Matriculation programme equivalent to STPM, recognised by overseas universities

Deputy Education Minister P.Kamalanathan said the process to standardise the entry qualifications for matriculation programme and STPM had been carried out in an integrated manner by the ministry to maintain the standard and quality of education.

He said this in reply to Sim Tong Him (DAP-Kota Melaka), who wanted to know the difference of standards and qualifications for matriculation programme and STPM during the question time Tuesday.

Kamalanathan said, right now, there were 227 Malaysian matriculation graduates pursuing studies at overseas universities.

"At present, the qualifications of Malaysian matriculation graduates are recognised and accepted by 10 universities in United Kingdom, including University of Manchester and the King's College of London; University of Sydney, Australia; as well as other universities in Indonesia and New Zealand.

"STPM is also recognised by many universities, especially in the Commonwealth countries, as well as in the United States and Ireland. Most of the universities accepted the STPM as equivalent to A-Level and the quality and standard are constantly monitored by representatives of Cambridge Assessment," he said.

Meanwhile, Kamalanathan said a total of 24,249 students were accepted to enter matriculation programmes nationwide last year.