Should I study Form 6 or continue with Form Six and take the STPM exam or stop?
Should I choose to Study Form 6 or other Pre-University Course in Malaysia?
Written by EduSpiral Consultant Services For more information contact 01111408838
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) is Malaysia’s version of the UK’s GCE A-Levels and is a Pre-University course recognised for entry into public universities in Malaysia. The STPM is also accepted for entry into private universities in Malaysia and overseas universities.
The STPM is acknowledged as one of the toughest exams in the world to study. The other way is the Matriculation course where only 10% of the seats are set aside for Non-bumis therefore the competition will be extremely high for the spots. A better choice, if you have the finances is to go for the Foundation course at top private universities in Malaysia. The Foundation course is 1 year which will save you time compared to the STPM and when you continue on to the degree course, you get to choose what you want to study.
Students with high distinctions have the advantage of scholarships for Foundation Programmes at the private universities. Since the Foundation programme is much easier than the STPM, you would probably get a high score in the Foundation programme and get a scholarship for the Degree course. However, if you choose the STPM which is extremely tough, although you may pass but you may not get 3As or 4As in STPM to apply for scholarships at Private Universities in Malaysia.
After SPM, one of the choices that students have is to take Form 6 and eventually the STPM examination. Most students choose the STPM because of financial difficulties which is a valid reason. However, if your parents can afford or if they can sacrifice, it is better to go for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia. In the article below, we will discuss in detail the advantages and disadvantages of taking the STPM and why you should take the Foundation programme.
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Taking Form 6 STPM vs Foundation Course at Private University in Malaysia
Advantages of the STPM

Horng Yarng, Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University
The STPM is set and run by the Malaysian Examinations Council since 1982, which also runs the Malaysian University English Test (MUET) since 1999. All students who have passed the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) are eligible to enter into Form 6 to take the STPM, and will be automatically assigned a place in a government secondary school after the release of the SPM results.
The examination body, Majlis Peperiksaan Malaysia (www.mpm.edu.my), allows students to enroll for the examination with a minimum of one (1) subject and a maximum of five (5) subjects (including General Studies). The intake for Form 6 is in May of each year.
Most students take STPM after attending two years of Form 6 (Lower 6 and Upper 6) at a government or private secondary school.
With School Based Assessment, teaching and learning are integrated with assessment. SBA humanises assessment making schooling a cooperative enterprise between teachers and students.
Through the new examination system, students will also have more opportunities to obtain better results. Students are allowed to improve on their first term and second term results by retaking these term examinations at the end of the third term. Students who do not obtain satisfactory results for the third term may also re-sit it.
Disadvantages of the STPM
Lower 6 used to be called the honeymoon year, but now, as soon as you enter Lower 6 you will have to hit the books because

Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
your first exam will be in December and you will have not much time to study and the teachers do no have enough time to cover the material as well. There is no rest as you will need to keep studying the exams every 6 months.
To enter into most private universities, students must achieve at least a CGPA of 2.00 or at least 2 Principal Cs in the relevant subjects. A C- is not a principal and some universities do not accept the Pengajian Am as entry into the university.
STPM requires you to take in too much information in 1.5 years. That in itself shows the inadequacies of a system which doesn’t give enough time for students to consume the information required. Furthermore, STPM needs a lot of study time in order to score well. If you are not ready to commit the time and effort, you should consider other options.
From the time you enter Form 6 till the exam and getting into IPTA would be 2 years. If you had taken a diploma, you would have already completed it. There are 180,000 graduates each year and competition for jobs are high therefore the faster you graduate, the faster you get a job and start your savings.
English is very important to secure a job as well as getting a higher salary and faster promotions. This is reported in the Star and from research conducted by the Ministry of Higher Education in Malaysia.
The medium of instruction in IPTA is in BM and most of the Chinese there communicate in Mandarin. In 2011, 70,000 IPTA graduates were unemployed. Personally, I only recommend the STPM if students do not have the finances to study in private universities but with the

