Best Diploma Courses to Study after SPM/O-Levels

Choose to Study Diploma Programmes that will Lead to Degree Courses that Have Future High Job Demand & Salary in Malaysia

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Malaysia has a high unemployment rate for graduates and an increasing high cost of living with jobs that have low starting salaries. This makes it difficult for students after SPM or O-Levels who have to choose the right diploma course that they like as well as have a future high job demand & salary.
In my opinion, the course that you choose should have a future high job demand & salary for you after you graduate. After all, isn't that the main aim of studying so hard? Choosing a course that you are passionate about without job demand and you may end up being jobless.
In order to choose the right Diploma course, you have to figure out what you want to study in your degree. There are many degree courses that you can choose to study in Malaysia. If you plan to work in Malaysia, then you should choose degree courses that would be in demand in Malaysia and have high salary so that you can support your family.
Students who are not sure which course to study should go for the Foundation or External Pre-University Programme while students who are sure which course to pursue can go for the diploma course. For example, if you have taken a Diploma in IT and decide later you want to study Business, you will have to start all over again from the beginning. Therefore, don't choose a diploma course if you are still not sure of what to study. Talk to an experienced and knowledgeable education counselor to find out the best pathway for you.

Choosing the Best Diploma Course So that You have a Successful Future Career in Malaysia

Many students in Malaysia tend to choose their course based on what their parents or relatives recommend, rather than on what they are good at or really like to study. The end result is that a lot of Malaysian students discover that they have started on courses that may be unsuitable to them after studying a few semesters. Worse is when they start work, they find that it is not what they like.
You should also ask yourself if you would still be interested in that subject for a further three or four years – enough to motivate yourself to work and research independently? Remember, you are going to work in this career for the next 50 years after graduation, therefore, you should have a high interest in the course.
Additionally, another important factor that many students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels fail to take into account is the future job demand and salary for their course of choice.
One of the aims of studying a course is to get a job. And the aim of getting a job is to obtain a salary so that you can take care of yourself, your future family and your parents. Therefore, keep in mind what kind of lifestyle you want and whether the course that you are choosing will give you the salary to sustain that lifestyle. If you choose a course that you like but the future job demand is low, you may be jobless or if the salary is low, it would be difficult for you to buy things that you like or travel.
Most importantly, the right diploma course will help you to develop skills for the long term, for your career and personal development.
When choosing a course students need to choose based on your personal strengths and your career goals. Let the experienced counselors at EduSpiral Consultant Services take you step-by-step through the choices.

What is the Main Aim for Studying a Diploma Course?

One of the aims of education is to get a job. One of the aims of getting a job is to obtain a salary that can take care of yourself, your future family and your parents. Therefore, keep in mind what kind of lifestyle you want and whether the course that you are choosing will give you the salary to sustain that lifestyle.

How to Choose a Diploma Course that will Lead to a Degree Programme that has Future High Job Demand & Salary?

Look for statistics and research to support whether there is a job demand for your future career in Malaysia. Here at EduSpiral Consultant Services, we do our research on the job demand for the careers in Malaysia, Salary Reports, and universities so that we can advise our students based on facts and evidence.

20 Top Diploma Programmes in Malaysia with High Job Potential

The ever-increasing cost of living in Malaysia is making it challenging for fresh graduates and working professionals to support their lifestyle. In light of that, it would be important for students to plan ahead what career that you want to enter into so that you can choose a course that has future job demand and high salary in Malaysia.
Part of finding the right career in Malaysia for you will be looking at the future job demand in Malaysia and globally. You don’t want to have completed a degree course and then not be able to find a job or realise that the job pays very low salary. Therefore, it is important for students after high school or Pre-University to choose the right course to study – you don’t want to waste your time and money on a course you don’t want to do
I have prepare a list of the best diploma courses to study in Malaysia that has high job demand to help students choose the right career for a successful future. They are not in any particular order.

Choosing the Best Private University or College to Study Diploma

Choosing a private college or university for your diploma course in Malaysia is important as it will help to shape your mind, character and help you to develop the necessary skills for a successful career.
Therefore, not all private colleges & universities are the same. You should not choose a university because it is the cheapest, easiest and nearest. It should be based on which university that best fit your needs.
There are many reasons and motivations for attending university in Malaysia, so ask yourself some serious questions to identify what you want from your university experience. Every university and diploma course in Malaysia is different and each student wants different things to fit their education and career goals.
It goes without saying that one of the most important considerations when it comes to choosing the right university to study in Malaysia is your course of interest and whether that particular university is popular for it. Additionally, many universities in Malaysia may offer the same course but many students fail to consider looking at the subjects, the experience of the university in running the course, awards won as evidence of the university’s capability and the facilities to support the course.
The best university in Malaysia for your diploma course will focus on quality, have award winners for the particular courses, years of experience offering the particular course, highly experienced lecturers, a good study environment (not a party university) and good facilities.
Many students have taken the easy way out and choosing the university that is cheapest, nearest and where most of their friends attend. They fail to understand that what they decide now can affect their future career forever.
In addition, knowing which course you want to study will help in determining which university for your diploma. Each university in Malaysia excels in particular areas, so you should ensure that your field of study is a strong-point of the university you choose. Just like signature dishes for restaurants, certain private universities are famous for particular courses.
Choosing a university that is best in your field of study may provide you with access to more specialised opportunities, including custom-built facilities, field-specific academic opportunities and employment opportunities with prestigious organisations in your industry.
Furthermore many of the top private universities in Malaysia offer similar courses therefore making your decision a challenging one! To help you develop a good list of criteria, you need to talk to the right counsellors or education consultant who are knowledgeable and experienced.

