If you are planning to pursue a Business, Humanities, Arts or Social Science Degree, chances are you've agonised whether you should take A-Level or Foundation in Arts. Both are completely valid pathways to enter a degree, so why should you choose one over the other?

This guide will provide you with all the essential information that you need to know about Foundation in Arts and hopefully, help make your decision-making a lot easier!

Taylor's College

Foundation in Arts

✓Choose from diverse core and subject-specific electives for exposure to arts, business, law, psychology and more to help you pick the right degree

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#1. What is Foundation in Arts

Foundation in Arts is a pre-university programme that focuses on topics related to arts and humanities.

Upon successful completion, it gives you entry into non-science degrees such as Business & Accounting, Communication, Design, Education and Hospitality & Tourism. Depending on the university, it may also lead you to courses like Psychology, Actuarial Science and Architecture.

A Foundation in Arts is considered a "pre-university" course, which means you can take this course after SPM but before entering university for a degree. It typically takes 12 months to complete the whole programme.

Like other foundation programmes, Foundation in Arts is designed to provide you a smooth transition to a non-Science degree of your choice (most of the time, at the same university) once you've successfully completed your foundation studies.

a) Foundation in Arts Requirements

These are the general entry requirements for a Foundation in Arts:

• SPM (or equivalent): Minimum 5Cs in any subject

b) How long is a Foundation in Arts course?

A Foundation in Arts programme is typically about 12 months long.

c) How much does it cost to study Foundation in Arts in Malaysia?

A Foundation in Arts programme can cost from RM500 to RM30,000.

#2. How Is Foundation in Arts Structured?

Unlike pre-university courses like A-Level or International Baccalaureate which are administered by a central body, Foundation in Arts is administered by the university itself.

So, why is this important?

It is crucial to note this because the syllabus and course structure offered at one university is most likely different from another. This is why most foundation students tend to progress and complete their degree studies with the same institution, as universities are inclined to offer foundation courses that are specifically tailored for their degrees.

Most universities offer both core and elective subjects, which means you get to choose some of your subjects. This allows you to explore different topics that may be of interest to you before pursuing your degree.

Usually, core subjects that you need to take will include English and Mathematics / Statistics. As for electives, it would depend on your intended pathway. For example, if you are planning to pursue Business, electives would typically be Economics and Accounting. If you're thinking of Mass Communication, electives may consist of subjects like Marketing, Public Speaking and Introduction to Communication.

Since the syllabus and course structure can differ among universities, naturally, the assessment criteria will vary as well, depending on the university. However, you can expect to be evaluated via a combination of both coursework and exams.

Taylor's College

Foundation in Arts

✓Choose from diverse core and subject-specific electives for exposure to arts, business, law, psychology and more to help you pick the right degree

More Info

#3. Your Education Pathway With a Foundation in Arts

Foundation in Arts is a great programme for those interested in exploring a wide variety of fields such as Business, Education, Design etc. Here’s how your education pathway will look like.

Step 1: First, complete a Foundation in Arts programme after SPM. This will typically take 1 year.

Step 2: Afterwards, you can immediately enrol into the relevant degree programme such as Business, Education, Design and Psychology. The duration varies from one degree to the next but you’re generally looking at 3 – 4 years of study.

#4. Why Should You Take Foundation in Arts?

Compared to other pre-university courses such as Australian Matriculation and Canadian Pre-University, there are some advantages to taking a Foundation in Arts.

Here are some strong points why you should considering taking Foundation in Arts.

(1) One of the quickest paths to enter degree studies

Foundation programmes are normally a faster track to your degree, and a Foundation in Arts is no exception. You will only need to spend one year in foundation, before immediately proceed to your choice of undergraduate degree. Instead of spending more time doing a pre-university programme like A-Level with a longer duration, Foundation in Arts is not a bad choice at all.

(2) Gives you a chance to explore different pathways

As part of the Foundation in Arts course, most universities will recommend certain elective subjects for certain degrees. So if you're looking to study Business, they may recommend that you take up modules like Accounting, Economics and Finance.

However, you may also get the opportunity to sneak in an additional elective or two. Fascinated in Psychology or maybe Design? If the university offers it, take up subjects related to those majors and who knows, you may find yourself changing your mind and switching your choice of degree!

(3) Universities typically offer better financial aid & more affordable fees

Universities tend to be more generous in offering financial aid or partial scholarships to foundation students, compared to students opting for pre-university courses. Some will even offer discounts for both your foundation AND your degree (depending on your SPM results) provided that you complete both courses at the same institution. Usually, tuition fees for foundation will be lower compared to a pre-university course at the same university.

#5. Who Is Foundation in Arts For?

