STPM vs Matriculation vs Asasi: The Ultimate Showdown

In a time where success seems to come to those of a younger age, many school-going students already feel the premature pressure of making the right choice when it comes to college or university. The first step, of course, is choosing the right pre-university course, and there are three extremely popular options offered by the government: STPM and Matriculation via the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Asasi via the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). So which one should you choose? Here, we break down the must-know details and help you make the right first step.

1. Requirements

STPM: At least a grade C for three subjects, or at least a grade C in two subjects and a pass in four subjects.

Matrikulasi: 

• Science Stream
  - C in Bahasa Melayu
  - C in English
  - B in Mathematics
  - C in Additional Mathematics
  - C in Chemistry
  - C in either one (1) of the following subjects:
  1. Physics
  2. Biology
• Accountancy Stream:
  - C in Bahasa Melayu
  - C in English
  - C in Mathematics
  - E in Additional Mathematics
  - C in either two (2) of the following subjects:
  1. Prinsip Akaun
  2. Basic Economics
  3. Entrepreneurship
  4. Perdagangan (Commerce)
  5. Additional Science
  6. Physics
  7. Chemistry
  8. Biology
  9. Technical-related subjects
  
  
• Technical Stream:
  - C in Bahasa Melayu
  - C in English
  - B in Mathematics
  - C in Additional Mathematics
  - C in Physics
  - C in either one (1) of the Technical subjects
  - E in Chemistry
  - B in Technical Drawings

The minimum qualification requirement for a two-year Matriculation programme:
- C in Bahasa Melayu
- C in English
- C in Mathematics
- C in Chemistry
- D in Mathematics
- C in either one (1) of the following subjects:
- Physics
- Biology

Asasi: The requirements for Asasi are much more direct and differ based on which university you apply to. Some have higher standards, and some have lower ones. All of them can be checked via the UPU online system.

2. Duration

STPM: STPM itself takes 18 months in total, with only one intake in May every year. However, it should be noted that if you intend to apply to a public university, you would have to wait another 6 months, putting the total at 24 months.

Matrikulasi: Matrikulasi has two programmes with different durations:
- One Year Programme (or Program Satu Tahun, in short, PST): 12 months
- Two-Year Programme (Program Dua Tahun, in short, PDT): 24 months

Asasi: The Asasi programme lasts only one year.

3. Structure

STPM: STPM is divided into three parts, with each part consisting of ONE term (One part = One term).
School-based assessments (projects, practical) count for 20-40% of your total grade, whereas standard or centralised examinations count for 60-80% of your grade, varying with each subject. There will be 23 different subjects to choose from, ranging from Arabic Language to Information and Communications Technology. However, you can only take up to a maximum of five subjects, including the compulsory General Studies.

Matrikulasi: Streams for Matrikulasi:
- Science stream (one-year PST or two-year PDT): For Science stream students, ONLY
- Accounting stream (one-year PST only): For Science & Arts Stream Students
- Technical stream (one-year PST only): For students from technical schools.
Your final grade is a combination of classroom assignments & examinations.

Asasi: Exams are done on a semester basis. Depending on the IPTA, there may be additional exams. For example, IIUM requires a test in the Arabic language through the Arabic Placement Test (APT).
Grades are based on the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) system. The highest CGPA is 4.0, and students are expected to obtain 2.0 and above to be able to move on to their respective degree programmes.

4. Intakes

STPM: The STPM registration usually opens in January and is done once enrolled in a school. Candidates may refer to the STPM calendar published on MEC's portal: http://www.mpm.edu.my. The announcements are also made in the local media.

Matrikulasi: Application for matrikulasi can be done via https://matrikulasi.moe.gov.my/system/permohonan/index.cfm.

Asasi: Applications for Asasi are made online through UPU.

5. Grading System

STPM: Each grade carries a specific Subject Grade Point (SGP), with 4.00 (Grade A) as the highest. Your overall SGP will be aggregated by taking into account your four highest SGPs. Don't get confused; an SGP is not too dissimilar to a CGPA. 

Matrikulasi: Grading is similar to those of public universities, where the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is used to assess your performance. Your final CGPA grade is computed from all your Grade Point Averages (GPA), which you will obtain every semester. (Grades: CGPA = A-: 3.67, B+: 3.33, B: 3.00, B-: 2.67, etc).

