The status of applications to enter public universities or premier polytechnics by holders of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or equivalent can be checked from noon next Monday.

The Higher Education Ministry, in a statement here today said, applicants can do so by calling hotline numbers 03-88706767 or 03-88706777 or surfing http://upu.mohe.gov.my, https://jpt.utm.my, http://jpt.uum.edu.my, https://jpt.unimas.my, http://jpt.ums.edu.my.

Also via the short-messaging system (SMS) by typing UPU RESULT [MyKad No.] and send to 15888.

The ministry said applicants who received offer of places could print the official offer letter from the websites of the universities concerned or that of the Polytechnic Education Department from Tuesday (May 17).

"Failure by the successful candidates to confirm or reject the offer by the deadline given will be deemed as not accepting it," it said.

According to the ministry, 440,688 candidates sat for the SPM examination in 2015 but only 181,317 (41.1 percent) filed in applications via UPUOnline.

"Of the number, 90.3 percent or 163,681 candidates qualified to be considered for foundation and diploma level studies at universities or premier polytechnics for the 2016/2017 academic term," it added.

The statement said the Student Enrolment Division, Higher Education Department was coordinating entry into Politeknik Konvensional/METrO, Kolej Komuniti and Institusi Latihan Kemahiran Awam (ILKA).

The status on these applications can be obtained from noon on May 26, it said, adding that candidates who failed in their application could appeal via

UPUOnline Rayuan which will be open for only five days from May 26 to May 31, 2016 at .

The results of the appeals will be available in the second week of June 2016 and if no offer is received within four weeks of registration of new students, applicants can deem their appeals have failed.

For assistance, applicants can call 03-8870 6767 and 03-8870 6777.