What’s the Entry Requirements for Engineering Courses at Malaysia’s Private Universities?

Guide to Studying Engineering in Malaysia
Admission Requirements for Engineering Foundation, Diploma & Degree Programmes at Private Universities in Malaysia
In order to enter the university for the course that you are interested in, you will need to meet their entry requirements. It is important to find out what the entry requirements are for your course of interest so that you can plan during your high school which Pre-University course would be suitable.
Knowing the requirements, you can then choose the right subjects so that you can enter the course without any problems. Furthermore, some courses will require additional requirements such as English, that you need to meet, therefore, you will need to plan ahead to sit for the relevant exams before the intake starts.
In order to choose the right course that fits you to study in Malaysia, you would also need to know the entry requirements. If you don’t meet the requirements for your course of interest, you may need to opt for another choice. Furthermore, entry requirements would vary from university to university. Students would need to know the different entry requirements for Foundation, Pre-U and Diploma courses or Degree programmes in Malaysia so that you can register or apply for the course. In this article, you will find out what are the entry requirements for Engineering programmes at the private universities in Malaysia.
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Admission Requirements for Engineering Foundation, Diploma and Degree Programmes at Malaysia’s Private Universities

Justin Moo, Mechanical Engineering graduate from Taylor’s University
In order to have a successful career as an engineer, students must choose to study at the best private universities in Malaysia whose degree programmes are accredited by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
The entry requirements will vary from university to university, some may have higher entry requirements. Therefore, you will need to check with the particular university for their exact requirements. I have listed the basic requirements as stated by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
Generally, it is understood that SPM students must have a pass in BM and Sejarah because if you fail either one, means that you have failed the SPM examination. In addition, a “Credit” for SPM/IGCSE/O-Levels are A, B and C. For UEC, a “Credit” is A and B. For the A-Levels, a Principal is from A to E.
What is the Grading System?
SPM | UEC | IGCSE/O-Levels | STPM | A-Levels |
A+ | A1 | A | A | A |
A | A2 | B | A- | B |
A- | B3 | C | B+ | C |
B+ | B4 | D | B | D |
B | B5 | E | B- | E |
C+ | B6 | U – Ungraded | C+ | F |
C | C7 | C | ||
D | C8 | C- | ||
E | D+ | |||
G | D |
What’s the Education Pathway to an Engineering Degree after Secondary School?

Eugene Ong, Electrical & Electronic Engineering Graduate
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 5 credits may go for the Foundation in Engineering at a top private university in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 4-year Engineering degree.
Alternatively, with 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, students may go for the 2-year Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and then enter into Year 2 of the Engineering degree.
Finally, students who have chosen the Pre-University (Pre-U) and achieved the relevant results will be able to enter directly into Year 1 of the engineering degree. Engineering degree courses at Malaysia’s private universities are 4 years in duration.
What’s the Entry Requirements for Foundation in Engineering?
Foundation in Engineering courses are intensive, focused one-year courses which prepare students for your degree studies in Malaysia and guarantee entry to the university of interest upon successful completion. The Foundation in Engineering courses provide a solid foundation for students to adapt to university education more confidently, both in terms of level and style of education of the particular university.
Private universities in Malaysia, have developed these internal engineering foundation programmes that are accredited by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA). The Foundation in Engineering will allow direct entry into degree programmes such as Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Telecommunication Engineering and more.
- SPM/IGCSE/O-levels – 5 credits inclusive of Mathematics and 1 science subject
- UEC – 3 credits inclusive of Mathematics and 1 science subject
What’s the Entry Requirements for Engineering Diploma Programmes?

Renee Tan, Mechanical Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Students are SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels can enter the field of engineering directly after completing their studies with at least 3 credits. The Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering is an ideal education pathway for students after high school as the course is focused, practical, cost effective and time saving. It is good for students who are sure of being part of the engineering field.
Students can take the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering for 2 years and then upon completion, continue on into Year 2 of any of the engineering fields.
- SPM/IGCSE/O-Levels – At least credits in THREE (3) subjects, including Mathematics and ONE (1) relevant science subject AND a pass in English;
- UEC – Minimum 3 credits inclusive of Mathematics and Science (Pass is required for English)
What’s the Entry Requirements for Engineering Degree Programmes at Private Universities in Malaysia?

Melvern, Engineering Graduate
It is important to note that Engineering degrees are extremely varied and can focus on particular parts of the engineering industry or just a general overview of the technical processes. Whichever degree you choose to study, you will graduate with a host of transferable skills that will enable you to work in a variety of industries.
It’s important to consider which area of engineering you will specialise in, as they can lead to very different careers. Civil engineers build the structures that define our civilisation – bridges, buildings, transport systems. Electrical engineers study how technology can build new products, or develop new processes for manufacturing and design. Or you could design and build planes, aircraft, robots, medical equipment, or even computer programmes. Whatever you choose, you can create and develop projects that improve and change lives.
Below are the most popular engineering degree courses in Malaysia and the requirements below that:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronic Engineering
- Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Mechatronic Engineering
- Telecommunication Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- STPM – Minimum 2Cs including Mathematics and one relevant Physical Science subject
- A Level – Minimum 2Ds including Mathematics and one relevant Physical Science subject
- UEC – Minimum 5Bs including Mathematics and one relevant Physical Science subject
- CPU – Minimum average of 60% in 6 subjects, inclusive of a minimum score of 60% in Mathematics and one relevant Physical Science subject
- Foundation in Engineering/Science -Minimum CGPA 2.0
- Diploma/ Advance Diploma/ equivalent – Minimum CGPA 2.0
- Subject to Faculty discretion after reviewing transcript and syllabus
- AUSMAT/MUFY/ SACE/WACE- Minimum overall average of 60%, inclusive of a minimum score of 60% in Mathematics and one relevant Physical Science subject
How to Find Out if I Qualify to Enter the Engineering Course in Malaysia?
Students who are interested to find out if you qualify to enter the engineering course may take picture of your results, trial or mock results and upload them below. I will contact you to let you know.