What to Do If Your SPM Results Are Bad? | Alternative Paths in Malaysia

You just got your SPM results, and maybe they’re not what you hoped for. You might wonder, “ What to do if SPM results are bad?” It’s normal to feel worried about your future. 

But don’t stress! Failing or getting low grades in SPM doesn’t mean the end of the road.

If you’re asking, fail SPM, what next? there are plenty of alternative pathways in Malaysia to help you turn things around. Your results are just one part of your story, and many students succeed by choosing different paths.

So take a deep breath — your future is still bright. 

Stick around as we break down what to do if your SPM results are bad and share some alternative pathways you might not have considered yet.

What to Do Immediately After Bad SPM Results

Before doing anything else, it’s important to understand the SPM grading system. Grades range from A+ (excellent) to G (fail), with credits (C and above) usually needed for further studies.

If your results mostly fall under D, E, or G, they may be considered poor or bad SPM results, which means you might not meet the credit requirements for many diploma courses in Malaysia.

But don’t panic, once you’ve recognised that your results aren’t what you hoped for, it’s time to focus on what to do if SPM results are bad. 

Your first steps should be:

1. Appeal Your SPM Results

If your grades are close to the next grade level or you're confident there's been a marking error, you can appeal your SPM results through the Lembaga Peperiksaan Malaysia (LPM).

How to Appeal:

• Visit the LPM website or use the e-Lembaga Peperiksaan (e-LP) app.
• Create an account, fill in your details, and select the subjects you want to appeal.
• A fee is charged per subject, so choose wisely.
• You must appeal within 30 days after SPM results are released.

Once submitted, you'll receive the reviewed results within two months. If you're aiming to meet the minimum requirements for a diploma, foundation, or pre-university course, this step is worth trying. It could be the difference between qualifying or missing out.

2. Retake Your SPM Subjects (SPM Ulangan)

If an appeal doesn’t seem likely to change your outcome, your next option is to retake your SPM papers.

There are two ways to do this:

• SPM Ulangan (Repeat Exam): You can only resit Bahasa Melayu, Sejarah, and Mathematics through this route. It's ideal if you're targeting specific course requirements.
• SPM Private Candidate: If you want to retake other subjects, you'll need to register as a private candidate and sit for the exams alongside current-year students.

How to Register for SPM Re-take?

• Registration is done through the LPM website.
• There’s a fee for each subject.
• Results from the repeat exam will only be available the following year.

This path is often taken by students who are determined to improve key subjects for better study or career opportunities. But do keep in mind, it means a delay in starting your next academic step, so plan carefully.

Can I Still Study After Failing SPM?

Yes, you can still continue your studies even if you failed SPM. Many alternative pathways after SPM failure in Malaysia are open to students with low credits. You can consider:

• Diploma programmes (some accept students with 3 credits or less)
• Certificate-level programmes
• Short courses or IT certifications
• TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training)

These options focus on skill-building and offer real career opportunities, even without strong SPM grades.

What Happens If You Fail Sejarah or BM?

Failing Sejarah (History) or Bahasa Melayu (BM) means you do not receive a full SPM certificate as both are compulsory pass subjects. Without this certificate, most higher education institutions may not accept your application.

In this case, your best step is to retake the subject(s) through SPM Ulangan or register as a private candidate in the next SPM exam cycle.

Need help planning your next step? Talk to a study advisor on EasyUni. We're here to guide you through your options.

Alternative Study Options for Poor SPM Results

Didn’t get the SPM grades you hoped for? Don’t worry, it’s not the end of the road. Many students in Malaysia go on to build successful careers through alternative education pathways that focus on skills, certifications, and real-world training. 

Here are your main options.

1. Diploma Courses in Malaysia 

One of the most popular options after SPM, even with average results, is to pursue a diploma course. These programmes are offered by many private universities and colleges in Malaysia, and typically require just a few credits (usually 3Cs).

Why choose a diploma?

