Foundation in Arts (FIA) is a Pre-University programme that delivers subjects that are related to the arts and humanities discipline. This course can be taken after completing SPM, and can be considered as a Year 12 qualification, which is equivalent to STPM or Malaysian Matriculation (Matrikulasi).

Foundation in Arts programmes are administered by the universities themselves, as opposed to courses like A-Level and Australian Matriculation which are managed by a central body. This means that the syllabus, course structures and assessment method at one university is likely to differ from another university. However, in general, most universities evaluate based on a combination of both coursework and exams.

Most students who complete a Foundation in Arts course will often pursue a degree at the same university.

By taking Foundation in Arts, you will get to explore different subjects from various disciplines, such as Business, Economics, Communication, Education and even Psychology.

Who knows, you could end up with a totally different career in the future!

Foundation in Arts programmes in Malaysia typically require you to have at least 5 credits (C and above) at SPM, O-Level or equivalent. Certain institutions may require you to have a credit in English and Mathematics, depending your area of study.

In order to study Foundation in Arts, you will need to have an SPM qualification or equivalent.

Most universities offer a 12-month long programme.

Completing a Foundation in Arts allows you to pursue a non-science degree in university.

Here are some of the top advantages of studying Foundation in Arts:

• Easy transition to a non science-related degree (arts, business, humanities) at the same university
• Offers subject electives that allow you to get a head start on learning subjects related to your degree
• Shorter duration compared to A-Level, IB and STPM
• Certain universities may offer better scholarships and more affordable fees

Important Note: Switching universities for your degree after completing a Foundation in Arts is possible, but is often subject to evaluation on a case-by-case basis.

Not sure if Foundation in Arts is the right choice? Here are some articles that you should check out:

• Everything You Need To Know About Foundation in Arts in Malaysia
• What’s After SPM: Are You Choosing The Right Course (Infographic)
• 5 Practical Tips When Applying For College

Other Foundation courses that you can consider are Foundation in Business or Foundation in Science.

Don’t think Foundation is the right course for you? Take our Course Recommender quiz for personalised suggestions!