“The mediocre teacher tells, The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
If you want to make a difference to the world, what better way to do that than to become an Educator. Through becoming an Educator in Malaysia, you will be able to shape academic roads, pave the way for nation development, and contribute to the overall growth of society. Keep on reading to get a glimpse on How to become an Educator in Malaysia.
Education in Malaysia
According to many news portals, there is a dire need to address the issues surrounding the education scene of Malaysia. There is a demand for passionate educators who want to teach students. With more passionate educators, there would be a chance for reforms in the Malaysian education system ensuring students are equipped with adequate knowledge while helping with education inequality.
The benefits to becoming an Educator include job security because there is always a need for Educators, fulfilment through the chance of making an impact towards society, and the opportunity to be creative in teaching approaches, among other benefits.
However, the road to becoming an Educator is not always rainbows and roses but, it is definitely a noble career. The next section of this article will debunk on some of the misconceptions of becoming an Educator in Malaysia.
Misconceptions about becoming an Educator in Malaysia
- An Educator in Malaysia has Scant Pay
According to Free Malaysia Today, Education was one of the sectors in Malaysia which had high-paying prospects. The Education sector had an average of RM 5,000 monthly salary with a 5% yearly salary growth rate from the years of 2015-2020.
- A Job as an Educator isn’t Satisfactory
If you enjoy teaching and you feel fulfilled by contributing to society, any form of dissatisfaction can be appeased. Many times, you should remember your personal motivation, the reasons you joined Education, and the ways you can contribute to society through becoming an Educator.
- There are Limited Pathways to become an Educator in Malaysia
There are many pathways to become an Educator in Malaysia. There is not one single specific degree. Instead, there are many ways to become an Educator. Though, it depends on which subjects interest you and which education level you want to teach in, whether it is pre-primary, primary, secondary, or vocational education. As such, a degree in Early Childhood Education would also allow you to become an Educator in Malaysia.
- Anyone can become an Educator
Educators do not have it easy. They hold a very big responsibility. Often, it is expected of educators to ‘raise’ students but that should not be the case. Educators should educate not ‘raise’ students. Hence why it is very crucial for future educators to advocate against this expectation.
- Educators have to be Serious at All Times
Another misconception most people have is that Educators have to be serious at all times to earn respect and get attention. However, there are many other ways to build rapport and become a successful Educator. For this reason, it is beneficial for those aspiring to become Educators to enrol in a Bachelor of Education in Malaysia.
Key Attributes for an Educator in Malaysia
- Patience
Patience is a virtue. It is also a key attribute to becoming an Educator in Malaysia. With patience, Educators are able to make learning environments which are supportive and enriching for students to thrive in their academics.
- Assertive
There is no need to be angry and mean all the time for the students’ respect and attention. Instead, Educators need to be assertive and stern to maintain discipline and set clear classroom standards for a productive learning environment.
- Confidence
Confidence is key in becoming an Educator in Malaysia because it contributes to effective communication. Through confidence, Educators can properly teach and articulate lessons. Confidence would also evoke assurance in their students and themselves.
- Resourceful
As a way of keeping updated with new teaching strategies, being resourceful would deem helpful. What’s more, being resourceful is very beneficial in understanding and relating to your students, which helps in building rapport with students and providing a collaborative learning environment.
- People-person
You don’t necessarily have to like people to become a good Educator but it’s definitely a huge part of success in becoming an Educator. Being a people-person helps because it is a huge part of your responsibility – teaching and communicating with other people.
General Pathway to become an Educator in Malaysia
In this section, we’ll briefly talk about some of the pathway options to become an Educator in Malaysia. These are pathways after completion of SPM or any equivalent examination with qualifying scores. You may also need to register with the Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Pendidikan (SPP) or the Education Service Commission Malaysia if you are looking to pursue Teaching Jobs in national schools of Malaysia.
The first option is to enrol in a Diploma of Education, where completion enables you to teach for students at the primary level.
