It's final: SPM forecast results cannot be used for entry in pre-university programmes

Form five students can no longer use their school trial examination results to enter foundation or pre-university programmes at private institutions.

For the past three decades, forecast results were believed to be a good representation of actual results, and this practicse has been allowed by the Education Ministry.

Each year, about 30,000 students register for pre-university programmes starting January using their SPM forecast results.

However, the ministry has sent out a circular on 23 May informing private institutions of higher education that forecast results could not be accepted as admission qualifications.

Despite complaints and appeals from public and private organisations to have the new ruling reviewed, the Education Ministry has finalised its decision. With the new ruling, students will have to wait for another 3 months for their actual SPM results before they can apply for pre-u programmes.