WHAT'S NEXT AFTER SPM?
Written by Jasmine Leong
Executive Director of IEC, School of English Language and Further Studies Consult
So, SPM results are out! Now what? Every year, thousands of 17 year olds all across Malaysia wait with baited breath for their SPM results, pushing aside all plans of what lies beyond, almost as if their whole life was dependant on these results and nothing else.
But guess what? There IS life after SPM! All of a sudden, students are rushing to apply for universities in haste, looking at courses available, picking their future careers, usually all within a matter of 3 months. And then they are off, leaving for the next 3 to 4 years of university study, to study, learn and become skilled citizens of the world!
Now let’s take a step back, take a big breath and see how we can unravel one of the most important decisions of a student’s life. What shall I study at university? Where should I go? What will the cost be?
The first decision the student will need to make is what he or she would like to study. Usually at this stage, we have parents on the one hand pressuring the student to decide whilst the student is bombarded with one too many choices and may feel paralysed at the decision of this magnitude. I would suggest looking at the broader perspective, especially since there is still one more step to take before embarking on a university degree.
Pre- University
Most countries including Malaysia will need the student to complete one to two more years of pre university studies before embarking on a university major degree.
Options:
1) STPM / Local Matriculation
2) A-levels
3) International Baccalaureate
4) Foundation
So which one? If you hope to enter into one of our local government universities then the STPM or local matriculation would be the best route. However, if you wish to spread your wings and look outside of Malaysia then there are a few options to consider:
Option 1>>> A-LEVELS
What are the A-levels? It is the UK curriculum exam which has been outsourced to Malaysia and typically students do either the Cambridge or Edexcel syllabus exams. The A-level programme can be studied in private colleges in Malaysia, international schools or even as a private candidate in KK.
It is an 18 month programme course and usually revolves around 3 or 4 subjects at most. It is considered quite a tough exam especially if you have not been brought up under the British IGCSE / O – levels syllabus and get thrust into the A-level system. So it is not an exam for the faint-hearted.
For students looking at studying Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science in the UK, the A-levels is one of the few routes available. A typical 6-term A-level fees can be anywhere between £21,000 - £30,000 depending on which college you choose in the UK. Malaysian colleges A-levels are of course slightly less at around RM20,000.
Option 2 >>> INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA
The IB Diploma has been gaining popularity since it began in Europe and has been said to be a more well-rounded curriculum than the A-levels. It requires the student to be an all-rounder and has additional subjects such as the Theory of Knowledge, Extended essay and creativity, activity, service.
It is an excellent preparation for university studies and life after university. IEC represents a few IB schools in the UK and Australia, so do connect with us if you wish to find out more. Fees for the IB overseas are around the same as the A-levels in the UK.
Option 3 >>> FOUNDATION
The Foundation programme which can be studied within Malaysian private colleges and universities overseas has been hugely popular as it is only an 8 month – 1 year duration and usually streams the student into a university degree immediately. Many parents feel that the Foundation route sometimes locks the student’s choices too early.
However, I would advise that as long as the student already has an inclination of the subjects they wish to focus on, the Foundation pathway could be a better and more direct pathway into university. It also teaches subjects which are relevant to the university degree without the unnecessary depth of A-levels or the breadth of the IB Diploma.
Typical cost of a Foundation course would be cheaper than an A-level due to the duration. In the UK Foundation fees are between £10,000 - £18,000, Australia it is typically around A$25,000 and in Malaysia around RM18,000 per year.
IEC represents ALL Foundation programmes available for international students in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. So feel free to connect with us once you have your SPM results! The options are boundless! What about the USA and Canada you ask? Yes, you can enter with SPM directly into certain US universities without the required SATs or 12 years of secondary study.
For Canada, IEC represents two universities Simon Frasier University in Vancouver and University of Manitoba that has a special international foundation for students with SPM or IGCSEs qualifications. The cost of living and fees in USA and Canada can range anywhere from RM90,000 (in Manitoba) to about RM180,000 (in American University, Washington), depending on which part of the US or Canada you apply to. Singapore private institutions also offer a range of pathways from SPM and Malaysian private institutions offer Foundation, A-levels and Diplomas as well.
Private institution tuition fees in Singapore are about a third of Australian fees and a student can manage to live and study in Singapore with about RM90,000 per year.
So what results do I need to enter pre-university, you ask? All you need is a minimum of 5 credits in academic subjects. There are slight variations depending on which course you are taking up but 5 credits will generally get you into most Foundation programmes.
What if I do not want to study anything academic? Well then, have you thought about the hospitality line? Master Chef on TV has had a huge impact on the hospitality, tourism and culinary arts industry. Entry requirements into a Diploma of Hospitality in BHMS Switzerland or Le Cordon Bleu only require a student to be 18 years of age and have completed high school. Their courses are also structured differently, for example a student studies for 6 months, and gains practical work experience in the next 6 months. Hospitality school fees and cost of living are typically €29000 per year.
So there you have it, a comprehensive guide to your options after SPM. It is not as daunting after all right? Remember our doors are always open here at IEC if you need a calming hand and a reassurance that there is a pathway suitable for you.
About the writer>>>
Jasmine Leong is the Executive Director and Senior Education Consultant at IEC. IEC offers free advice, counselling and application procedures to over 100 colleges and universities in Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, Singapore and Malaysia. Call 088 212939 for your appointment time and bring along your SPM results.
Since 1981 IEC has been offering English Language courses and Further Studies Counselling and Application Services to over 100 colleges and Universities
Address: Sunny Garden, Mile 1 1/2, Tuaran Road
Telephone: 088-212 939 Website: www.iec.com.my
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