What is A-Levels?
A-Levels, or Advanced Level Qualifications, is a popular pre-university programme in Malaysia that is based on the UK educational system. For people wishing to pursue further studies in the UK, it is equivalent to the STPM qualification. A-Levels are accepted not only in the UK but also internationally. A-Levels usually finish in 18 months, and in Malaysia are governed by two major examination bodies, Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel.
The Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level and the A2 Level are the two examination components for A-Levels. Prior to beginning the A-Levels, students must finish the AS Level, followed by A2 Level in the following school year. Students will be required to choose a minimum of three subjects, with the option to take up to four subjects if they wish to, depending on their interests. As it is totally exam-based, do not be fooled into thinking it will be simple to get good scores. A-Levels can be challenging to obtain if students do not give their studies their all.
Types of A-Level Assessment Bodies
Why study A-Levels?
- Internationally recognised by top universities
A lot of the best universities in the world accept A-Level as valid qualifications. It is also regarded as the “golden ticket” for individuals who want to pursue their academic goals in the UK and many other countries, including Ivy League universities, Australia, Germany, Canada, and beyond. Students with good A-Level results may also have a better chance of getting into top universities around the world.
- Gain a deeper knowledge on your chosen subjects
A-Levels do not have new subject sets every semester, unlike foundation programmes. A-Level focuses on the courses that have been selected, and students are expected to take a minimum of 3 subjects with the option of taking up to 4 subjects. This allows them to go further into the subjects that relate to the programme they want to pursue for their degree in the future.
- Wider options for degree courses
Students still have additional options for university degrees even though they only concentrate on a few subjects during A-Levels. For instance, students who haven’t decided which course to study for their degree will have the chance, after graduating from A-Levels, to choose from a variety of degree programmes in a particular field based on the subject they studied for A-Levels.
A-Levels subjects
Accounting : Students will gain a greater knowledge of how accountants base decisions on financial information that have a significant impact on the business, the economy as a whole, and society. Due to the amount of time students spend applying accounting principles to particular problems, this course will help students develop important skills such as communication and numeracy.
Biology : Along with an in-depth understanding of the biological world, the subject develops skills and expertise in scientific technique, data analysis, observation, correlation, and connection. Similar to how other fields of study do it, studying biology helps students improve their research, planning, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
Business : Students will be able to study this course to learn the basics of business. It will assist students in comprehending how management, decision-making, and outsourcing can impact marketing, operations, finances, and human resources, as they are necessary for any kind of business.
Chemistry : Physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and organic chemistry are the three main categories that students will learn in Chemistry. Aspects including atomic structure, energetics, kinetics, oxidation, alkanes and alkenes, thermodynamics, polymers and amino acids, proteins, and DNA are only a few examples of specific areas of research.
Computer Science : The study of computers requires both realistic and abstract thinking. Problem solving demands accuracy, creativity, and careful consideration. In basic terms, it deals with problem-solving, which includes modelling, assessing, and implementing solutions.
Economics : Economics is the study of how different groups of people, businesses, and industry sectors use resources. It’s not merely a statistical study; even entirely random numbers are included. Economics also considers social, economic, and cultural viewpoints when studying how the economic system works and the transfer of wealth.
Law : The in-depth study of these subjects will provide students with a full understanding of the Law and how it is applied in everyday situations. One must have a thorough understanding of the sources of law in order to successfully complete law as one of the disciplines because they serve as the framework for the legal system.
Mathematics : A-Level mathematics involves many complicated points that require great creative thinking. Mathematics supports virtually every practical development in science, IT, and economics that has shaped our modern world. In this subject, students will learn geometry, calculus, and trigonometry while also applying these ideas to ‘applied’ fields like mechanics and statistics.
Physics : Exploring theories, planning experiments, and thinking about fresh ideas will all be skills that students will learn. Excellent problem-solving skills are highly regarded in this area. Particles and radiation, waves, nuclear physics, and many more topics will be covered with examples for the students.
Psychology : It gives a detailed introduction to the foundational ideas of human psychology in this field. What students learn can be applied in a variety of settings. Social psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, psychopathology, and biological psychology are a few of the fundamental topics of human psychology that students will learn.
Note: These are the common subjects in A-Levels programmes. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Are you eligible to study A-Level?
Following are the general entry requirements for studying A-Levels:
Academic Entry
Academic Entry | Minimum Score |
SPM | 5 Credits |
O-Level | 5 Credits |
UEC | 3Bs |
Note: Some subjects may need prerequisite examinations, and universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
SPM | Credit |
IELTS | 5.5 |
TOEFL | 69 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
A-Level Colleges in Malaysia
1. Taylor's College
An independent college in Malaysia, Taylor’s College offers the pre-university programme that is Cambridge A-Levels and South Australian Certificate of Education. It is regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s top colleges for Cambridge A-Levels.
