What is UEC?
The United Examination Certificate (UEC) was created to standardise examinations for independent Chinese schools that use Mandarin as their primary language. However, students from Chinese independent schools still sit for all the national examinations such as PMR and SPM. The syllabus is taught alongside the school’s own Chinese programme, with the teachers allocating time to teach the government syllabus as well.
Students will sit for Junior UEC and PMR in the same year, the topics are taught simultaneously in two languages and cover identical material. After that, students take SPM in their 2nd senior year and sit for the UEC in the 3rd senior year. These two exams do not overlap, allowing students and teachers to completely concentrate on the upcoming exams. Not all Chinese independent school students choose to stay for their 3rd senior year and the UEC, just as not all government school students want to stay for Form 6 and their STPM.
Education Pathways After UEC
Those who stay on for UEC, on the other hand, will find that their tertiary education will be limited to private schools that accept their UEC results, as the UEC is not recognised in government universities unless they are using their SPM results to take an additional year of Diploma or Foundation studies.
The UEC exam is equivalent to STPM and A-levels and is recognised in other countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, and more. Therefore, students who have finished their UEC are more likely to continue their post-secondary education at private institutions or abroad rather than staying in Malaysia.
With the wide variety of courses and institutions available in Malaysia, you might feel very overwhelmed to choose the right course, and the suitable university, therefore we have prepared a list for you, with some university recommendations and also its popular courses.
Common Entry Requirements for UEC students
Programme/Courses | Entry Requirements |
Diploma Programmes | Minimum 3B in relevant subjects |
Bachelor Degree | Minimum 5B in relevant subjects |
American Degree Transfer Programme | Minimum 3B in relevant subjects |
Top Recommended Universities in Malaysia
#1 Monash University Malaysia
Monash University is a famous university that originated from Australia, it had established a campus at Bandar Sunway, Subang Jaya. Monash University is ranked as the top one percent of world universities and 21st in the World’s Most International Universities in 2017 based on the Times Higher Education World University Ranking. Majorities of programmes provided by Monash University focused on Bachelor level and Master level, its specialized on engineering, pharmacy, and sciences. It contains multiple facilities and entertainments such as computer labs, open areas, library, outdoor parks, hall, science laboratory, and play area. It also has numerous laboratories for the purpose of medical study.
Awards/Rankings | |
QS World University Rankings | 55th |
QS Graduate Employability Ranking | 66th worldwide |
General Intakes | February, July |
Recommended Courses |
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#2 University of Nottingham Malaysia
The University of Nottingham Malaysia was established 21 years ago and is steadfast in its commitment to providing a comprehensive educational experience. It offers world-class teaching, led by academics who are some of the best researchers in their respective fields and a friendly and inclusive campus environment.
The university takes pride in providing an environment for students that is conducive to learning, teaching and carrying out research. This is supported by its strong library provision (physical and virtual), dedicated study areas and laboratories (computing, languages, sciences and engineering), as well as virtual labs for online lessons.
Awards/Rankings | |
QS World University Rankings | 99th |
QS Graduate Employability Ranking | 62nd worldwide |
General Intakes | February, September |
Recommended Courses |
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#3 UOW Malaysia (Previously known as KDU University College
UOW Malaysia KDU is part of the University of Wollongong Australia’s global network, but has a long history of providing accessible, quality, tertiary education to Malaysia, and the surrounding regions, as it was previously known as KDU college and university colleges. UOW Global Enterprises, a wholly-owned subsidiary of University of Wollongong Australia, in September 2019 acquired the KDU institutions and following a process of transformation integrated them into the University of Wollongong Australia global network of campuses located in Australia, Dubai, Hong Kong, and now here in Malaysia.
