Matriculation

Direct entry

KPM programme at 15 matriculation colleges and two MARA colleges, in five streams: Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Accountancy and Professional Accountancy. Two semesters for most streams, four for Science. Tuition and accommodation are free and eligible students get RM2,500 a year, but placement is competitive and quota-based.

Duration

12–24 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.

KPM matriculation colleges charge no tuition or hostel fee, and pay eligible students an allowance of RM2,500 a year. KPM, Brosur Kemasukan Matrikulasi 2026

Upcoming deadlines

Registration & first semesterapproximate
usually September – October · -24 days to go
Approximate date; confirm with the official source
Matriculation application windowapproximate
usually February – March · 129 days to go
Approximate date; confirm with the official source
Main scholarship seasonapproximate
usually March – June · 157 days to go
Approximate date; confirm with the official source

Typical entry requirements

Malaysian citizen, under 20 at the time of applying, and a current SPM candidate
Minimum SPM grades vary by stream — see the stream cards below
Selection is 90% SPM results and 10% co-curriculum, with a 90:10 Bumiputera quota and a 30,000 place cap
Apply separately through KPM during your SPM year; selection is merit and quota based

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
Finish matriculation with a strong CGPA
2
Apply to a public university degree via UPU
3
Bachelor's degree: 3 to 5 years
4
Graduate -> professional licence / first job

Programmes on this route

Where it can lead

Registered Nurse Teacher (DG9)Civil Engineer Mechanical Engineer Chemical & Process Engineer Land Surveyor Agronomist / Agriculture Officer Medical Laboratory Technologist Pharmacist Dentist Veterinarian Physiotherapist University Lecturer Food Technologist Environmental Consultant / Officer

Frequently asked questions

How much does matriculation cost?

KPM charges no tuition or accommodation fee for matriculation. Eligible students also receive RM2,500 a year in financial aid, paid over 10 months, which is why it is the cheapest pre-university route overall.

When do you apply for matriculation?

You apply through the Ministry of Education portal during your SPM year, before results are released. Offers are issued based on trial results, co-curricular merit and the quota system, so missing the window means waiting a full cycle.

Is matriculation better than STPM for entering a public university?

Neither is universally better. Matriculation CGPAs tend to be higher, which helps in UPU merit ranking, but STPM keeps more options open including overseas study. The right choice depends on your target course, your budget and whether you receive a matriculation offer at all.