Best Private Universities in Malaysia offering Top MQA Accredited Foundation in Science Courses
Students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels interested in a career in science-related degree programmes can go for the 1-year Foundation programmes at top private universities in Malaysia instead of an external Pre-University Course like AUSMAT, CIMP or A-Levels. In Malaysia, the Foundation in Science programmes are cheaper than the external Pre-University programmes and generally easier. If you do not plan on going overseas for your degree programme, then it is better to go for the Foundation in Science programme at a top private university in Malaysia. Most private universities will give preference to their own students for entry into competitive courses like Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmacy. Scholarships are also provided for students taking their Foundation in Science programme.
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. During the Foundation course, students gain a solid grounding in academic and communication skills, with a focus on developing their Critical Thinking and English language skills.
In addition, you will get the chance to study a variety of subject areas in the Foundation in Science 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 in Science Programme in Malaysia can be 2 semesters with 6 months each semester or 3 semesters with 4 months each semester.
You may also be interested to read the following articles:
- Malaysia’s Top 10 Foundation Programmes to Study after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels
- Top 10 Best Courses to Study at University in Malaysia
- 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
- Best Pre-U Courses in Malaysia
Top Private Universities in Malaysia for MQA Accredited Foundation in Science Programmes
Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy
Many top private universities in Malaysia, have developed their own internal university foundation programmes. These Foundation in Science courses are accredited by the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) and recognised by the respective foreign partner universities.
The Foundation in Science is a Pre-University programme in Malaysia offered at top private universities for students after SPM or O-Levels. Students who are interested in pursuing a science-related degree may go for the 1-year affordable Foundation in Science programme that is recognised by the Malaysian Ministry of Education for entry into degree programmes at private universities.
Students should choose the best university for Foundation in Science in order to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to handle the rigours of an undergraduate programme.
The Best Foundation in Science programmes at Top private universities in Malaysia are:
- Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
- University of Nottingham Malaysia
- Taylor’s College
- UCSI University
- HELP University
- MAHSA University
- UOWM KDU Penang
- Sunway College
- First City University College
- UCSI College
What will you Study in a Foundation in Science Programme in Malaysia
A Foundation in Science course in Malaysia focuses on science-related topics by concentrating on specific subjects related to
- Mathematics – statistics, probability, calculus, algebra, trigonometry, etc.
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Information Technology
- Business
A Foundation Programme is a pre-university programme, which means that you take this course right after SPM or O-Levels in order to gain entry into a Degree programme at university. The duration of a Foundation in Science is usually about 12 months.
There will be about 12 to 15 subjects in a Foundation in Science programme depending on which university or college you go to.
One of the advantages of a Foundation in Science programme is that it prepares you for a smooth transition into a Science, Engineering or Information Technology degree at the same private university.
A Foundation in Science is administered by the university itself, unlike other pre-university courses that are administered by a central body (e.g. A-Level is administered by Cambridge, AUSMAT is administered by the Western Australian education board).
Therefore, the syllabus and subjects for the Foundation in Science will vary from university to university. On the other hand, the external Pre-University Programmes’ subjects, evaluation and assessment methods are standardised throughout Malaysia and globally. In addition, the private university has the ability to design the programme specifically catered towards Malaysian students.
Usually, you will be required to take certain compulsory core sciences subjects, and then take further subjects that are related to your intended degree such as engineering, food science, pharmacy, etc.
Assessment for the Foundation in Science Programme at Private Universities in Malaysia
Assessment for Foundation programmes in Malaysia will vary from university to university. It 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.
General Entry Requirements into the Foundation in Science Programme
Note that the entry requirements for the Foundation in Science would vary from university to university in Malaysia. Some private universities may have higher entry requirements.
The entry requirements below serve as a guideline for students only. For specific entry requirements into the private universities in Malaysia, please contact EduSpiral Consultant Services
Entry Requirements for Foundation in Science into Non-Science courses
- 5 SPM or O-Level credits or Cs
- A credit in Maths is needed for courses like Accounting, Finance, etc.
