7 Things You Didn’t Know About Foundation in Science
Did you know that not all Foundation in Science programmes are equal? Learn more about the programme here.
Updated 29 Sep 2023
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Foundation in Science
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You probably know that a Foundation in Science is a fast and affordable pathway to an undergraduate degree. It’s one of the reasons why it’s a popular option for many secondary leavers, especially those interested in pursuing a science degree.
But does fast and affordable come with a price?
We’re here to let you in on all the facts about Foundation in Science, including some of its lesser-known advantages.
#1. Not all Foundation in Science programmes are the same
Don’t let yourself get caught up with the name. While the programme name may be the same from one university to another, the subjects you learn can differ.
Universities need to ensure that every student they admit has prepared themselves in the best way possible to cope with their chosen programme. For a healthcare university offering degrees such as medicine, pharmacy and dietetics, this would mean ensuring that its Foundation in Science students have a good understanding of biology, chemistry and health science. An engineering-focused university, on the other hand, may instead emphasise physics and advanced mathematics in its Foundation in Science.
This can make all the difference, especially if you have a concrete idea of what you want to do for your bachelor’s degree. After all, what you learn during your degree will build upon the knowledge and skills that you gain from your foundation.
So, while Foundation in Science can be a general programme, always take a look at the syllabus to ensure that it provides you with what you need for your degree.
DID YOU KNOW
The IMU Foundation in Science will give you proper grounding for a science-related degree, especially in the areas of medicine and health sciences. Modules from the programme include Physics for Health Sciences and Psychology in Healthcare. Learn more about it here.
#2. Most accredited Foundation in Science programmes are recognised by other universities
You’ve probably heard warnings about how most foundation programmes are specific to their respective universities which can make changing universities for your degree impossible.
But that’s not true.
You can still switch universities for your degree even if you completed your Foundation in Science at another university. As long as the foundation programme is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), it will generally be accepted by other local private universities.
PRO TIP
It’s always important to choose a reputable university for your foundation programme. With a 6-Star rating (the highest accolade possible) in the latest MQA SETARA rating, you can be assured of the quality and standard of your Foundation in Science at IMU. Click here to get started with IMU now.
#3. Foundation in Science is not as limiting as you think
Foundation in Science is a great programme for you if you want to keep your degree options open. This is because most Foundation in Science covers a wide range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) modules, which will allow you to pursue degrees related to these fields upon completion.
Additionally, you can also use it to pursue non-STEM fields such as business, law and literature. This is one advantage you will have over Foundation in Arts students since they can’t easily pursue a science degree with a Foundation in Arts.
So if you’re someone who is still undecided about what you want to study for your degree, Foundation in Science is a great option.
#4. Foundation in Science often comes with generous financial support
Most foundation programmes are not eligible for PTPTN but fortunately, you don’t have to worry about not being able to afford it.
For starters, foundation programmes are generally cheaper compared to international pre-university programmes like A Levels. Moreover, many universities offer generous scholarships for their foundation programmes. In fact, some universities have up to 100% tuition fee waiver for foundation — even for those with 5 credits in SPM. In most cases, the criteria is simply for you to meet entry requirements and progress to the university’s degree programme.
Additionally, students from foundation programmes offered by public universities are eligible for the Bantuan Kewangan Asasi, a form of financial aid from the government specifically for foundation students.
DID YOU KNOW
You can get 50% bursary for a Foundation in Science at IMU. All you need to do is progress to any undergraduate degree at IMU after completing your foundation. In addition, you can also get up to RM12,450 worth of scholarships for your foundation — that’s another 50% of your tuition fee taken care of! Learn more about it here.
#5. You can study overseas with a Foundation in Science
Did you know that A Levels and SACEi are not the only pathways to study overseas? You can actually go abroad with a Foundation in Science too.
Several institutions in Malaysia have established partnerships with universities overseas to recognise their foundation programmes, which means that you’ll be able to use your Foundation in Science to pursue a degree abroad. This is done through prior assessment of the university’s foundation curriculum, ensuring that it sufficiently prepares you for the academic rigours of an undergraduate degree.
While the list of universities may not be large, it can still be a good option given that foundation programmes are more affordable and can be completed in just one year.
PRO TIP
Studying overseas can cost a pretty penny. Instead of completing your entire degree overseas, why not consider experiencing it for a year or two? At IMU, you will have extensive transfer options with 33 partner universities in 7 different countries. In fact, IMU is the pioneer of credit transfer for medical programmes. Fulfil your study abroad aspirations with IMU here.
#6. It’s easier to score a guaranteed placement for a degree programme with Foundation in Science
Want a straightforward, hassle-free pathway to a degree programme?
Look no further than a Foundation in Science. Unlike other pre-university programmes, you don’t have to worry about having to pick and choose the right subject combination. You may have to choose some elective modules, but the subjects that play a major role in your field of study will already have been chosen for you.
Since these subjects will prepare you in the best way possible for your degree studies, universities are confident that you’ll be able to cope with your chosen degree. Therefore, they can offer you a guaranteed degree placement as long as you meet the entry requirements.
So there’s no fear of making the wrong choice and not being eligible for the degree you want to study. This is especially relevant for science degrees as they have specific subject entry requirements. And for competitive programmes such as medicine and dentistry, this benefit can be particularly advantageous.
PRO TIP
Worried about enrolment? Don’t be. Students enrolled in the IMU Foundation in Science programme will be given a conditional offer into one of IMU’s undergraduate programmes, subject to meeting entry requirements and the relevant prerequisites. Start your application for IMU Foundation in Science here.
#7. You will have a chance to experience campus life before your degree
As a foundation student, being able to attend classes on a full-fledged university campus even before your degree can enhance your learning experience and make it so much more enjoyable.
Not sure what degree programme to study after your foundation? You can easily get insights from degree students who are already pursuing the programme and hear for yourself the positives and the negatives.
Want some early exposure to your field of study? You’ll also have access to university lecturers and professors, not to mention cool university facilities such as anatomy museums, dental clinics and mock wards, all of which will not be available in a college setting.
What’s more, there’s also the benefit of being able to participate in clubs and student activities run by students from a variety of programmes, backgrounds and levels of qualification. The diversity of it all will undoubtedly enrich your student life.
PRO TIP
As Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and health sciences university, IMU’s state-of-the-art facilities are second to none. The university features a comprehensive medical museum, clinical skills and simulation centre, nutrition and dietetics kitchen, numerous research laboratories, and more. Start your healthcare studies with IMU today.
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Dzulfazreena Dzulkefli
Too busy complaining about lemon but I sometimes read.