You should consider taking Foundation in Arts if:

• You are confident that you want to pursue a non-Science degree
• You want to explore different pathways under the arts and humanities umbrella
• You have already decided to stick with the same institution all the way until you obtain your undergraduate degree
• You are looking for a fast track to enter university and get a degree

You should NOT take Foundation in Arts if:

• You plan to pursue your degree abroad
• You plan to transfer to another institution after completing your foundation
• You aim to apply for scholarships offered by the government or private institutions for your degree (they are seldom offered to students graduating from foundation courses)

Remember that Foundation in Arts courses are usually recognised by the original (offerer) institution only, so make sure you do your research well and consult with the university counsellors! For those who plan to apply for scholarships or to study abroad, we would recommend an alternative pre-university course (e.g. A-Level, STPM, etc) instead.

As for entry requirements, most universities require you to have at least 5 credits (1 credit is a C or above) at SPM or equivalent.

Taylor's College

Foundation in Arts

✓Choose from diverse core and subject-specific electives for exposure to arts, business, law, psychology and more to help you pick the right degree

More Info

#6. Frequently Asked Questions About Foundation in Arts

Do I need to complete my degree at the same university?

Due to the nature of foundation programmes where they are administered by the university that provides them, other institutions may or may not recognise your foundation qualification.

Remember that the idea of a foundation programme is to ensure that you are well-prepared for a degree at the same university. So if you want to switch to another institution, they may need to do an evaluation of your results and the curriculum of your foundation course to see if you meet their requirements and have prepared yourself in the best way possible to cope with your chosen course.

Even though you are not strictly required to complete your degree at the same university, it is still advisable that you try to go for a university that offers extensive degree courses that you can take after completing your Foundation in Arts. That way, you can be assured that you will not be limited by degree choices, or run into plenty of hassle later on.

#7. Where Can You Study Foundation in Arts?

There are many colleges and universities in Malaysia that offer Foundation in Arts programmes, allowing you to pursue a number of degree pathways.

Here are some of the popular ones for Foundation in Arts in Malaysia.

• Featured

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Taylor's College

Subang Jaya, Selangor

Foundation in Arts

Intake

Feb, Apr, Jul*, Aug

*This may be a special intake. Contact us to find out more.

Tuition Fees

RM27,850

A further discount of RM1,000 is available for eligible students enrolling in this programme. Contact us to find out more.

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A pioneer in pre-university education

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• Highlights
• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Choose from diverse core and subject-specific electives for exposure to arts, business, law, psychology and more to help you pick the right degree
• Emphasises critical and creative thinking to develop independent learners with the necessary skills and mindsets for success
• Diverse articulation pathways to progress seamlessly to a degree at local or overseas universities, including those in the UK and Australia
• Access to Taylor's First-Year Learning & Mentoring (FLAME) programme that helps you transition to college, achieve learning goals, and overcome social and academic challenges

• Subang Jaya: RM27,850

SPM:

• 8A+ / 9(A+/A/A-): RM12,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): RM7,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8A* / 9(A*/A): RM12,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A*/A): RM7,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• Choose from diverse core and subject-specific electives for exposure to arts, business, law, psychology and more to help you pick the right degree
• Emphasises critical and creative thinking to develop independent learners with the necessary skills and mindsets for success
• Diverse articulation pathways to progress seamlessly to a degree at local or overseas universities, including those in the UK and Australia
• Access to Taylor's First-Year Learning & Mentoring (FLAME) programme that helps you transition to college, achieve learning goals, and overcome social and academic challenges

Campus

• Subang Jaya: RM27,850

Scholarships

SPM:

• 8A+ / 9(A+/A/A-): RM12,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): RM7,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8A* / 9(A*/A): RM12,000 tuition fee waiver
• 8(A*/A): RM7,000 tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM2,000 tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

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University of Nottingham Malaysia

Semenyih, Selangor

Foundation in Arts and Education

Intake

Apr, Sep

Tuition Fees

RM26,700

A 2.5% discount is available for students who pay the full academic year fee before the tuition fee due date.

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Gain a UK degree from a top Russel Group university in Malaysia

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• Highlights
• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Established programme and quality teaching that will provide you with a seamless transition into your preferred degree programme in arts or social sciences
• Participate in lectures, seminars and workshops, and follow a similar timetable to a typical undergraduate
• Gain a UK degree from a top Russel Group university here in Malaysia
• Ranked #108 in the world and #20 in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025)

• Semenyih: RM26,700

SPM:

• 8(A+/A/A-): 25% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): 15% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 7(A*/A): 25% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): 15% tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• Established programme and quality teaching that will provide you with a seamless transition into your preferred degree programme in arts or social sciences
• Participate in lectures, seminars and workshops, and follow a similar timetable to a typical undergraduate
• Gain a UK degree from a top Russel Group university here in Malaysia
• Ranked #108 in the world and #20 in the UK (QS World University Rankings 2025)

Campus

• Semenyih: RM26,700

Scholarships

SPM:

• 8(A+/A/A-): 25% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): 15% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 7(A*/A): 25% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): 15% tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

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First City University College

