Choosing the best study route
THE route you wish to take after finishing school depends on you. Of course, not every one has a clear idea whether to go for Foundation Studies or Diploma.
To know exactly which route to take, you may need some guidance. Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur ( IUKL) can help you through that process.
Foundation studies are generally similar to the matriculation programme and A- Levels in terms of duration, which takes only one year to complete. Students will have the opportunity to continue their studies at the degree level in a shorter period of time.
For instance, if you wish to further your studies in Biotechnology for three years, once you complete your Foundation, you will take four years in total to get your degree.
Diploma, takes about two to three years to complete depending on your programme, but at the end of the day, you will get one year advancement into a degree programme. For instance, if you take Diploma in Biotechnology at IUKL for two and a half years, and wish to continue your degree in Biotechnology for three years, you can enter straight into the second year of the degree programme. Therefore, you will take four- and- a- half years in total to get your degree.
In most institutions of higher learning, both public and private, the Foundation programmes offered are highly specialised in certain areas. Students who graduate from these programmes are likely to lose out on a broader option for further study.
If you choose to go for Foundation, IUKL offers two Foundation programmes – Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts – which are designed for flexibility to broaden students’ choices of study at the degree level. The carefully designed curriculum also will help students make up their mind on which degree programme they would like to pursue later.
If you already have an interest in a certain field and are determined to study a specific programme, you can choose to go for Diploma. IUKL’s Diploma programmes are designed with the skills required by the industry. Students will also have the chance to go for industrial training, which will give them the insights they need at the workplace. They will get handson experience and the chance to use what they have learned in class during their training.
IUKL offers a variety of Diploma programmes. You can choose programmes according to your interest. Foundation studies usually do not qualify students for study loans. If you do not have financial issues, you can opt for Foundation studies without having to worry about the oneyear expenses. You will be able to apply for loans once you continue with your degree.
If you require extra funding, Diploma programmes will qualify you for a wide range of financial assistance such as PTPTN and Yayasan Negeri.
IUKL understands that education is a serious investment. Therefore, it is important to know that IUKL provides various financial assistance for needy students. IUKL scholarships are available to students who have excelled at the elementary level, including SPM, STPM, O- Levels, A- Levels, UEC, Foundation Studies and Diploma.
Full scholarships are given to deserving students. In addition, the IUKL Tuition Fee Waiver Scheme is offered every semester. Up to 60% tuition fee waivers are offered to deserving students. This is an initiative to encourage students to excel in their studies and to reduce the financial burden of their families.
Another difference between Foundation and Diploma is the entry requirements. Foundation usually comes with higher entry requirements compared to Diploma. If you have considered all the other factors, this will be the last thing that you should note right before making your choice.
Whatever programme you like to go for depends on your results. Certain programmes may have additional requirements such as certain grades in specific subjects.
Now that you have a clear understanding, you can choose the best route for yourself.
If you need assistance, drop by and meet IUKL’s experienced counsellors. They are available seven days a week, Monday to Friday ( 8.30am- 6.30pm) and Saturday and Sunday ( 10am- 4pm). The June intake is in progress.
For details, call 1800 88 STUDY ( 78839) or visit www. IUKL. edu. my.