If you have just completed a major exam like SPM or IGCSE, you’ve just marked the ending of your highschool journey in life. Chances are your mind is clouded with way too many questions like “What’s next?” or “Which Pre-University course should i choose? ” If you’re planning to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree, you would be required to earn a pre-university qualification beforehand to gain entry into the degree of your choice.
What is a Foundation Program?
One of the most common choices of a pre-university qualification is a foundation program. A foundation program is generally a programme that will provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to prepare you for the demands of an undergraduate degree. Courses are broad enough to offer a good introduction to a subject, but they also provide enough depth for you to gain credible vocational skills from expert tutors before progressing into a full degree.
Foundation programs are highly recommended as they :
1. Allows you to explore a variety of subjects in your specific field of interest
Foundation programs of specific fields usually are streamed according to general subjects of the field which allows students pursuing foundation programs to get started on their studies whilst learning about different areas of expertise. This aids as a guide for students that have an interest in a specific field but are still unsure of which specific speciality to go into. As an example, if you have an interest in Science, a “Foundation of Science” program concentrates on subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics and information technology where you can go on to pursue your degree in various science related fields such as medicine, pharmacy, nursing, engineering and even computer science.
2. Allows you to get a feel of the tertiary education life whilst improving your academic skills
A foundation program is known to be a low-commitment step into the world of tertiary education which can be a big change from what you are used to, with independent learning style, addition of assignments and different daily challenges as a whole. General subjects offered for foundation programs allow you to develop the skills needed to succeed in tertiary education such as academic writing, presentation skills, time management and independent research. Taking time to complete a foundation program gives you the opportunity to adjust to tertiary study before committing to a higher level.
3. Cheapest, quickest and easiest pre-university program
A Foundation program is quicker in comparison to other pre-university programmes such as A-Levels and International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, as it is only 1 year. In sync with it’s duration, it is also a cheaper option. However, prices may vary depending on the university of choice.
Duration & Assessment of Foundation Program
Foundation programs are generally 1 year, studied full time and 1.5 to 2 years studied part time. (50 credit hours, 3 semester, 14 weeks per semester)
Assessment –
50% Coursework & Assignments – Writing paper, reports, presentations
50% Final Examination
Entry Requirements for Foundation Programs
Entry Requirements | Score |
SPM | Min. 5 Credits and a pass in Bahasa Melayu & Sejarah |
IGCSE | Min. 5 Credits |
UEC | 3B’s |
- Important to note that entry requirements vary based on foundation of choice. For inquiries on other entry requirements, contact Excel Education.
Types of Foundation Programs
Here are all the different types of foundation programs offered in Malaysia :
1. Foundation in Science
Foundation in Science aims to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills to pursue a science-related undergraduate degree. Examples of subjects offered in this program are such as algebra, chemistry, physics, biology, information technology and languages.
A ‘Foundation in Science’ programme can lead you into industries as shows in the infographic below :
a) International Medical University (IMU)
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | March, July & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 24,900 (Malaysian & Non-Malaysian) |
b) MAHSA University
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | April, May, June and September |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 18,000 |
c) Taylor's College
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 25, 500 (Malaysians) RM 38,790 (Non-Malaysians) |
2. Foundation in Arts
Foundation in Arts program aims to equip students with knowledge on topics that focus on arts and humanities. Examples of subjects that are generally offered in this program are such as English, Economics, Marketing, Communication and Public Speaking.
A ‘Foundation in Arts’ programme can lead you into industries as shows in the infographic below :
a) Taylor's College
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 25, 500 (Malaysians) RM 38,790 (Non-Malaysians) |
b) UOW KDU Malaysia
Foundation in Arts in UOW KDU provides you with 2 electives areas
i) Law/Humanities
ii) IT/Computer Science
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, March, May, July, September & October |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 16,850 (Malaysians) RM 25,750 (Non-Malaysians) |
3. Foundation in Business
Foundation in Business aims to equip students with knowledge and skills on business-related topics by focusing on specific areas such as Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Marketing and International Business. After furthering your studies with a Bachelor’s Degree, you will be able to embark on exciting careers in business such as accountant, consultant, human resource manager, entrepreneur and marketing analyst.
