It’s no joke when it comes to pre-university programs, there are plenty of choices out there and most of the time students end up confused on which one to choose. It doesn’t happen often but sometimes students tend to take the wrong path and end up not meeting the entry requirement for their preferred degree program. This leaves the students devastated and the money and time invested in the program are redundant. But fret not, in this article, we will be explaining in detail about one of the most chosen pre-university programs by Malaysian students, that has given them the opportunity to enroll in top universities both abroad and locally.
What is A-Levels?
Advanced Based Qualifications or widely known as A-Levels, the most chosen pre-university program by young Malaysian students that opens up the gate of opportunities for students to progress into higher education. The program is based on the British education system and the A-Levels program in Malaysia is governed by two main examination bodies: the Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel.
Although in Malaysia the two main boards for the A-Level program, there are several other assessment boards for A-Levels too such as:
Types of A-Level Assessment Bodies
- Council for the Curriculum, Examination and Assessment (CCEA)
- Assessment and Qualification Alliance (AQA)
- Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examination (OCR)
- Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJE)
The program is 100% exam based, similar to SPM. It might be a relief that you would only need to focus on 3 main subjects instead of 9. But don’t get your hopes too high up because it is also known that it’s tough to score straight As for the A-Levels program. However, the good news is that you’ll have full control over the subjects you chose to pursue during your A-Levels.
Signing up for A-Levels gives you a taste of what university would be as throughout the course you would be gaining in-depth knowledge of the subjects you choose to take. It will definitely be a different experience from school as you’ll not be spoon-fed but being taught how to be independent and think logically which will help you present your ideas better and prepare you for your degree program in the future.
A-Levels Program Structure
The A-Level program is structured into two parts; the first part being Advanced Subsidiary (AS Level) and the second part known as A2.
- Advanced Subsidiary (AS Level): Forms the first of the program and is the foundation of A-Levels. In this part, you’ll learn the basics of the subjects you’ve chosen, more like an introduction level to get to know the subjects better.
- A2: Forms the second half of the program, in which you will be covering the more complex side of the chosen subjects.
A-Levels Grading System
At the end of each level, students will need to sit for exams to test their knowledge and understanding of the subjects that they have taken. Each level will contribute 50% towards the final grade.
However, the main difference between the Cambridge A-Levels and Edexcel A-Levels is in the event that a student would want to repeat a subject in order to improve his/her marks. In the Edexcel A-Levels, you would not need to repeat the entire level but the subject only. Only the highest mark will be taken into account whereas for the Cambridge A-Levels you would need to repeat the entire level both AS and A2
A-Levels Grading Scale
Grade | Percentage |
A*(not applicable in AS Level grading system) | 90+ average in A2 unit with 80+ average overall |
A | 80+ |
B | 70-79 |
C | 60-60 |
D | 50-59 |
E | 40-49 |
Duration of A-Levels
The entire A-Level course averagely takes 18 months to complete from start to the end. The intake dates and examination dates vary according to the institution. However, the exam period is only once a year both for AS Level and A2.
For example:
Programs | Edexcel | Cambridge |
Intakes | January, March & July | January, March & July |
Exam Dates | January & June | The exam takes place in two phases: AS and A2: May/June and Oct November |
Intake and exam dates vary according to the institution for more details please contact Excel Education
What Subjects Should You take for A-Levels?
There are over 50 subjects offered by the Cambridge International Advanced Level and around 40 subjects by the Edexcel. You’ll be spoilt for choices and might be even confused about which subject to choose, however, not all the subjects will be offered at colleges/ universities in Malaysia. You must pick the subjects wisely to create an easier path for you to progress into your degree program.
