Local Matriculation
Local matriculation is a stepping stone for SPM holders to enter degree programmes at local universities. Some universities in the UK and New Zealand also recognise Malaysian local matriculation as a pre-u qualification for entry into bachelor’s degree programmes.
The local matriculation programme is available in 15 matriculation colleges:
- Kolej Matrikulasi
Melaka - Kolej Matrikulasi Negeri Sembilan
- Kolej Matrikulasi Pulau Pinang
- Kolej Matrikulasi Perlis
- Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan
- Kolej Matrikulasi Johor
- Kolej Matrikulasi Perak
- Kolej Matrikulasi Kedah
- Kolej Matrikulasi Pahang
- Kolej Matrikulasi Selangor
- Kolej MARA Kuala Nerang
- Kolej MARA Kulim
- Kolej Matrikulasi Teknikal Kedah
- Kolej Matrikulasi Teknikal Pahang
- Kolej Matrikulasi Teknikal Johor
The local matriculation can be in the form of a one-year (Program Satu Tahun – PST) or two-year (Program Dua Tahun – PDT) programme. However, students will not be able to select the duration of their studies, as this will be determined by the matriculation department of the Ministry of Education. Some non-technical science (physical and biology) subjects will only be available to students who are selected for the two-year programme, whereas the technical and accounting programmes are structured as one-year courses.
Stream selection
Students who are contemplating a local matriculation programme must choose either the science stream or the accounting stream, and be prepared to take core subjects, compulsory subjects as well as an extra-curricular activity of choice.
| Field | Stream | Core subjects | Compulsory subjects English, IT, Islamic/moral studies, dynamic skills |
| Science | Physical* | mathematics, chemistry, physics | |
| Biology* | mathematics, chemistry, biology | ||
| Civil (technical) | mathematics, physics and chemical engineering, basic engineering, civil engineering | ||
| Mechanical (technical) | mathematics, physics and chemical engineering, basic engineering, mechanical engineering | Extra-curricular activities Sports and games OR associations/ societies OR uniformed associations | |
| Electronic and electrical (technical) | mathematics, physics and chemical engineering, basic engineering, electronic and electrical engineering | ||
| Accounting | Accounting | mathematics, business management, accounting, economics |
*Two-year programmes
Students who have local matriculation in mind must sit for MUET, just like students who are sitting for STPM, as it is an entry requirement for public universities.
Grading system
The grading system of the local matriculation programme is similar to that of the grading system used by public universities, which is the cumulative point grade average (CGPA) system. The exam papers are marked by lecturers, and students are required to obtain a CGPA of more than 2.00 to graduate. Students who obtain a CGPA of between 1.50 and 2.00 will be put under a probationary status, while those who obtain a CGPA of under 1.50 will be automatically terminated from the programme.
Dress code
Students in the local matriculation programme are required to adhere to a formal dress code, which means long-sleeved shirts, ties, slacks and leather shoes for male students and formal pantsuits and skirt suits for female students.
Jeans, sports attire, shorts or short pants, T-shirts and slippers are strictly forbidden for both genders.
Local matriculation is right for you if...
- you intend to take on a matriculation programme that is fully sponsored by the government
- you want to gain entry into a local public university
- you prefer to be assessed through a grading system similar to that of public universities.
This article first appeared in doctorjob's CoursesNOW! Pre-University 2011.
