STUDENTS who have an average or better than average SPM results and NOT intending to take the STPM have an alternative. They could actually take the polytechnic route to enter the university. In many countries such as UK, this is a very popular route. However, in Malaysia people are somewhat obsessed with the word “university”. They prefer the university rather than the polytechnic.
So when every one competes to enter the university, it becomes a competitive route. Even if the polytechnic is offering degree programmes, some tend to look down on the degree. Surprisingly whether you have a degree from the polytechnic or university the salary you earn is the same. If it is the same, does it matter whether you go to the polytechnic or university? Not all polytechnics offer degrees. Some offer only the Diplomas. So you need to visit the website to find out more.
Applying for polytechnic entry
Polytechnic studies in Malaysia is an alternative for students to further their studies in certification level, diploma and advanced diploma level. These are under the supervision of the Jabatan Pengurusan Politeknik (JPP). Education in Polytechnics was first introduced in Malaysia through the establishment of its first polytechnic, Ungku Omar Polytechnic in Ipoh under the United Nations Development Plan in 1969. This education was strengthened with the Cabinet Committee’s recommendation on education in 1979 and the first Pelan Induk Perindustrian Kebangsaan (1985-1995).
Application for Admission to
Premier Polytechnic/Polytechnic
Application for admission to the Polytechnic/Polytechnic Premier is via the Online Application - UPUOnline is fully operational and can be accessed via http://upu.moe.gov.my/. Application is open periodically between January to April of each year (subject to amendment). Although application deadline is closed for this year, you should look out for second intakes. There would be announcements.
Further information can be accessed at the Polytechnic Student Recruitment Portal.
List of Polytechnics in Malaysia
There are 36 Polytechnics in Malaysia with the following categories; 3 Premier Polytechnics 28 Conventional Polytechnics 5 METrO Polytechnics
Students have a good chance to enter polytechnics compared to universities. Many people are still ignorant about polytechnics.
Entry qualifications
The entry qualifications are very reasonable.
For Premier Polytechnics 5 credits in the relevant subjects
For Conventional / Metro Polytechnics 3 credits and a pass in BM, History , English, Maths, Science Or Physics.
For further information:
There are two polytechnics in Sabah. You can get further information by contacting:
Politeknik Sandakan
Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi
Education Hub,
Batu 10, Jalan Sungai Batang,
90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Phone: 089-228 351
Politeknik Kota Kinabalu
Kementerian Pengajian Tinggi
No 4, Jalan Politeknik,
KKIP Barat, Kota Kinabalu Industrial
Park, 88460 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone: 088-401800
Fax: 088-499960
[email protected]
polikk.mypolycc.edu.my
You can also get further information from Putra Jaya:
Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti
Galeria PjH Aras 4-7, Jalan P4W Persiaran Perdana Presint 462100 Putrajaya
Tel: 03 8891 9000
Faks: 03 8891 9300
Email: [email protected]
Career Tips
If you want to shy away from STPM, opting to take the Poly route to the University is a good choice. If the course you are taking is a TVET related course, you will benefit from the practical exposure you will get. Visit the webpage of the polytechnics to find out more.
If you have a question send to [email protected] for assistance and career planning.