Foundation in Science Entry Requirements into Medicine
- Minimum of 5 SPM or O-Level credits with Bs for Mathematics/Additional Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology and one more subject
Foundation in Science Entry Requirements into Pharmacy
- Minimum of 5Bs in SPM or O-Levels including Biology and Chemistry and Physic and Math (or Additional Math)
- SPM: Bahasa Malaysia & English – Minimum C is required
Foundation in Science Entry Requirements into Biotechnology, Culinology, Food Science, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, Biotechnology, Biomedical Science, Medical Imaging & Optometry
- Minimum of 5 credits including Mathematics and 2 science subjects
Foundation in Science Entry Requirements into Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Chemical Engineering & Petroleum Programmes
- Minimum of 5 Credits in SPM or O-Levels including Maths & Physics & 1 Pure Science Subject
Foundation in Science Entry Requirements into Computer Science, Software Engineering and IT Programmes
- Minimum of 5 Credits in SPM or O-Levels including Maths
Foundation in Science Entry Requirements into Architecture Programmes in Malaysian Private Universities
- Minimum of 5 SPM credits or Cs including Mathematics
- Minimum of 3 UEC credits or Bs including Mathematics
Top Foundation in Science Programmes
1. Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Students in Malaysia will be getting a first class education from a top ranked UK University right here at their state-of-the-art campus at Putrajaya.
The Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Foundation in Science Programme offers the following tailored pathways into the some of the best undergraduate degree programmes in Malaysia.
The programme content for the Foundation Programme at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is taught over three semesters (18, 14, 14 weeks) through lectures, seminars and group work.
Students will be supported and mentored throughout your studies to ensure a smooth academic and cultural transition to higher education, and the British university style of teaching and learning.
All the subjects relate directly to the progression degrees offered with strong emphasis on English language skills appropriate to the pathway (spoken, written and academic English). You will develop an awareness of the links between the subjects and the world of work in general.
Upon successful completion of the Foundation in Science at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, students can enter into the following engineering programmes:
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Chemical Engineering
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Civil Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Construction Project Management
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Mechanical Engineering
- BEng (Hons)/MEng Petroleum Engineering
- BSc (Hons) Quantity Surveying
*Some degree programmes are subject to MOE approval and may change.
2. University of Nottingham Malaysia
Dexter Leong, A-Levels at HELP Academy & Biotechnology Degree from University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus
The Foundation in Science programme at the University of Nottingham Malaysia is a passport to the undergraduate degrees offered by the Faculty of Science. The modules offered are specifically tailored for direct progression to our undergraduate programmes. With plenty of opportunities to interact with students and staff, you will be given the chance to fully explore the Faculty of Science. This will help support you to identify, and then pursue, a degree in the science field of your choice.
To fully prepare you for your chosen area of study, the Foundation in Science has specialist module pathways in biomedical sciences, bioscience, biotechnology, computer science, geography, psychology and pharmacy, as well as covering topics in mathematics, chemistry, and biology. You will also be given extra support in English language and study skills, so you can progress to the undergraduate level with confidence.
You will follow a dedicated pathway through the foundation programme, based on your choice of degree programme – for example, psychology or computer science. Additional optional modules give you the opportunity to study science topics outside of your pathway which can provide complementary pathways into other degrees offered by the Faculty of Science.
Each semester consists of 15 weeks, with 10-12 weeks of teaching and two weeks of examinations. If you study for the three-semester programme, you would take all appropriate modules. If you opt for the two-semester programme you would take the appropriate modules for the first and second semesters.
The Foundation programme has three annual intakes. The three-semester programme commences in April and July; the two-semester programmes starts in September.
Progressing to degree level
On successful completion of the foundation programme, you can choose from the following undergraduate courses depending on your academic performance and interest.
- Biomedical Sciences
- Biosciences
- Computer Science
- Environmental and geographical Sciences
- Pharmacy
- Psychology
3. Taylor’s College
The 1-year Top Rated Foundation in Science programme at Taylor’s University offers one of the widest ranges of educational pathways. Taylor’s University is one of the best universities in Malaysia for you to study the Foundation in Science programme. Students after SPM or O-Levels with at least 5 credits including the relevant subjects may enter Taylor’s University Foundation in Science for 1 year before continuing on to the degree programmes below:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) Culinology®
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Food Science with Nutrition)
- Bachelor of Biotechnology (Hons)
- Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Hons)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering
The 1-year Foundation in Science programme at Taylor’s University is essential for students who wish to pursue the Biosciences, Culinology®, Engineering, Medicine or Pharmacy course in Malaysia.
