Which are the Best Private Universities for Foundation Programmes in Malaysia?
- Many top private universities in Malaysia, have developed their own internal university foundation programmes.
- These Foundation courses are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by the respective foreign partner universities.
- 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
- Generally, there are three intakes in a year which are in January, May/June and August/September.
Foundation Programmes at Malaysia’s private universities are a 1-year Pre-University (Pre-U) qualification designed to prepare students after secondary school for the undergraduate studies. It is one of the fastest pathway to the degree programme. The Foundation is designed internally by the university and you will learn the courses that are related to the degree programme of your choice. These programmes are recognised and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Unlike the external qualifications which focus on more general Science and Art-based subjects, the internal qualifications provide specialisation in precise areas of study such as the fields of business, computer & IT, and engineering, and hence, cater to the specific needs of different students.
In the Foundation programme, you are assessed through a combination of coursework, continuous assessment, project and final examination. This is different from SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels which is exam based. Depending on the type of Foundation programme, you will take between 12-15 subjects related to the field of study that will enhance your academic knowledge, expose you to the latest developments in the respective areas of studies and foster your critical thinking skills. During the programme, there will be a focus on enhancing your communication and presentation skills as well as the English language.
There are many advantages for studying at a top private university in Malaysia for your Foundation Studies, starting from learning in the best environments supported by qualified and experienced lecturers.Because of the higher education standards at top private universities, your course mates will be just as brilliant as you are having the same like mindedness to achieve success in your academics as well as future career. Group work will be easier as they will all be working hard to achieve the same goals. The overall culture of your college may play as big a role in your future success in your degree studies.
The top notch education that you receive will ensure you have the knowledge and skills to transition into the degree programme seamlessly to handle its academic rigours. In addition, the exposure and experience will equip you with important soft skills that will carry you far ahead into your career. Therefore, don’t make the mistake of choosing the cheapest university for your education, choose the best university.
After SPM or IGCSE O-Levels, students will need to take a Pre-University Programme before continuing on to their degree studies. There are many types of Pre-University courses out there and it can be confusing to choose the right one. In this article, I will discuss about one of the most popular Pre-University Programmes which is the Foundation Programme offered by top private universities.
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- Top 10 Most Popular Pre-University (Pre-U) Programmes in Malaysia
- Comparison Malaysia’s Best Pre-university (Pre-U) Programmes to Study after SPM/IGCSE/O-Levels
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List of the Best Private Universities & Colleges Offering First-Rate Foundation Programmes in Malaysia
Chun Tim, Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor’s University
A Foundation Programme is a pre-university programme, which means that you take this course right after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in order to gain entry into a Degree programme at university.
One of the advantages of a Foundation programme is that it prepares you for a smooth transition into the degree at the same private university.
Students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels can consider taking the Foundation Programmes at top private colleges & universities in Malaysia. The Foundation Programmes are 1 year and is cheaper compared to the external Pre-University Programmes.
Furthermore, 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.
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 in Malaysia will include a percentage of the breakdown of assessment for the subjects. You need to understand yourself and capabilities in order to decide which Pre-University course would best suit you. Students who are not sure of what to study after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels can contact EduSpiral Consultant Services to help guide you to choose the right course and university.
Top Private Universities in Malaysia Offering Foundation Programmes
Below is a list of the Foundation courses offered at top private universities and colleges for you to consider
Mother of Joshua, Engineering at University of Southampton Malaysia
- University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM)
- University of Reading Malaysia (UoRM)
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- University of Nottingham Malaysia
- Taylor’s College
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Sunway College
- Foundation in Arts
- Foundation in Science & Technology
- Monash University Foundation Year
- UOW Malaysia
- HELP University
- MAHSA University
Why Study Foundation at Top Private Universities in Malaysia?
Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business (Actuarial Science) at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Top private universities in Malaysia would ensure a quality in their Foundation programmes so that students would be well prepared for their degree courses. Do not choose the Foundation course because it is the cheapest. It may not prepare you well to handle the degree programme.
The environment in top private universities is one that’s vibrant, multi-cultural and English-speaking. These are necessary components for a successful career in the competitive work place.
- Cheaper than the External Pre-University Programmes. Total cost for the Foundation Programme would be cheaper than the Pre-University courses like A-Levels, AUSMAT, CIMP, etc which can cost double or more.
- Easier than the External Pre-University Programmes. Courses like STPM, A-Levels, AUSMAT, CIMP, etc are tougher and marked overseas who may not be familiar with your communication style. Since the Foundation course is easier, you can score higher and get scholarship for your degree studies.
- Faster than most Pre-University courses. In STPM and A-Levels, it would take almost 2 years from the time you start studying to entering into a university to start your degree in Year 1. By this time, if you had taken the Foundation course after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels, you would have completed the Foundation course as well as Year 1 of the degree course.
- Some are recognised for entry into overseas universities. Upon completion of the 2-year Diploma in Business, you can enter into a university overseas and complete a related business degree in 2 years thus saving money and time.
- Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). The Foundation courses are accredited by MQA to ensure their quality and relevance to industry needs.
- You study subjects that you like, which is related to your field of study. For example, the Foundation in Business subjects would be what you want to study and have interest in unlike STPM, A-Levels, CIMP, MUFY, AUSMAT, etc which may contain subjects that you are not interested in or good at.
- Your coursework and exams are marked by Malaysians who understand what you write or express. The external Pre-University courses are marked overseas who may not understand what you have written in your answers.
- When you score well in the Foundation Programme, you can apply for scholarships for the degree programme at the same university.
- If you do not plan to go overseas, there is no reason to take an external Pre-University programme which is tougher and more expensive.
- You can transfer to another university after completing the Foundation programme as it is recognised and accredited by MQA.
What will you Study in a Foundation Programme?
Teoh, Computer Science graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
Malaysian private universities have been preparing students for study in top universities worldwide since the 1970s therefore they have the necessary experience to ensure quality for the Foundation programmes are adhered to.
Students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels should choose the foundation programme in Malaysia that best fits their career goals and needs. Students will take about 12-15 subjects in 3 semesters (1 year) for the Foundation programme at private universities 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.
If you are still not sure of what to study for your degree, the Foundation programme is a good choice and is shorter in duration than the STPM or A-Levels and less difficult.
- Duration: 1 year
- Entry Requirements: Min. 5 credits, inclusive of Maths and 2 pure Science subjects for Foundation in Science or Engineering. For IT, you must have a credit in Maths. Other courses just require 5 credits. For Medicine and Pharmacy, Min. 5B in Maths, Additional Maths, Chemistry, Biology and Physics but will vary from university to university.
- Recognition: Mostly in Malaysia and some overseas. As long as the Foundation course is accredited by MQA, it will be accepted by another private university for entry into the relevant degree programme.
- Cost: Generally cheaper than overseas Pre-University courses and A-Levels
