Academic Streams & Subjects
Foundation Program
The APEX USM Foundation Program offers two academic streams designed to support students with different academic interests and future aspirations.
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Science Stream
Build a Strong Foundation in Science
Designed for students interested in scientific and technical disciplines, the Science Stream provides a strong foundation in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. It prepares students for further studies in fields such as Engineering, Pure Sciences, Technology, Environmental Science and Computer Science.
Common Core Subjects
Taken by 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
- Biology II
- Chemistry II
- Physics II
- Mathematics II
Entry Requirements and Programme Fees
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) 1,900.00
Total Tuition Fees (entire program) 10,000.00 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).
Intake Application Closing Date September (Semester 1) To be announced
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Social Science Stream
Explore Society, Culture, Communication and Business
Designed for students interested in society, culture, communication and business, the Social Science Stream develops foundational knowledge across areas such as communication, business, visual arts and economics. It prepares students for further studies in fields such as Communication, Business, Education, Social Work and the Arts.
Common Core Subjects
Taken by 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 Economics
- Climate Change (Co-Curriculum)
Electives
Choose 2 of 3
- Business Management II
- Basic Video
- Introduction to Performing Arts
Entry Requirements and Programme Fees
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) 1,900.00
Total Tuition Fees (entire program) 10,000.00 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).
Intake Application Closing Date March 2027 (Semester 2) 8 January 2027 September 2027 (Semester 1) To be announced