Your friend chose Foundation. Your cousin did Asasi. Your parents are pushing for Form 6. So… what should you do?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed trying to choose the right pre-university programme in Malaysia, you’re not alone. With so many options; STPM, Asasi, Foundation, A-Levels, and even international ones like IB or ADTP. It can be hard to figure out what each one really means or where it’ll take you.

This guide is here to help you make sense of it all. We’ll walk you through the popular pre-university programmes in Malaysia, explain how they work, who they’re for, and how to apply—with zero complicated jargon.

By the end of this, you’ll have a clear idea of which pre-u pathway is for you and feel more confident about making the right move for your future.

What Is a Pre-University Programme?

A pre-university course is a preparatory course designed for SPM or O-Level leavers before they begin a degree. It acts as a bridge between secondary school and university, typically lasting 1 to 2 years, depending on the programme.

These courses help students meet entry requirements for undergraduate study and develop subject knowledge, critical thinking, and academic skills.

Popular pre-university programmes in Malaysia include:

• Asasi (public university foundation)
• STPM (Form 6)
• Foundation programmes (private universities)
• A-Levels
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)
• AUSMAT / SACE International
• Canadian Pre-University (CPU/CIMP)

Compare Pre-University Programmes in Malaysia

Choosing the right pre-university courses in Malaysia depends on your academic goals, study preferences, and future university plans. Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison to help you understand the key differences between the most popular options:

Popular Pre-University Programmes in Malaysia (Full Breakdown)

Each pre-university programme in Malaysia comes with different durations, entry requirements, and future pathways. Some are better for local public universities, while others are good options for studying abroad.

To make things easier, we’ve broken down the most popular pre-u options after SPM. Let’s compare each path in depth!

i. STPM (Form 6 Malaysia)

What is STPM?

STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia), commonly known as Form 6, is a public pre-university programme offered by government schools. It’s recognised by all public and private universities in Malaysia and widely accepted abroad, including the UK, Australia, Ireland, and the US. It’s also one of the most affordable options for SPM leavers.

Key Advantages

✔️ Students are assessed through three-term exams instead of one final exam

✔️ You can retake your Term 1 and 2 exams at the end of Term 3 to improve your grades

✔️ Offers 23 subjects across science, arts, languages, and business

✔️ Heavily subsidised by the government.

Who It’s For

• Students planning to pursue degree programmes at public universities (IPTA)
• Those who prefer a structured, exam-based system
• Budget-conscious students looking for globally recognised qualifications

How to Apply (STPM)

You don’t need to apply separately for STPM. It’s automatically offered to eligible SPM students who don’t receive matriculation placements. The state education department handles the placement based on your SPM results.

ii. Matriculation (Matrikulasi Malaysia)

What is Matriculation?

Matrikulasi, or Matriculation, is a government-funded pre-university programme offered by the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE). It’s highly sought after by SPM leavers due to its low cost, monthly allowance, and direct pathway to public universities. The programme is available in two formats:

→ PST (Program Satu Tahun) – 1-year programme for fast learners
→ PDT (Program Dua Tahun) – 2-year programme for those needing extra academic support

Key Advantages

✔️ Extremely affordable with low fees (RM160–RM550 depending on stream)

✔️ Monthly allowance of RM1,250 per semester

✔️ Taught in English for all Science and Math subjects

✔️ Strong support structure, including co-curricular participation and compulsory subjects (English, Kemahiran Dinamika, Pendidikan Islam/Pendidikan Moral)

Who It’s For

• High-performing SPM leavers seeking a fully subsidised pre-university path
• Students targeting public universities (IPTA)
• Bumiputera students with a strong academic background

How to Apply (Matriculation in Malaysia)

• Make sure you meet the minimum entry requirements based on your SPM results.
• Note that 90% of places are reserved for Bumiputera students; non-Bumiputera seats are limited.
• Visit the official Ministry of Education website: www.moe.gov.my.
• Apply online through the Matriculation Programme portal (usually opens around July after SPM results).
• Choose your preferred stream (Science, Accounting, or Technical) during the application process.
• Submit the application before the deadline and keep a copy of your reference slip.
• If selected, you’ll receive an offer letter and must agree to a bond, withdrawing later may require repayment.

iii. Asasi

What is Asasi?

