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Welcome to APEX USM Foundation Program

The APEX USM Foundation Program is a comprehensive one-year preparatory course designed for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The program aims to develop essential academic competencies, foster intellectual confidence, and ensure students are well-prepared for entry into degree programs across various disciplines, including Science, Engineering, Business, and the Social Sciences.

 Two Streams, One Destination

Choose the stream that fits your academic interest:

a) Science Stream: Designed for students planning to pursue undergraduate program in Engineering and the Natural Sciences.

b) Social Science Stream: Designed for students planning to pursue undergraduate program in the Arts, Business, Communication, and Social Sciences.

All classes are delivered in English by experienced lecturers through lectures, tutorials, and practical/lab sessions

Progression to USM Degree Programmes

Upon successful completion of the Foundation Program, students will be eligible to apply for selected undergraduate programs at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), subject to the prevailing terms and conditions of admission.

Key Information

Next Intake: September 2026
Application period:To be announced

At present, the USM Foundation Program is open to International students only.

List of Programs

Science Stream 

  • The Science Stream is tailored for students with a strong interest in scientific and technical disciplines who aspire to pursue undergraduate degrees in fields such as Engineering, Pure Sciences, or Technology. The program provides a rigorous foundation in core science subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. Delivered through a blend of lectures, tutorials, and practical laboratory sessions, the curriculum is designed to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills essential for academic success in science-related fields. This stream is particularly suited for students intending to continue their studies in areas such as Engineering, Environmental Science, Computer Science, or Applied Sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

    Common Core Subjects (All Students)

    • Public Speaking
    • Computing Fundamentals
    • English I
    • English II
    • Basic Mathematics
    • Malay Language
    • Co-Curricular – Sustainability

    Core Subjects:

    • Biology I
    • Chemistry I
    • Physics I
    • Mathematics I
    • Introduction to Communication

    Electives (Choose 3 of 4):

    • Biology II
    • Chemistry II
    • Physics II
    • Mathematics II

    *subject to change

  • Academic Qualification:

    • High School Graduation Certificate or equivalent (e.g., IGCSE, O-Level)

    Minimum Subject Grades:

    Grade C or above in the following subjects:

    • Chemistry
    • Biology
    • Physics
    • Mathematics
    • English Language

    English Language Proficiency:

    • IELTS or IELTS Online: Minimum Band 5.0 OR
    • Malaysian University English Test (MUET): Minimum Band 3.5

    (Applicable for International Applicants Only)

    • A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
    • A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
    • A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
    • A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
    • A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET

    Exemption can be given if:

    • English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
    • The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction is English

    Additional Requirements:

    • The candidate must not have any visual (e.g., color blindness) or physical limitations that may hinder participation in laboratory or practical sessions.
    • An interview may be required as part of the admission process.

  • 1 year (2 semesters)

  • International Applicant

    TYPE OF FEES AMOUNT (USD)
    Application Fee (non-refundable) 100.00 
    Accommodation Fee (1 year stay + refundable deposit)

    1,800.00
    Total Tuition Fees (entire program) 5,500.00
    Recurrent Fee (per semester) 112.50
    Non-Recurrent Fee (Payable upon registration) 1,325.00

    Note: 

    –  All fees are quoted in USD and are subject to change.

    –  Accommodation fees DO NOT include utility charges.

    –  All fees are subject to a 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST).

  • September (Semester 1)

Social Science Stream

  • The Social Science Stream is designed for students with a keen interest in human society, culture, communication, and the business environment. This program introduces foundational knowledge in areas such as intercultural communication, business management, visual arts, and the principles of social research and critical analysis. The curriculum emphasizes the development of communication skills, creative thinking, and a broad understanding of global and cultural contexts. It provides a strong academic foundation for students intending to pursue undergraduate studies at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) in disciplines such as Communication, Business, Education, Social Work, or the Arts.

    Common Core Subjects (All Students)

    • Public Speaking
    • Computing Fundamentals
    • English I
    • English II
    • Basic Mathematics
    • Malay Language
    • Co-Curricular – Sustainability

    Core Subjects:

    • Introduction to Communication
    • Business Management I
    • Intercultural Communication
    • Introduction to Visual Arts
    • Principles of Economic
    • Climate Change (Co-curriculum)

    Electives (Choose 2 of 3):

    • Business Management II
    • Basic Video
    • Introduction to Performing Arts

    *subject to change

  • Academic Qualification:

    • High School Graduation Certificate or equivalent (e.g., IGCSE, O-Level)
    • Minimum Subject Grades:
    • Minimum Grade C in:
      – Mathematics
      – English Language
      – Any other three (3) subjects

    English Language Proficiency:

    • IELTS or IELTS Online: Minimum Band 5.0 OR
    • Malaysian University English Test (MUET): Minimum Band 3.5

    (Applicable for International Applicants Only)

    • A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
    • A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
    • A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
    • A minimum score of 47 for PTE; or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English (CAE/CPE); or
    • A minimum score of 154 for Linguaskill Online; or
    • A minimum of Band 3.5 for MUET

    Exemption can be given if:

    • English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
    • The candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction is English

    Additional Requirements:

    • Candidates must not have any visual (e.g., colour blindness) or physical limitations that may hinder their ability to participate in practical or lab-based tasks.
    • An interview may be required as part of the admission process.

  • 1 year (2 semesters)

  • International Applicant

    TYPE OF FEES AMOUNT (USD)
    Application Fee (non-refundable) 100.00 
    Accommodation Fee (1 year stay + refundable deposit)

    1,800.00
    Total Tuition Fees (entire program) 5,500.00
    Recurrent Fee (per semester) 112.50
    Non-Recurrent Fee (Payable upon registration) 1,325.00

    Note: 

    –  All fees are quoted in USD and are subject to change.

    –  Accommodation fees DO NOT include utility charges.

    –  All fees are subject to a 6% Sales and Service Tax (SST).

    • March (Semester 2)
    • September (Semester 1)

Frequently Asked Question

Are students who completed the USM Foundation Program eligible to apply for all undergraduate programs at Universiti Sains Malaysia?

 Yes, students who successfully complete the USM Foundation Program are eligible to apply for any undergraduate degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia—except for those offered by the School of Medical Sciences, the School of Dentistry, and the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (at present). Admission to these the undergraduate program requires the fulfilment of specific minimum grade requirements.

Is an English language test required upon completion of the USM Foundation Program?

Yes, students must meet the English language proficiency requirement as part of the program completion criteria. If a student does not meet the required English standard, the university may require them to enroll in Intensive English classes, which are offered as a fee-based program.

Must the student stay in the hostel?

Yes. The student must stay in the hostel throughout the entire foundation study period and must obey all hostel rules and regulations.

USM Recognitions