If you are looking to venture into Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, abbreviated as STEM, for your future academic pursuits, why not consider a Foundation in Science? A Foundation in Science is a pre-university or preparatory programme which can open up many STEM undergraduate degree options.
This article will dissect the notion of Foundation in Science with hopes that it will assure you make an informed decision for pursuing it.
What is Foundation in Science?
First and foremost, What is Foundation in Science? Essentially, a Foundation in Science is a university preparatory programme or as some might call it a pre-university programme. The Foundation in Science programme eases the transition from high school learning to tertiary education learning.
The Foundation in Science programme allows a wide education pathway that is not only confined to Science but to other study areas such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Science, and other related areas.
A Foundation in Science might call for Credit in SPM Mathematics and 2 Science subjects. However, the entry requirements might differ depending on the choice of university. Generally, Foundation programmes have a study duration of 12 months over the course of three semesters with a combination of continuous and summative assessments usually with a weightage of 50% coursework and 50% examination. Though, it may vary depending on the structure of the course based on different universities.
Depending on the institution, direct and seamless entries into certain undergraduate programmes is viable through a Foundation in Science. What’s more, a Foundation in Science is a fairly affordable programme meant to help you pursue your academic dreams without breaking the bank.
What Will You Study in Foundation in Science?
The curriculum for a Foundation in Science programme in Malaysia typically includes subjects designed to provide students with an academic foundation in varying scientific disciplines. Some institutions also offer electives and more specialised courses tailored to students’ interests. Subjects for a Foundation in Science programme may vary slightly depending on the institution offering the program, but here is a general overview of the types of subjects commonly included for Foundation in Science:
- Calculus
- Introduction to Psychology
- Algebra & Trigonometry
- Introduction to Statistics
- Introduction to Economics
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Mathematics
- English
- Computing Essentials
- Internet Programming
- Engineering Mechanics
What are the Degree Programmes You Can Pursue with a Foundation in Science?
Through a Foundation in Science programme, there are several undergraduate degree programmes relating to STEM which students can enrol in after successfully completing the Foundation in Science programme.
Some of the options for undergraduate degree after a Foundation in Science programme are:
- Business
- Psychology
- Information Technology
- Engineering
- Dentistry
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Law
- Biomedical Science
There may be other degree options after completion of a Foundation in Science programme. For more information, get in touch with us!
General Requirements to Study Foundation in Science
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
SPM | 5Cs in relevant subjects including Mathematics |
O-Levels | 5 O-Level Credits. At least a credit in Mathematics and 2 Science subjects (Biology/Chemistry/Physics) |
UEC | 3B6s in relevant subjects including Mathematics |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 4.0 |
TOEFL | 31 |
MUET | Band 2 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Top Private Malaysian Universities To Study Foundation in Science in Malaysia
1. Taylor’s College
Taylor’s College, or Taylor’s College Lakeside Campus is a part of Taylor’s University in Malaysia. Taylor’s College has a positive track record in providing academic excellence and productive education through its diverse selection of pre-university programmes including their Foundation programmes.
Taylor’s School of Pre-University Studies offers an array of enriching Malaysia Foundation Programme providing over 40 undergraduate degree pathways. Through Foundation programmes by Taylor’s College, students will experience learning with both conducive and supportive learning environments.
Programme Offered | Foundation in Science |
Duration | 1 Year |
Intake | February, April, Advance August (Start Right in July), and August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 30,500 International Students: USD 9,099 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. Nottingham University
The University of Nottingham Malaysia is one counterpart of the main Nottingham University in the UK. The University offers high quality UK-based education with a diverse campus community located in either Semenyih or Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
Through the Foundation in Science programme by the University of Nottingham Malaysia, students are granted entry pathways into an undergraduate degree at the university. Modules of the programme aim to foster soft skills alongside theoretical Science core knowledge. Additionally, students are granted multiple electives for flexibility in terms of exploring their interest in particular subject areas they can pursue for their undergraduate degree.
Programme Offered | Foundation in Science |
Duration | 1 Year |
Intake | April, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 29,700 International Students: RM 34,485 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. INTI International University & College
INTI International University & College (INTI) empowers their students to be exceptional global achievers, innovators, and leaders through contemporary and collaborative learning approaches imbued with advantageous industry-learning curriculum across four campuses located throughout Malaysia. INTI also has extensive partnerships with other institutions and industries.
INTI Foundation Programmes, offered among their many pre-university programmes, offer comprehensive curriculums which aim to smooth the pathway into an INTI undergraduate degree. Not only that, graduates of INTI Foundation also have the option to join overseas degree transfer programmes.
Programme Offered | Foundation in Science |
Duration | 1 Year |
Intake | January, April, May, August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 19,305 – RM 21,112 International Students: RM 19,305 – RM 21,112 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. HELP University
HELP University has a mission of providing guidance to students to ensure they live a life of significance through education. Established in 1986, HELP has shown growth by honouring themselves as a community-caring institution. HELP partners with many renowned international institutions across the globe, ranging from Australia, UK, France, Germany, New Zealand and many eminent countries.
HELP Foundation Programmes offered through the HELP Matriculation Centre (HMC) are designed to give students an outstanding educational experience and equip them with the necessary skills for facing university life. Students can hone their soft skills with relevant events by HMC such as HMC Leadership Programme and HMC Community Service.
Programme Offered | Foundation in Science |
Duration | 1 Year |
Intake | January, May, July, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 18,100 International Students: RM 18,100 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. UCSI University & College
UCSI University & College (UCSI) offers over a hundred credentials through partnerships with esteemed universities across the globe to fulfil their aim of nurturing their graduates with profound passion and percipient intellect to bring about changes for a better world.
Foundation programmes offered by UCSI are viable options as a preparatory course for an undergraduate degree, particularly due to the wide array of study area choices. After completion, students could be granted a direct pathway into UCSI University’s Degree Programmes including their transfer programmes or other internationally linked universities.
Programme Offered | Foundation in Science |
Duration | 1 Year |
Intake | January, May, July, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM13,320 International Students: RM16,566 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.