Kenneth Pang, Architecture student at UCSI University
PTPN Loan, studying in the private colleges or universities are more accessible.
A lot students and parents want to save money by going for the STPM but do not realise that for some, in the end, they are wasting time and eventually have to spend more money.
When you pay for the A-Levels, you get good lecturers who will guide you to score so that you can apply for more scholarships. A-Level graduates from HELP University, UCSI University, KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie, KDU University College Penang and First City University College have obtained scholarships into top ranking universities worldwide.
The STPM is extremely tough and if you do not do well, you would have wasted 2 years of your life and time is money. The earlier you graduate and join the work force, the more work experience you can gain and add this to your resume where it translates into higher salary.
If you take a diploma, you would have finished it at the same time you would have taken to complete Form

Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Furthermore, even if you do well in the STPM, you may not get the course of your choice at the Public University.
If you plan to study Medicine, Pharmacy or Law, you can go into the A-Levels while for the other courses, you can choose an easier way through the 1-year Foundation offered at the Private Universities or the Pre-University programmes offered at the Private Colleges.
You need a lot of discipline and good teachers in order to do well in the STPM. If you have alright results for your SPM, don’t expect a miracle in the STPM as it is 20 times tougher than the SPM.
Another disadvantage for the STPM is when you want to choose the course for your university studies in IPTA. Although you can list down your preferences but the government chooses which course for you to study. Sometimes it is totally unrelated and the university that they have selected for you could be very far in a rural area. Popular courses such as medicine, pharmacy, engineering and others would need very high scores in order to be selected.
Advantage | Disadvantage |
Free | The toughest Pre-University course around |
Modular system | Take 1.5 years but if you include the 6 months taken to enter Form 6 and the 6 months waiting to enter Public university, it will be 2.5 years |
Cheaper university education at Public Universities if you get the course you want | If you fail, then you would have wasted 2.5 years. |
English language not emphasized so you do not gain the all important language and communication skills needed to succeed in the workforce | |
You do not get to choose the course you want to enter Public University |
Should I study Form Six?
In order to consider studying Form 6, students should take the time to understand the system and how Form 6 works.

Kuo Qiat, Marketing degree at UCSI University
Let’s look at the statistics below to help you decide whether you should take Form 6 or not.
There were 58,355 students who took STPM in 2013 and in 2014 it dropped to 48,615 students. It is a drop of 16.69% (9,740 candidates)
48,615 candidates registered for the STPM examinations in 2014 but only 42,854 sat for it. Only 390 out of 48,615 STPM 2014 obtained a 4.0 CGPA. 57 candidates failed the exam.
The national CGPA was 2.62 but for non-bumis to get their courses of choice, you will need higher CGPA. Ten students scored 5As, and a total of 398 students scored 4As. To obtain scholarships from private universities or overseas, you need to score 4As or 5As, so based on this, you can calculate the chances of you scoring in the STPM and obtaining a scholarship.
27,342 (63.80%), passed in four subjects, 7,130 in three subjects, 3,563 in two subjects and 2,410 passed just one subject. Pass here includes D and E. You need at least 2 Cs to join a degree course in private universities.
The number of candidates achieving 4 Principals (C) in STPM 2014 is 60.14 per cent. You need at least 2 Principals to join a degree course in private universities.
Studying the Foundation Course at Private Universities in Malaysia

Hanson, Foundation in Science (Engineering) at UCSI University
Students after SPM or O-Levels can consider taking the Foundation Programmes at top private universities in Malaysia. The Foundation Programmes are 1 year and is cheaper compared to the external Pre-University Programmes or STPM. Foundation programmes are generally easier than external Pre-University courses. 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.
Top Private Universities Offering First-Rate Foundation Programmes in Malaysia

- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- Asia Pacific University
- Taylor’s University
- Curtin University Sarawak
- UCSI University
Asia Pacific University new campus at Technology Park Malaysia, Bukit Jalil in Kuala Lumpur - KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie
- HELP University
- First City University College
- Berjaya University College of Hospitality
Taylors University offers a conducive environment for students to excel in their studies - Foundation in Commerce
- Foundation in Hospitality
- KDU Penang University College
- KDU College Damansara Jaya
- Foundation in Arts
- Foundation Studies (Science)
- Nilai University
- Foundation in Business
- Foundation in Science
Study Foundation at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

