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The government has expanded higher education entry pathways, allowing graduates from Chinese independent secondary schools to apply for selected programmes at public universities under a merit-based system
The announcement was made by the Higher Education Ministry following a Cabinet decision that also covers students from tahfiz institutions and other alternative education streams.
According to the ministry, graduates holding the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) can now apply for four specific degree programmes related to Chinese language and studies.
These include:
- Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Language Studies with Honours
- Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Language and Linguistics
- Bachelor of Arts in Chinese Studies
- Bachelor's Degree in Chinese Language with Education
All applications will go through the national university admissions platform, UPUOnline
The applications will be assessed based on merit, academic qualifications, and the specific requirements set by individual universities.
The ministry said admissions will remain subject to university senate approval, reinforcing that institutional standards and academic quality will not be compromised.
For UEC graduates, eligibility may also depend on additional requirements.
Those who do not hold a full Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) certificate can still apply if they have sat for Bahasa Malaysia and History subjects recognised by the Malaysian Examinations Syndicate.
Beyond UEC pathways, the Cabinet has also agreed to widen entry routes for students from tahfiz schools and institutions
Those with SPM qualifications will be able to apply for programmes across public universities through UPUOnline under standard merit calculations.
For tahfiz students specifically, identified programmes include Islamic and religious studies-related degrees such as Dakwah, Al-Quran and As-Sunnah, Tahfiz Education, and Islamic Studies (Dakwah), offered at diploma and bachelor's level depending on institutions.
The ministry said these measures are part of efforts to make higher education access more inclusive while maintaining academic standards across Malaysia's public university system.
It added that the policy aligns with the broader goal of strengthening equitable access to higher education without compromising quality, in line with the National Education Philosophy.
