UTM to terminate diploma programme

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) will no longer offer a diploma programme for SPM graduates beginning this year's intake.

Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) UTM, Prof. Dr. Rose Alinda Alias said that they had to come to the difficult decision to terminate the diploma programme in parallel with their status as a Research University should provide more focus on post-graduate studies as outlined in the Higher Education Blueprint 2015-2025.

"In it's place UTM is deliberating to offer a Foundation programme for SPM graduates. The Senate has approved the program and w have prepared the curriculum which is not being carried out yet because we are still offering the diploma programme," she said.

However, she also said that SPM graduates enroll for diploma programmes at polytechnic colleges and technical universities in Malaysia such as Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM) or Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).

Prof. Dr. Rose Alinda mentioned that there are four channels to be able to enroll in a degree program at UTM which are:

• STPM
• Matriculation Programme
• Local University's Foundation Programme
• Local University's Diploma Programme

"Postgraduate diploma holders can transfer their credits on admission to pursue a degree in UTM," she said.