Study the Diploma Course in Malaysia
With at least 3 credits in your SPM or 3 Bs in UEC, you can join a Diploma course for 2 or 2.5 years. However, some require at least 5 credits. Generally, 2 years in duration with some at 2 years 4 months or 2 years 6 months. You can apply for the PTPTN Loan for the Diploma programme. You cannot apply for the PTPTN Loan for Foundation, Pre-University or A-Level programmes.
After completing your diploma, you can go find a job or continue on to Year 2 of the degree if your college or university offers the degree or you can transfer credits into another university. If you transfer to another university, you may not be able to get the full exemptions to enter into Year 2 of the degree.
You can use the diploma to apply for a job while after completing the Foundation course, you have to continue on to the degree before going to work. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic. Students should choose top private universities in Malaysia for their diploma education so that you can gain the best knowledge and skills for a successful career.
Studying Diploma at Top Colleges & Universities in Malaysia

Horng Yarng, Diploma in ICT at Asia Pacific University
Diploma course is one level higher than a Foundation programme but one level lower than a Degree programme. A Diploma is equivalent to Year 1 of the Degree. Diploma graduates may apply for a job upon completion.
For the Foundation course, you have to continue on to the degree before going to work. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic. Students should choose top private universities in Malaysia for their diploma education so that you can gain the best knowledge and skills for a successful career.
The subjects for the Diploma course is more specific to the field of interest while the Foundation programme tend to have more general subjects. Students who are sure of what they want to study may go for the Diploma course at a top university or college in Malaysia.
Students who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. If you are still not sure, then you should go for a Foundation in Arts, Foundation in Science or an external Pre-University Programme like the A-Levels, Australian Matriculation, etc.
If you have taken a Diploma in IT and decide later you want to study Business, you will have to start all over again from the beginning. Talk to an experienced and knowledgeable education counselor to find out the best pathway for you.
Generally, 2 years in duration with some at 2 years 4 months or 2 years 6 months. Upon completion of the Diploma programme, you can either continue on to Year 2 of the related degree programme or go out to work. Taking a Pre-University programme, you must continue on to the degree as a Pre-University is not recognised for work purposes. Some courses such as culinary and design, a diploma is sufficient to join the workforce in Malaysia. Otherwise, it is advisable to continue your studies to degree level.
Starting salaries for diploma holders range from RM1500 to RM2000 while degree holders range from RM2500 to RM3500.
Assessments for Diploma Programmes in Malaysia
A diploma course is more practical while a Foundation, external Pre-University programme and degree courses are more academic.
The assessments for a diploma programme at private universities and colleges in Malaysia is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts. The learning is very much practical oriented.
Entry Requirements for Diploma Programmes in Malaysia
Entry requirements for Diploma programmes are lower than for Pre-University. You need at least 5 credits to enter a Pre-University or Foundation programme while diploma programmes require only 3 credits. However, Health Science diploma courses require at least 5 credits.
The requirements vary from course to course so you should check with the university or an experienced education counselor for advise.
For example, entry requirements for Diploma in Engineering courses need at least 3Cs including Maths & Science, Diploma in IT require 3Cs including Maths, Diploma in Business need 3Cs in any subjects, etc.
Transfer credits from Diploma into Degree Year 2 into Top Private Universities in Malaysia
Most diplomas can be transferred to another college or university into the Year 2 of the relevant programme. If you have taken the Diploma in Accounting, it is highly likely that you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Accounting or Accounting & Finance. For the Diploma in Business Administration, you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Business Administration depending on the exemptions.
However, if you go from the Diploma in Business Administration into the Degree in Accounting, then you may not get the optimum amount of exemptions because the subjects in your diploma are not similar with the degree course of the university that you want to transfer to.
To transfer your credits into another university, you will need to submit the following documents for exemptions:
- Transcripts from your current college or university
- Course outline for all the subjects taken
- Letter of completion or Diploma Certificate
- Copy of SPM Certificate
Top Diploma Courses offered by the Best Private Universities & Colleges in Malaysia
- Diploma in Accounting
- Diploma in Business Administration or Management
- Diploma in Business with Information Technology (IT)
- Diploma in Logistics Management
- Diploma in Information Technology (IT)
- Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechatronic Engineering
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
- Diploma in Interior Design or Diploma in Interior Architecture
- Diploma in Fashion Design & Marketing
- Diploma in Multimedia Design
- Diploma in Hotel Management or Hospitality Management
- Diploma in Event Management
- Diploma in Culinary Arts
- Diploma in Baking or Pastry
- Diploma in Physiotherapy
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)
- Diploma in Medical Imaging (Radiography)
- Diploma in Nursing
- Diploma in Mass Communication