Study in Malaysia
Education is the responsibility of the Government and
Malaysia is committed to proving sound education to all. Malaysia
education system encompasses education beginning from pre-school to
university. Per-tertiary education (pre-school to secondary education) is
under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education (MOE)while the tertiary or higher education is the responsibility of the Ministry of Higher Education (MHOE). The vision of the Government is to make Malaysia a center of educational excellence.
Primary education (a period of 6 years) and secondary education (5 years which encompasses 3 years of lower secondary and 2 years of upper secondary) make up 11 years of free education. The admission age to the first year of primary education is seven. Primary schooling is mandatory for all children between the age of 7 to 12. Students sit for common public examinations at the end of primary, lower secondary and upper secondary levels.
Upon completion of secondary education, students can opt to pursue 1 to2 years of post- secondary education which is the university entrance preparatory course. 12 years of school education serves as the basic entry requirement into year one of a bachelors degree program is higher education institutions.
At tertiary education level, institutions of higher learning offer courses leading to the awards of certificate, diploma, first degree and higher degree qualifications ( at academic and professional fields). The duration of study for the basic bachelors degree program is 3 years. The courses of study at this level are adequately provided for by both the public and private education sector and these have attracted many international students.
Government provides more than 95% of primary and secondary education as well as about 60% of the tertiary education while the private sector provides the balance.
The private education providers in Malaysia can be broadly grouped into 2 categories depending on the levels of education offered which range from per-school to tertiary education. These two categories of private institutions are:
Private Education Institutions (PEls), provide education at pre school, primary and secondary levels. It comprises private schools and foreign system schools.
Private Higher Education Institutions (PHEls), provide tertiary education leading to the awards of the certificate, diploma and degree qualifications.
The Education System
An Overview
Primary and Secondary Education
Post- Secondary Education
Tertiary of Education
Tertiary Education provides consist of Major Groups:
Government –funded Educational Institutions Private–funded Educational Institutions
