Factors to Consider When Choosing a Course for Further Studies
Here are 20 tips to help you to decide wisely on the right course for you.
Make sure the course is accredited by MQA – Ensure that the institution or course you chose is approved by the Ministry of Education to make your choice fulfil your education needs in the future. Find out what careers you can pursue – Plan ahead to identify that the course enables you to pursue your desired career.
Is the course within your budget? – Can you afford the cost fee including cost of accommodation, textbooks, and other expenditures? Compare the same course cost at different institutions to find most affordable for your convenience.
Find out what financial aid is available – Check if you qualify for PTPTN loan. Also, the institution may offer scholarship and bursaries.
Do you have necessary entry requirements? – make sure you meet the requirements needed for the programme or course.
Check out the subject offered – Two bachelor’s degrees with the same name can have vastly different curricula. Choose the best suits your interest.
Which institution is awarding the qualifications – There are various mode to get your degree namely home-grown degree qualifications; dual award degrees; or 3+0 or credit transfer degree programme. You can also study at a foreign university branch campus in Malaysia.
Is the qualification recognised? – Ensure that the course you pursue offers a qualification that is recognised by the relevant professional bodies. Exams, assignments, presentations;
How are student assessed? – Check your preference either studying full time, part time, or online/distance learning. Check type of course delivery method that suits you best.
Is internship part of the course? – internship helps student on employability prospects.
Is there opportunity for studying abroad? – Some institutions offer their students a chance to complete a semester or a year at a partner university abroad at no extra cost in term of tuition fees.
What facilities do the institution provide? – Check the facilities accordingly to your course to make sure you get the most out of your education.
Clubs, societies, sports, and recreational – Explore to see what the institution has to offer because extra-curriculum activities are important as well.
What is the employability trend of the institution? – Check employability rate for the institution’s graduates to ensure bright future you can achieved by enrolling into the institution.
Does the institution provide support for career services? – Some institutions may organise career day or fair where they invite employers to check on their graduates and some institutions also organise career workshop for students.
What make the course special? – A simple question to ask the course counsellor; what make the course special? You will be surprised with what you could discover this way.
What are the lecturers like? – Check with the lecturers whether they have industry experience and what are the expectations of them toward the students.
What is the student population like? – Good demographic mix ensure diversity and it is good to promote intellectual engagement and improves academic skills.
Awards, achievements, and special projects – Find out what the institution has acquired. Collaboration with industry also give students wider learning areas.
Speak to current students – Recommendations and reviews are important and explore how current students are satisfied with their journey so far with the institution.