Bandar Utama, Selangor

Foundation in Art & Design

Intake

Jan, Jun, Sep

Tuition Fees

RM14,000

More Info

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• Highlights
• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Gain experience in practical studio work such as drawing, experimentation and exploration of media and material, and model making
• Direct pathway to First City UC's design degrees which include graphic design, interior architecture, furniture and product design, and fashion marketing
• Over 3 decades of experience
• Located in the modern and vibrant township of Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya

• Bandar Utama: RM14,000

SPM:

• 9(A+/A/A-): 100% tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 1(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 9(A*/A): 100% tuition fee waiver
• 8(A*/A): RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 1(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• Gain experience in practical studio work such as drawing, experimentation and exploration of media and material, and model making
• Direct pathway to First City UC's design degrees which include graphic design, interior architecture, furniture and product design, and fashion marketing
• Over 3 decades of experience
• Located in the modern and vibrant township of Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya

Campus

• Bandar Utama: RM14,000

Scholarships

SPM:

• 9(A+/A/A-): 100% tuition fee waiver
• 8(A+/A/A-): RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 1(A+/A/A-): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 9(A*/A): 100% tuition fee waiver
• 8(A*/A): RM8,000 tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): RM6,000 tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): RM5,000 tuition fee waiver
• 1(A*/A): RM4,000 tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

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Universiti Tun Abdul Razak (UNIRAZAK)

Kuala Lumpur Main Campus, Kuala Lumpur

Foundation in Arts

Intake

Mar, Jul, Nov

Tuition Fees

RM11,650

A special UR Scholarship is available for students that commit to continuing their degree studies at UNIRAZAK. T&C applies. Contact us to find out more.

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• Campus
• Duration

• Kuala Lumpur Main Campus: RM11,650

• Duration: 1 year

Campus

• Kuala Lumpur Main Campus: RM11,650

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

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Raffles University

Johor Bahru, Johor

Foundation in Liberal Arts

Intake

Jan, May, Sep

Tuition Fees

RM13,000

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• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Johor Bahru: RM13,000

SPM:

• 8(A+/A/A-): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): 18% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): 15% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): 13% tuition fee waiver
• 4(A+/A/A-): 10% tuition fee waiver
• 3(A+/A/A-): 8% tuition fee waiver
• 2(A+/A/A-): 5% tuition fee waiver
• 1(A+/A/A-): 3% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8(A*/A): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): 18% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): 15% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): 13% tuition fee waiver
• 4(A*/A): 10% tuition fee waiver
• 3(A*/A): 8% tuition fee waiver
• 2(A*/A): 5% tuition fee waiver
• 1(A*/A): 3% tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Campus

• Johor Bahru: RM13,000

Scholarships

SPM:

• 8(A+/A/A-): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): 18% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): 15% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A+/A/A-): 13% tuition fee waiver
• 4(A+/A/A-): 10% tuition fee waiver
• 3(A+/A/A-): 8% tuition fee waiver
• 2(A+/A/A-): 5% tuition fee waiver
• 1(A+/A/A-): 3% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8(A*/A): 20% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): 18% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): 15% tuition fee waiver
• 5(A*/A): 13% tuition fee waiver
• 4(A*/A): 10% tuition fee waiver
• 3(A*/A): 8% tuition fee waiver
• 2(A*/A): 5% tuition fee waiver
• 1(A*/A): 3% tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

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Universiti Malaya-Wales (UM-Wales)

Kuala Lumpur Campus, Kuala Lumpur

Foundation in Arts

Intake

Jan, May, Sep

Tuition Fees

RM10,710

A special 50% Scholarship is applicable to all students enrolling in this programme. T&C applies. Contact us to find out more.

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• Highlights
• Campus
• Scholarships
• Duration

• Focused streams that will give you more exposure to your area of interest
• Exposure to industry through visits to local and international organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector and industry-focused syllabus
• Tertiary-style teaching with lectures, tutorials and seminar-type classes to help kickstart your undergraduate endeavours on a firm platform

• Kuala Lumpur Campus: RM10,710

SPM:

• 8(A+/A/A-): 100% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): 75% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): 50% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8(A*/A): 100% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): 75% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): 50% tuition fee waiver

• Duration: 1 year

Highlights

• Focused streams that will give you more exposure to your area of interest
• Exposure to industry through visits to local and international organisations in the public, private and voluntary sector and industry-focused syllabus
• Tertiary-style teaching with lectures, tutorials and seminar-type classes to help kickstart your undergraduate endeavours on a firm platform

Campus

• Kuala Lumpur Campus: RM10,710

Scholarships

SPM:

• 8(A+/A/A-): 100% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A+/A/A-): 75% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A+/A/A-): 50% tuition fee waiver

IGCSE/O-Level:

• 8(A*/A): 100% tuition fee waiver
• 7(A*/A): 75% tuition fee waiver
• 6(A*/A): 50% tuition fee waiver

Duration

• Duration: 1 year

More Details

Not sure which college to choose? Check out our Foundation in Arts comparison page to compare across all colleges.