Malaysian private universities have been preparing students for study in top universities worldwide since the 1970s therefore they have the necessary experience to ensure quality for the Foundation programmes are adhered to.
Students after SPM or O-Levels should choose the foundation programme in Malaysia that best fits their career goals and needs. Students will take about 10-12 subjects in 3 semesters (1 year) for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia.
If you are still not sure of what to study for your degree, the Foundation programme is a good choice and is

shorter in duration than the STPM and less difficult.
- Duration: 1 year
- Entry Requirements: Min. 5 credits, inclusive of Maths and 2 pure Science subjects for Foundation in Science or Engineering. For IT, you must have a credit in Maths. Other courses just require 5 credits. For Medicine and Pharmacy, Min. 5B in Maths, Additional Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics but will vary from university to university.
- Recognition: Mostly in Malaysia and some overseas. As long as the Foundation course is accredited by MQA, it will be accepted by another private university for entry into the relevant degree programme.
- Cost: Generally cheaper than overseas Pre-University courses and A-Levels
Assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain

Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams.
The coursework could cover different assessment tasks such as projects, assignments, laboratory work, presentations, tests, and others as assigned throughout each semester. The final examination is conducted at the end of each semester. The assessments are subject to quality assurance procedures to maintain high standards and ensuring fair assessment.
Unlike the external pre-university programmes in Malaysia which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the Foundation programmes for private universities provide specialisation in specific areas of study such as business, computer & IT, or engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.
However, there are also general Foundation programmes such as Foundation in Arts and Foundation

Gan twins, Foundation in Arts at Taylor’s University
in Science offered by the private universities. Foundation in Science programmes can lead to engineering, pharmacy, medicine, applied sciences, health sciences and other arts related degree programmes. The Foundation in Arts programme can lead to accounting, business, computing, architecture, design, and other arts related courses. After completing the Foundation in Science students have the choice to choose sciences or arts related degree programmes.
The Foundation programmes at HELP University, Taylor’s University and UCSI University are recognised by some top universities in Australia, UK and New Zealand for entry into their degree programmes. Asia Pacific University is the only private university in Malaysia where all students will study the same subjects for the first semester and then when they figure out which course suits them, they choose the stream for their second and final semester.
Students should choose Foundation programmes from prominent and established universities such as the ones listed below:
Outstanding Foundation Programmes in Malaysia at Leading Private Universities & Colleges

Zhi Yih & Chin Xien, Foundation in Design at First City University College
- Top ranked private universities in Malaysia offering the best Foundation in Arts programme are Taylor’s University, KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie, UCSI University, HELP University, and KDU College Damansary Jaya.
- Outstanding private universities in Malaysia for the Foundation in Business programmes are Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Taylor’s University, Asia Pacific University, Curtin University Sarawak, UCSI University, First City University College, Berjaya University College of Hospitality & Nilai University
- The Best Foundation in Science courses at Top private universities in Malaysia are Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Taylor’s University, UCSI University , KDU Penang University College, HELP University & Nilai University.
- Students after SPM or O-Levels wanting Top Foundation in Engineering programmes at the best private universities in Malaysia are at Curtin University Sarawak, Taylor’s University, Asia Pacific University and First City University College
- Students after SPM or O-Levels wanting the best private universities in Malaysia for Foundation in
Our mum asked us to talk to EduSpiral as we did not know what to study. EduSpiral had helped our older sister before. He met us at Taylor’s, talked to us and then gave us a tour.
Gan twins, Foundation in Arts at Taylor’s UniversityComputing or Technology can go to Asia Pacific University, Taylor’s University, Curtin University Sarawak, KDU University College Utropolis Glenmarie, and First City University College
- Best private universities & colleges in Malaysia offering the Foundation in Communication or Media Studies are Curtin University Sarawak, IACT College and Taylor’s University
- Students after SPM or O-Levels wanting to enter the degree programmes in architecture and built environment courses may go for the Foundation in Natural & Built Environments at Taylor’s University or the Foundation in Arts (Actuarial Science & Architecture) at UCSI University
- Best Foundation in Design programmes in Malaysia are offered at Taylor’s University and First City University College
- Top ranked private university in Malaysia, UCSI University, offers the Foundation in Music
- Students after SPM or O-Levels planning to enter the degree in Culinary arts may go for the top rated Foundation in Hospitality at Berjaya University College of Hospitality.
STPM Education System
Duration of Form 6 studies
In the new system, the duration of form six studies is similar to the previous system which is based on one-and-a half years of form six studies comprising the lower and upper six form.
The allocation of teaching periods remains the same: eight periods per week for each subject (one period = 40 minutes).
Subjects for STPM
There are two streams, which are the Arts Stream and the Science Stream.
-
I scored 10As in my SPM and needed scholarships to help me continue my studies. EduSpiral gave me the information online and took me around to the campuses to help me make the best choice.
Lay Hoe, A-Levels at HELP University900 General Studies
- 910 Malay Language
- 911 Chinese Language
- 912 Tamil Language
- 913 Arabic Languange
- 920 Literature in English
- 922 Communicative Malay Literature
- 930 Syariah
- 931 Usuluddin
- 940 History
- 942 Geography
- 944 Economics
- 946 Business Studies
- 948 Accounting
- 950 Mathematics (M)
- 954 Mathematics (T)
- 956 Further Mathematics
- 958 Information and Communications Technology
- 960 Physics
- 962 Chemistry
- 964 Biology
- 966 Sports Science
- 970 Visual Arts
Modular System for the STPM
The new modular STPM format began in 2012, will combine two forms of assessments, and will be similar to the A levels

