In short: with Matric or O Levels you start with a Foundation or Diploma programme. With Intermediate (FSc, ICS, FA or I.Com) or A Levels, many universities accept you straight into a Bachelor's, at a set percentage and with set subjects; otherwise a Foundation year comes first. A 16-year bachelor's degree leads to a Master's, and a Master's to a PhD. Each university sets its own grades, so your counsellor checks your results against the programme you want.
Which Malaysian programme can I start with my Pakistani qualification?
| Your qualification | Where you usually start | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Matric (SSC) | Foundation or Diploma | Universities such as APU, UPM and INTI list SSC for Foundation, Certificate or Diploma entry |
| O Levels | Foundation or Diploma | Credits (grade C or better) in a set number of subjects, usually including Mathematics |
| FSc Pre-Engineering | Bachelor's in engineering, computing or science, or a Foundation first | Engineering asks for Mathematics and Physics at a set level |
| FSc Pre-Medical | Bachelor's in health or biomedical sciences, or a Foundation in Science first | Medicine and Pharmacy set higher, programme-specific requirements, often through a Foundation in Science, with an aptitude test or interview |
| ICS | Bachelor's in computing or IT, or a Foundation first | Computing degrees ask for Mathematics |
| I.Com | Bachelor's in business, accounting or finance, or a Foundation first | Accounting and finance often ask for Mathematics at a set level |
| FA | Bachelor's in business, humanities or social sciences, or a Foundation first | Programmes that ask for Mathematics may need a Foundation first |
| DAE | Assessed by each university | Ask us before you apply; there is no single published rule |
| A Levels | Bachelor's | Usually two or three passes, with subjects that match the degree |
| Bachelor's, 16 years (BS) | Master's | A recognised degree, at the grade the university sets |
| Bachelor's, 14 years (BA, BSc) | Master's, if the university accepts it | Each university decides; ask before you apply |
| Master's, MS or MPhil | PhD | A research proposal, and a master's at the grade the university sets |
What do universities publish for Pakistani Intermediate (HSSC)?
These are the requirements Malaysian universities publish for Pakistani Intermediate, from the programme pages in our dataset, checked on 19 October 2026. Some universities, such as Heriot-Watt Malaysia, do not name Pakistani qualifications on their course pages; your counsellor asks them directly.
78 programmes in our dataset name Pakistani Intermediate (HSSC) in their published requirements. One example per university and level:
| University | Programme | What the university publishes for Pakistani Intermediate (HSSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Curtin Malaysia | FoundationFoundation in Arts & Commerce | Pakistan HSSC / Intermediate Examination: average 55% across best 4 academic subjects. Separate evidence of English competence is required. |
| UNM | FoundationNottingham's Foundation Programme | UNM's international entry page lists Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) among accepted South Asian qualifications but does not publish the grades; contact the UNM International Officer for Pakistan. |
| UoRM | FoundationInternational Foundation Programme | Pakistan Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC): a minimum grade of 60%. |
| Curtin Malaysia | DiplomaDiploma of Commerce | Pakistan HSSC / Intermediate Examination: average 50% across best 4 academic subjects. Separate evidence of English competence is required. |
| APU | Bachelor'sBachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) | Pakistan HSSC/Intermediate is listed in APU's 'List of Entry Qualifications for International Student' (Dec 2025) as entry to Level 6 MQF (Bachelor Degree). |
| Curtin Malaysia | Bachelor'sBachelor of Business Administration | Pakistan Higher Secondary Certificate / Intermediate Certificate with at least an average of 75% of total marks (825 out of 1100). Separate evidence of English competence is required. |
| Swinburne Sarawak | Bachelor'sBachelor of Business (Accounting and Finance) | Indian and Pakistan Year 12: 65%. Prerequisite: Mathematics (A-Level/O-Level/equivalent credit) or Advanced Mathematics. |
| UKM | Bachelor'sBachelor of Business Administration | Higher/Upper Secondary School Certificate (12 years of schooling): Pakistan is listed in the 70% group; any 3 subjects: Mathematics, Economics / Business / Physics / Chemistry / Biology, another subject. |
| UNM | Bachelor'sBachelor of Pharmacy (Hons) | UNM's international entry page lists Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) among accepted South Asian qualifications but does not publish the grades; contact the UNM International Officer for Pakistan. |
| UPM | Bachelor'sBachelor of Accounting with Honours | UPM List of Entry Qualifications (Dec 2025): Pakistan HSSC / Intermediate is accepted for bachelor's degree entry (MQF Level 6). General minimum per UPM's 2023 international booklet: high school certificate with minimum grade 80% and above, plus specific programme requirements. |
| UTM | Bachelor'sBachelor in Software Engineering with Honours (Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology) | Pakistan HSSC / Intermediate: scores of >= 75% in Mathematics and any 2 of Physics / Chemistry / Biology / ICT / Computer Science / Programming / Computing; and faculty-specific requirements. |
| UUM | Bachelor'sBachelor of Accounting with Honours | Pakistan (Accountancy and Law programmes): pass in HSSC/Intermediate (HSC) with at least 70% / Grade A. Also: credit pass in Mathematics or equivalent and English Language. |
What if my marks are below the requirement?
A Foundation or Diploma programme leads into a Bachelor's, and its entry requirements are lower. Curtin Malaysia, for example, publishes 55% in Intermediate for its Foundation in Engineering and Science, against 75% for direct entry to its business degree. The general entry routes guide explains each route.
How are my results assessed?
Universities assess your attested certificates and mark sheets. Matric and Intermediate certificates are attested by IBCC; O and A Level results are compared through an IBCC equivalence certificate where the university asks for one. See documents and attestation.
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