GCE Advanced Level (A-Level)
There are two boards offering the A-Level curriculum - the Cambridge board and the London Edexcel board. The Cambridge examinations are conducted in two phases, each of which contributes 50% towards your final grade. Under the Edexcel system, students usually take two subjects per semester, with grades based on an average mark of the total modules taken. These exam-based boards require students to take three or four subjects. A-Level courses in Malaysia generally cost between RM15,000 and RM25,000.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
The IBDP requires students to complete six subjects including English, a foreign language and a social science topic. Students need above average results to study the IBDP and may have to undergo an entrance exam and an interview before being accepted to pursue the IBDP. Even though this two-year course may cost more than RM50,000, it is considered one of the more rigorous preuniversity programmes in the world. The IBDP is offered at selected private schools.
American Degree Program (ADP)
The ADP is developed for those who are interested in entering North American universities. The examination is marked based on the American system, whereby results appear in a cumulative grade point average format. For a one to two-year duration (with fees ranging between RM38,000 and RM62,000), students can take up to six subjects per semester, and have the freedom of customising their own subject combinations. Those who intend to pursue this programme need to obtain at least five credits in the SPM or GCSE exams. Students may transfer their credits to partner universities in North America.
SACE International and Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)
For SACE International and AUSMAT, students are required to achieve between 90 and 100 credit points from a given list of subjects before sitting for final examinations that follow Australian education guidelines. The curriculum is roughly 50% examination based for AUSMAT and 30% for SACE International, while the remaining is based on coursework. Students need to obtain at least five credits (including English) in SPM or GCSEs to qualify for either course. The costs for both these one-year programmes vary - with SACE International averaging between RM15,000 and RM25,000, and AUSMAT between RM14,000 and RM26,000.
Canadian Pre-University Programmes (CPU)
Canadian pre-university programmes comprise of Canadian Pre-University Programme (CPU) and Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP). Those who choose to pursue CPU are required to study six subjects over a course of 12 to 15 months. CPU is for those who prefer coursework to final examinations as coursework and exams make up 70% and 30% of the final grade respectively. Also, CPU is a great option for those who want to pursue their tertiary education in Canada and other universities abroad. The estimated annual tuition fee is RM25,000.
University Foundation Studies
Many institutions have developed their own internal foundation programmes that are recognised as pre-university equivalents, at both their respective partner universities as well as many other overseas educational institutions. These programmes often provide specialisations in specific areas of study, catering to needs of different students. The general entry requirement is a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects in the SPM or GCSEs. These foundation courses can cost between RM9,000 and RM15,000 per year.
Before deciding on an institution to pursue your pre-university studies, do visit institutions of your choice to get a feel of their culture and environment. Talk to relatives and friends that have been through pre-university programmes for their advice. Also, check out the websites of private schools and higher learning institutions that offer these courses for more information.