A 100% exam-based programme, Cambridge A Level is governed by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and is widely known on an international level. One of the biggest and most comprehensive Cambridge A Level Programmes (CAL) is offered by Taylor’s College, enabling students to succeed by combining the necessary academic and practical skills. They have the opportunity to enrol in the top universities of their choosing after graduating with great grades.
Programme Offered | Cambridge A Level |
Duration | 1.5 years |
Intake | February, April, August |
Indicative Fee (2024) | Local students: 3 Subjects: RM 33,950 4 Subjects: RM 45,050 International students: 3 Subjects: USD 11,233 4 Subjects: USD 13,699 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
2. UCSI College
UCSI College, a private higher education institution with a 5-star MyQuest ranking and recognition from the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, offers quality education and learning support for academic programmes that are professionally driven and industry-ready. Since 2016, UCSI College has increased its reputation through collaboration and partnerships with professional organisations and international institutions.
Lots of UCSI students have graduated with outstanding A-Level scores over the years. The graduates have now gone on to enrol in institutions like Cambridge University, UCL, Imperial College London, King’s College London, Australian National University, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, National University of Singapore, and Seoul National University in South Korea, among others. Along the way, many individual successes have been achieved, and the school’s successful history is further confirmed by the numerous “Top in the World” awards that its students have won.
Programme Offered | Cambridge A-Levels |
Duration | 1.5 years |
Intake | January, May, July, September |
Indicative Fee (2024) | Local students: 3 Subjects: RM25,020 4 Subjects: RM30,000 International students: 3 Subjects: RM30,250 4 Subjects: RM36,300 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
3. INTI International College
INTI International University & Colleges are Malaysian private university colleges. Four campuses of the 1986-founded INTI International University & Colleges—INTI International University Nilai, INTI International College Subang, INTI International College Penang, and INTI College Sabah—are now located in Malaysia.
INTI Pre-University programme is staffed by some of the world’s best lecturers as well as a team of respected Subject Matter Experts (SME). Over the years, INTI has produced Cambridge A-Level students who have achieved Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards. Recipients of the award are recognised as the world’s best-scoring students, with INTI Pre-University students earning Top in the World and Top in Malaysia for Biology, Business, Economics, Law, Mathematics, and Physics.
Programme Offered | Cambridge A Level |
Duration | 1.5 years |
Intake | January, July |
Indicative Fee (2024) | Local students: 3 Subjects: RM21,087 – RM29,997 4 Subjects: RM28,116 – RM39,996 International students: 3 Subjects: RM21,087 – RM29,997 4 Subjects: RM28,116 – RM39,996 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
4. Methodist College Kuala Lumpur
Methodist Council of Education established the Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) when it first opened its doors in 1983. Strategically located in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, the campus. Through innovative teaching and learning methods, skill-building extracurricular activities, and a supportive environment, MCKL continues to provide and develop information, skills, and attitudes to improve each person’s competency, resulting in job security in the contemporary workforce.
The most well-known pre-university programme offered by MCKL is the Cambridge Assessment International Education A Level. A variety of degree programmes at local and international universities accept this as an entry requirement. The educational programmes in the MCKL curriculum extend, challenge, and motivate students to become university-ready with their knowledge, critical competences, and abilities.
Programme Offered | Cambridge A Level |
Duration | 1.5 years |
Intake | January, July, September |
Indicative Fee (2024) | Local students: 3 Subjects: RM22,500 – RM26,500 4 Subjects: RM30,000 – RM35,000 International students: 3 Subjects: RM22,500 – RM26,500 4 Subjects: RM30,000 – RM35,000 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
5. DISTED College
DISTED College is a private tertiary college located in Penang, established in 1987 as the first private tertiary institution in Penang. DISTED College has an excellent reputation as one of the leading independent private tertiary colleges and the leading provider of the Cambridge A Level and the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACEi) in the state.
Cambridge A-Level programme in Disted College has been conducted since 1995; it is one of the few colleges that offers a 12 months Cambridge A-Level programme. The programme provides a firm foundation for Science and Arts related programmes.
Programme Offered | Cambridge A-Level |
Duration | 1-1.5 years |
Intake | February, April, July, September |
Indicative Fee (2024) | Local students: 3 Subjects: RM17,180 – RM19,180 4 Subjects: RM22,180 – RM24,180 International students: 3 Subjects: RM17,180 – RM19,180 4 Subjects: RM22,180 – RM24,180 |
For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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Brenda
Brenda enjoys action, thriller, psychological, and comedy movies as well as TV shows very much. Oftentimes, she really enjoy learning new stuff.