After IGCSE/O-Levels: What are the Best Courses to Study in Malaysia?

Which are the Best Pre-University Courses to Study in Malaysia After High School?

Finally, you have completed IGCSE/O-Levels, one of the biggest exams in your life, and have been looking for a the right Pre-University Programme or Diploma course so that you can continue on to the degree programme.

There are many questions going through your mind such as: Should you study locally or overseas after completing high school? Which Pre-University Course is the best? How to choose the right Pre-U Programme? Which university or college is the best? What degree course should you take? Does the course have future high job demand & salary? How to choose the right course with so many choices?

But with the many difference choices out there, which one will you choose? So, to make it easier for you, I have made a list of the most popular Pre-University study options in Malaysia. The summary will give you a snapshot of the good points of each Pre-University course in Malaysia so that you can make the best choice after IGCSE/O-Levels.

What are your options after IGCSE/O-Levels?

Choosing the right Pre-University Programme will help you enter your university of choice to study the degree course that you want. After IGCSE/O-Levels, before entering a degree programme, students have to take a Pre-University Course or Diploma. Since you have taken IGCSE/O-Levels, you will not be able to enter into the government universities or IPTA.

Sometimes students choose the Pre-University programme for the wrong reasons. Students must research carefully the type of Pre-University and its assessment style.

Some students don’t perform well in the Pre-University because the assessment of the Pre-University doesn’t fit them or their command of the English language is too weak to handle the written assignments.

Know what you want to Study for the Degree

• In order to choose the right Pre-University or Diploma course, you have to figure out what you want to study in your degree or at least have some idea. For example, if you plan to study Engineering, then your choices are Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Foundation in Engineering, Foundation in Science, A-Levels Sciences, or AUSMAT Sciences.
• Students who are sure of what they want to study can go specifically for the Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering or Foundation in Engineering.
• Students who are not sure of what to study or you are still considering other courses, then take more general Pre-U like Foundation in Science, A-Levels Sciences, or AUSMAT Sciences. These Pre-U programmes are able to enter most degree programmes giving you more options.

Know where you want to Study for the Degree

• Furthermore, your budget will also determine which course would be suitable. Students who plan to go overseas to study can go for the A-Levels or AUSMAT while students who plan to study locally at private universities can go for the Foundation or Diploma.
• If you plan to go overseas, then go for the external Pre-University programme and choose based on which country you want to go to. If you plan to continue your degree course in Malaysia, you should just take the Foundation course as it is cheaper and generally easier than the external Pre-U. To study overseas will cost from RM150,000 to RM200,000 a year at least.
• So, if you do not have the finances to study overseas, there is no point to go for an external Pre-University Programme. A Foundation course at a top private university in Malaysia will be sufficient

Know what type of Assessment fits your learning Style

• Do you prefer exam-based or a mix of exams, assignments, course work, etc.?
• Choosing the right Pre-University course that fits you would mean that you have to ask yourself which methods of assessment best suit you? Exams, coursework, practicals, group projects and presentations could all be in the mix in differing quantities.
• Every Pre-University course will include a % breakdown of assessment. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you.
• Know when you Should Start your Pre-U Course
• Intakes are also important for students who want to perform the best in the exams. Taking the March intake is generally a mistake as it is compressed in duration therefore making the student having to complete the syllabus in a short amount of time.
• Furthermore, you must also find out when you will get your results in order to meet the application deadline for your university of choice.

Need Help in Choosing the Right Degree Course after IGCSE/O-Levels?

Here’s the thing: the job world is changing FAST. And picking the right course now could mean the difference between landing your dream job or struggling to find work after graduation.

## Real Talk: What’s Happening to Jobs?

Let’s start with some facts (don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple):

**The World Economic Forum says:**

– 23% of jobs will completely change in the next 5 years
– Some jobs will grow, others will disappear
– 69 million NEW jobs will be created
– 83 million jobs will be eliminated

**For Malaysia specifically:**

– By 2030, automation might replace about 4.5 million workers
– BUT 3.3 to 6 million NEW jobs will be created
– The catch? These new jobs need NEW skills
– 85% of jobs in 2030 don’t even exist yet!

Sounds intense, right? But here’s the good news: if you choose the right course, you’ll be exactly who employers are looking for.

## Why You Can’t Just Pick Any “Safe” Course Anymore

Your parents might push you toward traditional degrees, and some of those ARE still good (doctors, accountants, engineers will always be needed). But here’s what many students don’t realize: studying outdated programs that don’t teach you tech skills or modern knowledge could leave you jobless or earning way less than you could be.

The key is finding courses that prepare you for where the world is GOING, not where it was 10 years ago.

## The 10 Best Courses Right Now

### 1. **Computing & Tech** 

**Why it’s hot:** Literally EVERY industry needs tech people right now. Whether it’s TikTok, Grab, hospitals, or banks—everyone’s going digital.

**Jobs you can get:**

• Data Scientist (analyzing big data to help companies make decisions)
• Software Developer (building apps and websites)
• Cybersecurity Analyst (protecting companies from hackers)
• AI Engineer (working with artificial intelligence)
• Game Developer (making video games!)

**What to study:** Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Game Development

**Real talk:** Starting salaries are HIGH, and you can literally work from anywhere in the world.

### 2. **Engineering** 

**Why it’s still relevant:** The world needs people to build stuff—smart cities, green energy, robots, better infrastructure. Engineers solve real-world problems.

