
What is the Foundation in Business Studies Course & why Study it after SPM or O-Levels?
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A Foundation in Business Studies course at a private university in Malaysia focuses on business-related topics by focusing on specific subjects related to the various majors in Business. In addition, the Foundation in Business will take 1 year to complete before you continue on to a business degree programme. After the Foundation in Business, you can choose to study degree programmes in Business Administration, Actuarial Science, Accounting, Accounting & Finance, Banking & Finance, Finance & Investment, Marketing, Human Resource Management and more.
Students after SPM who have decided to go for a Business Degree at a top private university in Malaysia, it would be better to take a Foundation in Business instead of taking External Pre-University courses like A-Levels, Canadian Pre-University or Australian Matriculation. The best Foundation in Business programme in Malaysia doesn’t necessarily mean that it is expensive. Scholarships are available to help offset some of the costs.
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Here are some Popular Private Universities in Malaysia to Study the Foundation in Business Studies Course

Gan twins, Foundation in Arts at Taylor’s University
Choosing the right course after SPM or O-Levels can be challenging Many students after SPM or O-Levels are left with the difficult task of making that choice without being sufficiently equipped with the necessary details to make an informed choice.
Students should ask a counsellor who is knowledgeable and experienced to provide the right information to help them make the right choice. In order to help narrow down the choices to for you to choose the best universities in Malaysia to study Foundation in Business Studies, here is a list of the popular private universities:
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- University of Nottingham Malaysia
- Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- UOWM KDU University College, Utropolis Glenmarie
- UOWM KDU Penang
- Multimedia University (MMU) Cyberjaya
- Multimedia University (MMU) Melaka
- First City University College
- MAHSA University
- Saito University College
What are the Entry Requirements for the Foundation in Business Studies Course at Private Universities in Malaysia?
These are the general minimum entry requirements as set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Entry requirements would vary from university to university and certain courses like accounting & finance may require credits in Maths or Accounting.
- SPM: Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of English and at least a pass in Malay Language and History)
- UEC: Minimum 4 Bs (inclusive of English)
- GCE O Level: Minimum 5 credits (inclusive of English)
What you will Study in the Foundation in Business Studies

Archie Wong (Right), Business degree Graduate from KDU Penang University College
A Foundation in Business at top private universities in Malaysia would be 12-months in duration. It is divided into 3 semesters. They would be 3 long semesters which are 14 weeks long.
Unlike how A-Level and SAM are administered by a central body (Cambridge or EdExcel administers the A-Levels and the South Australian education board administers SAM), a Foundation in Business is administered by the private university itself. Assessments are a mixture of coursework, assignments and exams. It is generally accepted that the Foundation course is easier than the external Pre-University programmes. Quality of the Foundation in Business programmes are assured with the accreditation from MQA.
Students who have completed the Foundation in Business may transfer to other private universities in Malaysia for their degree programmes.
What are the Foundation in Business Studies Subjects?

Weng Hang, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Subjects offered by Foundation in Business courses at private universities in Malaysia are related to business subjects so that it would prepare you for the undergraduate degree in business.
Some universities offer both core and elective subjects (which means you get to choose some of your subjects), while some universities only have fixed subjects.
In a typical Foundation in Business course, you will study subjects like Marketing, Accounting, Management, Finance, Mathematics, Communication, IT, and more.
The Malaysian Ministry of Education also requires students to take compulsory subjects called the Matapelajaran Wajib or MPU. Students have to take 3 MPU subjects during their Foundation.
Top Ten Reasons to Study the Foundation in Business at the Best Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia

Chun Tim, Foundation in Business into Finance at Taylor’s University
- Cheaper than the External Pre-University Programmes
- Easier than the External Pre-University Programmes
- Some are recognised for entry into overseas universities
- Accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency
- You study subjects that you like, which is business related
- Your coursework and exams are marked by Malaysians who understand what you write or express
- You will be exposed to different types of business subjects which would help you to decide which major to choose in the degree.
- Faster to enter the degree programme compared to taking the STPM or A-Levels
- If you do not plan to go overseas, there is no reason to take an external Pre-U programme which is tougher and more expensive.
- When you score well in the Foundation in Business, you can apply for scholarships for the degree programme at the same university.
Why Study Foundation in Business at a Top Private University in Malaysia

Bryan Yap, Foundation in Business at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
A Foundation in Business is a structured and straightforward path to a degree in Business at private universities in Malaysia. Here are some of the reasons why you should take a Foundation in Business at a top private university in Malaysia.
By taking a Foundation in Business, you will be exposed to various Business topics, such as Accounting, Management, Economics and Marketing. This is advantageous as it will help give you an idea of what to study for your degree if you are still unsure.
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 in Business 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.