. Diploma in Accounting
  2. Diploma in Business Administration
  3. Diploma in Business with Information Technology (IT)
  4. Diploma in Logistics Management
  5. Diploma in Computer Studies
  6. Diploma in Information Technology (IT)
  7. Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
  8. Diploma in Interior Design or Diploma in Interior Architecture
  9. Diploma in Fashion Design & Marketing
  10. Diploma in Multimedia Design
  11. Diploma in 3D Animation
  12. Diploma in Hotel Management
  13. Diploma in Event Management
  14. Diploma in Culinary Arts
  15. Diploma in Physiotherapy
  16. Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
  17. Diploma in Medical Imaging (Radiography)
  18. Diploma in Nursing
  19. Diploma in Mass Communication
  20. Diploma In English Language Teaching

Talk to the right people to help you choose the right course

I was confused where to study & EduSpiral gave me good information to help me to decide. EduSpiral also helped me with my application, & accommodation. Wei Siong, Diploma in Interior Design at First City University College

I was confused where to study & EduSpiral gave me good information to help me to decide. EduSpiral also helped me with my application, & accommodation.
Wei Siong, Diploma in Interior Design at First City University College

Have you ever asked for directions to a place and your friend gave you the wrong information? It can be very frustrating and stressful. You would have wasted precious time. If you ask directions from someone who don’t know where the place is, they will give you the wrong directions.

Would you ask a doctor on how to repair your car? It does sound ridiculous but most of the time we do ask people who are not trained nor have the expertise for their advise on what to study.

I talked to this boy who was working at Parkson to save money so that he can continue his degree studies in Mass Communication.

He stopped after Year 1. He had graduated with a Diploma in IT and realised that he did not like IT. So, he had to begin all over again by taking the Foundation before going into the Degree in Mass Comm.

I guess he could have saved time if he had asked the right people to help him.

Some of these university counselors have little or no training in career counselling. They are trained in the products that the university is offering and on how to best “sell” them to you.

Their priority is not your future but to ensure they meet their sales targets. Therefore, you cannot believe everything they tell you. You need to check with the proper authorities and people with experience.

Always make your decisions based on facts and evidence. Do not decide based on your feelings or that your relatives say that it is good. Ask, “What are the reasons that it is a good course to study?”

There are basically 3 reasons in choosing a course to study in Malaysia

I was not sure if I could handle engineering but after listening to EduSpiral, I was able to make the right decision. Jun Chung, Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University (APU)

I was not sure if I could handle engineering but after listening to EduSpiral, I was able to make the right decision.
Jun Chung, Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Asia Pacific University

1. We have to choose a course that we like. If we study something that we do not like, then we will hate our working life for

EduSpiral has more than 10 years of experience in counseling students on choosing the right courses

the next 60 years. There must be interest as well as passion for the course of study.

2. We have to choose a career that we are actually good at. Just because you like something, doesn’t mean that you are good at it. For example, some people think that they can sing, but when they open their mouths to sing, people run away. Like the American Idol, we see that some people cannot sing but actually believe that they can.

3. We should choose a career that can give us a good salary. Unless you have rich parents or just want to work for charity, then you can ignore this. Most of us need money to survive in this world. We assist students with research on the top jobs in demand in Malaysia to best advise which one would be the best choice. Especially now for most Malaysians where the cost of living is so high, we need to get a career that can provide for us, our future family as well as to support our parents when they grow old.

 

 

 

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Categories: Career Choices, Choosing the right course, Choosing the right university, Diploma to Degree

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Published by EduSpiral Consultant Services

EduSpiral seeks to offer information and advise on courses & careers and placement services to top private colleges & universities in Malaysia & Singapore. Our experienced consultants will share from years of counselling students to guide students personally on to the best possible career choice. The decision that you make now, can change your life forever....so make it wisely.

120 replies »

  1. What can I study with this results(SPM)

    BM～B
    BI～C
    SC～C
    Math～C
    Add Math～G
    Ekonomi Asas～C
    Prinsip Perakaunan～D
    Pendidikan Moral～C+
    SEJ～C+

    Reply

  2. Hi. I have a few questions here to ask..
    1. I’m interested in Business Management. May I know which college is more known and
    affordable for this particular course?
    2. My friend didn’t score well for her SPM. She only had 3Cs and she’s interested in Mass
    Communications and Public Relations. May I know which college accepts 3Cs and offers
    these courses?

    I’d appreciate it deeply if you can help me out with this =)

    Reply

    • KDU University College, UCSI University, Asia Pacific University and First City University College are good for business management. First City University College and KDU University College accepts students with SPM 3 credits into the Diploma in Mass Communication.

      Reply

  3. Do u you think business or mass communication is better?
    i heard that Business Law is really tough among the business course’s subject
    business or mass com has wider job prospect?

    Reply

  4. Hello 🙂 this is my spm result
    Bm: d
    Bi: b
    Moral: c
    Sej: e
    Mx: d
    Sc: c
    Geo: g
    Psv: d
    Pdg: g

    so basically i got 3 credits in bi, sc and moral, any tips on what course to choose?

    Fyi i’m from art stream

    Reply

    • I just read the comments ! Just wanted to tell that I got C+ in science and C in Psv and D in maths and English ! So if I am interested in Fashion designing , law or IT !! WHAT AND HOW MANY CREDITS I NEED ??

      Reply

  8. my daughter had getting 4 credit (moral,tamil,sains,sejarah)and the remain getting pass mark , may I know future which course take for diploma.

    Reply

  9. Next year I’m gonna sit for spm….I’m interest in doing law…
    What subject I must get credits…then can I know more
    About law????

    Reply

  10. I am intrested in engineering BUT my i have only 3 credit in SPM BM ENG Math….am i eligible to enroll at your uni.
    .
    .