Gan Wei Cheng, 3A* in A-Levels at KDU College Penang and now JPA Scholarship at U. of Sydney for Pharmacy
format except that it will be in BM.
Students will go through a school-based assessment with a weighting of 20-40% of the final score and a centralised examination with a weighting of 60-80% of the final score (The weighting varies according to subjects).
Nevertheless, School Based Assessment (SBA) cannot be repeated and repeaters are required to sit for an alternative written paper in place with SBA.
The curriculum is divided into three parts based on topic areas. Each part will be taught and studied in either the first, second or third term.
You will take the examinations at the end of each term (3 in total). One term is 6 months. Students who are not satisfied with their
results for the first two terms can retake the examinations at the end of the third term.
Students’ assessment will be carried out each term with the results being released at the end of each respective term. The overall STPM results will be based on the best combined results of the three terms.
Soft skill such as communication skills, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, problem solving,information management and ethics are included in the new curriculum.
School-Based Assessment (SBA) for the STPM
The introduction of SBA in this system is in line with the aspiration of the Education Ministry to develop human capital who

Yen Yong, Business at KBU International College
embrace intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical values in line with the National Educational Philosophy.
The SBA consists of project work, field study and practical work. The coursework question/task is prepared by the Council and will be conducted either over three terms or as determined by the individual subject requirements.
Examination
A centralised written examination is administered at the end of each term. Question
types consist of multiple choice, structed and essay questions. Question papers are prepared and provided by the Council, and the marking of answer scripts will be carried out by Council-appointed examiners.
STPM Grading System
Students will receive the results of each term. They can improve exam results of P1 and P2 with examinations U1 and / or U2. Assessment of student’s achievement and examination results are based on three terms. The overall results of the STPM are the best cumulative results for the three terms as follows: Best [(P1 or U1) + (P2 or U2) + P3 + Coursework]The grading system in the new STPM assessment system is similar to that of the previous STPM system. The score