a) Asia Pacific University (APU)
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | April, June, July & September |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 24,800 (Malaysian) RM 25,600 (Non-Malaysian) |
b) Taylor’s College
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 25, 500 (Malaysians) RM 38,790 (Non-Malaysians) |
c) University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | April, June & September |
Duration | 1 year (2-3 semesters) |
Indicative Semester Fees (2021) | RM 8,500 (Malaysians) RM 9,900 (Non-Malaysians) |
4. Foundation in Engineering
Foundation in Engineering & Technology focuses on equipping students with the basics of engineering and technology which consists of areas such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, problem-solving techniques, programming and computer-aided design. After furthering your studies with a Bachelor’s Degree, you will be able to embark on exciting careers in engineering and technology such as mechanical engineer, industrial engineer, product & material testing technologist.
a) University of Southampton Malaysia
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | April, July & September |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 29,000 (Malaysians) RM 34,100 (Non-Malaysians) |
b) University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | April, June & September |
Duration | 1 year (2 & 3 semesters) |
Indicative Semester Fees (2021) | RM 9,900 (Malaysians) RM 11,800 (Non-Malaysians) |
5. Foundation in Computing & Technology
Foundation in Computing & Technology focuses on equipping students with knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a degree related to computers. This course usually consists of fundamental skills as well as practical knowledge by engaging in hands-on projects. After furthering your studies with a Bachelor’s Degree, you will be able to embark on exciting careers in computer & technology such as data analyst, information security analyst, algorithm specialist, automotive software engineer and systems programmer
a) Asia Pacific University (APU)
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | April, June, July & September |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 24,800 (Malaysian) RM 25,600 (Non-Malaysian) |
b) Multimedia University (MMU)
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | March, June & October |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 6,000 |
c) Taylor's College
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 25, 500 (Malaysians) RM 38,790 (Non-Malaysians) |
6. Foundation in Law
Foundation in Law focuses on equipping students with a strong understanding of the legal system along with the basic skills and foundation needed to succeed in the law field. After furthering your studies with a Bachelor’s Degree, you will be able to embark on exciting careers in law such as lawyer, social worker, probation officer, legislative assistant and paralegal.
a) Brickfields Asia College (BAC)
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & July |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 18,900 |
b) Multimedia University (MMU)
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | March, June & October |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Annual Fees (2021) | RM 18,000 |
7. Foundation in Design
Foundation in Design focuses on building creative thinking skills, research and drawing skills with exploration of various art disciplines with a range of methodology, materials and approaches. After furthering your studies with a Bachelor’s Degree, you will be able to embark on exciting careers in design such as interior architect, industrial designer, graphic designer, photographer and even an animator.
a) The One Academy
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | May |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | Contact Excel Education |
b) Taylor's College
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 25,500 (Malaysians) RM 38,790 (Non-Malaysians) |
c) INTI University
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 19,188 (Malaysians & Non-Malaysians) |
8. Foundation in Natural & Built Environment
Foundation in Natural & Built Environment focuses on introducing studies to the different fields of study including designing and construction industry. Upon completion of the foundation programme and a relevant degree programme, you will be able to venture into careers such as construction manager, architect, quantity surveyor and building surveyor.
a) Taylor's College
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 25,500 (Malaysians) RM 38,790 (Non-Malaysians) |
b) USCI Kuala Lumpur
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, May & September |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 20,630 (Malaysians) RM30,600 (Non-Malaysians) |
c) Lim Kok Wing
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | April, May, September & November |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 20,500 |
9. Foundation in Communication
Foundation in Communication focuses on equipping students with conceptual, analytical and critical thinking skills with an emphasis on various fields of communication such as writing, computer, communication, marketing, design and even advertising. After furthering your studies with a Bachelor’s Degree, you will be able to embark on exciting careers in communications such as Branding Specialist, Cinematographer, Digital, Content Creator ,Strategy Planning Manager, Public Relations & Marketing Consultant.
a) UOW KDU
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, March, May, July, September & October |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 20,470 (Malaysians) RM 27,220 (Non-Malaysians) |
b) Taylor’s College
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 25,500 (Malaysians) RM 38,790 (Non-Malaysians) |
c) IACT College
Examples of subjects offered |
|
Intake (2021) | January, April & August |
Duration | 1 year (3 semesters) |
Indicative Fees (2021) | RM 9,900 |
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