Pre-U Match: Internal vs External Qualifications

by StudyMalaysia.com on October 21, 2016 | Top Stories, Pre-University Programmes & Foundation Studies

External qualifications like A levels, IB or STPM give students more options when deciding on what and where to study. These qualifications are accepted around the world so students can have many choices when it comes to courses as well as university or college. It is an big advantage for students who still haven't quite decided where or what course they want to study.

External Pre-University Qualification	Qualification Awarding Body and Country of Origin
Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	Malaysian Examination Board, Malaysia
University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) for AS and A2 Levels	CIE, UK
Edexcel International Advanced Level	Edexcel, UK
South Australian Matriculation (SAM)	SACE, Australia
Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT)	Curriculum Council of Western Australia
New South Wales High School Certificate	Board of Studies, New South Wales, Australia
Canadian International Matriculation Programme (CIMP)	Ontario Secondary School Diploma, Ministry of Education Ontario, Canada
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme	IB Board of Governors, IBO

In contrast, students who already know what they want to pursue could benefit from internal qualifications like foundation or matriculation programmes. Students will be introduced to subjects they will study at bachelor's degree level; and the programme usually takes only 10-12 months to complete. For most foundation courses at private higher education institutions in Malaysia, entry into first year of a degree programme is automatic as along as the student passes all the required exams.

Internal Pre-University Qualification	Qualification Awarding Body and Country of Origin
Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)	Monash University
University of New South Wales (UNSM) Foundation Year	University of New South Wales
Degree foundation courses (offered by public HEIs)	Internal qualification awarded by public HEIs in Malaysia
Degree foundation courses (offered by private HEIs)	Internal qualification awarded by private HEIs in Malaysia
Matriculation certificate	Ministry of Education Malaysia

Find out more about the pros and cons of various pre-U programmes and how to choose the programme that suits you best in the all-new .

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Source: Education Guide Malaysia 14th Ed.

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