Dexter Leong, A-Levels at HELP Academy
(question paper level) acquired by students for each term will be aggregated to determine the overall subject grade.
There is no prerequisite minimum pass grade in each term for students to qualify to continue their studies in the following term.
STPM uses a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system. There are 11 grades, which are A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+ and D, with F as the failing grade. The grade points for each of these grades are between 4.0 and 1.0, A being 4.0 and D- being 1.0.
The F grade gives a grade point of 0. From year 2012 onwards, CGPA point for each subject is known as Subject Grade Point (SGP) meanwhile the overall CGPA point for all subjects will be known as “Overall Subject Grade Point”.
Cumulative and subject GPA at 2.0 and above is considered a pass with credit or principal pass.
GPA below 2.0 is considered a sub-fail, and a 0 is considered a fail. Admissions to local public universities requires at least a CGPA of 2.0 and above.
Paper Grade | Subject Grade | SGP* | Status |
A | A | 4.00 | Full Pass |
A- | A- | 3.67 | Full Pass |
B+ | B+ | 3.33 | Full Pass |
B | B | 3.00 | Full Pass |
B- | B- | 2.67 | Full Pass |
C+ | C+ | 2.33 | Full Pass |
C | C | 2.00 | Full Pass |
C- | C- | 1.67 | Partial Pass |
D+ | D+ | 1.33 | Partial Pass |
D | D | 1.00 | Partial Pass |
F | F | 0.00 | Fail |
*Subject Grade Point (SGP)
Entry Requirements into Form 6 in Malaysia
The general requirements are: Pass SPM with a Credit in Bahasa Malaysia. However, to obtain a place a certain stream, there are more detailed requirements. To qualify to the Social Sciences, the number of units for the three best subjects must not exceed 12, for the Science stream, the number of units not must not exceed 18 points, while for Religious Studies, it must not exceed 14.
Murid-murid dari sekolah kerajaan yang layak ditawarkan masuk ke Tingkatan Enam Bawah 2013 hendaklah memenuhi tiga-

Shaun Chin, University of London Business programme at HELP Academy
tiga syarat berikut:
1. Memperoleh kepujian bagi mata pelajaran Bahasa Melayu dalam peperiksaan SPM 2012.
KUMPULAN MATA PELAJARAN
I Bahasa Melayu
II Bahasa Inggeris
III Kesusasteraan Melayu / Kesusasteraan Inggeris
IV Sejarah
V Geografi / Pendidikan Seni Visual
VI Pendidikan Islam / Pendidikan Moral
VII Matematik / Matematik Tambahan
VIII Sains / Sains Tambahan / Applied Science
IX Salah Satu Mata Pelajaran Teknik/Vokasional/Mata Pelajaran Vokasional (MPV)
X Tasawwur Islam/Pendidikan Al Quran Dan Al Sunnah/Syariah Islamiah
XI Bahasa Arab Tinggi / Bahasa Arab (Komunikasi) / Bahasa Cina / Bahasa Tamil
XII Sains Pertanian / Perdagangan / Prinsip Perakaunan / Ekonomi Asas / Ekonomi
Rumah Tangga / Pengetahuan Sains Sukan
Calon-calon yang memperolehi jumlah mata gred 9 hingga 12 unit bagi TIGA mata pelajaran terbaik daripada TIGA kumpulan yang berlainan seperti tercatat dalam 2(A), layak ditawarkan ke Tingkatan Enam Bawah dengan syarat terdapat kekosongan tempat di sekolah berkenaan.
ATAU

Mark Siew, Software Engineering at Asia Pacific University
- (B) Untuk kemasukan ke jurusan SAINS, calon mesti memperoleh sekurang- kurangnya TIGA kepujian dengan jumlah mata gred yang tidak melebihi 14 unit. Tiap-tiap satunya hendaklah dalam kumpulan yang berlainan dari kumpulan-kumpulan berikut:
KUMPULAN MATA PELAJARAN
I Matematik / Matematik Tambahan
II Fizik
III Kimia
IV Biologi
Calon-calon yang memperolehi jumlah mata gred 15 hingga 18 unit bagi TIGA mata pelajaran terbaik daripada TIGA kumpulan yang berlainan seperti tercatat dalam 2(B), layak ditawarkan ke Tingkatan Enam Bawah dengan syarat terdapat kekosongan tempat di sekolah berkenaan.
What to Study After SPM in IPTS or Private Universities?
Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM can contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to help guide you to choose the right course and university. There are many Pre-University or Diploma programmes that you can go for after SPM so it can be confusing for you to choose the right one.
Choosing the right university can be confusing and depends on a lot of factors like your budget, results, passion, skills and career goals.
Students interested on how to choose the best universities in Malaysia for the particular courses like the ones below can contact me for more information:
Best Education Pathway After SPM

