Government approves new entry pathways for tahfiz, private school and Chinese independent school students into public universities, says MOHE.
PUTRAJAYA: The government today agreed on several decisions concerning entry pathways for students outside the national education system to pursue studies at Public Institutions of Higher Learning (IPTA) in the country.
In a statement, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) said the Cabinet meeting agreed on several decisions regarding entry pathways for students from tahfiz schools or institutions, private schools and Chinese Independent Secondary Schools (SMPC) into IPTA.
Candidates from these streams who also possess a full Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification may apply for any programme offered through the UPUOnline system.
This is based on merit calculations according to subject packages determined by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and subject to the general and specific programme requirements set by universities through a merit-based selection process.
“MOHE remains committed to ensuring inclusive, fair and quality access to higher education for all qualified students to pursue studies at IPTA in the country in line with the National Education Philosophy,” the statement said.
MOHE said candidates from these streams who sit for Bahasa Melayu and History subjects conducted by the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate (LPM) and recognised by the MOE may be considered for certain programmes at IPTA that have been identified based on the suitability of the field of study and current needs.
For candidates from tahfiz schools or institutions, among the identified programmes are Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Dakwah; Diploma and Bachelor’s Degree in Al-Quran and As-Sunnah; Bachelor’s Degree in Tahfiz Education; and Bachelor’s Degree in Islamic Studies (Dakwah).
Meanwhile, for candidates from SMPC/UEC, among the identified programmes are Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies with Honours; Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language and Linguistics; Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies; and Bachelor’s Degree in Chinese Language with Education.
“All applications will be processed based on the principles of meritocracy, academic qualification requirements and subject to the regulations and decisions of the University Senate,” the statement said.
MOHE stressed that the approach is part of efforts to strengthen access to higher education in a more inclusive manner without compromising academic standards and the quality of the national higher education system.