Matriculation Requirements: Minimum SPM Grades for Each Stream
To apply for KPM Matriculation you must be a Malaysian citizen, not older than 20 when applying, and a current-year SPM candidate. For the 2026/2027 session the two-semester Science stream needed at least B in Mathematics and C in Bahasa Melayu, English, Additional Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics or Biology, plus a pass in Sejarah. The other streams have their own lists, set out below.
By Degreemate Editorial · Education research teamPublished 4 min read
The requirements below come from the Matriculation Division's own FAQ for the 2026/2027 session, last updated on 6 January 2026. They applied to SPM 2025 candidates. The Ministry revises them from time to time, so treat them as the latest published set and confirm on the portal before you apply.
General requirements
Three conditions apply to every applicant:
- Malaysian citizen.
- Not older than 20 at the time of application.
- A current-year SPM candidate. You apply in the cycle attached to the year you sit SPM.
Minimum SPM grades by stream
"C" here means at least grade C, which is a credit. "Pass" means any passing grade. See credits and passes explained if the difference is new to you.
| Stream | Bahasa Melayu | English | Mathematics | Additional Mathematics | Other subjects | Sejarah |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Science, two semesters (SDS) | C | C | B | C | Chemistry C; Physics or Biology C | Pass |
| Science, four semesters (SES) | C | C | C | Pass | Chemistry pass; Physics, Biology or Computer Science pass | Pass |
| Computer Science | C | C | C | C | Computer Science C; one more listed subject at C | Pass |
| Engineering | C | C | B | C | Physics C; Chemistry pass; one more listed subject at C | Pass |
| Accounting | C | C | C | Not required | Any three listed subjects at C | Pass |
| Professional Accounting (JPPro) | C | A- | A | C | Any three listed subjects at A | Pass |
Notes on that table:
- "Listed subject" refers to a long official list that differs by stream. It includes the sciences, Prinsip Perakaunan, Ekonomi, Perniagaan, technical subjects and several Islamic studies subjects. Check the exact list for your stream on the portal.
- Accounting without Additional Mathematics has been allowed since the 2021/2022 session.
- JPPro also requires passing an aptitude test and an interview, and the FAQ states it is open to Bumiputera students only.
One year or two: SDS and SES
Most streams run for two semesters, which is one year. Only the Science stream is also offered over four semesters. The current FAQ labels these SDS and SES. The portal's introduction page still calls them Program Satu Tahun (PST) and Program Dua Tahun (PDT), which is the name most seniors use.
The four-semester route has a lower entry bar: C in Mathematics instead of B, and passes instead of credits in Additional Mathematics and the sciences.
Meeting the minimum is not an offer
Selection is by merit: 90% academic marks and 10% co-curricular marks. The FAQ says family income is also taken into account.
Only four subjects count towards the academic mark, and they depend on the stream. For Science they are Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics or Biology. Each grade carries points:
| SPM grade | A+ | A | A- | B+ | B | C+ | C | D | E | G |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merit points | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 0 |
Four A+ grades give 100 points, which becomes 90 after the 90% weighting. Four A- grades give 92 points, or 82.8. The co-curricular mark is added on top. There is an official merit calculator on the matriculation portal for the other streams.
This is a different scale from the UPU one. Do not reuse the number from our UPU merit calculator here.
Who gets a place
The programme was set up for Bumiputera students, and the portal states that since the 2003/2004 session 10% of places have been opened to non-Bumiputera students. In April 2026 the Ministry confirmed the 90% Bumiputera quota remains.
Separately, students with at least 10 As (A-, A or A+ only), including the four merit subjects for their stream, are offered a place automatically regardless of race, provided they applied and meet the requirements. The Ministry's FAQ on this covers the 2026/2027 session onwards. Students who took fewer than ten subjects are considered on merit and vacancy instead.
What to do next
- Check which streams your SPM subject package qualifies you for. The form filters streams by the subjects you registered.
- Read which stream and subjects fit your degree plan.
- Apply before results. The first phase for 2026/2027 closed on 10 February 2026, and a short second phase opened for five days after SPM results. See applying on forecast grades.
- Keep a second route open. Compare options on the matriculation pathway page and enter your grades in the plan builder.
Source: Soalan Lazim Program Matrikulasi Kementerian Pendidikan (Bahagian Matrikulasi KPM, updated 6 January 2026), the KPM FAQ on places for 10A students, and a KPM statement reported by Bernama on 8 April 2026. Figures are for the 2026/2027 session and may change. Verify at matrikulasi.moe.gov.my before applying.
Check what you may qualify for
Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.
Frequently asked questions
- What SPM grades do I need for the Science stream in matriculation?
- For the 2026/2027 two-semester Science stream: at least C in Bahasa Melayu, English, Additional Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics or Biology, B in Mathematics, and a pass in Sejarah. The four-semester route accepts C in Mathematics and passes in Additional Mathematics and the sciences.
- Can I apply for matriculation Accounting without Additional Mathematics?
- Yes. The official FAQ says candidates who did not take Additional Mathematics have been eligible for the Accounting stream since the 2021/2022 session. You still need C in Bahasa Melayu, English, Mathematics and three listed subjects, and a pass in Sejarah.
- Can non-Bumiputera students apply for matriculation?
- Yes. The portal states that 10% of places have been open to non-Bumiputera students since 2003/2004, and students with at least 10 As who apply are offered a place regardless of race. The JPPro stream is the exception: it is open to Bumiputera students only.
- Is there an age limit for matriculation?
- Yes. Applicants must not be older than 20 at the time of application and must be current-year SPM candidates, according to the 2026/2027 FAQ.
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