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All pathways

STPM (Form 6)

Direct entry

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia: the most affordable pre-university route, taken at government schools over 1.5 years. Globally recognised and the classic path into public universities via UPU.

Duration

18 months

Fees

Not sourced yet

Fees: not sourced yet

No public registry lists fees per programme for UPU or MQA courses, and we have not yet collected institution fee schedules we can stand behind. Rather than show an estimate we can't source, we show none.

Check the fee schedule on the institution's own website or offer letter, and ask about hostel and one-off registration costs, which are often left out.

Upcoming deadlines

  • SPM results releasedapproximate

    usually March – April · 150 days to go

    Approximate date; confirm with the official source

  • Main scholarship seasonapproximate

    usually March – June · 150 days to go

    Approximate date; confirm with the official source

  • Registration & first semesterapproximate

    usually June – July · 242 days to go

    Approximate date; confirm with the official source

Typical entry requirements

  • Pass SPM with credits in relevant subjects
  • School placement by state education department

Do your results meet these?

Enter your SPM grades (or expected grades) and see which programmes on this route you qualify for, with the official source for each.

Check with my results

What comes after

This route doesn't end here. Here's the journey to a real career.

  1. 1
    Sit STPM (3 semesters)
  2. 2
    Apply to a public university degree via UPU
  3. 3
    Bachelor's degree: 3 to 4 years
  4. 4
    Graduate -> professional body / first job

Read more before you decide

Programmes on this route

Where it can lead

Software EngineerRegistered NurseAccountant

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

How long does STPM take?

STPM takes 18 months, split into three semesters across Lower and Upper Form 6. Each semester ends with a national examination, so your final grade is built up over the full period rather than decided by one sitting.

Is STPM harder than matriculation?

STPM is generally considered more demanding: it runs longer, is graded on a stricter curve, and is examined nationally. Matriculation is shorter and largely coursework-assessed, but places are quota-limited, so the harder part there is getting in.

Can I go overseas with STPM?

Yes. STPM is benchmarked against A-Levels and accepted by universities in the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, among others. Individual universities set their own grade requirements, so check the specific course before applying.