What’s Changing in Matrikulasi 2025? A Guide for SPM Students

For years, the Malaysian Matrikulasi programme has been a fast-track option into public universities. With Matrikulasi results being released in just a few days, thousands of students are about to find out whether they’ve secured a spot in the programme. For those still weighing their options, or those unsure what Matrikulasi really offers, this year’s updates could be the deciding factor.

If you’re a recent SPM leaver or just trying to understand what all the buzz is about, here’s what you need to know!

What Is Matrikulasi?

Matrikulasi is a pre-university programme run by the Ministry of Education. It’s offered through government-run matriculation colleges and serves as a direct route into degree programmes at public universities (IPTA) through the UPU system.

The programme typically lasts for:

• One year (Program Satu Tahun / PST)
• Or two years (Program Dua Tahun / PDT), usually for students from rural or B40 backgrounds.

Under the programme, tuition fees are covered, living allowances are provided, and several academic streams are offered, ranging from Science, Accounting, Engineering, and now, Computer Science.

The Historical Quota System

Since 2005, Matrikulasi has operated under a 90:10 ethnic quota, 90% of places are reserved for Bumiputera students, while the remaining 10% are for non-Bumiputera applicants. While technically open to all, this quota made it extremely competitive for non-Bumiputera students to gain entry, even if they had excellent grades.

In 2024, a group of 69 non-Bumiputera students with 10 A’s in SPM were initially rejected from Matrikulasi. The backlash prompted public figures and education groups to pressure the government for more equitable policies.

What Changed in 2025?

1. Automatic Admission for 10A+ SPM Students

The government announced that students who score 10 A’s or more in SPM will now be guaranteed a spot in Matrikulasi, regardless of race. This policy was introduced in response to long-standing complaints that high-achieving non-Bumiputera students were unfairly left out due to the quota system.

While this doesn’t remove the 90:10 policy entirely, it creates a significant exception for top scorers, opening the door for more merit-based access.

2. New Stream: Computer Science

Matrikulasi has introduced a Computer Science stream for the 2025/2026 session, aligning with Malaysia’s digital economy goals. This timely addition pairs well with the increasing demand for tech skills in today’s job market.

Students in this stream can expect a focus on programming, data structures, and computational thinking, offering a more targeted path into ICT-related degrees at university.

3. Improved Financial Support

To reduce economic barriers, the government confirmed that students from B40 and M40 households (combined income below RM10,000) will receive a living allowance of RM1,250 per semester. This makes Matrikulasi not only academically accessible but also financially manageable for more families.

So, How Do These Changes Affect You?

If you’re a student who just sat for SPM and got strong results, Matrikulasi has become a more attractive option. The new policy recognises academic effort, particularly for students who achieve 10 A’s or more, and can serve as a free, fast, and focused path to a public university degree.

Even if you didn’t get 10 A’s, you still have a chance to enter! However, it will remain competitive for non-Bumiputera applicants due to the existing quota. In such cases, it’s smart to also explore STPM, Foundation, or Diploma programmes while waiting for Matrikulasi results.

The addition of Computer Science and improved living allowances also signal a shift in how the programme is evolving, moving beyond its traditional mould to meet current industry and student needs.

Are There Still Concerns?

Yes. While many have praised the automatic admission policy for top scorers, critics argue that the quota system remains intact for the rest. Students and civil society groups continue to push for a fully merit-based selection process.

There’s also concern over inconsistent implementation, with some students reporting confusion about eligibility or unclear communication from the authorities. Public trust will depend on how fairly and transparently these reforms are rolled out.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 reforms to the Matrikulasi programme are a step in the right direction. They offer greater recognition for academic excellence and signal a shift toward inclusivity, without completely dismantling the existing quota framework.

For students, especially those from high-performing but underrepresented backgrounds, this may be the most accessible Matrikulasi intake in years. But it also reinforces the importance of applying early, understanding your options, and preparing backup plans, whether that’s STPM, Foundation, or a Diploma.

If you’re unsure where you stand, now’s the time to start researching your next step.