Which Is the Best Foundation to Study after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels?

Best Foundation Programmes at First City University College for Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels
Choosing the Right Foundation will Allow you to Enter Top Degree Programmes with High Job Demand & Salary in Malaysia
Foundation courses can be seen as preparatory courses that assist secondary school students to transition from SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in Malaysia 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.
Top private universities such as First City University College have tailored their own internal university foundation programmes to the degree courses offered. 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. First City UC offers 3 popular Foundations courses leading to degree programmes that has a high future ob demand and salary. Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels with at least 5 credits in the relevant subjects may join the Foundation in Business Administration, Foundation in Design or Foundation in Engineering, Science & Technology.
The curriculum and examination of the Foundation programmes are set by First City UC following the quality criteria set by the Ministry of Higher Education and quality assurance agency, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
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3 Top Foundation Programmes at First City University College Leading to Degree Courses with Excellent Career Opportunities

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. 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.
The Foundation programme also equips students with creative, intellectual and critical skills before progressing to the degree programmes as it provides personal diagnostic appraisal which will aid students in a specific design discipline in the degree programmes. Students will seamlessly move on to the degree course upon completion.
The Foundation Programmes at First City University College are specially designed for students after SPM and IGCSE/O-Levels who have a clear idea of their degree focus and want to be fully equipped to handle the degree programmes.
The 3 top rated Foundation programmes at First City UC are:
- Foundation in Business Administration
- Foundation in Art & Design
- Foundation in Engineering, Science & Technology
What will I Study in a Foundation Programme?

A Foundation course in Malaysia focuses on the topics related to the field and by concentrating on specific subjects related to the degree programmes it will lead to at the university. 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.
For example, if the university offers business, communication and computing degree programmes, they may offer a Foundation in Arts & Technology and offer subjects such as business, accounting, marketing, communications, computing, etc.
How are the Foundation Programmes Assessed?
Assessment for Foundation programmes 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.
How Many Subjects are there in a Foundation Programme?
The number of subjects vary from 15 to 18 subjects taken within 3 semesters (1 year) for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia. Students will take about 5-6 subjects a semester.
What is the Duration of the Foundation Course?
First City UC Foundation courses will last 3 semesters. There will be 2 long semesters (14 weeks) and 1 short semester (7 weeks). Basically it will last 1 year and it’s a full-time study.
When are the Intakes for the Foundation Programmes?
Intakes for the Foundation programmes at First City UC are in February, June and September of each year. Please contact the university or fill up the Enquiry Form to find out the exact dates.
How much do the Foundation Programmes Cost?
Tuition fees for the Foundation Programmes at top private universities in Malaysia will range from RM12,000 to RM30,000.
The tuition fees for the Foundation programmes at First City UC are very affordable at RM17,200 total for the whole year. In addition, students are able to take advantage of the current offer of 50% Bursary for the Foundation course.
Is the Foundation Course at First City UC Recognised and Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA)?

Eric Lau, Graduated from Graphic Design at First City University College
Yes, all the Foundation and Degree programmes at First City UC are accredited by 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 are the Degree Programmes that I can Study after Foundation at First City UC?
Foundation in Business Administration

Ee Wen, Hospitality & Tourism Graduate from First City University College
This programme is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in business and management. It will enable students to develop communication, critical thinking, writing, presentation and problem-solving skills
Furthermore, the Foundation programme is designed to instil students with self-confidence and ethical values.
The business degree programmes are dual awards by First City UC & Anglia Ruskin University.
- Pathway to Business Degree Programmes
- Pathway to Hospitality Degree Programme
- Pathway to Communication Degree Programme
Foundation in Art & Design

Tan, Design graduate from First City University College
Students who have just completed their SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels and plan to study design for their degree can go for the Foundation in Art & Design course. It is ideal for students who want to study design but unsure of which major. The Foundation gives you options to choose the right design course after exploring the fundamentals of design.
The one-year Foundation in Art & Design programme at First City University College provides a general art & design education to enable students to gain experience in practical studio work, 2D and 3D designs, research and writing. It develops student’s skills on visual analysis, fundamental drawing, colour studies, research and critical writing skills.
- Pathway to Top Design Degree Programmes
Foundation in Engineering, Science and Technology

First City UC students can expect to master the basic principles of engineering, science and technology by the end of this one-year programme (three semesters).
During Foundation classes they will also be educated on the social and ethical implications in the field of science, engineering and technology.
This programme equips students with strong fundamentals and skills for either Engineering or Computing. Students study modules that are focused to ensure their progression towards obtaining a professional qualification in Engineering or Computing. They will also be trained to use relevant industrial hardware and software necessary for their progression to our bachelor’s degree programmes in Engineering or Computing.
- Pathway to Recognised & Accredited Engineering Courses
- Pathway to Top Information Technology Courses
What are the Entry Requirements for the Foundation Programmes at First City UC?

Foundation in Engineering, Science and Technology
- SPM – Minimum 5 credits (including of English and Mathematics) and including Physics for progression to Engineering Degrees. Minimum 5 credits (including of English and Mathematics) and including credit in Additional Mathematics or credit in Mathematics and Science/Technology/Engineering subjects for progression to Software Engineering or Computer Science Degrees. Minimum 5 credits (including of English and Mathematics) for progression to Information Systems or Information Technology Degrees
- UEC – Minimum 4Bs (including English and Mathematics)
- GCE O-LEVEL – Minimum 5 credits (including English and Mathematics)
- OTHER QUALIFICATIONS -Equivalent qualifications which are recognized by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency
Foundation in Art & Design
- SPM – Minimum 5 credits (including English)
- UEC – Minimum 4Bs (including English)
- GCE O-LEVEL – Minimum 5 credits (including English)
- OTHER QUALIFICATIONS – Equivalent qualifications recognized by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency
AND
Pass Portfolio interview
Foundation in Business Administration
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of English and at least a pass in Malay Language and History)
- UEC: Minimum 4 Bs (inclusive of English)
- IGCSE/O-Level: Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of English)
First City UC’s Student Financial Aid
In order to provide quality education to as many deserving students as possible, First City UC provides a variety of financial aids such as:
Scholarships
- First City UC Bursary Award
- First City UC Merit Scholarship
- First City UC Sports Scholarship
- First City UC UEC Scholarship
Financial Assistance
- Interest Free Instalment Payment
- First City UC Sibling Incentive
- First City UC Alumni Incentive
- First City UC Engineering Programme Special Incentive
- Children of School Teachers (UEC, SMK, SMJK, SM)
- First City UC Postgraduate Incentive
- First City UC Programmes Special Incentive
The PTPTN Loan is also available for degree studies.