Asasi: Grades are based on the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) system. The highest CGPA is 4.0, and students are expected to obtain 2.0 and above. This is similar to the grading system in Matrikulasi. 

6. Cost

STPM: Less than RM1,000

Matrikulasi: Registration Fee of LESS than RM600 based on chosen stream. Semester-based allowance of RM1,250.00.

Asasi: The tuition fees are subsidised by the government. The registration fee must still be paid for some institutions (e.g. UM's fee is around RM800.00). The allowance also varies based on the institution (UM's allowance is RM1,250.00, with accommodation and tuition also paid for).

7. Who is it for?

STPM:
You’re Looking for a Budget Option
STPM may be complex and comprehensive, but it comes bundled with a price tag that would make other options stare with envy. The total cost of STPM doesn’t even cross the RM1,000 mark, making it an incredible choice for students who are cost-conscious (EVERY student, basically).
You Don’t Know if you Want to Study Locally or Abroad.
If you’re still undecided whether you want to proceed to study at an IPTA or overseas, then STPM would be the best option as far as pre-programmes go. It’s accepted in every public university in Malaysia, and widely accepted overseas as well, leaving you with a multitude of options when you finally do graduate.
You’re Up for a Challenge
While STPM may not be as tricky as the exaggerated manner some have perceived it, it’s no walk in the park. There is no such thing as an easy pre-university course, but STPM IS one of the more difficult ones, requiring effort both in and out of the classroom. Be prepared to think outside the box!

Matrikulasi: 
You Want a Well-Rounded Education
Matrikulasi provides emphasis on the three cornerstones of a pre-university course, namely examinations, cocurricular activities as well as character/personality development. Students looking for something more than just 100% exams should consider this option.
You Want a Fast Option Towards a Degree
With the one-year option, you have the fastest route to obtaining a Degree as far as pre-university courses go (Only SACE/AUSMAT is shorter). If you want to get a head start by gaining your Degree as fast as possible, Matrikulasi is a perfect option.
You’re Looking for a Budget Option
Matrikulasi is actually FREE (With the exception of the registration fee, you will have to pay a nominal fee of less than RM600).

Asasi: 
You Know Exactly What to Study
Asasi leaves little wriggle room to change your chosen course. Like a foundation programme, it's for those who know exactly what field they want to go into and have next to no doubts about it because it is tailor-made by some universities as a prep for their degree programme; even switching universities is challenging.
You Want a Fast Option Towards a Degree
Like Matrikulasi, this is an accelerated programme that will last you only a year.
You’re Looking for a Budget OptionLike Matrikulasi as well, the programme is subsidised by to government.

8. Who it isn't for

STPM: 
You Want a Fast Pre-U Course
While STPM may only be an 18-month course from the start to the release of results, you will need to wait an additional 5-6 months for public university intakes, a total of 2 years. If you’re looking for the fastest route to a Degree, then this isn’t it.
You Don’t Test Well
Some students fare much better with classroom activities and assignments, and they truly flourish during programmes that emphasise this. STPM is NOT one of those pre-university courses, with a heavy emphasis on exams being the name of the game.
You Can’t Handle Pressure
With the aura of increasing difficulty surrounding STPM, you’ll constantly hear people talk about how tough it is and how much effort you’ll have to put in. If you’re someone who handles pressure horribly and cannot take it, then perhaps STPM is not the way for you to go.

Matrikulasi: 
Your Dream is to Study Abroad
Matrikulasi is meant for students who want to continue studying at public universities. If you want to study overseas, recognition is given by countries like Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, among others; however, this is only at select universities in specific courses. It is not the ideal choice if you have your heart set on going abroad, although do note that it is still possible.
You Want the Full College Experience
While STPM students are now allowed to use everyday civilian clothing to class, Matrikulasi students still need to prep up in formal attire. While this is but a small detail, some may be put off by this.

Asasi: 
You Want to go Overseas
Asasi is tailor-made to continue with a degree programme at the chosen university. While going overseas is technically possible, it is difficult.
You Don't Know What To Study
While pre-u courses like STPM still give you time to figure out what you like and prefer, an Asasi programme will limit your options. If you aren't sure about what field to pursue as of yet, it might be best to look elsewhere.