Malaysia’s Top Private Universities for Foundation in Science & Foundation in Arts programmes

Which are the Best Private Universities to Study Foundation in Science or Foundation in Arts?

• The Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts programmes prepare students for direct entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme at Malaysia’s private universities.
• The Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts are the most popular Pre-University (Pre-U) programmes at Malaysia’s private universities
• The Foundation programmes are offered at Malaysia’s private universities as a Pre-University course to transition into their degree programmes.

The Foundation in Arts or Science programmes are popular as they are designed specifically to prepare students for the degree programmes offered at the private university. They allow for students to enter a wide range of degree programmes available. If you are not sure of which degree you plan to take then go for the Foundation in Science where it allows you to enter into any science-related or arts-related degree courses. The Foundation in Arts will allow students to choose from only arts-based degree programmes.

These 2 are popular Foundation programmes for students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels. These programmes are highly sought after as they are general and upon completion can enter most degree programmes in the related field. The Foundation in Science programme would cover more degree programmes that include the science and arts fields. On the other hand, the Foundation in Arts only cover arts-related degree programmes and students cannot continue to science-related degree programmes. The Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts programmes prepare students for direct entry to the first year of an undergraduate degree programme at Malaysia’s private universities.

In order to study a bachelor’s degree at a private university in Malaysia, the Foundation programme is the next step for you. The Foundation Course is specifically designed to prepare students for what they will be studying for their chosen undergraduate degree, and helps them to successfully make the transition from a school environment to a university environment.Therefore, students have to search for the right private university and foundation programme that will fit their undergraduate academic goals. Where you choose to study your Foundation Programme is an important decision as it will provide the necessary fundamental knowledge and skills to handle the rigours of the degree programme.

The 12-month Foundation Programme is specifically designed for SPM and IGCSE/O-Levels graduates who would like to fast-track their university studies.Foundation courses can be seen as preparatory courses that assist secondary school students to transition to specific bachelor’s degree programmes at private universities. In addition, the Foundation Programme in Malaysia is a pre-university programme designed to help students meet the requirements for first-year university and prepare them to handle the rigours of undergraduate studies. During the Foundation course, students gain a solid grounding in academic and communication skills, with a focus on developing their Critical Thinking and English language skills.

You may also be interested to read the following articles:

• Malaysia’s Top 10 Foundation Programmes to Study after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels
• Top 10 Best Courses to Study at University in Malaysia
• Top 10 Most Popular Pre-University (Pre-U) Programmes in Malaysia
• Comparison Malaysia’s Best Pre-university (Pre-U) Programmes to Study after SPM/IGCSE/O-Levels
• Best Pre-U Courses in Malaysia
  
• Top 50 Jobs with High Future Demand in Malaysia
• 30 Jobs with Future High Demand & Salaries in Malaysia – Find Out so you can choose the Best Course to Study Now!
• What is the Best Course to study after SPM or O-Levels in Malaysia?

Course Enquiry

Do you have any questions for us on this article? Or need advise on choosing the right course and private university? If so, then please fill up the Enquiry Form below. Our team of experts will help you solve your questions at the earliest via WhatsApp. Note: Your personal information is protected

Full Name of the STUDENT (As in your IC) *

If you are the parent or sibling or relative, please give the name of the student, not yours.

IC Number of the STUDENT *

If you are the parent or sibling or relative, please give the IC number of the student, not yours.

Email of the STUDENT *

If you are the parent or sibling or relative, please give the email of the student, not yours.

Mobile Phone Number *

Phone number of the Person Enquiring

Highest Academic Qualification *SPMIGCSE/O-LevelsUECA-LevelsAUSMATMUFYCIMPFoundationDiploma (Completed)Diploma (Completing Soon)STPMMatriculationCurrently in SchoolOthers

City, State you live at *

Courses Interested In *

List down the courses that you are interested in

Upload for Faster Evaluation & Recommendation

Drag & Drop Files, Choose Files to Upload

For evaluation for Entry & Scholarship and Course recommendation, please upload your academic results like your actual or Trial/Mock for SPM, IGCSE, UEC, A-Levels etc for entry into the course or university, please take a clear picture of the whole result certificate & transcripts (don't cut out any part like name or IC) and upload here

Submit

Studying the Foundation in Science & Foundation in Arts Programmes at Outstanding Private Universities

A Foundation Programme is a pre-university programme, which means that you take this course right after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in order to gain entry into a Degree programme at university.

One of the advantages of a Foundation programme is that it prepares you for a smooth transition into the degree at the same private university.

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels should choose the foundation programme in Malaysia that best fits their career goals and needs. 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.

Which are the Top Private Universities in Malaysia Offering the Foundation in Science Programme?

The Best Foundation in Science programmes at Top private universities in Malaysia are:

1. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
2. University of Nottingham Malaysia
3. Taylor’s College
4. UCSI University
5. HELP University
6. MAHSA University
7. UOWM KDU Penang
8. Sunway College
9. First City University College
10. UCSI College

Which are the Top Private Universities in Malaysia Offering the Foundation in Arts Programme?

