UiTM Diploma Entry Requirements: SPM Grades and How to Apply

UiTM's entry rule for diplomas has two layers. You must clear the university's general requirement, and then the specific requirement of each programme. Students who check only the first layer are the ones who get rejected.

Who can apply

UiTM's admissions FAQ states that entry is open to Malaysian citizens who are Malay, Anak Negeri Sabah, Anak Negeri Sarawak or Orang Asli only. The UPU circular for the 2026/2027 session says the same thing: all UiTM programmes are reserved for these groups. Non-citizens and permanent residents cannot apply.

UiTM's own application form adds three conditions:

• You meet the minimum requirement for every programme you choose.
• You have never been convicted of a criminal offence and are not awaiting criminal proceedings.
• You are not currently studying at another higher education institution.

The general requirement

For a diploma, as an SPM leaver:

• SPM with at least three credits, including Bahasa Melayu, and
• a pass in Sejarah.

The UPU circular for 2026/2027 states the same general rule for diplomas at all public universities. Note that Bahasa Melayu needs a credit, not just a pass. See credits and passes explained.

The programme requirement

Each diploma then names the subjects it wants at credit level. As an illustration of how these read, UiTM's Faculty of Applied Sciences published this for its Diploma in Microbiology in its 2024 requirements booklet:

• credit in Mathematics or Additional Mathematics,
• credit in one science subject from a named list, such as Chemistry, Biology, Science or Physics, and
• credit in English.

That is an example from an earlier edition, not the current rule for that programme. Requirements differ by programme and are revised, so check your own shortlist in the current UPU programme listing or UiTM's eligibility checker at selangkah.uitm.edu.my. Programmes with an interview are marked with a hash sign (#) at the end of the name.

UiTM is clear about what happens if you get this wrong: an offer is void if your actual results do not meet both the general and the programme requirement.

How to apply: two intakes, two portals

Session 1 through UPUOnline. This is the main intake and it sits inside your UPU application, alongside every other public university. For 2026/2027 the circular scheduled the SPM-leaver phase from 29 January to 23 March 2026, before SPM results came out. Deadlines can be extended, so follow the UPU portal's notices. You get twelve choices and must fill at least six. Programmes with interviews can only go in choices one to four. Category A is for the current SPM year, and Category B covers SPM from the two years before that. Selection uses 90% academic marks and 10% co-curricular marks. See how to apply through UPU and work out your number with the UPU merit calculator.

Session 2 through UiTM Online. UiTM's FAQ says Session 2 applications go through its own portal only. The dates above are from the previous cycle, shown on the UiTM form itself. UiTM publishes the current window at pengambilan.uitm.edu.my, so check there for this year's dates. If you are reading this between August and October, check today. Do not assume every diploma is offered in Session 2. The programme list on the live form is the reference.

If you do not meet a diploma's requirement

UiTM runs Pra Diploma programmes for SPM leavers, with the same general requirement of three credits including Bahasa Melayu and a pass in Sejarah. Students who pass with the required standing can then apply to move into a diploma. The FAQ lists five: Commerce, Science, Agrotechnology, Science (STEM C and Arts stream) and Islamic Studies.

After the offer

Three rules from UiTM's FAQ that surprise people:

1. The offer is final. You cannot change programme or campus.
2. You are only offered programmes you listed. Nothing outside your choices.
3. Appeals are for students with no offer at all. If you reject an offer, you cannot appeal.

When an offer arrives, the offer checklist covers what to do next. If nothing arrives, read what to do without a UPU offer.

A diploma is not the end of the road. UiTM diploma holders can apply to its degree programmes, which require MUET. Compare routes on the diploma pathway page and in diploma or pre-university.

Source: UiTM general requirements page and admissions FAQ (Bahagian Pengambilan Pelajar UiTM), the UiTM Online application form, the UiTM Faculty of Applied Sciences requirements booklet (2024 edition), and the UPU circular for SPM leavers, 2026/2027 session (Jabatan Pendidikan Tinggi). Dates and requirements change each cycle. Verify at upu.mohe.gov.my and pengambilan.uitm.edu.my.