Some of the Subjects Offered in A-Levels are:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Law
- Mathematics
- Further Mathematics
- English
- Accounting
- Economic
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Example of Recommended A-Levels Subject Combinations
Degree | Recommended Subject |
Engineering or Actuarial Science | Core Subjects: Mathematics & Physics Recommended subjects: Economics & Further Mathematics |
Biomedical, Architecture, Business, Computing, Pharmacy, Psychology & Material Science | Core Subjects: Biology & Chemistry Recommended subjects: Physics, Mathematics, Economics & Psychology. |
Law, Education, Finance, Journalism, Management Studies & Mass Communication | Core subjects: Mathematics & Economics Recommended subjects: Accounting, English Literature, Sociology, Business. Computer Science, Law, Psychology and Further Mathematics. |
Please note that these are just examples of the combination of subjects that can be taken; subject availability depends on the college/ university; for further information please contact Excel Education
There are plenty of art and science subjects that you can choose from, but again it all depends on which type of degree you would like to pursue in the future. If you’re not quite sure yet on which degree program you would like to pursue;
Tips for Choosing the A-Levels Subjects Combination
- Choose subjects you’ll excel in: It’s no joke when it comes to a 100% exam based course. You’ll be spending most of your time with your nose in books, pulling an all-nighter so why not choose a subject that you might enjoy.
- Choose subjects that are relevant to your degree: Since A-Levels provides you with the freedom to pick a combination of subjects for your degree program, you must choose the right ones as some subjects might allow you to change courses if you change your mind; therefore, all your hard work would not go to waste.
- Pick subjects which provide more comprehensive degree options: Being cited as one of the most flexible pre-university programs and widely accepted by universities worldwide, you would not be pressured into choosing a degree program, if you have not made up your mind yet. The rule here is to keep your options broad by taking some of the flexible subjects which are frequently required for admission in top universities
For further information, please contact Excel Education
Why take A-Levels?
Opens a gate of opportunity: Since the program is well known, it is widely accepted by many top universities around the world. It is also known to be the golden ticket for those who would like to pursue their degree in the UK and many other countries such as Australia, Singapore, and Canada
Specialized subjects : Unlike foundation programs where you would be learning new sets of subjects every semester, A-Level only focuses on the subjects that you’ve chosen.
Resources/Study Materials: There are plenty of resources for A-Levels students ranging from past year papers and lecture notes, which could help you prepare better for the exams.
Who should take up A-Levels?
You should take up A-Levels if:
- You’re comfortable with 100% exam based courses
- Aiming to apply for competitive degree programs such as Medicine or Law
- You have plans to study your degree in the UK
- If you like being in a structured program
You shouldn't take up A-Levels if:
- You prefer coursework over the examination
- You don’t want to learn a wide range of subjects
- You do not have plans to study abroad.
- You’re planning to take up more hands-on degrees such as Hospitality, Culinary Arts and so on.
General Entry Requirement for A-Levels
SPM/ IGCSE | Minimum 5 Credits (including English and relevant subjects to the course) |
UEC | Minimum 3Bs including English and relevant subjects to the course) |
The requirements may vary among colleges/universities, for inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Being similar to other pre-university courses such as Canadian Pre- University (CPU) and STPM, the entry requirement for A-Levels in Malaysia requires at least 5 credits from SPM or IGCSE students. In the event, if you like to pursue subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Further Mathematics, you would need to have a subject prerequisite which means that you would need to achieve the minimum entry grade for the subjects during your SPM/ IGCSE.
Best Universities to Study A-Levels in Malaysia
Taylor’s College & University
Video Credits: Taylor Univeristy
Taylor’s College & University has continuously produced more than 3000 students scoring 3As, earning the institution 144 awards for Top in the World Outstanding Cambridge Learner Award and 45 awards for the top in Malaysia, outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards.