Eric Lu, Business at KDU University College
There are basically 2 pathways after SPM or O-Levels. You can either go for a Diploma course or Pre-University Course in Malaysia or Singapore. “Pre” means before, therefore, “Pre-University” means the course that you take before entering into a university bachelors degree programme. The common courses under Pre-University are STPM, A-Levels, Foundation, AUSMAT, etc.
Students after SPM or O-Levels who are not sure what to study at degree level can go for the Pre-University course in Malaysia like A-Levels, AUSMAT or Foundation and then proceed on to the degree in Malaysia.
Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you? Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities. Every Pre-University course will include a % breakdown of assessment. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you.
Students who are sure of what they want to study after SPM or O-Levels can enter the Diploma course first. The Diploma pathway in Malaysia for students after SPM is 2 or 2.5 years and then enter into Year 2 of the Degree programme.
There are many types of diploma and Pre-University courses in Malaysia as well as hundreds of undergraduate majors to choose from. But knowing the right one for you is the most difficult decision. If you read this guide from start to finish, you’ll know the best courses in Malaysia that would suit you.
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.
Choosing the best possible course to study is a very important decision to make, and often a challenging one. For some people, choosing the course is simple as they have always wanted to be a brain surgeon or a dentist or an engineer.
Many students in Malaysia tend to choose their course based on what their parents or relatives recommend, rather than on what they are good at or really like to study. The end result is that a lot of Malaysian students discover that they have started on courses that may be unsuitable to them after studying a few semesters. Worse is when they start work, they find that it is not what they like.
When choosing a course students need to choose based on your personal strengths and your career

Chin Mun (Left) with friends from INTI, now studying Business Computing at APU
goals. Let the experienced counselors at EduSpiral Consultant Services take you step-by-step through the choices.
Most importantly, the right course will help you to develop skills for the long term, for your career and personal development. The skills for a successful future include, communication, English-language proficiency, problem-solving, strategic and analytical skills, creative thinking, innovation, team-work, leadership and assimilating new ideas.
There are so many courses out there and it can be confusing to choose the right course to study after SPM, UEC, STPM, O-Levels or A-Levels. Choosing the right course is a big decision and it is important to get it right as it can impact your future success.
So how should you go about choosing the best course that fits you?
Step 1: Look at your Interests, Skills & Personality

Jacob Lean, Mass Comm at KDU University College
This requires the individual to develop a certain degree of self-awareness. This require you to ask:
- What kind of person am I?
- What do I like?
- What are my hobbies?
- What is my personality?
This process of self-assessment consists of using several instruments in order to uncover your interests, personality type, work related values and skills. It is looking at these things in combination that can help you figure out what courses will be good matches for you, and you could learn something that will surprise you. The greater the overlap between an individual’s interests, aptitudes and personal characteristics and those required by the area of study, the greater the degree of satisfaction when engaged in that area of study. This process will help you decide which course best fits you. If you find the right course at the right college you will be inspired to succeed.
Match what you have come to know about yourself (self-assessment) to a course. During this phase of the career planning process you will decide which course is the best fit for you based on what you now know about yourself and the courses you have researched. This will entail looking at the jigsaw pieces of your life to date and putting them together. Considering your interests, hobbies, skills, aptitudes and achievements, both academic and personal, and identifying certain personality traits combined with appropriate course exploration will hold the key to successful course choice.
Step 2: Look at your Actual Results
Your results in SPM, UEC, or O-Levels will act as a guide in what you are actually good at. For example, if you are good in Physics & Add Maths, then you can consider engineering courses. If you fail in any of these subjects and want to study engineering, then you are being unrealistic.
Step 3: Research the courses and offer at top colleges or universities

Ka Jun, Pharmacy at UCSI University
Make a list of courses to explore that are of interest to you and then research each course. The internet, college prospectuses, family and friends are your best sources of information and support. Someone who is already studying the course can give you great insight from a student’s perspective.
It is important to attend college open days or other career events and make every effort to speak to lecturers, tutors or admissions staff in the colleges you are interested in, as they will facilitate your decision-making.
Many students drop out or change course, so something is going wrong with students initial decisions. A lot of heartache can be avoided if you take the time to look at the college websites to find out not just which subjects you will be studying on your course but also to find out the content of the individual modules of each subject.
In this way you will know exactly what lies ahead of you. Discovering that you have made the wrong choice can be upsetting, and expensive.
Check out the duration of the course, accreditation, and additional costs such as accommodation, books, travel etc.
Step 4: Talk to the Right People

