Malaysia’s Most Affordable Foundation Programmes from 3 Reputable Top Private Universities

Study Foundation at a Private University in Malaysia
Which are the Cheapest Foundation Programmes in Malaysia?
One of the pathways for students who have just completed their secondary school education is to take the Foundation Programme at Malaysia’s top private universities. In order to study a bachelor’s degree at a private university in Malaysia, the Foundation programme is the next step for students who have just completed their SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels.
Subsequently, students have to search for the right private university offering the 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.
Other than the academic knowledge, the right private university can equip students with important skills needed to succeed in their career such as critical thinking, communication, creativity, team work, interpersonal skills and leadership. Research has shown that many graduates lack these skills which are needed by their future employers.
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What is the Foundation Programme?

After completing your SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, the next step is choosing the right Pre-University programme before continuing on to the undergraduate level. The Foundation programme is top choice for students as it is affordable, shorter in duration, and tailored to meet the university’s degree programme.
The Foundation programme is a Pre-University Programme designed by a particular private university intending to equip their students to familiarise and handle the degree programme offered. Students will seamlessly move on to the degree course upon completion.
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.
How much does it cost to study Foundation at a Private University in Malaysia?
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 RM8,000 to RM30,000. Generally cheaper than overseas Pre-University courses and A-Levels
Which are the Top Private Universities in Malaysia that has the Most Affordable Foundation Tuition Fees?

Yue Sheng, Foundation in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
Top private universities in Malaysia, have designed and developed their own internal university foundation programmes to help students familiarise and gain the necessary fundamentals to be able to handle the degree programme offered.
Many students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels have chosen to go for the Foundation programmes at top private universities in Malaysia before pursuing their undergraduate degree studies.
Students should not choose a Foundation course because it is the cheapest one, you also need to consider the quality of the private university that is offering the course. You need to look at the reputation, accreditation, recognition, facilities and experience of the lecturers. Other than cost, these factors are important in helping to prepare you to handle the rigours of the degree programme as well as important skills for your future career.
Below are 3 top private universities that students can consider taking their Foundation programme.
Foundation Programmes that You Can Afford to at First City University College, Malaysia

With the economic problems faced by Malaysians after the Covid pandemic and soaring inflation, First City University College has decided to help students by offering half off the tuition fees for all their Foundation programmes.
In addition, First City UC’s Foundation Programmes are pre-university programmes designed to help students meet the entry requirements for first-year university and prepare them to handle the rigours of undergraduate studies.
Students will gain a solid grounding in academic and communication skills, with a focus on developing their Critical Thinking and English language skills.
Students who have just completed their secondary school education can choose the popular foundation programmes from First City UC that best fits their career goals and needs. First City UC’s Foundation programmes will lead to degree programmes that are high in job demand in Malaysia thus ensuring a secure and stable future.
This is an excellent opportunity for students to obtain a high quality and recognised Foundation course in Malaysia. First City UC’s Foundation courses are accredited by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and recognised by their respective foreign partner universities. Students can now afford the following Foundation programmes:
- Foundation in Engineering, Science & Technology
- Foundation in Art & Design
- Foundation in Business Administration
Only RM6000 for Foundation at Top Ranked Multimedia University (MMU) in Malaysia

Now, a top ranked and award-winning private university, Multimedia University (MMU), is giving Malaysian students the opportunity to pursue their studies at private university through their affordable Foundation.
Although the Foundation tuition fee at Multimedia University (MMU) is only RM6000, there is no sacrifice on quality. You will still get the same high quality education from MMU. Their quality is evident through the numerous awards won by their faculties as well as the high rankings achieved by the university.
For example, Multimedia University (MMU) made its debut in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2021, where the varsity is ranked at 601-800 worldwide. The impact rankings measure global universities’ success in delivering the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition, Multimedia University (MMU) remains strong in the Times Higher Education (THE) Asia Rankings for the year 2021. The university is ranked at 401+ among universities across Asia. The rankings also listed MMU as Top 10 among all universities in Malaysia. Furthermore, MMU remains strong when the varsity is being counted as one of the Top 7 among Private Universities in Malaysia in the QS World University Ranking (WUR) 2021. Furthermore, we are very proud that the WUR has placed us in the Top 2 in Computer Science, and in the Top 3 in Electrical & Electronics amongst Malaysian private varsities.
The Foundation programme is a Pre-University Programme designed by Multimedia University (MMU) intending to equip their students to familiarise and handle the degree programme offered. Students will seamlessly move on to the degree course upon completion. There are many types of Foundation Programmes offered by MMU.
What are the Foundation Programmes offered at Multimedia University?
- Foundation in Engineering (Melaka and Cyberjaya)
- Foundation in Information Technology (Melaka and Cyberjaya)
- Foundation in Management (Cyberjaya)
- Foundation in Business (Melaka)
- Foundation in Life Sciences (Melaka)
- Foundation in Creative Multimedia (Cyberjaya)
- Foundation in English (Cyberjaya)
- Foundation in Cinematic Arts (Cyberjaya)
University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia KDU Foundation Programmes
University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia KDU, Utropolis Glenmarie campus, an institution that has over 36 years of history and experience, believes in providing real world education and has been successful in producing competent graduates and preparing students for top universities all over the world.
UOW Malaysia KDU is part of the University of Wollongong Australia’s global network, but has a long history of providing accessible, quality, tertiary education to Malaysia, and the surrounding regions, as KDU college and university colleges.
Established in 1983, KDU was Malaysia’s first purpose-built private college that provided opportunities for Malaysian youth to pursue high-quality overseas tertiary education in a local setting.
The total tuition fees for UOWM KDU Foundation is only RM20,000 to RM21,000.