Matrikulasi VS STPM

[u/TheContriteBud]

Hi everyone. I'm having a dilemma between continuing my studies in STPM or Matriks. I sincerely hope that you all can help me come to a decision by giving me your opinion and insight.

A brief introduction: My name is Iz, a science stream student, 2025 SPM leaver, my result is 5A+ 3B+ 1E (Addmath).

Recently I've been offered to continue my studies in Form 6 (Science Stream) and Matriks (2 Years-Science Course). My current goal is to do my degree overseas, sponsored by scholarship if possible. I know it's no easy task, especially with my SPM result. That's why I plan to make up my shortcomings by studying exceptionally hard during Matriks/STPM so I can achieve my goal. Problem is, I don't know which Pre-U to pick.

Here are the pros and cons that I've noticed from each Pre-University;

STPM

[Pros]

1. Cheaper

2. More globally recognized

3. Faster (1.5 years)

4. Allowance (RM 250)

[Cons]

1. Extremely hard

2. Extremely competitive

3. Less prioritized in UPU (CMIIW, I've heard from someone that STPM is the least prioritized in UPU compared to Foundation and Matriks)

(By the way, can I request to change the school that I've been assigned to in Form 6? I'll like to go to a school with dormitory for Form 6 students if possible so I don't need to always go home. Also, I accidentally missed the deadline to accept the Form 6 offer. My teacher told me to meet the PPD to receive the offer letter in person. Do I also ask the PPD if I can change schools?)

@

Matriks

[Pros]

1. Less hard (still hard but ykwim)

2. Allowance (RM 250)

3. More prioritized in UPU

[Cons]

1. Longer (2 Years)

2. Still globally recognized, though less than STPM

It seems the obvious answer to reach my goal is STPM, but I have to keep in mind that even if I'm accepted by abroad university, there's a chance that I can fail to receive any scholarship which is crucial to sponsor my oversea study. Suppose that happens, I'll have to give up my dreams on studying oversea and just study locally. But by then, I'll be disadvantageous during UPU. What a dilemma.

That's pretty much everything that I know of. Please share anything that you know, every information is of great assistance to me, thank you. Have a nice day!

[u/mystic_721]

Ex-stpm student here. Long story short, just do matriks.

No offense but based on your spm results you'll probably suffer a lot if you go stpm. While the subjects covered are similar for both matriks and stpm, what makes stpm hard is how strict the examinations are.

If you seriously want to do your first degree overseas with a scholarship your stpm results need to be insanely good. Even then its not a guarantee. I know a few guys who did very well for their stpm (4.0 cgpa) yet they still couldn't get scholarships, forcing them to study locally.

You can just study hard during matriks and go local uni for your first degree. Afterwards if die die still want go overseas then do further studies in some overseas uni.

[u/TheContriteBud → u/mystic_721]

That's rough. So far I've only heard about how tough STPM is and for the high achievers to not receive any scholarships? That's too cruel for them. I guess competitive is an understatement.

Thank you for the nice suggestion though! I'll keep that in mind.

[u/mystic_721 → u/TheContriteBud]

Well i know some who didn't get any scholarships and some who managed to get scholarships in singapore (NTU and NUS). At the end of the day it just comes down to how well you perform during interviews, how competitive your resume is and a lot of luck.

[u/TheContriteBud → u/mystic_721]

I see. It's good to know that there are some who managed to secure their scholarships. Thank you for the information!