A-Levels also known as the Advanced Level course is a pre-university course offered by private institutions of higher learning. A-Levels are considered to be equivalent to form 6 in the UK. The A-Levels is popular as it could be a gateway to studying any course in any part of the world as the scope for A-Levels is very wide. A-Levels can take up to 18 months. There are 3 intakes which vary according to institutions.
Who should pursue the programme?
Students who have undergone SPM have to obtain at least 5 credits including English in order to qualify for A-Levels. GCE O-Levels results are also accepted.
What is the difference between Edexcel and Cambridge A-levels?
Both Cambridge International Examinations and Edexcel International Examinations are the most renowned international boards offering different qualifications to students such as IGCSE, GCE O Level, AS level and A Level. The specifications of syllabuses might differ but both of them are recognized by colleges, universities and employers all around the world. There is no difference in the level or degree of difficulty between the two.
Recognition
A-levels is one of the most recognised qualifications around the world. Students use this qualification to gain places at leading universities worldwide including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain. A-levels in Malaysia is the same with the A-levels programme taken by learners in the United Kingdom, and are accepted for entrance to all UK universities. Over 450 US universities A Levels, including all Ivy League and Ivy Plus universities. In Malaysia, A-levels is recognised in most private institutions of higher learning. For local public universities only Universiti Sains Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia recognised this pre-u programme.
How much A-levels costs?
The cost of this course varies depending on the institutions and is determined by the type (science or art) and number of subjects. The cost can range from RM10, 000 to RM25, 000+.
How many subjects do I need to take in A-levels?
There are 40 subjects available in A-levels. Students are allowed to take a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 subjects for A-Levels. Subjects offered at different institutions vary from one another. Hence, students are advised on the subject combination that is suitable for the undergraduate degree programmes they wish to take after A-levels. Students studying in Malaysia will also have to sit for Malaysian studies and Moral/Islamic studies papers.
References and Source:
http://www.malaysia-students.com/2008/11/pre-u-programme-level.html
http://www.malaysia-students.com/2007/04/gce-level-in-malaysia.html
http://www.malaysia-students.com/2007/02/pre-u-course-i-cambridge-gce-levels.html