SPM results were released, and now, students have slowly begun to think about their next step in life. If you intend to go on to obtain a Degree, your first step will be obtaining a pre-university qualification. We at afterschool.my, will do comparisons between some of the most popular pre-university courses. Today, we will compare two extremely popular options for students looking to get into public universities & a cost effective method, Matrikulasi & Asasi.

Now, lets find out.

What are the requirements needed?

The requirements of Asasi are direct but not the same for every university – Image via Pixabay

Matrikulasi

The requirements for Matrikulasi slightly more complicated, as they employ a merit based system. You may refer to the official website of the Ministry of Education (MOE) to read about them in detail.

 Asasi

The requirements for Asasi are much more direct, and differ based on which university you apply to. Some have higher requirements, and some have lower ones. All of them though can be checked via the UPU system.

How long will they be?

Matrikulasi

Matrikulasi has two programmes with different durations:

•One Year Programme (or, Program Satu Tahun, in short, PST): 12 months• Two Year Programme (Program Dua Tahun, in short, PDT): 24 months

Asasi

The Asasi programme lasts only one year.

What will they look like?

The final grade for Matrikulasi depends on the student’s assignments and exams – Image via Pixabay

Matrikulasi

Streams for Matrikulasi:

• Science stream (one-year PST or two-year PDT): For Science stream students, ONLY
• Accounting stream (one-year PST only): For Science & Arts Stream Students
• Technical stream (one-year PST only): For students from technical schools.

Your final grade is a combination of classroom assignments & examinations.

Asasi

Exams are done on a semester basis. Depending on the IPTA, there may be additional exams. For example, IIUM requires a test in the Arabic language through the Arabic Placement Test (APT).

Grades are based on the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) system. The highest CGPA is 4.0, and students are expected to obtain 2.0 and above to be able to move on to their respective degree programmes.

When are the intakes?

Both Matrikulasi and Asasi require you to apply online – Image via Pixabay

Matrikulasi

May intake (Applications have to be made online on the official website which will be opened around the month of July – November)

Click HERE to know more about the Matriculation Guide?.

Asasi

Applications for Asasi is made online through Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) website, and will be open around February each year.

How will you be graded?

The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) system is used to assess your performance – Image via Pixabay

Matrikulasi

Grading is similar to those of public universities, where the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) is used to assess your performance. Your final CGPA grade is computed from all your Grade Point Averages (GPA) which you will obtain every semester. (Grades: CGPA = A- : 3.67, B+: 3.33, B: 3.00, B-: 2.67).

 Asasi

Grades are based on the cumulative grade point average (CGPA) system. The highest CGPA is 4.0, and students are expected to obtain 2.0 and above.

How much do they cost?

Before you choose, you need to check between the cost and financial benefits – Image via Pixabay

Matrikulasi

Registration Fee is LESS than RM600. Semester based allowance of RM250.

 Asasi

The tuition fees are subsidised by the government. In addition, students will be given an allowance of RM1, 250 per semester. RM350 per semester for tuition fees and RM360 per semester for accommodation are also awarded. Students stay in hostels that are provided by the universities.

Who is it for?

Consider making a checklist for what you want and don’t want when choosing between Matrikulasi or Asasi – Image via Pixabay

Matrikulasi

• You Want a Well-Rounded Education

Matrikulasi provides emphasis on the three cornerstones of a pre-university course, namely examinations, cocurricular activities as well as character/personality development. Students looking for something more than just 100% exams should consider this option.

• You Want a Fast Option Towards a Degree

With the one year option, you potentially have the fastest route to obtaining a Degree as far as pre-university courses go (Only SACE/AUSMAT is shorter). If you want to get a head start by gaining your Degree as fast as possible, Matrikulasi is a very good option.

• You’re Looking for a Budget Option

Matrikulasi is actually FREE (With the exception of the registration free you will have to pay, a nominal fee less than RM600).

 Asasi

• You Know Exactly What to Study

Asasi leaves little wriggle room to change your chosen course. Like a foundation programme, it’s for those who know exactly what field they want to go into and have next to no doubts about it. Because it is tailor made by soem universities as a prep for their degree programme, even switching universities is tough.

• You Want a Fast Option Towards a Degree

Like Matrikulasi, this is an accelerated programme that will last you only a year.

• You’re Looking for a Budget Option

Like Matrikulasi as well, the programme is subsidised by to government.

Who it isn’t for?

If you still unsure about what you want to study then don’t choose Asasi – Image via Pixabay

Matrikulasi

• You Want to Study Overseas

Matrikulasi is meant for students who want to continue studying at public universities. If you DO want to overseas, recognition may be hard to come by as only Indonesia, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand among others do accept it, and even then, at select courses only. Not the ideal choice if you do intend to go overseas, although IT IS possible.

• You Want the Full College Experience

While STPM students are now allowed to use normal civilian clothing to class Matrikulasi students still need to prep up in formal attire. While this is but a small detail, some may be put off by this.

 Asasi

• You Want to go Overseas

Asasi is tailor made to continue on with a degree programme at the chosen university. While going overseas is technically possible, it would be remarkably difficult .

• You Don’t Know What To Study

Like While pre-u courses like STPM still give you time to figure out what you like and prefer, an Asasi programme will limit your options. If you aren’t certain about what field to pursue as of yet, it might be best to look elsewhere.