MOHE: Wider Access To Higher Education, Not Recognition Of Foreign Systems

PUTRAJAYA, May 15 (Bernama) -- The decision to open admission pathways for students from foreign education systems, including the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), to public institutions of higher learning (IPTA) does not imply recognition of those systems, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) said.

Higher Education director-general Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman said the move was a government initiative to widen access to higher education across all identified levels.

“We view this as an opportunity to open up access to higher education, not as recognition (of other education systems).

“...we want to give them (candidates who have graduated from foreign education systems) a space to continue their studies.

“We are inclusive. Our access to education is clearly outlined in the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035. We want to walk the talk and ensure that access for any target group can be achieved,” she said at a special press conference on admission pathways for graduates outside the national education system to IPTA here today.

Azlinda said the admission pathways into IPTA are open only to students from tahfiz schools or institutions, private schools, and Chinese independent secondary schools (SMPC).

She also dismissed claims that tahfiz graduates were being used as justification to recognise other education systems such as the UEC.

“We have many of these (tahfiz) centres, and we want to provide them with space to continue their studies (at the higher level),” she said.

Meanwhile, Azlinda said all admission requirements to IPTA will be determined by the respective university senates without any external interference.

“At the university level, we already have our own requirements. We have looked into it, and the university senate is the highest authority. They are the ones who determine the quality and standards (of admission).

Azlinda further said that each university has a different assessment mechanism based on the programmes offered, which may include special requirements and interviews.

She added the admission pathways for graduates outside the national education system were introduced without compromising the integrity of the national education system.

Asked whether UEC or tahfiz candidates with a full Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification can apply for admission to IPTA, Azlinda said they are eligible to apply to any university.

“They (UEC or tahfiz graduates with full SPM qualification) can apply for any programme, depending on their results. There is no compromise, no discrimination, no bias.

“They (can) apply via UPUOnline based on the merit of their SPM results,” she said.

Yesterday, the Cabinet agreed on several decisions regarding entry pathways for students from tahfiz schools or institutions, private schools and SMPC into IPTA. 

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said earlier today that Bahasa Melayu and History in the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination remain compulsory requirements for admission into IPTA, including for students from outside the national education system.

--BERNAMA