Do you know what are matriculation programmes?
Your teacher or friends may have mentioned matriculation or perhaps you’ve heard it’s an affordable way to enter university.
To clear up any doubts you might have, check out our guide to find out the basics of matriculation programmes and how you can apply for it.
What is the Malaysian Matriculation Programme?
The Malaysian Matriculation Programme prepares SPM students for a degree course at public universities such as Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia or Universiti Malaya.
These programmes are typically 1 to 2 years at matriculation colleges and are available in many states.
Matriculation programmes also are popular among students. To solve the rise in applications, in 2019 the government increased the matriculation student intake to 40,000 from 25,000.
They’re also affordable, costing an average of RM500 for the whole course.
However, the acceptance rate stands at 90% for Bumiputera students, which means placements for non-Bumiputera students are limited.
Note:
Students are randomly assigned to a matriculation college. This means you should prepare for the possibility of staying in a hostel during your matriculation. Check out our article if you want tips on moving away to university for the first time.
What Will I Study in Matriculation?
Throughout your matriculation programme, you will have a combination of exams and assessments such as debates, quizzes and essays that count towards a final grade.
You will choose subjects from Science, Engineering or Accounting streams. Each stream has a different set of core subjects.
Science Stream
You can choose one of three modules
Module 1: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
Module 2: Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, and Computer Science
Module 3: Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science
Engineering Stream
Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Chemistry, Engineering Physics, Engineering Studies (for civil, mechanical or electrical engineering)
Accounting Stream
Mathematics for Accounting, Accounting, Economics, Business Management
All students will also study compulsory subjects such as English, Dynamic Skills (classes that build essential skills) and Islamic/Moral Studies.
You are also required to participate in co-curricular activities such as sports, clubs and societies or uniformed unit.
Note:
You may not get your first choice when choosing a stream. However, you can appeal to change streams after applying for a matriculation college.
How to Apply for Matriculation?
You can apply for a matriculation programme online here. You will need RM16 and your IC to buy a pin number at Bank Simpanan Nasional before applying.
You should also ensure your SPM grades meet the following general entry requirements based on the stream you wish to pursue.
Science Stream: C in Bahasa Melayu, English, Additional Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics/Biology and B in Mathematics
Engineering Stream: C in Bahasa Melayu, English, Physics, Additional Mathematics and one other SPM subject, B in Mathematics, pass in Chemistry.
Accounting Stream: C in Bahasa Melayu, English, Physics, Additional Mathematics, Mathematics and two other SPM subjects.
All students are required to pass their SPM Sejarah.
Fees for Matriculation
The matriculation programme fees for 2020/2021 are as follows:
- Science: RM497
- Technical: RM517
- Accounting: RM446
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