1. University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM)
2. Taylor’s University
3. University of Nottingham Malaysia
4. Sunway College
5. UOWM KDU
6. HELP University
7. UOWM KDU Penang
8. UCSI University 
9. UCSI College

ARE THE FOUNDATION IN ARTS & FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE PROGRAMMES RECOGNISED?

Mostly in Malaysia and some overseas. As long as the Foundation course is accredited by the Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA), it will be accepted by another private university for entry into the relevant degree programme.

WHAT IS THE MALAYSIAN QUALIFICATIONS AGENCY (MQA)?

The Malaysia Qualifications Agency (MQA) is an official body that is governed by the Ministry of Higher Education and is the only body that controls universities’ accreditation status, regulate curriculum and set operational standards for both public and private universities and other higher learning institutions in Malaysia.

MQA also accredit individual courses and programmes at each university. MQA’s operation is important because it works to ensure that higher learning in the country is up to global standards and is fit for the future of the nation.

WHAT IS THE DURATION?

3 semesters  (1 year of full-time study). Some universities offer a 2-semester Foundation which is still 1 year in duration.

HOW MANY SUBJECTS ARE THERE IN THE FOUNDATION PROGRAMME?

The number of subjects vary from 8 to 12 subjects depending on which university. Students will take about 10-12 subjects in 3 semesters (1 year) for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia.

HOW MUCH DOES A FOUNDATION IN SCIENCE OR ARTS PROGRAMME COST?

Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels would need to figure out their budget as it would determine which Pre-University course would be suitable for you. Students with moderate budgets can consider the Foundation programme as it is cheaper than the external Pre-University programmes.

The cost will vary from university to university. It will range from RM15,000 to RM30,000. The cost for the Foundation in Science would be slightly more expensive than the Foundation n Arts as students will utilise science labs and equipment during their studies.

Who Should Study the Foundation in Science?

Students who are not sure of what to study for their degree programme and would like a wider range of options can go for the Foundation in Science as it can enter all degree programmes from the sciences, arts, engineering, computing, etc.

In addition, if you are sure that you want to pursue degree programmes related to the sciences, this Foundation would be ideal for you.

Who Should Study the Foundation in Arts?

The Foundation in Arts is designed for students who are not interested to pursue a degree programme in the sciences or engineering. It is ideal for students who want to focus on degree programmes related to the arts such as Business, Design, Law, Mass Communication, or Hospitality. The Foundation in Arts can also enter Computing degree programmes as long as there are Additional Maths subjects in the Foundation.

What will you Study in a Foundation in Science Programme in Malaysia

A Foundation in Science course in Malaysia focuses on science-related topics by concentrating on specific subjects related to

• Mathematics – statistics, probability, calculus, algebra, trigonometry, etc.
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Information Technology
• Business

A Foundation Programme is a pre-university programme, which means that you take this course right after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in order to gain entry into a Degree programme at university. The duration of a Foundation in Science is usually about 12 months.

One of the advantages of a Foundation in Science programme is that it prepares you for a smooth transition into a Science, Engineering or Information Technology degree at the same private university.

A Foundation in Science is administered by the university itself, unlike other pre-university courses that are administered by a central body (e.g. A-Level is administered by Cambridge, AUSMAT is administered by the Western Australian education board).

Therefore, the syllabus and subjects for the Foundation in Science will vary from university to university. On the other hand, the external Pre-University Programmes’ subjects, evaluation and assessment methods are standardised throughout Malaysia and globally. In addition, the private university has the ability to design the programme specifically catered towards Malaysian students.

Usually, you will be required to take certain compulsory core sciences subjects, and then take further subjects that are related to your intended degree such as engineering, food science, pharmacy, etc.

What are the Entry Requirements?

General Entry Requirements are 5 SPM Credits with Passes in BM & Sejarah or IGCSE/O-Levels minimum 5Cs. Note that the entry requirements will vary from university to university. Furthermore, the entry requirements will vary from the type of degree course you plan on studying.

You will need to check with the university of interest to find out exactly what their entry requirements are. Or you may contact EduSpiral Consultant Services for advise on your entry to top private universities in Malaysia.

• Foundation in Arts entering into the following degree programmes:
  • Business Administration, Management, Logistics & Marketing – 5 Credits
  • Accounting, Finance, Banking, Investment & Actuarial Science – 5 Credits including Maths and a Pass in English
  • Arts, Design, Advertising, Hospitality, Hotel Management & Communication  – 5 Credits
  • Psychology – 5 Credits including Maths, one Science subject and a Pass in English
  • Architecture and Information Technology (IT) – 5 Credits including Maths
  • Computer Science – 5 Credits including Additional Maths
  • English Language, TESL & Mass Communication – 5 Credits including English
• Foundation in Science entering into:
  • Engineering – 5 Credits including Maths and 1 Science (Physics/ Chemistry/ Biology)
  • Architecture and IT – 5 Credits including Maths
  • Computer Science – 5 Credits including Add Maths
• Foundation in Science entering into the following degree programmes
  • Biotechnology, Culinology, Food Science, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Medical Imaging & Optometry – 5 credits including Mathematics and 2 science subjects
  • Pharmacy – 5Bs including Biology and Chemistry and Physic and Math (or Additional Math)
  • Medicine & Dentistry – 5Bs including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Additional Mathematics and 1 other subject
  • Architecture and IT – 5 Credits including Maths