Asasi is a pre-university programme offered by Malaysian public universities, designed to prepare students for specific degree courses, usually within the same university. It is fully subsidised and provides financial allowances to help cover tuition and accommodation.

There are two types of Asasi

→ Open Asasi: Recognised by multiple public universities (e.g. UM, UiTM, UKM)
→ Closed Asasi: Only recognised by the university offering it (e.g. UPM, USIM, UPNM)

Key Advantages

✔️ Government-funded with monthly allowance (RM1,250) and tuition/accommodation support

✔️ Content is streamlined to fit specific degree pathways

✔️ Semester-based assessments instead of one final exam

Who It’s For

• SPM leavers planning to study locally at a public university (IPTA)
• Students looking for a cost-effective, fast-track pathway into specific degrees like medicine, law, or engineering.

How to Apply (Asasi in Malaysia)

• Ensure you have a minimum of 5 credits in SPM, including Bahasa Melayu.
• Visit the UPU (Unit Pusat Universiti) portal: upu.mohe.gov.my.
• Applications typically open from January to April each year.
• Select your preferred Asasi programme and university during the application process.
• Submit the form and wait for the results announcement via UPU.
• If offered a place, follow the instructions provided to accept and register.

Related Read: Confused about UPU?

Check out our UPU Application Guide for Malaysian Students ➜ for a step-by-step walkthrough on deadlines, documents, and tips to boost your chances!

⚠️ Limitations to Consider

• Limited flexibility — some courses (closed type) may not be accepted by other universities
• Not suitable for overseas studies
• Mostly reserved for Bumiputera students, with limited spots for non-Bumiputera (e.g. AsasiPintar at UKM, Asasi Sains Pertanian at UPM, UPNM programmes)

iv. Foundation

What is a Foundation?

A foundation course is a 1-year pre-university programme offered by private universities in Malaysia to prepare students for a related degree programme at the same institution. It’s commonly known as a "feeder course" because it’s designed to help SPM leavers transition smoothly into their chosen field of study.

Most programmes fall under:

→ Foundation in Science
→ Foundation in Arts
→ Foundation in Business

Each university has its own syllabus and assessment system, which means your qualification is usually only recognised by the same university. However, if you enrol in well-established institutions like Taylor’s University, Monash University Malaysia, or Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, your foundation may be considered for credit transfer to overseas partner universities.

Key Advantages

 ✔️ Tailored to your intended degree 
 ✔️ Cheaper than A-Levels or IB
 ✔️ Many universities offer scholarships and bursaries, sometimes up to 100%

Who It’s For

SPM leavers who:

• Know what course and university they want
• Prefer a quicker and less stressful path
• Want to save costs compared to international pre-U options like A-Levels
• Plan to continue their degree in Malaysia

How to Apply (Foundation in Malaysia)

• Ensure you have at least 5 credits in SPM; some courses may have subject-specific requirements (e.g. Maths for Science-based foundation).
• Choose your preferred private university and foundation course.
• Visit the university’s official website to access the application form.
• Complete and submit the form online, or send it via email or post if required.
• Keep an eye on intake dates, some universities have monthly intakes, while others offer 2–3 intakes per year.

⚠️ Limitations to Consider

• Not recognised by other universities unless it’s a twinning or credit transfer arrangement
• You’ll need to start over if you switch to a different university or course
• PTPTN loans are not available for most foundation courses (except at selected universities like MMU, UNITAR, or UTP)

 Still deciding between Foundation or Diploma?

Don’t worry! We’ve broken it down for you. Check out Foundation vs Diploma: Which is Better? ➜ to find out which one suits your goals and future plans.

v. A-Levels

What Are A-Levels?

A-Levels (Advanced Level) is a globally recognised UK-based pre-university programme that’s fully exam-based and designed to prepare students for top universities worldwide. You’ll take 3 to 4 subjects over 1.5 to 2 years, split into two stages: AS Level and A2 Level, each contributing 50% to your final grade.

Students can choose from over 40–50 subjects, commonly including Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Law, and more, based on your future degree path. The syllabus is offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and conducted at many private institutions in Malaysia.

