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How to Study in Australia after SPM for Malaysian Student?

In order to enrol in a Bachelor’s degree program in Australian universities, Malaysian students need to have an STPM, or equivalent qualification (Alevel, SMA etc.). Instead, SPM graduates can go through a foundation course before they start their undergraduate studies. Here’s the pathway of how:

Pathway for Malaysia Students to Study in Australia after SPM

The Benefits

The foundation course is a preparation course for students who didn’t meet the academic requirements to enter an undergraduate course at a university.

Instead of taking Form 6 or the matriculation (pre-university), many students now choose to take foundation courses in Australia after their SPM. Here are some of the benefits:

  • 1-year of time saving than prepare to sit for STPM
  • Specifically designed for international students
  • Fills any knowledge gaps between secondary school and university
  • Located on the campus of top Australian universities
  • Guaranteed your university place
  • Flexible start dates and programs throughout the year

The Study Options after SPM

Based on your SPM results and English proficiency level, you can enroll to the foundation course with different course durations. The foundation course offers in many disciplines, your choice of subjects is dependent on the degree program you want to progress to at the University.

Timeline of Malaysian Student studying foundation course in Australia after SPM

Depending on the individual institutions, the course duration are varies, here are the typical foundation courses like:

  • Extended foundation program (usually about 60 to 72weeks)
  • Standard foundation program (usually about 36 to 54weeks)
  • Advanced foundation program (usually about 30 to 39 weeks)

After the foundation course, you can enter a

  • Bachelor’s degree that typically runs for 3 years (4 years for honours degree)
  • A double degree that can take 3-4 years

What are the Universities Offering Foundation Courses

Below are 4 Australian Universities which are offering foundation courses as a pathway to bachelor’s degree:

University of Sydney

Intensive FoundationStandard FoundationExtended Foundation
SPM Result Requirementaggregate of 15 or less across 5 academic subjectsaggregate of 20 or less across 5 academic subjectsaggregate of 30 or less across 5 academic subjects
Program Duration39 weeks52 weeks72 weeks
IntakesApril, OctoberFebruary, July February, August
Progression to Bachelor's Degree inArchitecture, design and planning, Arts and social sciences, Business, Education and social work, Engineering and computer science, Law, Medicine and health, Music, Science

Check your eligibility for Scholarship in University of Sydney ➜

University of Western Australia

Advanced FoundationStandard FoundationExtended Foundation
SPM Result Requirementaggregate of 15 or less across 5 academic subjectsaggregate of 20 or less across 5 academic subjectsaggregate of 30 or less across 5 academic subjects
Program Duration30 weeks40 weeks60 weeks
IntakesApril, OctoberJanuary, JulyJanuary, July
Progression to Bachelor's Degree inArts (including Humanities and Communication and Media Studies), Biomedical Science, Commerce, Science, Engineering Science

Check your eligibility for Scholarship in University of Western Australia ➜

Flinders University

Standard FoundationExtended Foundation
SPM Result Requirementaggregate of 30 or less across 5 academic subjectsaggregate of 35 or less across 5 academic subjects
Program Duration32 weeks50 weeks
IntakesFebruary, June, October February, June, October
Progression to Bachelor's Degree inBusiness, Creative Arts, Education, Engineering, Government, Health Sciences, Humanities, Information Technology, Law & Criminology, Medicine, Nursing, Psychology, Science, Social Science, Social Work

Check your eligibility for Scholarship in Flinders University ➜

Australia National University

Rapid FoundationStandard FoundationExtended Foundation
SPM Result Requirementaggregate of 20 or less across 5 academic subjectsaggregate of 20 or less across 5 academic subjectsaggregate of 30 or less across 5 academic subjects
Program Duration37 weeks50 weeks58 weeks
IntakesApril, OctoberJanuary, JulyMay, November
Progression Bachelor's Degree inArts & Social Sciences, Asia & the Pacific Studies, Business & Economics, Engineering & Computer Science, Law, Science

Check your eligibility for Scholarship in ANU ➜

Application Documents for Foundation Courses

  1. Application Form
    The application form with your personal details and course preference.
  2. Academic Qualifications
    Your previous academic qualifications (SPM transcript with a minimum average D/C in all academic subjects).
  3. English Language Proficiency
    Certified level of English language proficiency. You can get this condition waived if you have a  C/B English SPM depending on the institution and whether standard/fast track foundations. Otherwise, you will need to provide proof of a minimum IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.
  4. Next Step
    Once the institution has accepted your application, they will issue a letter of offer to you. After you accept the offer, a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) will be issued (usually after your tuition fee received by the institution). The CoE is essential for process your Australia student visa with the authorised visa office.

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