What is a Diploma Programme? - Practical & Specific

Students after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels who are sure of what they want to study can go for a Diploma course. The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic.
What's the Entry Requirements for a Diploma Course?
With at least 3 credits in your SPM or IGCSE O-Levels or 3 Bs in UEC, you can join the Diploma course. Students after SPM must have a pass in BM & Sejarah.
There will be other subject requirements depending on the course & university. Some universities may require a Credit in English. Other requirements would be Mathematics for Diploma courses in computer studies, computer science, information technology, architecture, accounting and finance.
Engineering diplomas would require credits in Mathematics & 1 science subject.
How long is a Diploma Course?
The duration of the diploma is 2 years or 2.5 years depending on the university. Some have internships.
Can I change to another private university for the degree course?
After completing your diploma, you can continue on to Year 2 of the related degree if your college or university offers it or you can transfer the diploma credits to another private university in Malaysia or even overseas to Australia or UK.
Is the PTPTN Loan Available for Diploma Courses?

Yes, students may apply for PTPTN Loan for diploma courses that are accredited by the Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA)
Students whose parents are under Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) may get the full PTPTN Loan amount RM14,030 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 13,600 (Arts-related Diploma). This is the total loan amount for the whole course.
Students whose parents' combined income is not more than RM8,000 but not under BR1M will get RM10,520 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 10,200 (Arts-related Diploma).
Finally, students whose parents' combined income is more than RM8,000 will get RM7,010 (Science-related Diploma) or RM 6,800 (Arts-related Diploma).
The details of the loan level are as below:

No	Level	Description of Eligibility
1	Maximum	Student’s or parents’ names are listed as recepient of BR1M
2	75% from maximum loan amount	Family income lower than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M)
3	50% from maximum loan amount	Family income higher than RM8,000 (names not listed in BR1M)

How do we Apply for the PTPTN Loan for our Diploma Course?

Most private universities and colleges will have a special department and staff to help you to make all the necessary arrangements for the loan so you do not need to worry about it. They will brief you about it during Orientation
Please note that generally, you have to pay the First Semester Fees first and then apply for the loan, which would take 2-3 months to process. The loan should be given out in time for the second semester but if it doesn’t happen in time, you have to prepare the fees for the Second Semester.
How many Subjects are there in a Diploma Course at a Private University in Malaysia?
Students will take 25-35 subjects in the diploma and it is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage.
How is the Assessment for Diploma Courses?
A diploma course is more practical while a Foundation, external Pre-University programme and degree courses are more academic.
The assessments for a diploma programme at private universities and colleges in Malaysia is a mix of Assignments, Coursework, and written examination percentage. The diploma programme provides students with relevant, interesting, stimulating and practical experience via a variety of teaching and practical techniques.
Students will experience different dynamic learning processes are employed in the delivery of a diploma programme, such as lectures, tutorials, computer lab work, team-based project, real life system development, presentations, independent projects supervised by supervisors from university lecturers or industry experts. The learning is very much practical oriented.
Can I find a Job using the Diploma?
Studying Information Technology (IT) was my dream but my results didn't achieve the requirements. But EduSpiral gave me in-depth advise & helped me to choose the right course that suited me.
Harold, Diploma in Business IT at Asia Pacific University (APU)[/caption]
You can use the diploma to apply for a job. On the other hand, if you choose to study a Foundation course, or Pre-University Programme, you have to continue on to the degree before going to work.
The diploma generally is more practical while a degree course is more theoretical and academic. Some courses such as culinary and design, a diploma is sufficient to join the workforce in Malaysia. Otherwise, it is advisable to continue your studies to degree level
What is the Starting Salary for Diploma Graduates in Malaysia?
Starting salaries for Diploma holders is generally not high but it will go higher will more experience. It is recommended for Diploma students to continue on to the Degree programme if you can afford it.
Starting salaries will range from RM1500 to RM2500 a month.

Why Should You Study a Diploma Course after SPM or IGCSE O-Levels?

The diploma course is more practical with mixed assessment.
You have at least 3 credits in SPM, IGCSE O-Levels or UEC to enter the Diploma programme
Students may apply for the PTPN Loan for Diploma courses. There is no PTPN Loan for Foundation & External Pre-University programmes
You will study the subjects that you are interested in. The subjects are specific to your field of interest.
Upon completion of the Diploma, you may choose to start work or continue on to Year 2 of the related degree
Some diploma courses have internships which provides an opportunity for you to work for the company when you graduate.
If you are considering going for Form 6, the STPM will take about 2 years, if you calculate the time after your SPM until you enter into Public University. The time you take for STPM, you would have completed the diploma course. Furthermore, the STPM exam is very tough and there is a chance that you might not do well.

How to Transfer credits from Diploma into Degree Year 2 into Top Private Universities in Malaysia

Most diplomas can be transferred to another college or university into the Year 2 of the relevant programme. If you have taken the Diploma in Accounting, it is highly likely that you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Accounting or Accounting & Finance.
For the Diploma in Business Administration, you can enter into Year 2 of the degree in Business Administration depending on the exemptions.
However, if you go from the Diploma in Business Administration into the Degree in Accounting, then you may not get the optimum amount of exemptions because the subjects in your diploma are not similar with the degree course of the university that you want to transfer to.
To transfer your credits into another university, you will need to submit the following documents for exemptions:

Transcripts from your current college or university
Course outline for all the subjects taken
Letter of completion or Diploma Certificate
Copy of SPM Certificate

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Wednesday, April 29, 2020