Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) has announced a new initiative to open admission pathways for students from foreign education systems, including the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC), to public institutions of higher learning (IPTA), clarifying that this move does not imply recognition of those systems.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Higher Education director-general Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman stated that the initiative is a government effort to broaden access to higher education across all identified levels. She emphasized that the objective is to provide an opportunity for candidates who have graduated from foreign education systems to continue their studies, without recognizing those systems. This approach aligns with the Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint (RPTM) 2026-2035, which outlines inclusive access to education.

Azlinda clarified that admission pathways into IPTA are exclusively open to students from tahfiz schools or institutions, private schools, and Chinese independent secondary schools (SMPC), dismissing claims that tahfiz graduates were being used as a reason to recognize other education systems like the UEC. She reiterated the intention to provide tahfiz centre graduates with the opportunity to further their studies at higher levels.

Furthermore, Azlinda mentioned that all admission requirements to IPTA will be determined by the respective university senates without any external interference. Each university has its own requirements and assessment mechanisms, which may include special requirements and interviews, ensuring that the integrity of the national education system is maintained.

Azlinda also confirmed that UEC or tahfiz candidates with a full Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) qualification are eligible to apply for admission to any university. They can apply for any programme, depending on their results, through UPUOnline based on the merit of their SPM results, ensuring no compromise, discrimination, or bias.

The Cabinet's recent decision on entry pathways for students from tahfiz schools, private schools, and SMPC into IPTA was reaffirmed by Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, who stated that Bahasa Melayu and History in the SPM examination remain compulsory requirements for admission, including for students from outside the national education system.