SPM Grads! Here's How To Apply For UPU Online To Enrol In Public Universities
The first step to the next few years of your life starts here.
By Hafiz Zainuddin — 24 Feb 2023, 05:17 PM
Leaving high school after completing your Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) will no doubt bring a lot of emotions and questions
"When will I see my friends again?" and "What's next?" are the top two contenders.
For most graduates, the logical next step is to begin thinking about university. And if you're going the public uni route, that has to start with applying for Unit Pengambilan Universiti (UPU).
UPU is the one-stop platform for post-SPM graduates to apply to public universities, community colleges, polytechnics, and Institut Latihan Kemahiran Awam (ILKA)
Essentially, the platform helps students who have their eyes set on different tertiary education institutes, so they can apply for all of them in one shot.
Aside from SPM grads, UPU also accepts applications from students who have completed their foundation (Asasi), STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia), STAM (Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia), Matriculation, and Diploma!
If you are planning to apply for UPU 2023/2024, there are a few things to note
The 2023/2024 UPU applications are divided into two phases: Phase 1 and Phase 2.
Essentially, Phase 1 opens the application for SPM, STPM, STAM, and Diploma students, while Phase 2 is for Matriculation and Foundation students.
Important dates:
- Phase 1 is available from now until 28 March 2023
- Phase 2 will run from 15 May till 12 June 2023
- Application results will be announced between 1 June till the end of July 2023
Eligible applicants:
- SPM graduates of 2022, 2021, and 2020
- STPM graduates of 2022 only
- Final year students of Foundation studies and Matriculation
- STAM graduates of 2022 and 2021
- Diploma graduates
Previously, all UPU applications had to be registered with a PIN number you bought from BNM. You don't have to do that any more this year because the cost is subsidised by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education. Woohoo!
1. First, go to UPU Online's official registration page and sign up by clicking on 'Daftar Akaun'
4. On the 'Permohonan' page, fill up your IC number, choose your category and click on 'Seterusnya'
There are two categories you can choose from the dropdown menu, SPM KATEGORI A (for 2022 SPM graduates) and SPM KATEGORI B (for 2021 and 2020 SPM graduates).
5. Choose 'Ya' or 'Tidak' in the 'Maklumat Penyata' page and click 'Seterusnya'
9. Then, you can finally vet through a list of courses and universities you might be interested in
Keep in mind that you're required to fill at least six courses and universities from the list. These do not guarantee you a placement, but indicate the courses you prefer, so choose wisely.
You can provide up to 12 different choices.
Additionally, the 'PURATA MERIT' score underneath each choice you make gauges your compatibility with the course you pick, based on your academic results.
There will also be courses that require an interview or examination, so you can choose the most convenient location for you.
If any of your options is Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), you'll have to write down your height and weight too.
10. The system will then give you a chance to have a final look through and verify all your details
If all looks well, click on 'Saya Setuju'.
11. Congratulations! You've officially applied for UPU.
You can download or print your application slip for safekeeping. :)
You should expect a two to three-month wait before hearing back from universities you applied to!
If you didn't manage to get a placement, you can appeal through UPU online in the first week of July.
