STPM and Matrikulasi are the two most popular public Pre-University courses in Malaysia, which means they all share similar characteristics. However, many students have difficulty deciding between STPM and Matrikulasi because the two are very different in many ways. So, in this article, I will explain what is the difference between STPM and Matrikulasi in greater detail.
What is STPM?
The Malaysian Higher School Certificate (Malay: Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia), also known as STPM, is a Malaysian pre-university examination. The Malaysian Examinations Council (MEC), a statutory council under the Ministry of Education, has administered STPM since 1982. This is one of many options available to you after completing SPM before pursuing a degree at university.
The modular system replaced the previous terminal system in 2012. Instead of holding one major examination at the end of the examination series in the previous system, the examination series is divided into three semesters and thoroughly assessed. A representative from Cambridge Assessment also monitors examination results to ensure consistency and quality.
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What is Matrikulasi?
The Malaysian Matriculation Programme (Malay: Program Matrikulasi Malaysia) is a one-year pre-university preparatory programme run by Malaysia’s Ministry of Education. This is one of many options available to you after completing SPM before pursuing a degree at university.
Every matriculant will receive a “Sijil Matrikulasi KPM” certificate, which is certified and recognised by all public universities in Malaysia and abroad.
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What is The Difference Between STPM and Matrikulasi?
So what is actually between these programmes? To make it easier for you to digest and compare, we have taken the liberty of listing down the differences in the table below:
STPM | Matrikulasi | |
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Duration |
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Structure |
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Subject Offered |
There will be 23 different subjects to choose from 5 categories, please contact us for more information! |
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Grading systems |
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Pathways |
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Cost |
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Why Choose STPM Programme?
There are numerous pre-university options to consider, and STPM may not be the best pre-university option for the majority of SPM graduates. But there are some compelling reasons to think about it!
#1 Budget option
STPM may be difficult and comprehensive, but it comes at a price that would make other options envious. In general, the examination fee is RM 120, with additional fees of RM 90 for each subject. If you want to resit paper, it will cost you RM 50. STPM is considered one of the most affordable routes to tertiary education, as you will only need to pay less than RM 1,000 for the entire course.
#2 Allow to resit paper to improve your grade
If you want to pursue degrees such as engineering, medicine, law, or architecture, your grades are extremely important. And competition can be fierce in public universities. If you are dissatisfied with your grade in a particular term, you have the option of retaking the exam to improve your score.
#3 Widely recognized globally
If you want to study abroad, STPM is the best option for pre-university courses. It is widely accepted abroad, particularly in the Commonwealth of Nations and the United States, and when you graduate, you have many options.
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Why Choose Matrikulasi Programme?
The Malaysian Matriculation programme is extremely popular when compared to other national pre-university programmes in Malaysia. Here are some of the reasons why it is so popular and why you should look into it.
#1 Budget option
Matrikulasi is completely free (with the exception of the registration fee you will have to pay, a nominal fee less than RM 600). All other expenses are covered by the government, and you will also receive a generous stipend each semester!
#2 Recognized by selected institution overseas
Although the majority of Matrikulasi students pursue degrees at local public universities, the local matriculation qualification is recognised by a few universities abroad. Foreign countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand recognise and accept the Malaysian Matriculation Programme.
#3 Well rounded education
Matrikulasi focuses on the three pillars of a pre-university course which are examinations, co-curricular activities, and character or personality development. Students who want more than just perfect grades should consider this option.
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Where Can You Study STPM in Malaysia?
Generally, if you are accepted, the institution will place you to study at the school closest to your home.
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Where can you study Matrikulasi in Malaysia?
Malaysia currently has 17 preparatory colleges. The following is a list of common colleges/universities:
- Kolej Matrikulasi Pulau Pinang
- Kolej Matrikulasi Perak
- Kolej Matrikulasi Johor
- Kolej Matrikulasi Melaka
- Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang
- Kolej Matrikulasi Kelantan
- Kolej Matrikulasi Perlis
- Kolej Matrikulasi Kedah
- Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan
You can select your top three colleges of choice during the application process, but this is subject to availability. If no places are available among your preferred colleges, you will be assigned to a college chosen by the Matriculation Department. As a result, don’t be surprised if you end up at a college far from home.
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