State-of-the-art Facilities
- Acquire practical skills with our science laboratories that are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation.
- Experience learning supported by modern technology, such as lecture capture, and various online tools.
Balanced Learning Environment
- Opportunity to acquire and demonstrate discipline specific knowledge, cognitive capabilities and soft skills.
- A balanced assessment method, whereby 50% of the evaluation is allocated to various continuous assessments such as quizzes, class tests, projects and oral presentations while the remaining 50% to the final exam.
From Theory to Application
- Holistic learning approach through the Integrated Science Project (ISP), which implements research skills and scientific concepts and balances learning outcomes with hands-on experimentation.
- Cultivate independent and confident learners through continuous assessments which encompass public speaking, group work and creativity.
Conducive Learning Environment
- Same access to the University’s facilities as undergraduate and postgraduate students, and able to contribute equally to the campus community.
- Exposure to latest developments in science and technology through workshops and talks by local and international academicians and industry leaders.
Reliable Support System
- First Year Experience (FYE) initiatives, such as motivational talks and peer-assisted study sessions, provide students the much-needed support to adjust to university life and excel in academic and extra-curricular activities.
4. UCSI University
Science applications are evolving and increasing at an unprecedented rate, thanks to the Fourth Industrial Revolution – it’s an expanding field with bright prospects. If you are planning to enter this field, our Foundation in Science (Applied Sciences), interdisciplinary and comprehensive in nature, provides a strong science and mathematical (STEM) background to start with.
The special focus on core disciplines will advance your understanding and help you transition smoothly into your chosen degree study. Drawing from the best of both worlds – academia and industry – learning takes place in varied forms (or methods/styles/ways) from labs to fields and industrial visits aided by our top-notch facilities and resources and delivered by UCSI University‘s distinguished teaching faculty made up of professors who are also prominent industry experts.
UCSI University offers 3 types of Foundation in Science courses which are the Applied Sciences, Medical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Completion of the Foundation in Science will lead to the related degree programmes. The specialisations in these areas will allow students to be equipped specifically for the degree programme of their choice. The 4th Foundation in Science is in Engineering which will prepare students for the engineering degree courses
5. HELP University
Choosing the right career at a tender age of 16 or 17 can be a daunting task. Many students are left with the difficult task of making that choice without being sufficiently equipped with the necessary details to make an informed choice. Bearing that in mind, the Foundation in Science Program at HELP University is designed to cater for the needs of the students taking into account the following considerations:
- To provide good quality Pre-University education that prepares the students to meet the demands of undergraduate study
- To incorporate a certain degree of flexibility where students can make their choice of selecting a discipline at a later stage rather than at the beginning of the course
- Subjects such as Study Skills and Critical Thinking Skills are added to give the students an edge over others
- Extracurricular activities as well as good pastoral care are emphasized to ensure that students obtain a holistic education
- To provide a conducive environment for study as well as to equip them with excellent facilities
Why Study Foundation in Science at HELP University?
- Recognition by universities in Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, United States of America and other countries
- A flexible programme which offers a broad-based education providing exposure to a variety of disciplines, thus allowing students to make an informed choice when deciding on a future career
- Experienced and committed teaching faculty with proven track records
- Cultural exchange and networking opportunities from a healthy mix of international and local students
- Value-added subjects such as Critical Thinking Skills, Study Skills, Personal Development & Leadership and
- Culture, Arts and Politics to inculcate broader appeal and thinking
- Leadership training specially designed by experienced psychologists and trained facilitators
6. MAHSA University
Ministry of Education Malaysia and accredited by MQA. MAHSA University’s track record has proven that students from the MAHSA Foundation programme have achieved higher success rates at the end of their first year of studies in MBBS, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Physiotherapy, Medical Imaging and other degree programmes. Therefore, taking the Foundation in Science at MAHSA University after your SPM or O-Levels would be the best choice.
Graduates of the Foundation in Science from MAHSA University are accepted into a wide range of programmes. It is a well-balanced curriculum, designed in consultation with university partners, to ensure the successful integration of knowledge and skills, enabling a seamless transition into an undergraduate study of choice. It is designed to be both challenging and intensive, providing students with the knowledge and skills highly desirable by universities all over the world.
