The Dilemma

By: Anis Athirah Bt. Muhamad Razuhanafi

What should I do following the SPM? Should I pursue a foundation or a diploma? These are just a few of the questions that students have after receiving their SPM results. Secondary students have entered a new phase after receiving their SPM results whereby they will be faced with the dilemma of which pathway to choose when furthering their studies. Worry not, it is actually the same dilemma that each student will get every time they finish their school.

It may be overwhelming for some students to be faced with so many options; therefore, it is critical for each student to consider what works best for them. Overall, each programme is tailored to the specific learning needs of each student. Make your research on each programme you are interested in and you are good to go!

Regardless of the other programmes available in Malaysia, pursuing a diploma programme has become one of the most appealing options for Malaysian students because it provides a higher qualification than pre-university or foundation programmes, and it can also be considered the equivalent of a first year degree.

Have you heard that studying for a diploma after SPM is a quick way to enter the workforce? This is what "equivalent of a first-year degree" means, as you are qualified to work in any company after completing your diploma programme, as most employers nowadays accept diploma holders. Pre-university programmes prepare you for your degree so that you are job ready, whereas a diploma allows you to enter the workforce immediately after completion.

Why is a diploma a quick way to enter the workforce when it takes much longer to graduate than a foundation? This is due to the fact that a diploma typically takes 2-3 years to complete and is often considered equivalent to the first year of a university degree. Meanwhile, a foundation course is a one-year programme that is one level below a diploma. Because diplomas have a longer study period, you'll end up learning far more subjects than a foundation course, which is designed to teach you only the fundamentals of your chosen degree. As a result, a diploma certificate can be used as a standalone credential, whereas a foundation qualification is typically used only as an entry requirement for a degree. It means that once students complete their foundation, they must progress to the next level of education, which is a degree programme, to make it a stand-alone credential for them to apply for work.

If you have a limited budget for furthering your studies, diploma programmes are the way to go because they do not require you to complete a degree before working. INTEC Education College provides the quickest diploma track in Malaysia, which takes two years to complete. As a result, it is the quickest way to enter the workforce and can help alleviate the financial burden on students. Students can also receive a rebate when they register.

INTEC Education College launched INTEC Shared Future in March 2022, an initiative to provide scholarships to orphans and the less fortunate pursuing diploma programmes. It is a community-giving initiative with the goal of allocating funds to projects with long-term and sustainable impacts. Those who enrol in any Diploma programme at INTEC Education College under the INTEC Shared Future (ISF) will be equipped with a wide range of skills and connected to industries for better career opportunities. Diploma in Business Management, Diploma in Public Governance, Diploma in Scientific Hala Practices, Diploma in Accounting, and Diploma in Islamic Finance are the five diploma programmes available. The best part is that it is an all-inclusive sponsorship. All you have to do is give it your all to achieve success!

With so many additional benefits to pursuing a diploma, it's no surprise that an increasing number of students are choosing to study a diploma over a foundation course. However, keep in mind that your decision should be based on the field you intend to pursue and whether you require all of the benefits that a diploma can provide. Remember that you will be the one facing the study journey, so make an informed decision.