Study Guide: Foundation Programme

Do you know exactly what field you want to get into, such as Science or Business, but are unsure about the career you want to pursue? Or, do you know exactly what degree you want to pursue and want a pre-university course that will prepare you for that path? Do you intend to pursue a Bachelor's Degree at the same Malaysian university in the future? If this is the case, you might want to consider Foundation Studies as a pre-university course. Let us explain what it is and why you should choose it.

WHAT IS FOUNDATION PROGRAMME?

A Foundation programme, a 1-year preparation course available at private and public universities in Malaysia, is meant to help SPM, IGCSE and O-Level graduates transition into postsecondary education. It gives basic information and serves as a bridge to a Bachelor's Degree, where students will master key subjects in that particular stream. This will lead you to majoring in a certain course later in your undergraduate studies. Most universities typically offer science and arts programmes, but some also offer engineering, business, accounting, computer technology, commerce, and other fields.

TYPES OF FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES

Foundation in
Science

Foundation in
Arts

Foundation in
Business

Foundation in
Law

Foundation in
Computing & Technology

Foundation in
Engineering

Foundation in
Design

Foundation in Natural
& Built Environment

Foundation in
Accounting

Foundation in
Communication

type

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THESE FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES?

Upon completing a Foundation programme, you can enrol for a degree programme related to the stream you studied in such as:

Foundation in Science: medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, biomedical sciences, etc.
Foundation in Arts: media & communication, education, language studies, hospitality & tourism, etc.
Foundation in Business: economics, finance, marketing, international business, human resource management, etc.
Foundation in Engineering: civil engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, etc.
Foundation in Computing & Technology: computer science, IT, software engineering and information systems, etc.
Foundation in Accounting: accounting, finance, audit, tax management, actuarial science, etc.
Foundation in Law: law, business management, public relations, communication, etc.
Foundation in Design: graphic design, interior design, fashion design, furniture & product design, etc.
Foundation in Natural & Built Environment: architecture, interior architecture, quantity surveying, etc.
Foundation in Communication: mass communication, film, marketing, advertising, broadcasting, etc.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY FOUNDATION?

These are the general entry requirements to pursue a foundation. Entry requirements for some universities and courses may be higher, so do make sure you check the details carefully.

SPM/O-Level: A pass with minimum of 5 credits

UEC: A pass with minimum of 5Bs

WHAT IS THE PROGRAM STRUCTURE IN FOUNDATION?

(i) Curriculum:

A combination of 30% coursework and 70% exams is rather common. However, since Foundation programmes are administered by the university itself, it may differ depending on the institution you choose. Therefore, it would be wise to survey and inquire with the university as to what structure they employ before enrolling.

(ii) Duration:

The programme is generally 12 months long for all institutions.

(iii) Recognition

If you plan to go overseas to continue your studies, a foundation programme may not be recognised by other universities. As such, either look elsewhere or check with the university abroad as to whether they recognise this qualification before even enrolling in a foundation programme.

requirements

program

Note: If you plan to continuer you degree overseas, you can do your foundation program in foreign university branch in Malaysia such as Monash University Malaysia, UOW Malaysia, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and many more

(iv) Cost

Tuition fees for foundation programmes may vary for each course and university, but a general estimation is between RM17,000 and RM35,000.

WHERE CAN YOU STUDY FOUNDATION PROGRAMMES IN MALAYSIA?

univesities