• Practical and career-focused
• Can lead to a degree (with credit transfer)
• Takes 2–2.5 years

Some best diploma courses in Malaysia for students with lower SPM results include:

• Diploma in Information Technology
• Diploma in Business Management
• Diploma in Culinary Arts

2. Foundation Programmes – Limited But Possible

Foundation programmes are usually for students with stronger SPM results, but if you meet the minimum credit requirement, some universities might still accept you.

Good to know:

• Duration: 1 year
• Focus: Academic prep for degree
• Best for: Students planning to enter competitive degree programmes (e.g. Engineering, Medicine, Law)

If you scored low in science or math subjects, Foundation in Science may not be ideal but Foundation in Arts could still be an option depending on the institution.

3. TVET and Vocational Courses in Malaysia

TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) is a practical choice for students looking to develop job-ready skills in a shorter time frame. It’s affordable, widely available, and doesn’t require strong academic results.

What can you study?

• Automotive
• Welding
• Electrical
• Culinary
• Graphic Design
• Hairdressing

4. Short IT Courses & Certifications After SPM

If you’re into tech and want to start working fast, consider short IT certifications. These are great for students who didn’t do well in SPM but still want in-demand digital skills.

Popular options:

• Google IT Support Certificate
• CompTIA A+
• Cisco CCNA
• Web development & coding bootcamps

These courses can be done online or at private tech academies, and many lead directly to freelancing or entry-level jobs in IT support, web design, or digital marketing.

Should You Retake Your SPM? Pros and Cons

If you’re asking, “Should I retake my SPM?”, you’re not alone. Many students in Malaysia consider this route after getting lower than expected results. Retaking can be a smart move, but it comes with its own set of challenges.

Here's a quick breakdown to help you decide:

When Is Retaking SPM a Good Idea?

Consider retaking if:

• You’re just 1–2 marks away from a credit in core subjects like Bahasa Melayu, Sejarah, or Mathematics.
• Your dream course or scholarship has strict entry requirements.
• You’re mentally ready to commit to studying again with more focus and support.

But if you're looking to enter the workforce quickly, exploring certificates or diplomas with lower entry requirements might be a better use of your time.

Where to Get Help and Advice After SPM?

Still feeling stuck or unsure about what to do after your SPM results? Don’t worry! you're not alone, and figuring out your next step doesn't have to be confusing.

Whether you're thinking about retaking SPM, exploring diploma courses, or even checking out certification programs, getting proper guidance can really help.

That’s where EasyUni comes in. We’ve helped thousands of Malaysian students (just like you!) find their path, even after they thought their options were limited.

How EasyUni Can Help You?

• We connect you with the right universities or colleges based on your SPM grades.
• You’ll get info on scholarships, fees, and entry requirements, all in one place.
• We’ll help you match your interests with the best courses.
• We’ll even guide you through applications, step-by-step.

Explore study options in Malaysia even if your SPM results are low. Not sure what courses you qualify for? Speak to our advisor today for free and explore your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best courses to study in Malaysia with low SPM results?

If you have low SPM grades, you can still explore diploma and certificate programmes in Malaysia such as Diploma in Business, Culinary Arts, Information Technology, and Graphic Design. 

2. Can I go to college in Malaysia with 1 or 2 SPM credits?

Yes, even with 1 or 2 SPM credits, some Malaysian colleges offer certificate programmes or TVET courses that allow you to build skills and later progress to a diploma or higher qualification.

3. Is TVET a good study option in Malaysia after failing SPM?

Absolutely. TVET in Malaysia offers practical, skill-based training for students with poor or failed SPM results. It’s a great alternative for careers in fields like hospitality, automotive, and electronics without needing strong academic grades.

4. What is the minimum requirement to study diploma in Malaysia?

Most diploma programmes require at least 3 SPM credits, but some private institutions offer options for students with fewer credits, especially in fields like business, IT, culinary arts, and design.