    Reply

  11. Hi ..jz wanna enquire! I HV 3credits nw including science bt I wanna tk education and English language course..BT I don’t know in which college I vil b entitle to. Coz whether my result vil b fit for an admission. Pls help me tiz is d mental struggle daily I fight voz thinking n I’ve wasted a year..

    Reply

  12. i have 2 spm result slip, my previous spm result, i only get 3 credits but in pm, seni, and science..my second result, Bm(A) Bi(A-) Mathematics(C) and sejarah(B+)..now i have 7 credits if i mix it with my old spm result and my new spm result..english language is important for those who take engineering courses, am i right?

    Reply

  17. I’m interested in mechanical engineering, and what are the entry requirement? Which subject do i need to credits?

    Actually, i’m from sabah

    Reply

  19. Hi I got 4 credit passes in my O level, in DRAMA,HISTORY,LITERATURE and FIRST LANGUAGE ENGLISH , can I apply for a diploma in mass communication ?
    Another concerned question I have what is 3spm equivalent to O level ? most schools im looking up have that requirement beyond others .. thank you please respond

    Reply

  22. Hi..I’ve got 3 credz for my spm..so I actually interested in doing education course..I wish 2 be a lecturer in future..so recently one of the inti counseller told me DAT I would nid 5 credz if I’m bout 2 take up DAT course..so recently I sat for DAT retake xm on June..4 another 2 credz more….otherwise I tot of taking up law course..can u tel me what kinda college I vil b entitle for.. BTW if I wanna b a lecturer what course shud I take and in wic college o uni

    Reply

  23. Hello I have 4credits o level geography, economic, history, french.am doing diploma in buisness administration.i nilai college.am looking for a path way program just for 10month and after transfer to uk or austrialia

    Reply

  24. Hi, I get 4 Credit in ( BI ,Pendidikan Seni visual ,Science,and Moral)and pass in another 4 subject including BM,actually i hope to be a medical assistant. But i just have 4 credit. So what should i do now? which kolej would offer me medical assistant courses? can u recoment me?

    Reply

  25. My brother got 4 credits (Math, Science, BC, Seni) and passed his BM and English. He doesn’t want to take any accounting/more advanced math subjects, but interested to venture into business in the future. Any business course that doesn’t need much accounting/math? But he’s also looking at Mass Comm. TARC seems to need 5 credits. Anywhere good for Mass Comm/PR that doesn’t need 5 credits?

    Reply

  29. Hi, need your help here,

    I have passed my SPM with 3 credits (BI, Math and Science) but I failed my BM. I would like to further my study. What kind of course that I entitle for?

    Really looking forward to your reply.

    Thanks.

    Reply

  31. i have 3 credits in ( bm,bi,moral) can i take diploma in information technology??? and will i get ptptn loan for tat??

    Reply

  33. Hai, ive got 3 credits for my SPM bi, moral, science and pass for my bm. Can I take up social science? Pls say yes! I wasted a year thinking that Methodist College is coming up with Social Studies. 🙁

    Reply

  34. Hai, ive got 3 credits for my SPM bi, moral, science and pass for my bm. Can I take up social science? Pls say yes-

    Reply

    • I am not sure what you mean by social science. Social Science is not a course, it is the general description or term where courses such as Psychology, Mass Comm, Anthropology, Sociology, etc are parked under. With 3 credits in SPM, you can go for a Diploma in Mass Comm. You may email me at info@eduspiral.com.my with your course of interest, full name and number. Cheers!

      Reply

  35. If I only got 3 credits (BI,Science & Moral), What kind of course should I prefer.Now I’m don’t know what should I do after graduated.

    Reply

  36. can i take diploma in civil engineering with juz 4 spm credit..my spm credit is Math,moral,Bi n Bm..pleaz tell me..i really wnt to take civil..help me out..

    Reply

    • Hi, if you passed your BM, you can consider Diploma in Mass Comm, Business Admin or Design. From your results, I would suggest you consider Mass Comm or Design but it depends on your interest. Please email me at info@eduspiral.com.my and tell me a bit about yourself and your hobbies. Please provide your full name and handphone number also. Thanks.

      Reply

  38. next year i going 2 sit for spm so i would do foundation in managment about human resource managment…so what result i must take to study about that in spm…and what subject i must get credits…

    Reply

  39. This year im sitting for SPM.Im interest in doing physiotherapy.but i dnt knw wat i should get to do physiotherapy?Can u help me because if i got the right information so i will try my very best to do my SPM exam and i can achieve my dream…Please help me…im blur here.

    Reply

  45. Hi Friends..i have 5 credit in my SPM include math..im looking for good future but i dont knw what to do next and i wasted 2 years in thinking.i m realy worrying every day about my future. Feel wane study and i dun knw which field can make fantastic future. Im interesting in IT ENGINEERING,BUSINESS FIELD and CINE FIELD.But i dont knw which is good and where to study. One of my relative,she is my enemy studied IT DEGREE.she earning 12k per month in industrial are and she is realy action. Frenz i need your help about what i should do next. Tq.

    Reply

      • Tq very much for ur suggestion but im not interested in foundation studies.Im already 21 years old.My family looking at me about good carrier.
        So,as fast as posible i need to finish my diploma n degree.
        I’m interested in Business n IT field but i dun knw wich iz demandable.Dear gren i need your help.. I mentally disterbed with this matter for last 6 months n until nw.

  47. I got 4 credits but I only get a pass in Math which is a requirement in any courses. Where should I apply Psychology course?

    Reply

  49. probably can’t..because mostly college diploma course for science course must at least have 5 credit to apply ..but you can try your luck and ask for the college counsellor for detail information…

    Reply

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