Foundation and Pre-university

Study Foundation and Pre-university in Malaysia. Compare Foundation, A-Levels, AUSMAT, CPU and IB pathways to top degree programmes, plus fees and entry.

Levels: Pre-University
Total tuition: RM 12,500 – RM 71,230
Courses: 67 at 14 universities

Overview

Foundation and Pre-university programmes are the bridge between secondary school and a university degree. They prepare students academically and personally for higher education, building subject knowledge, study skills, critical thinking, research and English proficiency in a university-style learning environment.

Malaysia offers one of the widest choices of pre-university pathways in the region, all taught in English. Most programmes take about 1 to 2 years and accept students after SPM, O-Level, IGCSE or an equivalent qualification. Popular options include:

Foundation programmes: university-specific programmes in Science, Engineering, Business, IT, Arts or Law
Cambridge A-Levels
Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT / SAM)
Canadian Pre-University (CPU)
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Diploma programmes: a practical route that can lead directly into year 2 of a related degree

Foundation programmes are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), and international qualifications such as A-Levels, AUSMAT and the IB are widely recognised by universities in Malaysia, the UK, Australia, Canada and beyond. Lower tuition and living costs make Malaysia an affordable place to start a university journey.

Popular Foundation streams include:

Foundation in Science (Medicine, Pharmacy, Engineering, Health Sciences)
Foundation in Engineering
Foundation in Business
Foundation in Computing / IT
Foundation in Arts & Social Sciences
Foundation in Art & Design
Foundation in Law

Courses in Foundation and Pre-university

Apply to a course, or filter them all by level, intake and budget.

All 67 Foundation and Pre-university courses

American Degree Transfer Programme (ARTS)

Lincoln University College · Pre-University · 2 years · Starts Mar, Jul, Nov

RM 51,000total tuition
Apply
Australian Matriculation (2 humanities 3 sc subjects)

Taylor's University · Pre-University · 15 months · Starts Feb, Apr, Aug

RM 68,624total tuition
Apply
Australian Matriculation (5 humanities subject)

Taylor's University · Pre-University · 15 months · Starts Feb, Apr, Aug

RM 65,285total tuition
Apply
Cambridge A Level (1 humanities, 2 sc subjects)

Taylor's University · Pre-University · 18 months · Starts Feb, Apr, Aug

RM 58,075total tuition
Apply
Cambridge A Level (1 humanities, 3 sc subjects)

Taylor's University · Pre-University · 18 months · Starts Feb, Apr, Aug

RM 71,230total tuition
Apply
Cambridge A Level (3 Subjects)

INTI International University & Colleges · Pre-University · 18 months · Starts Jan, Jul

RM 31,500total tuition
Apply

Career opportunities

A Foundation or Pre-university qualification is the first step towards your future career. It opens the door to Bachelor's degrees in almost every field, including:

Medicine, Pharmacy & Health Sciences
Engineering
Business, Accounting & Finance
Computing & IT
Law
Architecture & Built Environment
Art & Design
Communication & Media
Education
Hospitality & Tourism

Choosing the right pathway now helps you enter your preferred degree programme with confidence, whether in Malaysia or overseas, and prepares you for a professional career after graduation.