Top 10 Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia for Foundation Programmes

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 University

Outstanding Foundation Programmes at Top Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

Students after SPM or IGCSE/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. 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.

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Ten of Malaysia’s Top Private Universities & Colleges Offering First-Rate Foundation Programmes

I wasn't sure of which course to study & Lonnie , from EduSpiral, guided me to choose the right course based on Job Demand & Salary. Hong Ming, Foundation in Computing & Technology at KDU University College
I wasn’t sure of which course to study & Lonnie , from EduSpiral, guided me to choose the right course based on Job Demand & Salary. Hong Ming, Foundation in Computing & Technology at KDU University College

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 businesscomputer IT, and engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.

You can choose from the following list of top private universities below:

  1. Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus
  2. Asia Pacific University (APU)
  3. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
  4. University of Nottingham Malaysia
  5. University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie
  6. UOWM KDU Penang University College
  7. Multimedia University (MMU)
  8. HELP University
  9. First City University College
  10. MAHSA University
  11. Berjaya University College
  12. Saito University College

Study Foundation at Top Private Universities in Malaysia

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 University
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 University

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

Assessments for Foundation Courses

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.

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 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.

Students should choose Foundation programmes from prominent and established universities such as the ones listed below:

The Best Degree Programmes to Study in Malaysia at Top Private Universities

Upon completing the 1-year Foundation programme, students can continue to many degree programmes offered at the best private universities in Malaysia. You can consider the degree courses below:

Top Engineering and Built Environment Courses in Malaysia
Outstanding Computing and Information Technology Courses in Malaysia
First Rate Applied and Health Sciences in Malaysia
The Best Business & Accounting Courses in Malaysia
EduSpiral explained the pathway to become an actuaries & gave facts on why Heriot-Watt is the best for actuarial science. We also toured the campus and hostel. Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
EduSpiral explained the pathway to become an actuaries & gave facts on why Heriot-Watt is the best for actuarial science. We also toured the campus and hostel.
Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Excellent Social Science Courses in Malaysia
Top Design Courses in Malaysia
First Rate Hospitality and Culinary Arts Courses in Malaysia
Education Courses in Malaysia

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