Foundation vs Diploma: Compare & Choose the Right One after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels
After SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, students have the option of either going for the Foundation course or Diploma programme at a private university. This can be a confusing choice for some students without knowing the pros and cons of each programme. These 2 courses lead to the degree programme but they are not of the same level. The Foundation Programme is a Pre-University (Pre-U) course that prepares students for the undergraduate programme. On the other hand, the Diploma is higher than the Foundation as graduates may use it to find work. It is lower than the Bachelor’s degree.
Choosing a top private university in Malaysia to study after SPM or O-Levels for your Diploma or Foundation course takes time, it is a process in finding out which one best fits you. You need to talk to the right counselors who are knowledgeable and experienced. Each person has different career goals, academic level, learning style, budget, and education aims. In order to choose which path is best for you, you will need to gather information to make the right choice. Furthermore, not all universities offer the Diploma programme. Read on to find out which one would suit you.
What are the Differences and Similarities between the Foundation & Diploma Programmes at Malaysia’s Private Universities?
What are the Similarities between the Foundation & Diploma Programmes?
Hazel Hoh, Foundation in Arts (Communication)
The Foundation and Diploma programmes are developed internally by the private universities and are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). With the MQA accreditation, the courses are recognised.
The assessments for both 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.
The duration for both pathways to complete the degree course is the same. For example, Foundation is 1 year and will enter a Business degree for 3 years. Total will be 4 years. The Diploma is 2 years in length and will enter into Year 2 of the Business degree instead of Year 1. Total will also be 4 years to complete.
What is the Foundation Programme?
Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The Foundation programme is a passport to the undergraduate degrees offered at top private universities in Malaysia. Generally, the modules offered are specifically tailored for direct progression to the particular university’s undergraduate programmes. Assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It will contain a mix of coursework, assignments, quizzes and exams.
Top private universities in Malaysia, have developed their own internal university foundation programmes. The curriculum and examination of the Foundation programmes are set by the local private colleges & universities, following the quality criteria set by the Ministry of Higher Education and quality assurance agency, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). These Foundation courses are accredited by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and recognised by the university’s respective foreign partner universities.
Students after SPM or O-Levels should choose the foundation programme in Malaysia that best fits their career goals and needs. Students will take about 10-12 subjects in 3 semesters (1 year) for the Foundation programme at private universities in Malaysia.
If you are not sure of which degree you plan to take then go for the Foundation in Science where it allows you to enter into any science-related or arts-related degree courses. The Foundation in Arts will allow students to choose from only arts-based degree programmes.
Students who are sure of their degree course may go for the specific Foundation courses where the subjects are tailored towards their degree studies such as Foundation in Computing & Information Technology, Foundation in Business Administration, Foundation in Engineering, Foundation in Design, Foundation in Architecture or Foundation in Communication or Media Studies.
What is a Diploma Programme?
Horng Yarng, Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University (APU)
Students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. The diploma generally is more hands-on and practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic. It is geared to preparing you to work after completing the course. It may require more hands on learning experience in the field of its study so that you are well trained and have specific knowledge the particular field.
Some courses, the Diploma might be a better pathway as it is more specific and may prepare you better for the degree course instead of the Foundation.
Diploma programmes at private universities in Malaysia are specific niche areas such as Diploma in Hotel Management, Diploma in Culinary Arts, Diploma in Mass Communication, Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering and so forth. Therefore, students have to be sure that they want to specialise in that field for their degree studies as you cannot change to another course for your degree. For example, if you have studied a Diploma in Accounting, you cannot go for a degree in Engineering or Computer Science.
What are the Differences between the Foundation and Diploma Programmes?
| Differences | Foundation | Diploma |
| Entry Requirements | Miniimum 5 credits | Minimum 3 credits however some Health Science diploma courses require at least 5 |
| Duration | 12 months | 24 to 36 months |
| PTPTN Loan | Not applicable | May apply |
| Degree Entry | Will enter into Year 1 of the related degree programme | Will enter into Year 2 of the related degree programme |
| Subjects | More general and academic based | More specific to the course and practical |
| Internships | None | 1 internship |
| Employment | May not be used to find work | Recognised for employment at entry level. Some students may not want to pursue the degree and would like a faster pathway to enter into the workforce. |
| Advantage | For students who are not sure of what to study for their degree and would like more choices and time to decide | For students who are sure of what they want to study and prefer more in-depth studies related to the course |
What are the Pros and Cons of Studying Foundation?