The curriculum concentrates on core modules of pure science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics) and integrate this with modules from humanities and general education (Psychology, English, Information Technology, Professional Development and basic lab skills). This is complemented by a range of other activities such as case studies, problem solving and project work.
Students will have plenty of contact with faculty staff for up to 20 hours of contact time per week and up to 3 hours per week of Student Success time. This will leave any remaining time for independent learning, researching and preparing for assessments, lectures and seminars. Assessments will take a variety of different forms allowing students to demonstrate a range of skills.
Upon Completion of the Foundation in Science at MAHSA University, students can enter into the following programmes at MAHSA.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Hons)
- Bachelor of Environmental Health and Safety (Hons)
- Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Hons) (Radiography)
- Bachelor of Accounting (Hons)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons)
- Bachelor of Hospital Management (Hons)
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Mechatronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electronic and Communication Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) in Medical Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor in Biomedical Sciences (Hons)
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) Nursing
7. UOWM KDU Penang
The Foundation in Science program in UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College, Batu Kawan equips students with the necessary fundamental knowledge to pursue their university studies. This flexible program ensures students are grounded with a strong grasp of core subjects, as well as a variety of other subjects to give them a broad-based educational platform. It also helps them to explore new methods and ideas, as well as skills and concepts, to encourage independent and critical thinking.
Upon completion of the Foundation in Arts at UOWM KDU Penang, students may continue on to the degree programmes in Engineering, Computing or Information Technology (IT). In addition, students may enter into other private universities for degree programmes in health sciences such as Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Biomedical Science, Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, and others. It is also accepted for entry into pure science courses like Biotechnology, Food Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, etc.
The Foundation in Science is a one-year program that provides students with 2 elective areas:
- Pure Science
- Engineering or IT or Computer Science
This Foundation in Science is an excellent pathway for students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels into the engineering and computing programmes at UOWM KDU Penang.
- UK Dual Award BSc. (Hons) Mechatronics Engineering
- Bachelor of Science (Hons) Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- Bachelor of Software Engineering (Hons)
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons)
- Bachelor of Information Systems (Hons)
- Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) in Computer and Network Technology
8. Sunway College
Sunway Foundation Programme (SFP) is Sunway’s homegrown foundation programmes that offer students the chance to further their education at Sunway University.
Enrolling in the Foundation in Science & Technology (FIST) programme gives students direct entry to Sunway University’s School of Engineering and Technology, School of Medical and Life Sciences, and School of Mathematical Sciences where they offer highly qualified academics, excellent research facilities, and state-of-the-art laboratories. FIST students have plenty of opportunities to develop and refine their practical skills in the science and technology industry.
9. First City University College
Understanding the needs of the STEM job market, First City University College, through the Faculty of Engineering and Computing (FEC) offers the Foundation in Engineering, Science & Technology programme. Students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels with at least 5 credits including Maths and Physics may enter the Foundation in Engineering, Science & Technology. Students will study modules that are focused to ensure their progression towards obtaining a professional qualification in Engineering or Computing. In addition, they will also be trained to use relevant industrial hardware and software necessary for their progression to First City UC’s undergraduate programmes in Engineering or Computing.
The 1-year Foundation programme hopes to build up capable graduates who in turn can contribute their engineering or computing expertise to the various businesses in Malaysia. First City UC engineering and computing degree programmes have been specially developed to ensure students are well equipped with the knowledge and skills to compete for jobs in the INR 4.0.
10. UCSI College
UCSI College Foundation in Science aims to prepare their students for admission into science-grounded university degree paths such as Medicine, Engineering, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Food Science, and Optometry among others. This programme is extensively developed to well-equip our students for their next level of tertiary education. This one-year programme is for students who have chosen their future pathway and also for those who are enthusiastic about Sciences. Henceforth, with this foundation programme, students are rest assured for conquer their next step of education.
The Foundation in Science programme is recognised for entry into degree programmes at some UK, Australian and Ireland universities. Most students however, will enter into the wide variety of degree programmes offered at UCSI University.
Students after secondary school looking for an affordable and recognised Foundation in Science Course may choose to study at UCSI College. As a 5-star MyQuest ranked private higher education institution approved by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia, UCSI College provides quality education and learning support for professionally-driven, industry-ready academic programmes to equip students and the current workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge for career success and continuous professional development.