In this article, we will discuss the IGCSE and its accessibility to learners within Malaysia. We will also compare the IGCSE to the SPM Examination / Malaysian Certificate of Education.
Malaysia has a number of universities within the QS World University Rankings meaning they are highly rated.
Lets explore the education system within Malaysia and how it compares to the International GCSE on offer from Cambridge.
Education Pathway – Malaysia |
Pre-School (age 4-6) Students can attend Pre-School education as early as four years old within Malaysia, however this is not compulsory. The curriculum will consist of reading, writing and counting. |
Primary Education (age 7-12) Students will attend primary education from age 7 until they are 12. Primary education within Malaysia is a natural progression from Pre-School and students will also learn new subjects such as Science, Physical Education, Islamic and Moral Education. |
Secondary Education (age 13-17) Divided as follows: Lower secondary edu (Form 1-3) Upper secondary edu (Form 4&5) The syllabus will consist of Regular Academic, Religion, Techniques and Vocational. SPM examination at the end of Secondary Education. |
Post-Secondary Education (age 18 or above) (Form 6) If learners have met specific qualification requirements within their secondary education, they will be able to progress onto Post-Secondary Education. Post-Secondary Education will prepare learners for University. The duration will be 1-2 years depending on academic ability. |
Education Pathway – Cambridge |
Early Years Pre-School (age 3-6) Four key areas: Physical Development Cognitive Development Language and Communication Development Social and Emotional Development |
Primary Education (age 5-11) Cambridge provide flexibility with their curriculum with over ten subjects to choose from. Schools would teach English, Mathematics and Science as compulsory subjects and may add some additional subjects as learners progress through primary school. |
Cambridge Lower Secondary (age 11-14) Again, whilst English, Mathematics and Science is covered, schools will offer flexibility with other subject options. Learners can choose additional subjects such as: Art and Design Computing Digital Literacy English as a Second Language Global Perspectives Humanities Modern Foreign Language Music Physical Education Science Wellbeing Cambridge Upper Secondary (age 14-16) When students reach upper secondary, they can choose between the Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge O Level. Both routes are assessed in a similar way and offer a wide range of subjects. IGCSEs and O Levels offer a natural progression onto International A Levels. |
Cambridge Advanced (age 16-19) Cambridge advanced is for learners aged 16-19 and helps prepare them for University. The qualification is the International A Level which is widely accepted by Universities / Colleges worldwide. |
Higher Education / Tertiary Education / University Learners can progress onto University whether this is in Malaysia or Internationally. |
The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM)
The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), or the Malaysian Certificate of Education is a national exam taken by Form 5 at the end of Secondary Education. The SPM will allow learners to continue onto Post-Secondary Education (pre-university level) provided learners are successful in passing.
International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)
The IGCSE is exam based and is taken at the end of secondary education. The qualification forms a natural progression onto International A Levels.
The system in Malaysia works in a similar way to other schools internationally. If we concentrate on the Cambridge Pathway, here is how International GCSEs and A Levels compare to the education system within Malaysia.
How does the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) compare to the IGCSE?
The SPM examination is equivalent to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
The main difference would be the assessment, subject range available to learners and specification flexibility.
Assessment SPM vs International GCSE
For the SPM test, learners will need to have completed 11 years of education. They will be aged 17 when taking the test and it happens once a year.
For the IGCSE, there is no age limit in order to sit examinations and learners will have a choice of two exam windows per year. This is normally in June and November. With the IGCSE, learners could also take fewer subjects in one sitting and the remainder subjects in a later sitting to help ease pressure.
Subjects SPM vs International GCSE
For the SPM, you will be required to take the following subjects:
- Malay Language
- English
- Mathematics
- History
- Islamic Studies (for Muslim students) or Moral (for non-Muslim students)
- Science
For the IGCSE, learners can take compulsory subjects such as IGCSE Malay, English and Mathematics. They will then have a choice of over 70 subjects to choose from to supplement their studies.
Recognised Qualifications SPM vs International GCSE
The Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM), or the Malaysian Certificate of Education is conducted by the Ministry of Education of Malaysia.
The International GCSE is conducted and awarded by Cambridge International Education (CIE) or Pearson Edexcel.
Public and private universities are very familiar with the SPM and Cambridge qualifications. Typical admissions requirements are three A Levels, but as criteria vary by institution, learners should check before applying.
Flexibility SPM vs International GCSE
SPM is cheaper to take than the IGCSE. In government schools, there is no fee. However, some learners prefer to go down the private candidate route which is where IGCSEs are favourable. Learners will need to pay for their IGCSE exams at a CAIE or Edexcel centre. These amounts vary as centres set an amount individually.
Some learners choose to take the IGCSE over the SPM due to its flexibility. With the IGCSE, there are more exam dates, subjects and assessment options. Also, there is no age limit.
Either way, both the SPM and the IGCSE form a natural progression onto Post-Secondary Education or International A Levels.
Applying to University with the SPM /Malaysian Certificate of Education or Cambridge qualifications
Before you apply, check the admissions criteria. For some courses within the US and Canada, Cambridge learners may be eligible for course credits or advanced standing, reducing the length and cost of studies.
Also, students planning to complete a course delivered in English may have to meet a specific level of English as part of their admissions process. Cambridge qualifications are often accepted as evidence.
If you have a different destination in mind for further study, do carry out research on the place first. You will need to be familiar with visa requirements and local culture.
Recognising Institutions for Cambridge Qualifications include:
- University of Malaya
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
- Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
- Taylor’s University.