Key Advantages

✔️ Recognised by top universities globally (including over 450 in the US + all in the UK, Australia, and NZ)
✔️ Offers flexibility in degree choices
✔️ Extensive subject variety and access to global study resources

Who It’s For

• Students aiming to apply to universities in the UK, US, Australia, or other international destinations
• SPM leavers who prefer an academically challenging, exam-focused programme
• Those still deciding what degree to pursue (A-Levels keeps your options open)

How to Apply (A-Levels)

• Minimum 5 credits in SPM, including English
• Apply directly to private universities or colleges offering A-Levels
• Intakes usually in January, March, and July (some have rolling admissions)
• Shortlist institutions that match your budget and study goals

See full list of Malaysian institutions offering A-Levels ➜

⚠️ Things to Consider

• Not widely accepted by most Malaysian public universities (except UM and USM)
• Higher cost: can range from RM10,000 to RM45,000
• You must sit for Malaysian Studies and Islamic/Moral Studies if you take it locally

vi. American Degree Programme (ADP)/ American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP)

What is ADTP in Malaysia?

The American Degree Transfer Programme (ADTP) or American Degree Programme (ADP) lets SPM leavers complete the first 1–3 years of their degree locally in Malaysia before transferring to a university in the US or Canada. The flexibility of the programme means you can choose the transfer model that suits your budget: 1+3, 2+2, or 3+1.

You don’t need to choose a major right away, most students select theirs halfway through the programme. ADTP also emphasizes soft skills through classroom interaction, discussions, group work, and presentations, typical of the US education system.

Key Advantages

 ✔️ Cost-saving: Start in Malaysia, transfer later
 ✔️ Flexible curriculum: Take electives outside your major
 ✔️ 70% coursework + 30% final exams
 ✔️ Develops communication, collaboration & presentation skills

Who It’s For

• Students looking for a cost-effective way to earn a US/Canadian degree
• Those who want flexibility in choosing a major later
• Students who prefer a coursework-based system over final exam-heavy formats

How to Apply (ADTP / American Degree Transfer Programme)

• SPM: Minimum 5 credits including English
• UEC: Minimum 3Bs and 2Cs
• Apply directly through the private university’s website
• Common intakes: January, March, May, and August
• Shortlist institutions based on budget, major, and transfer partners

⚠️ Things to Consider

• Must meet transfer uni’s requirements (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS, possibly SAT)
• Transfer usually limited to partner universities

vii. IB Diploma

What is the IB Diploma?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is one of the most challenging and globally recognised pre-university programmes available in Malaysia. Designed for academically driven students, it runs for 2 years and blends critical thinking, research, community service, and academic depth.

Students take 6 subjects across key disciplines, complete a 4,000-word Extended Essay, engage in Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and participate in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects, developing both intellect and character.

Key Advantages

✔️ Recognised by universities worldwide (including Ivy League & Oxbridge)
✔️ Coursework + exam structure promotes balance
✔️ Develops critical thinking and leadership through TOK and CAS
✔️ Accepted by public and private Malaysian universities

Who It’s For

• High-performing students seeking a globally accepted qualification
• Those planning to apply to top-tier universities abroad
• Students who are good in both coursework and exam-based systems

How to Apply (IB Diploma)

• Pass entrance exam (science, maths, comprehension)
• Interview required at most institutions
• Apply to the instituition. Most intakes are in August

⚠️ Things to Consider

• Admission involves an entrance exam and interview
• Demands excellent time management due to its academic and extracurricular 
• Tuition fees range from RM20,000 to RM50,000

Private institutions that offer IB diploma in Malaysia

• Cempaka International Ladies’ College
• Cempaka School
• Fairview International School Kuala Lumpur
• Fairview International School Penang
• IGB International School
• Marlborough College Malaysia
• Mont Kiara International School
• Nexus International School, Putrajaya
• Sri KDU International School
• Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas
• The International School of Penang (Uplands)
• UCSI International School
• International School of Kuala Lumpur

Public institutions that offer IB diploma in Malaysia

• MARA College Banting
• Maktab Tentera Diraja
• Mara College Seremban
• The Malay College Kuala Kangsar

viii. AUSMAT/SACE International

What is AUSMAT / SACE?

The Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) and South Australian Certificate of Education International (SACEi) are Australian-based pre-university programmes available in Malaysia. Both are recognised by universities worldwide, especially in Australia, the UK, and the US. Unlike A-Levels, these programmes use a balanced grading system with a mix of coursework and exams, making it ideal for students who prefer continuous assessment over a single final exam.