The second option is to enrol in a Bachelor of Education, after a relevant pre-university programme or a qualifying Diploma programme. Completion of a Bachelor of Education can grant you a job as an Educator for students at a secondary level.
The third option is to go for Teach For Malaysia’s Fellowship Program, after completion in any undergraduate degree. This programme might be more relevant for those who realise their passion in teaching in later years.
General Entry Requirements to Study Education in Malaysia
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
Foundation | CGPA 2.00 |
Diploma | CGPA 2.00 |
STPM | CGPA 2.00 |
UEC | Pass with 5Bs |
A-Levels | Min. of Grade D in 2 subjects |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 60 |
IB Diploma | 26 points in 6 subjects |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 6.0 |
MUET | Band 3 |
TOEFL | 46 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Universities in Malaysia to Study Education
1. Taylor's University
Taylor’s University, established in 1969, is a prestigious private university in Malaysia. Taylor’s excellence has a proven track record recognised as a first ranked private university in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. With a wide array of study programmes, Taylor’s University is a viable option to study a Bachelor of Education.
Taylor’s Bachelor of Education (Honours) programme is offered under their School of Education. The School of Education at Taylor’s University will have access to an enriching education experience designed to nurture qualified Educators. Students or the programme have the opportunity for practicums in schools which are partnered in the Taylor’s network.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Education (Honours) Specialisation Options:
|
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | February, April, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 101,354 International Students: USD 26,983 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham Malaysia is a counterpart of the University of Nottingham based in the UK. The University of Nottingham Malaysia is located in Semenyih of Selangor, Malaysia, offering a UK-based education in a broad spectrum of study programmes, including Education.
The Bachelor of Education (Hons) (TESOL) programme at the University of Nottingham Malaysia is an internationally recognised degree with a curriculum which imbues traditional and emerging Education theories and pedagogies. The programme also includes a cross-cultural perspective of Education within a global context making it a good option for those looking to become an Educator.
Programme Offered | BEd (Hons) Education (TESOL) |
Duration | 4 Years |
Intake | September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 118,800 International Students: RM 142,400 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. HELP University
HELP University is a notable higher education private learning institution in Malaysia. HELP University was established in 1986 with rapid growth and developments. HELP is dedicated to providing an affordable and quality education with a diverse range of programmes with two campuses located in Subang and Damansara Heights.
The Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Hons) is offered through the Department of Education at HELP University. The Department has external links with HELP International School allowing for Education students at the university to experience teaching or practicum with the possibility of employment.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Hons) |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, May, August |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 75,500 International Students: RM 75,500 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. UCSI University
UCSI University, founded in 1986, is a renowned private university in Malaysia. Initially a computer training institute, UCSI has since then grown into a higher education learning institute committed to excellence. UCSI has four campuses with many study programmes with comprehensive curriculums.
Under UCSI University’s Social Science and Liberal Arts Faculty, students interested in becoming an Educator in Malaysia can enrol in the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) offered by the university. The programme has collaboration with UCSI’s Childcare Development Centre and provides the opportunity for students to undergo practicum to gain professional working experience in the field of Education.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Honours) |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | January, May, September |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM 68,240 International Students: RM 81,250 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Fairview University College
The University College Fairview, also referred to as UCF, is dedicated to promoting world and global economic development through the access to higher education. The University College Fairview is affiliated with the Fairview network of IB World Schools in Malaysia and Scotland. Graduates of UCF grants the opportunity for students to be employed in private and international schools around the world.
The Bachelor of Education (Hons) Primary Years at the University College Fairview is designed to ensure guaranteed employment after graduation. The programme has a comprehensive curriculum embedded with an internship and school-based experience programmes.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Education (Hons) Primary Years |
Duration | 3 Years |
Intake | February, October |
Indicative Fees (2024) | Local Students: RM34,400 International Students: RM44,400 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.
