Survey Finds Half of SPM Candidates Don’t Plan to Continue Tertiary Studies

Why Half of Malaysian SPM Graduates Won’t go for Further Studies

A survey conducted by UCSI Poll Research Centre found that only half of Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) candidates plan to pursue their studies at the tertiary level, In addition, 32% stated that continue tertiary studies is not as beneficial as in the previous generation. The study covered 1,000 respondents who were asked about their plans after completing their SPM exam.

Only 51% said they planned to continue studying, while 39% said they would look for a job and 10% had no plans.

Are you part of the 50% that don’t plan to continue your tertiary education? Although there’s nothing wrong in starting a business now or become a YouTuber or Live Streamer or Gamer but do you really have the talent for these and supported by evidence? Keep in mind that what you decide now will change your life forever.

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What are the Reasons for not Continuing to Further Studies?

MalaysiaNow reported late last year that university was no longer the destination of choice for some school-leavers despite them doing well in their SPM. A number of factors are at play, including concerns over finances and the cost of living.

Data from the statistics department showed that in 2019, some 390,000 or 72.1% of SPM graduates were not inclined to continue their studies.

Some students who spoke to MalaysiaNow said university classes were “old school” and not in line with developments in the digital era.

They also cited the cost of a university degree, which can run into tens of thousands of ringgit.

A recent survey by the UCSI Poll Research Centre found that only half of the SPM graduates who participated in the study intended to pursue their studies at the tertiary level. The reasons given for not continuing their studies are:

• 32% said it was not as beneficial as before
• 34% said they needed to work to pay for their education.
• 32% said they did not want to be burdened with a student loan
• 32% said education fees were very high
• 22% said they did not do well at school
• 21% said that education does not guarantee a better job
• 20% said they could still get paid as much as those who had continued their studies,
• 6% said they could not handle exam stress.

What do they want to do if they don’t pursue Tertiary Education?

Asked what kind of job they were interested in,

• 34% of those who did not intend to further their studies said they wanted to become social media affiliates or influencers.
• 26% said will join the e-hailing sector
• 22% said they would start their own business in the food and beverages sector