In short: after 12 years of school, for example A-Levels, the IB or a high-school diploma, most international students start with a Foundation or Diploma programme and then progress into a Bachelor's degree. A Bachelor's degree leads to a Master's, and a Master's to a PhD by coursework or research. Students with lower grades can usually start with a Foundation or Certificate programme.
Where can I start with my qualification?
| You have completed | You can apply for |
|---|---|
| 12 years of school (for example A-Levels, the IB or a high-school diploma) | A Foundation or Diploma programme, leading to a Bachelor's degree |
| A Bachelor's degree | A Master's degree |
| A Master's degree | A PhD, by coursework or research |
| Any level | Skills-based certificates |
Each university decides how it reads your country's qualifications. Your counsellor checks the route for your results.
From Pakistan
After FSc, FA or A-Levels, most students start with a Foundation or Diploma programme. For Matric, ICS, I.Com, DAE and degrees, see entry requirements for Pakistani students.
What is a Foundation programme?
A Foundation programme prepares you for a specific Bachelor's degree, such as engineering, business or computing. After you complete it successfully, you progress into the first year of the Bachelor's degree. Whether you can enter the second year directly is decided by the university for each programme.
What if my grades are lower than I hoped?
Many Malaysian universities offer Foundation or Certificate programmes for students with lower grades. After completing one successfully, you can progress into the first or second year of a Bachelor's degree, depending on your results and your field. Your counsellor recommends options you can realistically reach.
What are the basic admission requirements?
- Your secondary and higher-secondary certificates, attested by your country's education authority and foreign ministry
- A copy of your passport
- Passport-size photographs
- An English language test (IELTS or TOEFL), if required
- The application form and processing fee
The document checklist lists everything for the application and the visa.
What English level do I need?
All major Malaysian universities teach in English. If your previous education was in English, many universities accept an English proficiency letter from your school. Otherwise you may need an IELTS score of about 5.5–6.0, or an equivalent test.
| Your situation | What universities usually ask for |
|---|---|
| Previous education in English | A medium-of-instruction letter from your school, where the university accepts one |
| Otherwise | IELTS of about 5.5–6.0, or an equivalent such as TOEFL |
Can I start in Malaysia and finish abroad?
Yes. Many programmes let you study one or two years in Malaysia and then transfer to a partner university in the UK, Australia, the USA or Canada. See credit transfer.
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