Wen Hang, Actuarial Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
If your car needs to be repaired, you would ask advise from a mechanic and not from a Doctor. So, when asking about your future career, ask from people who are experienced and knowledgeable. Many Malaysians tend to listen to their parents and relatives without checking the facts to see if it is true. An uncle would tell them to study a certain course and the student would just go for it without doing any research or consideration to see if it fits them.
EduSpiral Consultant Services has more than 15 years experience in helping students choose the right course based on facts and evidence. Students who are still confused and need advise can contact us for a free consultation at 01111408838.
Some of the Best Pre-University & Degree Programmes to Study in Malaysia
Best Pre-University Programmes in Malaysia
- A-Levels
- AUSMAT
- Foundation in Engineering
- Foundation in Arts
- Foundation in Science
- Foundation in Business
- Foundation (General)
- Foundation in Design
- Pre-University Programmes
Top Engineering and Built Environment Courses in Malaysia

Darren Fong, Engineering at Asia Pacific University
- Engineering
- Mechatronic engineering
- Civil engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Telecommunication Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
- Materials engineering
- Applied Geology
- Architecture
- Quantity Survey
Outstanding Computing and Information Technology Courses in Malaysia

Li Jian, IT at Asia Pacific University
- Computer Science
- Computing
- IT
- Information Technology
- Information Technology with Database Administration
- Software Engineering
- Computer science or computer engineering
- Information systems security
- Mobile Computing
- Games Development
- Intelligent Systems
- Computer System Engineering
- Business Information Systems
- Business Computing with E-Commerce
First Rate Applied and Health Sciences in Malaysia
- Food science
- Biotechnology
- Optometry
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Established since 2009, EduSpiral Consultant Services helps provide information and counselling on courses and universities in Malaysia.