**Best options:**

• Electrical & Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics (robots!)
• Civil Engineering

**Good to know:** Malaysia NEEDS more engineers, especially for environmental and sustainability projects.

### 3. **Accounting & Finance** 

**Why you should care:** Money makes the world go round, and someone needs to manage it! Plus, with cryptocurrency, digital banking, and fintech blowing up, finance isn’t boring anymore.

Malaysia’s finance sector:

– Employs 300,000+ people
– Makes up 11% of the country’s economy
– Desperately needs people who understand both traditional finance AND tech

**What to study:**

• Accounting & Finance
• Fintech (financial technology)
• Banking & Finance
• Actuarial Science

**Career vibe:** Good pay, job stability, and you can work anywhere from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore to London.

### 4. **Business + Tech** 

**The deal:** Companies need people who understand BOTH business AND technology. Just knowing Excel isn’t enough anymore.

**Hot careers:**

• Digital Marketing (running ads on Instagram, TikTok, Google)
• Business Analytics (using data to make business decisions)
• E-commerce Management
• HR Management

**Why it works:** 86% of companies are going digital in the next 5 years. That means TONS of jobs.

### 5. **Law** 

**Surprising fact:** People always say “too many lawyers,” but Malaysia went from 13,672 lawyers in 2011 to 20,384 in 2021. The demand is still there!

**New areas growing fast:**

• Intellectual property law (protecting inventions, brands, creative work)
• Tech law
• Corporate law
• International law

**Real talk:** It’s tough, requires a lot of studying, but lawyers get RESPECT and good pay.

### 6. **Communications & Media**

**Check this out:**

– 33 million Malaysians use the internet (that’s 96.8% of us!)
– 26.8 million are on social media (78.5%)
– LinkedIn reports 48% more demand for digital marketers and content creators

**What you can do:**

• Content creator (yes, it’s a real job now!)
• Digital marketer
• Video producer
• Social media manager
• YouTuber/Podcaster (seriously, brands pay for this)

**Study:** Mass Communication, Public Relations, Advertising, Film/Broadcasting

**The vibe:** Creative, fun, always changing. Perfect if you’re already spending hours on TikTok or YouTube.

### 7. **Architecture** 

**Why it’s underrated:** Malaysia only has 2,279 registered architects. That’s REALLY low for a growing country.

**What you’ll do:** Design buildings, manage construction projects, create sustainable spaces

**Career path:** Work for big companies first, then maybe start your own firm

**Be warned:** It’s competitive and requires passing tough professional exams, but the shortage means good opportunities.

### 8. **Design & Creative** 

**Why now:** Everyone’s shopping online since COVID. Every brand needs eye-catching ads, cool websites, and engaging content.

**Cool careers:**

• Graphic Designer
• Animation
• Game Designer
• AR/VR Designer (augmented/virtual reality—think Pokemon Go but cooler)
• Interior Designer
• Visual Effects Artist

**Best for:** Creative people who love art, design, and tech

**Reality check:** Competitive field, but if you’re good, brands will pay WELL for your skills.

### 9. **Hospitality & Tourism** 

**Post-COVID boom:** After 3 years of lockdowns, travel is BACK. But there’s a problem—many workers left the industry, so there’s a huge shortage now.

**The numbers:**

– 126 million new tourism jobs expected in the next 10 years
– Malaysia’s hospitality hiring jumped 59% last year
– IHG Hotels alone is creating 800+ jobs

**What to study:**

• Culinary Arts (cooking)
• Hotel Management
• Event Management
• Baking/Pastry

**Vibe:** Meet people from around the world, travel opportunities, dynamic environment

### 10. **Health Sciences** 

**Why it matters:** Malaysia’s population is getting older. More old people = more need for healthcare workers.

**The shortage is REAL:**

– Only 0.88 physiotherapists per 10,000 people (way too low!)
– Aging population growing fast
– Lots of chronic diseases need management

**Options beyond becoming a doctor:**

• Nursing
• Physiotherapy
• Biomedical Science
• Medical Imaging
• Medical Lab Technology
• Food Science

**Real talk:** Job security for life, good pay, and you’re actually helping people.

## So… What Should YOU Choose?

Here’s how to decide:

**Ask yourself:**

• What do I actually enjoy? (Don’t just follow money—you’ll be miserable)
• Am I more creative or technical?
• Do I want to work with people or computers?
• Am I okay with lots of studying, or do I want something more hands-on?

**Pro tips:**

– Pick something with a tech element if possible—it’s the future
– Don’t stress if you’re unsure; many people switch careers anyway
– Look at Pre-U programs that prepare you for your chosen degree
– Talk to people ACTUALLY working in fields you’re interested in

**Remember:** The “safest” choice isn’t always the most obvious one. The world is changing, and the best opportunities are in fields that are growing, not shrinking.

## The Bottom Line

Industry 4.0 (fancy term for the digital revolution) is here. Jobs are changing. But that’s actually GOOD NEWS for you—because if you choose smart now, you’ll be exactly who companies are desperately searching for in 2030.

Don’t pick a course just because your parents want you to, or because your friend is doing it. Pick something that:

• Actually interests you
• Has real job opportunities
• Pays decently
• Won’t be obsolete in 5 years

Your future self will thank you!

**Need help deciding? Think about it this way:** What problems do you want to solve? What would make you excited to wake up and go to work? Start there, and you’ll find your path.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​