Assessment Breakdown

• AUSMAT: 50% coursework + 50% exams
• SACE International: 70% coursework + 30% exams

Key Advantages

✔️Globally recognised by top universities, especially in Australia
✔️ Balanced assessment helps reduce pressure from final exams
✔️ Encourages critical thinking and teamwork through project-based learning
✔️ Shorter duration (complete in 10–12 months)

Who It’s For

• Students who prefer continuous assessment (quizzes, presentations, group work)
• Those planning to study in Australia or other English-speaking countries

How to Apply (AUSMAT / SACE)

• SPM: Minimum 5 credits
• Take help from Easyuni to apply to the institutions offering these programmes
• Most intakes begin in January or March; final exams typically held in November

⚠️ Things to Consider

• Course fees range between RM21,000 – RM34,000
• Students must take 5 subjects, including English
• Compulsory papers for Malaysian students include Moral/Islamic Studies, Bahasa Malaysia, and Malaysian Studies
• Results are released in January and July, so plan carefully if applying to UK universities

ix. CPU/CIMP (Canadian Pre-university)

What is CPU / CIMP?

The Canadian Pre-University (CPU) and Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP) are Year 12 equivalents from Canada, offered at private institutions in Malaysia. These programmes are widely recognised by universities in Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and even local institutions like IMU, IIUM, UiTM, MMU, and Monash University Malaysia.

Instead of relying on final exams, CPU/CIMP uses a continuous assessment model, about 70% coursework and 30% exams.

Key Advantages

✔️ Accepted by universities in Canada, US, UK, Australia, and local Malaysian institutions
✔️ Less pressure from final exams, with 70% coursework focus
✔️ Emphasises discussions, projects, and independent thinking
✔️ Typically completed within 1 year

Who It’s For

• SPM leavers who prefer interactive, student-driven learning
• Students planning to study abroad in Canada or other English-speaking countries

How to Apply (CPU/CIMP in Malaysia) 

• Meet the entry requirement: Minimum SPM or equivalent qualification
• Sit for and pass the institution’s entrance exam
• Choose your intake, January or July are the most common
• Apply through EasyUni to institutions like Sunway College, Taylor’s College, and others offering CPU / CIMP

See full list of institutions offering AUSMAT/CIMP in Malaysia ➜

Final Thoughts: Now You Know Your Pre-U Options

Now you know the real difference between pre-university programmes in Malaysia, from STPM and Asasi to international choices like A-Levels, IB, and ADTP. Each option comes with its own structure, benefits, and pathway to university. No matter if you’re planning to study at a local public university or head abroad, there’s a pre-university route that aligns with your goals and learning style.

Still not 100% sure what’s right for you?

👉 Talk to EasyUni advisors for free guidance

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a pre-university programme in Malaysia?

A pre-university programme in Malaysia is a course you take after SPM to prepare for a degree. It helps build your knowledge and skills in your chosen field. Options include STPM, Foundation, Asasi, A-Levels, and more. Most pre-university programmes take about 1 to 2 years to complete.

2. What is Asasi and who is it for?

Asasi is a pre-university programme offered by public universities in Malaysia, mostly for Bumiputera students. It’s great if you already know you want to study at a local public university. There are two types: Open Asasi (can be used at multiple universities) and Closed Asasi (tied to one university only).

3. How do I apply for Asasi in Malaysia?

You can apply for Asasi through the UPU online portal, usually between January and April. To be eligible, you’ll need at least 5 credits in SPM, including Bahasa Melayu. Just make sure to check which universities and Asasi courses are open to you!

4. What’s the difference between Foundation and Diploma in Malaysia?

The key difference between Foundation and Diploma in Malaysia is that Foundation is a one-year pre-university course that leads to a degree, while Diploma is a standalone qualification that can lead to either work or further study. Foundation courses are offered by private universities and usually not transferable. Diplomas are more practical and last 2–2.5 years.

5. Which pre-university programme is best after SPM?

The best pre-university programme after SPM depends on your goals, results, and budget. For public university pathways, STPM, Asasi, or Matriculation are ideal. If you plan to study abroad, A-Levels, IB, or ADTP may be better. Foundation programmes are a good choice if you already know your degree and preferred private university in Malaysia.