Cambridge A-Levels
Intake | January, April & August |
Duration | 1.5 Years (18 months) |
Subjects offered |
|
Indicative Tuition Fees (2021) | Local 3 Subjects: RM 35, 690 4 Subjects: RM 44, 540
International: 3 Subjects: USD 12, 302 4 Subjects: USD 14, 515 |
Scholarships or Bursaries for A-Levels by Taylor’s University
Category | Academic Requirement | Awards | Assessment |
Taylor’s Merit Scholarship | SPM: Minimum 45 points IGCSE: Minimum 40 points UEC: Minimum 10 points | 50% Tuition Fee Waiver 75% Tuition Fee Waiver Full Scholarship | Online Assessment |
Taylor’s Excellence Award | 5As – 9A | Scholarship starting from RM4,000 | – |
Help University
Video Credit: Help University
Help University is one of the first to offer both Cambridge and Edexcel A-Levels modules. Help University is currently the holder of the highest record of 101 World Top Awards for best scores worldwide in individual subjects together with another 37 National Awards.
Cambridge A-Levels & Edexcel A-Levels
Intake | January, March & July |
Duration | 1.5 Years (18 Months) |
Subjects offered |
|
Indicative Tuition Fees (2021) | Local & International: 3 Subjects: RM28,000 4 Subjects: RM35,000 |
Scholarships or Bursaries for A-Levels by Help University
Category | Requirement | Scholarship Amount |
Help A-Levels Scholarship | 1A to 8As and above | Starting from RM13,000 to Full Scholarship |
Distinction Award | 6A/A+to 10A/A+ | Partial Scholarship starting from RM5, 000 to RM13,000. |
UCSI College
Video Credit: UCSI University
UCSI College continues to repeat its streak of 100% passing rate for its Cambridge A-Levels program throughout the years. Many of its students have been admitted to universities around the world such as Cambridge University, King’s College London. Australia National University and also University of New South Wales.
Cambridge A-Levels
Intake | January, May, July & September |
Duration | 1.5 Years (18 Months) |
Subjects offered |
|
Indicative Tuition Fees (2021) | Local 3 Subjects: RM25, 020 4 Subjects: RM30, 000
International: 3 Subjects: RM27, 000 4 Subjects: RM33, 000 |
Scholarships or Bursaries for A-Levels by UCSI University
Category | Requirement | Scholarship Amount |
UCSI University Trust Principal’s Award 2021 | Merit-based scholarship recognises students who demonstrate excellent academic achievements, exemplary leadership, as well as notable accomplishment in sports and extracurricular activities | Tuition Fee Waiver up to 100% |
UCSI University Trust A-Level Scholarship | 5A+/A/A- to 9A (minimum 8A+) | Scholarship amount starting from RM 5,000 |
Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)
Video Credit: MCKL
MCKL A-Level graduates have gained admission to some of the world’s top universities such as the University of Cambridge, London School of Economics, Yale University and Imperial College upon completing their A-Levels. They have also gotten the award for 14 top in the world outstanding Cambridge Learner Award in the November 2019 series.
Cambridge A-Levels
Cambridge A-Levels
Intake | March & August |
Duration | 1.5 Years (18 Months) |
Subjects offered |
|
Indicative Tuition Fees (2021) | Local: 3 Subjects: RM 35, 690 4 Subjects: RM 44, 540
International: 3 Subjects: RM 30, 300 4 Subjects: RM 33, 000 |
MCKL provides a German A-Levels pathway for students who are interested in furthering their studies in Germany. There are many advantages of studying in Germany, the first being the low tuition fees and also their affordable living cost compared to the other European countries. MCKL also works with German Educare to ensure that students are proficient in the language.
Cambridge A-Levels (German Pathway)
Intake | January & August |
Duration | 1.5 Years (18 Months) |
Subjects offered |
|
Indicative Tuition Fees (2021) | Local: RM38, 000
International: RM48, 000 |
Scholarships or Bursaries for A-Levels by MCKL
Category | Requirement | Scholarship Amount | Assessment |
Merit Scholarship | 9A+ or 10A (minimum 9A+) | 100% Scholarship | Interview |
Other Merit Scholarship | 5As and above | Starting from RM1,000 | – |
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Rebecca Visvanathan
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