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EduSpiral Consultant Services represents the best colleges and universities in Malaysia offering a wide range of choices for students to choose from. These colleges and universities offer value for money in the quality of education and excellent facilities that you get.
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How do I to apply form 6 is it need to ask for the permission from the school or automatically register in web just need to check it?
You will need to ask your school on the process for that
Is it stpm need 2 years since the spm result has taken
You calculate the time you complete SPM in December until you enter UPU in September
Hey , I’m in form 6 now (lower6) , I scored 8A and 1B for my spm and now I’m in science stream . Is it true that if you scored well in the STPM exam there is no possibility you’ll get the course you want . I’m really interested in doing Pharmacy and I also obtained A+ for all my science subjects and Additional Maths too but unforunately I didn’t get any other places to study and basically I’m not that rich too . So i planned to go form6 and score well and now I’m confused whether I’m doing the correct thing or not . School basically didn’t start yet so I’m not sure how hard it is . Can you suggest me what should I do know . I really want to further my studies in Pharmacy 😭
Continue your Form 6 since you do not have the finances for other alternatives.
If i get matriculation 2nd intake should i choose matriculation or just stay in form6 ?
You have to make this decision based on your educational needs and career goals. I cannot make this decision for you.
Wow,you sure don’t hold back or sugarcoat let alone filter your comments.XD Thanks for this.A good ol’ reality slap in the place where it hurts the most xD
You’re welcome
It depends on the entry requirements of the university that you plan to join. If your STPM do not meet then you would need to take a Pre-U course that the university accepts.
Can i ask that if i wanna study medcine in future, should i take physics as my form 6 subject?
You need Physics or Mathematics
Sir, I got 6As for SPM and I don’t know where to go next. I’m interested in Chem and my parents adviced me to take up health science. Which college do u recommend?
For students who are good in Chemistry, you can consider Pharmacy, Food Science or Chemical Engineering
Sir, I got 6As for SPM, and I don’t know what to do next. I’m interested in Chemistry and I was adviced to take up health science. Which uni do u recommend?
No, idea. Your question is too general. Health Sciences can be pharmacy, medicine, nursing, dentistry, etc.
Hi, I am a science stream stpm student but wanted to take design in degree. Is it possible or do I have to take foundation again and start over?
You may enter into the degree in design depending on which university. You may email me at info@eduspiral.com with your full name and mobile number for more details.
Is it wrong to ask a favour from deputy minister of education to gain entry into malaysian matriculation?
Your question has no relevance to us
I will like to know about what u think?
Form 6 is tough and takes 2 years. If you are not prepared to work hard at it, you may not do well. It also depends on your finances, if you have the money to go for diploma or foundation in private university.
Haii..I would like to ask if after i take stpm then am i still enough qualification direct to take degree in interior design or still need one year for foundation in design course or have to start over to take diploma?
It depends from university to university but Yes, in general, STPM is not accepted into the degree for interior design unless you have taken some design subjects in SPM or STPM.
hello sir,im having financial problem and i got average grades in spm,i got A in english n sejarah,B in moral n bm,D in physics chemistry n biology, add maths fail,i got an offer to do stpm,wat should i do next?,stpm or college
Take Form 6
Because I got full scholarship for A levels but it’s only covers the tuition fees. Living expenses,book fees,and etc are not included, so my parents got to pay for that but it’s quite a burden to them as one of my sisters is still studying in a private college,so what should I take ? A levels or STPM ?
Education is an investment. You cannot expect everything to be free. If you all do not want to sacrifice to go to a better university, then take STPM.
Sir, i got straight As in SPM . I’m not sure what to study after this but roughly I wanna to take dentistry , not because I’m interested in it but it only suits what kind of life I want in the future. I wanna ask is A levels tough ? Or should I go for STPM since I got financial problem ?
If you have financial problem then how are you going to afford dentistry which would cost from RM300,000 to RM1 million? Go for STPM
Hi my spm result was average i gt 6a- . I haven’t decide which course i want to study but i think I’m going to take science subject cause i dislike business. I’ve no idea where I’m going to continue my studies , from 6 or pre-u course ? I’m having financial problem . pls gv me some advice thx .
No money just take Form 6
I’d like to study Bachelor of Computer Science
Should I go for STPM, or Diploma, assuming I have the budget required ?
Would Diploma be a better choice because we can get used to the related subject more, compared to STPM that teaches overall subject rather than focusing on the related subject ?
If you have the budget, why would you study STPM? You already answered yourself in the second question.
I’d like to study for Bachelor of Computer Science
Should I go for STPM, or Diploma, assuming I have the budget ?
Would Diploma be a better choice because I can learn more about the subject related rather than learning overall subjects in STPM ?
If you don’t have the money, go for Form 6. If you have the money, take the Diploma.
when will students choose major for foundation in kdu?
When they register for the foundation
Is it Stpm Certificate is valuable at overseas ? I guess Stpm in Arts Stream is easy . Am I right ?
I am not sure why STPM would be valuable overseas. Yes, you guess STPM arts is easy based on what fact and evidence?
How many student are there in the last intake for kdu diploma in accountantcy?
I don’t know. We don’t keep track of such details.
How many student study at kdu for diploma in accounting last intake?
You can call them and ask
Sir, if my grades are average, which pre-u course will be suitable for me? STPM or the pre-u courses that the colleges are providing?
Take Foundation. STPM is very tough.
But if you do foundation, you must be sure on what you want to study right?
You should have a general idea
Sir, is Computer Science or Computer engineering is a good course to study? Does it have high demands of jobs in Malaysia? Does the work-rate for this job is high or low?
Yes, they are in demand.
I only got 4 credit (including BM but pass at Sejarah with no credit) can i study in form 6
I don’t know but you can’t even do well in SPM, how do you expect to do well in STPM is which 20 times harder?
Is diploma in kdu for accounting good?How many student study this course for last intake?
I will proceed to degree in accounting at kdu after this diploma.Can i choose not take acca to get this degree?Please ask kdu for me.
Yes
Sir, If I want to study psychology, which pre-u course is the best?
Foundation in Arts at HELP University
Sir, I wish to study medic but having financial problem. I dislike business courses and lab research. I am not sure what can I study. pls advise.TQ
There are many other courses out there that you can choose such as IT, engineering, hotel & tourism, mass communication, etc.
I got 5as in spm. I don’t know what to do next. Plz help.
Sorry, you have not provided enough information for me to advise you. What do you want to study? What is your budget for your studies?
Thank you for your help! But if I take A-levels in January, will I be in time to join the degree intake in July/August? As the final examination for A-levels is in June.
If you are going to UK, you will need to apply with your forecast results pending your actual.