Let’s look at the Pros and Cons of the Foundation and Diploma programmes so that you can get an idea. In addition, some fields of study, the Diploma might be a better option if you are sure of that field. For example, culinary arts, hotel management, design, computer science or architecture.
While for some fields of study, the Foundation programme is a better option as it will equip you with the skills needed for that. Courses such as Medicine, Pharmacy or Dentistry, the Foundation will be the best choice.
On the other hand, for some fields of study, it is just a matter
of preference for whichever pathway you choose.
Advantages of Studying a Foundation Programme
Teoh, Computer Science graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
- University Preparatory Programme: Foundation programmes at private universities are designed to prepare you to handle the academic rigours of their undergraduate programmes. The 1-year course will enhance your critical thinking skills, research skills, help you to learn how to manage your time, improve your English and communication skills and transition you to a university life.
- Explore Various Options: The Foundation programme will introduce you to various subjects that you are interested to pursue for your degree studies and help you to narrow down your choices. It can be as wide as the Foundation in Arts or Science or as narrow as the Foundation in Law.
- Focused on Developing your Study Skills: The Foundation courses also help to develop important study skills such as research, team work, group study, presentation skills and time management. Other than academic knowledge, these are important skills needed to successfully complete an undergraduate programme.
- Opportunity to Explore your Degree Options: The Foundation programme allows you the flexibility to have the option to choose different degree programmes without locking you into one path. Therefore, it gives you time to decide on which degree pathway you want
Disadvantages of Foundation Courses
- No PTPTN Loan: The Foundation programme is not applicable for the PTPTN Loan.
- Must continue on to Degree: You cannot stop after completing the Foundation programme and look for a job. It is designed for you to continue all the way to the degree and graduate before you can find work.
- More Academic Focus: The Foundation is not a hands-on practical programme that prepares one for work. It is focused on equipping you with the academic skills needed for undergraduate studies. So, if your learning style is more towards practical and hands-on approach, this may not suit you.
What are the Pros and Cons of Studying Diploma?
Advantages of diploma courses
Fu Wei, Diploma in Culinary Arts Graduate from YTL International College of Hotel Management
- Hands-on Experience and Practical Skills: The Diploma programme is designed to prepare students for the workforce upon graduation. It is more hands-on and practical in its education delivery.
- Faster pathway to get a Job: The Diploma will take around 2 to 3 years to complete and graduates may go on to find a job upon completion.
- Useful for students with budget concerns: With the Diploma, you can find work after graduation. Therefore, you can start earning an income quicker. It will be cheaper without having to continue on to complete the degree course and you can also apply for the PTPTN Loan.
- Focus on Specific Course & Career: The Diploma course is specific and will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for that particular industry. Therefore, you will study subjects that you are interested in.
- Entry into Year 2 of Degree: Upon completion of the Diploma course, you will enter into Year 2 of the related degree programme. You will skip Year 1.
- Lower Entry Requirements: Since the entry requirements for most Diploma programmes are at least 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels, it provides an opportunity for students to continue their studies without having to retake the exams.
Disadvantages of the Diploma courses
- Lack of Flexibility: Since the Diploma is focused on equipping you with the knowledge and skills for a specific career, you cannot change to a different course for your degree.
- Limited Career Advancement Opportunities: Although you may graduate faster and enter into the workforce, your salary is lower compared to a degree holder. In addition, some positions may require at least a degree so you may lose out on promotions. However, this is only if you decide to stop at Diploma level and not continue on to the degree.
So, which one should you Choose?
There are a lot of factors to look at when choosing between the Diploma and Foundation programme. And each person will also have their unique requirements as well. There is no right or wrong in choosing either one and not one is better than the other. It is basically, which one that best suits you.
Each person has their own learning style, budget, academic level, career goals, and more. Fill up the Enquiry Form and talk to me to see which is the best pathway for you.
