Malaysia – 3WGE

1. Kindergarten (Optional)

Age: 3–6 years
Mostly privately run

2. Primary Education (Compulsory)

Age: 7–12 years | Duration: 6 years
Core subjects: Reading, writing, arithmetic, science, moral/Islamic education
Ends with Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR)

3. Secondary Education

Age: 13–17 years
Lower Secondary (3 years) + Upper Secondary (2 years)
Students take SPM exam at the end
Streams: Academic (Science/Arts), Technical/Vocational, Religious
School types: National, residential, technical, religious, sports, arts, and cluster schools

4. Post-Secondary Education

Age: 17–18 years
Options include Form 6 (STPM exam) or Matriculation Programme
Streams: Humanities or Science
Prepares students for university

5. Higher Education

Includes public/private universities, teacher education institutes, and matriculation colleges
Entry usually based on STPM, Matriculation, or equivalent international qualifications

Special Notes:

International and private schools are also available
Special education for students with disabilities is provided at all levels
Bumiputera students have access to the government’s Matriculation Programme

International students are allowed to work part-time up to 20 hours per week only during semester breaks or holidays of more than 7 days.

Work is permitted in specific sectors such as:

Restaurants
Petrol kiosks
Mini markets
Hotels (excluding front office roles)

Students must obtain prior approval from the Immigration Department of Malaysia.

Work is not allowed during academic sessions or without permission.

Malaysia is a multicultural and multi-religious country.

Islam is the official religion, but non-Muslim students are not required to follow Islamic laws or practices that do not align with their beliefs.
Religious freedom is generally respected, especially within educational institutions.
Students are encouraged to respect local customs and cultural diversity.

Malaysian university qualifications are widely recognized internationally, especially across Commonwealth countries.

Many institutions offer twinning or credit transfer programs, allowing students to complete part of their degree in Malaysia and transfer to Australia, New Zealand, the UK, or other countries to finish their studies.

This offers a cost-effective pathway to earn a globally respected degree.

Yes, you can!
You have the option to complete your entire degree in Malaysia.

Alternatively, many universities offer credit transfer and twinning programs, so you can start in Malaysia and finish your course abroad (e.g., in the UK, Australia, or New Zealand).