Awards/Rankings | |
QS World University Rankings | 196th |
QS Graduate Employability Ranking | Top 180 worldwide |
Top 50 under 50 | 14th worldwide |
General Intakes | January, March, May, September, November |
Recommended Courses |
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#4 Curtin University Malaysia
Curtin University continues to build a strong global presence, with campuses in Perth, Dubai, Singapore, Mauritius and of course the magnificent Sarawak, Malaysia. Ranking in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide we offer practical, internationally recognized courses that are designed with direct input from industry, so our students graduate with the skills and knowledge they need in the ever-changing global marketplace.
Our campus in Miri, Sarawak offers a completely unique study experience. Located on the mystical island of Borneo, with the incomparable, 187 000 hectare Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park just offshore, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunung Mulu National Park, a mere 45 minutes away, our campus is a gateway to all of the incredible adventures to be had in East Malaysia.
Awards/Rankings | |
QS World University Rankings | 217th |
QS Graduate Employability Ranking | Top 300 worldwide |
Top 50 under 50 | 17th worldwide |
General Intakes | February, July |
Recommended Courses |
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#5 Taylor’s University
Taylor’s Education Group (TEG) is one of the oldest, most successful and reputable private education institution in Malaysia and the region. With its unsurpassed track record built up over the last six decades, it had earned the reputation for being the centre of excellence Early Years to Postgraduate Education.
Taylor’s University is a modern and progressive university, well respected and regarded as one of Malaysia’s most reputable private universities. It offers a comprehensive range of programmes from Foundation Studies to Postgraduate Degrees. Taylor’s provides diverse study options, partnerships with leading universities worldwide and strong industry linkages to students from around the world.
Awards/Rankings | |
QS World University Rankings | 379th |
QS Graduate Employability Ranking | Top 250 worldwide |
QS star | 5 stars for overall, employability, internationalization, inclusiveness, online, teaching, and facilities |
Top 50 under 50 | 49th worldwide |
General Intakes | January, April, July, September |
Recommended Courses |
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#6 UCSI University
Built on the principles of audacity, perseverance, integrity and excellence, UCSI University is a leading institution of higher learning with campuses in Kuala Lumpur, Springhill (Port Dickson), Kuching and Terengganu, Malaysia. Our faculties, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to meet student needs offer a wide spectrum of academic programmes, ranging from Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, Engineering and Architecture to Music, Multimedia, Education, Liberal Arts and Hospitality.
The University’s academic staff are at the forefront of their disciplines and their views are highly sought after on major issues; from business to political science. Many of our academics have extensive experience working overseas and some play advisory roles in public bodies and various committees.
Awards/Rankings | |
QS World University Rankings | 391st |
QS Graduate Employability Ranking | Top 300 worldwide |
Malaysian University Ranking | 7th |
General Intakes | January, May, July, September |
Recommended Courses |
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#7 Asia Pacific University, APU
APU University is one of the well-known university in Malaysia. It was officially founded in 1993 as Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology (APIIT) and changed it to Asia Pacific University College of Technology and Innovation (UCTI) in 2004.
The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is amongst Malaysia’s Premier Private Universities, and is where a unique fusion of technology, innovation and creativity works effectively towards transforming students into highly competent, employable and future-proof professionals.
Awards/Rankings | |
QS Star | 5 stars for employability, teaching, inclusiveness, and facilities |
General Intakes | February, April, September, November |
Recommended Courses |
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#8 SEGi University
SEGI University was established in 1977, it is considered as one of the largest private higher education providers in Malaysia. Segi University has been awarded the Bronze Trophy in the Education and Learning category at the Putra Brand Awards 2016. It also provided a wide range of programmes for dentists, early childhood, business, and psychology.
Segi University is located in Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya. Transport from Petaling Jaya to Kuala Lumpur became easier after the establishment of MRT Station. It has numerous academic facilities including a library, laboratories for dentists, and swimming pool.
Awards/Rankings | |
Asia University Ranking | Top 350 |
General Intakes | January, March, May, September |
Recommended Courses |
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Jme S
I thank life for happening, thank every twist and turn, I believe that there is a reason for every single thing, a reason for every worry and concern.