What will you Study in a Foundation in Arts Programme in Malaysia

A Foundation in Arts course in Malaysia focuses on arts-related topics by concentrating on specific subjects related to arts. There will be core subjects like Mathematics, English and Computing. You will then have options to choose electives that would be related to your degree programme of interest such as business, accounting, marketing, communications, etc.

MPU SUBJECTS / GENERAL STUDIES (COMPULSORY UNITS)

• Through the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), the Ministry of Education (MOE), Higher Education Sector has imposed the following requirements on programmes offered by all private tertiary education providers:
• MPU (i.e. General Studies) will replace MPW from September 2013 onwards (Ministry of Education directive of 18th June 2013).
• The Ministry of Education requires that all NEW Degree (International and Malaysian) students enrolled in September 2013 and onwards must take the MPU units as a prerequisite for the award of their degree.
• Malaysian Degree students must take the units and pass them as a prerequisite for the award of the degree.
• Students are required to take other MPU units which will be rolled out during the course of their study.

Assessment for the Foundation in Science & Foundation in Arts Programme at Private Universities in Malaysia

Assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain 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.

What Degree Programmes does the Foundation in Science lead to?

Upon completion of the Foundation in Science, you can enter into any arts-related degree programmes as well as science programmes like Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Food Science, Nutrition, Dietetics, Optometry, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, Medicine and Dentistry. Students may also enter into engineering programmes  if the Foundation in Science programme contain Physics and Maths subjects.

Foundation in Science may also enter degree programmes in Business, Computing, Law, Design, Architecture, etc.

What Degree Programmes does the Foundation in Arts lead to?

The Foundation in Arts is ideal for students to pursue a Business, Humanities, Education, Computing, Arts or Social Science Degree.

When students complete the Foundation in Arts, they can enter into non-science degree programmes like Psychology, Law, Business, Accounting, Actuarial Science, Architecture, Quantity Survey, Communication, Design, Early Childhood Education, TESL, Education, Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism. Students who have at least a credit in Maths and where the Foundation in Arts also contain a subject in Maths can choose Computing degree programmes.

Can I transfer to Another Private University?

Yes, you can transfer to another private university on a case-to-case basis. Students may transfer to another private university upon completion of the Foundation in Arts programme by providing the university of interest your high school certificate, transcripts, course outline & syllabus and Foundation certificate in order for them to evaluate for entry into their degree programme.

Can I transfer to Another University overseas like the UK or Australia?

Generally, the Foundation Programmes are for students to continue on to degree programmes at the particular private university. Some Foundation programmes are accepted for entry into overseas universities in the UK or Australia. It depends on the partnership agreement with the private university in Malaysia.

However, you could transfer overseas after completing Year 1 of your degree. Meaning that, you complete the Foundation and then enter into Year 1 of the degree programme at the private university in Malaysia and then transfer overseas for the final part of your degree programme. Many top private universities will have a list of partner universities overseas that you can transfer to.

Top 10 Reasons to Study Foundation in Science or Foundation in Arts at a Private University in Malaysia

There are plenty of reasons why you should choose a Foundation course at a top private university in Malaysia over external Pre-University Programmes such as the Australian Matriculation, Canadian Pre-U, South Australian Matriculation (SAM), STPM, etc.

1. Foundation courses are generally cheaper than the External Pre-University Programmes
2. Foundation programmes are generally easier than the External Pre-University Programmes. Unlike courses such as A-Level or Australian Matriculation, Foundation programmes are administered by the private universities themselves.
3. The Foundation programmes at top private universities in Malaysia are Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and approved by the Ministry of Education. Some are recognised for entry into overseas universities.
4. The Foundation Programmes have more intakes in a year allowing you more flexibility.
5. In the Foundation course, you get to study subjects that you like, which is science-related or arts-related
6. The Foundation coursework and exams are marked by Malaysians who understand what you write or express. Students who are weak in English would find it difficult to achieve higher grades in the external Pre-University programmes as they are marked by the overseas institutions.
7. You will be exposed to different types of science subjects which would help you to decide which major to choose in the degree.
8. The Foundation course is faster to complete and then to enter the degree programme compared to taking the UEC, STPM or A-Levels
9. If you do not plan to go overseas, there is no reason to take an external Pre-U programme which is tougher and more expensive. The Foundation in Science is geared towards the degree programmes at the particular private university allowing you to transition easier into the degree programme.
10. When you score well in the Foundation in Science or Foundation in Arts, you can apply for scholarships for the degree programme at the same university.

Summary of the Foundation Programme