Your Guide to Studying Overseas After SPM (2025 Edition)

Why Study Overseas After SPM?

Thinking about heading overseas after completing your secondary school? You're not alone. Every year, many Malaysian students take this route—some for the adventure, others for better career opportunities, and plenty because they simply want a different kind of learning experience. But going abroad isn’t just about buying a plane ticket. There are multiple study routes to consider, each with its own pros and cons.

Don’t worry, Afterschool has got you covered with this all-in-one guide!

This article will cover: what your options are, how much you might need to spend, and which universities are open to students like you.

Pathway Breakdown: Understanding Your Options

Full Overseas Degree

This means you’ll complete your entire degree abroad, usually after doing a pre-university programme like A-Levels, IB or Foundation here in Malaysia.

• Why it works: You get the full international experience, more flexibility in courses, and access to all on-campus resources. In some countries, completing a degree also opens up the possibility of staying to work. For example, the UK offers a Graduate Route visa that lets you work for up to 2 years after graduation, while Australia has the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). New Zealand and Canada offer similar post-study work pathways, making it easier to gain international experience.
• What to watch out for: The cost of living and tuition fees are generally higher than studying locally. For example, in the UK, students can expect to pay around RM120,000–RM180,000 per year in tuition alone, not including living expenses like rent, food and transportation which can add another RM60,000–RM80,000 annually. You’ll also need to prepare for visa requirements, health insurance, proof of financial support, and sometimes even English language tests (like IELTS).

Twinning Programmes (2+1, 3+0, etc.)

Twinning means you split your studies between Malaysia and a foreign university. A 2+1 program, for example, means two years here and one overseas. A 3+0 lets you finish everything in Malaysia but still earn a foreign degree.

• Why it works: It’s more budget-friendly since you’ll pay lower tuition and living costs for the years spent in Malaysia. It also gives you access to international teaching styles, resources, and cultural exposure without committing to a full three years abroad. You’ll still experience overseas learning and campus life during your final year (for 2+1), which helps with a smoother transition if you plan to work or study further overseas.
• What to watch out for: Limited course options, and sometimes fewer campus-life experiences depending on the local institution’s facilities and offerings.

Credit Transfer or Top-Up Degrees

Here, you’d typically complete a diploma locally and then transfer your credits to finish the final part of your degree overseas.

• Why it works: A good option if you’ve already done a diploma and want to study abroad without starting from scratch. It’s more cost-effective since you only need to fund one to two years overseas. You’ll still get international exposure, experience a new learning environment, and earn a foreign degree—while saving time and money.
• What to watch out for: Not all diplomas are recognised, and some credit transfers may not transfer over.

Fast-Track Masters Programmes

Some universities offer integrated degrees that combine your undergraduate and postgraduate studies. One example is UOSM’s 2+2 engineering route that leads directly to a Master’s.

• Why it works: Saves time and money by letting you complete both degrees in a shorter period—often four years instead of five or more. You’ll graduate with a higher qualification, which can boost your employability and give you an edge when applying for jobs or further studies.
• What to watch out for: These programmes can be intense, so be prepared to commit.

Studying in the UK

The UK remains one of the top picks for Malaysian students. The degrees are internationally respected, and with the Graduate Route visa, you can stay and work in the UK for up to two years after finishing your studies.

How students usually get there:

• Pre-university options like A-Levels or Foundation in Malaysia
• Twinning or credit transfer programmes with UK partner universities

The UK also has branch campuses in Malaysia (like Nottingham and Reading), so you can begin locally and transfer later, or even finish your whole degree here.

University Comparisons: UK Institutions with Malaysian Pathways

• University of Southampton Malaysia (UOSM): Known for its 2+2 engineering track. You start in Malaysia and finish in the UK with a master’s degree.
• Heriot-Watt University: Through the Go Global programme, Heriot-Watt students can study in the UK or Dubai for a semester, a year, or longer. Those transferring from Malaysia to the UK under this programme receive a 20% tuition fee discount.
• University of Reading Malaysia: Offers flexible transfer pathways with multiple combinations to complete your degree in Malaysia or the UK.
• University of Nottingham Malaysia: Gives students the option to transfer to the UK or China campuses. Strong in Pharmacy, Business and Engineering.

These unis are closely linked to their UK counterparts—same syllabus, same assessments, and you graduate with the exact same degree.

Cost Considerations

Let’s focus on how much it will cost to study in the UK:

Tuition Fees (per year):

Approximately RM70,000 to RM115,000, depending on the course and university

Living Expenses:

Around RM50,000 to RM80,000 per year, covering accommodation, food, transport and day-to-day spending

Student Visa:

About RM2,000 to RM3,000, including application fees and healthcare surcharge

Flights:

RM2,500 to RM5,000 for a return trip, depending on season and airline

Additional Costs:

Textbooks, laptop, clothing, student insurance, and society fees (budget RM3,000–RM7,000 extra)

Scholarships Tip: Many UK universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students. Some twinning partners in Malaysia also provide discounts or partial sponsorships for the final year abroad. Research is key!

Things to Look Out For

Before you commit, check these boxes:

• Is the degree recognised by MQA or global education bodies?
• What is the university’s reputation like? Look at rankings and alumni reviews.
• Visa timelines and requirements? These vary from country to country.
• Is there support for international students? Things like housing, counselling, and career help matter.

Final Thoughts: How to Decide What’s Right for You

Not everyone’s journey looks the same. Some prefer a full overseas experience, others might do a year or two locally before transferring. Your budget, goals and field of study will all shape what’s best for you.

The key? Start planning early. Form 5 is a great time to begin exploring your options, attending education fairs, and reaching out to counsellors.

With the right research and support, studying overseas doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it could be the best decision you ever make.