The Most Comprehensive Guideline to UPU

Public universities are owned by the government and is by far the most popular choice for tertiary education among Malaysian students. There are 3 types of public universities - Research Universities, Comprehensive Universities and Focus Universities. Malaysian students who wish to enroll in most public universities (except when applying for First Degree at USM, UiTM and UM) are obliged to update their details via UPU.

How to apply to USM and what will happen to my UPU application if I apply for USM?

What if I want to study in UPM?

I want something more technical. How do I apply for polytechnic?

Facts about UPU

Everything you need to know about UPU is available in these series of frequently asked questions (FAQ):

UPU FAQ Part 1

UPU FAQ Part 2

More info on how you can find the official facts about UPU:

Attend fairs organized by The Ministry of Higher Education: http://afterschool.my/jom-masuk-u-one-of-a-kind-educational-fair-for-spm-stpm-leavers/

Please also check http://upu.mohe.gov.my/  from time to time for more updates.

Eligibility

So how do you know if you can apply for public universities via UPU?

1. You are a Malaysian citizen.

2. Applicants with permanent resident status may still apply. However, non-Malaysian students with qualifications that is equivalent to STPM may apply directly to their desired institutions.

3. Have the required qualifications

For SPM leavers: you will need a minimum of 5 credits including in Malay Language and a pass in History.

For STPM leavers: you will need a pass in SPM (or equivalent examination), a minimum of PNGK 2.00 and at least

• Grade C (NGMP 2.00) in General Studies, and
• Grade C (NGMP 2.00) for two (2) other subjects, or
• At least a PNGK 2.00 at the Matriculation/Foundation level year 2013; or
• Received at least a Jayyid Ranking for Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia STAM year 2013 or 2012; or
• Holds a Diploma or other equivalent certification acknowledged by the Malaysian Government and certified by the IPTA Senate; or
• Passed STPM Year 2012 and previous years with at least a Grade C (NGMP 2.00) for three (3) subjects including General Studies or Matriculation/Foundation Year 2012 and the prior with at least PNGK 2.00 or STAM year 2011 and prior with at least a Jayyid Ranking; and
• Acquired at least a Band 1 for the Malaysian University English Test (MUET).

Which category do I fall into when applying with the UPU?

Category A: Candidates who are applying using results from SPM 2014

Category B: Candidates who are applying using results from SPM 2012 or 2013

Category C: Candidates who are applying using results from SPM 2011 or prior or holders of equivalent certificates recognized by the IPTA

Category D: Candidates who are applying using results from: SPM 2011 with a re-take SPM 2012 certificate or, SPM 2012 with a re-take SPM 2013 certificate or, SPM 2013 with a re-take SPM 2014 certificate

University/Courses Available

What are the courses available for me?

For graduates of SPM: http://afterschool.my/upu-application-available-courses-for-spm-leavers-equivalent/

For graduates of STPM/Matriculation/Diploma:http://afterschool.my/upu-application-available-courses-for-diploma-holders/

Students can also first check the courses they qualify through the iMASCU website. The site gives possible course matches based on your subject scores. Read more about steps to find the most perfect course for you here: http://afterschool.my/how-to-know-if-you-qualify-for-a-course-offered-by-a-malaysian-public-university/

Registration (Phase 1) and Update Process (Phase 2)

General guidelines

It really is as easy as identifying which category you are in, purchasing a unique PIN and submitting an online application.

Find out how to get your unique PIN here:

http://afterschool.my/how-to-purchase-pin-for-your-upu-application-for-ipta-public-universities/

The cost of PIN for your UPU application may differ depending on what course/programme you choose and which category you fall into. Find more information here.

Need more information? Click these links:

More helpful tips in filling and updating the UPU form online: http://afterschool.my/tips-upu-form/

What to consider when choosing your dream course: http://afterschool.my/7-key-takeaways-from-nst-career-talks/

Some course applications will require an interview with a board of examiners. Here is what you need to know: http://afterschool.my/interview-schedules-for-upu-applicants-spm-leavers-out-today/

What's Next?

1. Be vigilant

There are many people looking for an opportunity to make a quick buck, so be careful. If it seems too good to be true, then there is a high chance that the claims are false.

The Malaysian Ministry of Education has made an announcement in response to the free passes and fake offer letters that have been distributed to students. The Ministry has advised students to beware and not fall prey to the information specified in these effort to scam and phish for information.

Read more here:

Ministry of Education asks students to beware of false free-passes

Malaysian Ministry of Education asks students to be cautious of fake offer letters

Hundreds of thousands of students and parents fall prey to scholarship scams annually and these victims suffer the loss of millions of dollars collectively. Scam operations usually imitate legitimate government agencies, scholarship matching services, education lenders and grant-giving foundations, utilizing official-sounding words in their names such as "Federal", "National", "Foundation" or "Administration".

Avoid being the victim of fake sponsorship or scholarship scams by reading this article.

2. What if I do not wish to take the course offered to me?

If applicants reject the offer from one university they will NOT get any offers from other universities as UPU adheres to the One Offer Policy. Students will not be entertained for the appeal process as it is only applicable for those who are not offered a placement in IPTA.

UPU practices one offer policy and lepasan SPM results to be announced

3. What to do if my application was rejected?

MOE also states that selection of students is based on a meritocracy policy, implemented by applying 90% academic marks and 10% marks for generating merit in extra-curricular activities.

Read more here:

Ministry of Education Clarifies Student Recruitment Policy to public universities

Why Some UPU Candidates Didn't Get the University or Offer They Want

4. Submit an appeal

It should be noted that only applicants who did not receive any offers can make an application for appeal and the appeal offer is limited as it is aimed at filling any existing vacancies.

Appeals can be made online through https://online.mohe.gov.my/upu/onlinerayuanupu/ Make sure to pay attention the the announced closing date. Results of the appeal application will usually be out by mid-June. If no offer is received from the public universities after the date of registration, the appeal is considered failed.

5. Consider private options

Cheer up! It is not the end of the world. If you are truly serious about pursuing a tertiary education, Malaysia in it's aim to become an international hub for education have many other options to choose from. Why not consider a private education?

Have more questions?

Find out if they have been answered here: UPU Articles and News Archive