Pre-University Courses that will Open Your Door to German Universities

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Updated on: Jan 2025

TL;DR: In Malaysia, only 4 pre-university (pre-u) courses are recognized by universities in Germany:

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)
A Level
Australian Year 12 (WACE, SACE, or similar)
International Baccalaureate (IB)

This article breaks down the key factors you need to consider when applying to a German university, such as:

Country of origin
Awarding body
Course duration
Fees
Assessment method
Subject choices
Grading system
Minimum entry requirements

If your qualification is not listed above, for example:

UEC
Diploma
Foundation
MUFY
CIMP

We’ll still be able to accept you into our preparation programmes. Contact us to find out more.

Choosing the Right Pre-U Course

One of the first big questions after high school is: Which pre-university course should I choose? With so many options available in Malaysia, it can be overwhelming.

When making your decision, you’ll likely consider the cost, duration, and how you’ll be assessed. But there’s one important factor that’s often overlooked: whether the course is recognised by the university you want to attend. The last thing you want is to be rejected by your dream university—not because of your grades, but because the pre-u course you took isn’t recognized. If that happens, you may have to choose a different course or start over. We’re here to help you avoid that.

Note: Just because a pre-u course isn’t recognized by a particular university doesn’t mean it’s of low quality. It’s just a matter of different systems and preferences.

In this article, we’ll focus on the pre-university courses recognised by German universities, and compare their key features to help you decide which is best for you.

Pre-University Courses Recognised by German Universities

Out of all the pre-u courses in Malaysia, only four are recognized by universities in Germany:

Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)
A Level
Australian Year 12 (WACE, SACE, or similar)
International Baccalaureate (IB)

These courses are widely available in Malaysia, and there are many institutions offering them. When choosing where to study, consider the institution’s reputation, track record, fees, facilities, and campus life to ensure a good overall experience.

Finding the Right Fit

Now that you know which pre-u courses are accepted by German universities, let’s take a closer look at how they compare in terms of:

Country of Origin and Awarding Body
Course Duration
Fees
Mode of Assessment
Subject Selection
Grading System
Minimum Requirements

This will give you a clearer idea of which course fits your learning style, timeline, and budget.

Country of Origin and Awarding Body

Each pre-u course comes from a different country and is administered by a different body. Generally, all four courses are recognized internationally, including in Germany, and are considered equivalent in terms of quality. However, external exam fees can vary depending on the country and currency. You may want to check with a program advisor about specific costs.

Course Duration

The length of the course is an important factor. Some students prefer to finish quickly, while others don’t mind taking more time. Generally:

STPM and IB: 2 years
A Level: 1.5 to 2 years
Australian Year 12: 1 years

In Germany, universities have two main intakes: the winter intake (September or October) and the summer intake (March or April). So, it’s important to plan your pre-u course duration around these intake dates, especially if you want to avoid waiting too long before starting your bachelor’s degree.

Course Fees

Course fees can range widely, from RM18,000 to RM200,000, depending on the course and the institution. It’s crucial to discuss your budget with your parents or guardians. Many institutions also offer scholarships, so be sure to explore these options and choose a course that fits your financial plan.

Mode of Assessment

The way you’ll be assessed varies between courses. Some students prefer exams, while others do better with coursework. Here’s how the courses differ:

A Level and STPM: 100% external exams. Ideal for students who excel in exam settings.
Australian Year 12: More coursework-based, with fewer exams. This is great if you prefer continuous assessment over a single exam.
IB: A mix of exams and coursework, providing a balanced approach.

It’s important to choose a course that matches your learning style. For example, if you’re comfortable with exams, A Levels might be the best choice. But if you prefer continuous assessment, WACE, SACE or SAM might be a better fit.

Tip: Check out our A Level German Pathway with MCKL to see how you can learn German together with your A Level.

Subject Selection

Choosing the right subjects is key, especially for German universities, which can be picky about what subjects they accept. Each pre-u course has its own set of compulsory subjects, and some subjects are not considered by German universities at all. Your choice of major will also affect which subjects you should take.

If you’re unsure about which subjects to pick, it’s a good idea to get advice from a programme advisor or speak to us. We can guide you through the subject requirements for your chosen major.

Grading System and Minimum Requirements

Each pre-u course has its own grading system—some use the common A-E scale, others use CGPA, and some have unique grading methods. Understanding how you’ll be graded is crucial so you know what grades are expected.

The minimum grades you need for admission into German universities vary. We recommend aiming for the higher end of the grading scale to improve your chances of getting into top universities. You can check with us for specific entry requirements based on your intended major.

Final Thoughts

By now, you should have a better idea of which pre-u course might be right for you. We recommend reaching out to us for personalised guidance.

Remember: your pre-u is just a stepping stone to your degree in Germany. Think of it as the mode of transportation that will take you to your next destination—your bachelor’s degree. Whether you travel by plane or train, the journey might be different, but the destination remains the same. So, while choosing the right pre-u is important, don’t stress too much about it. Whatever you choose, it will still get you to your goal: studying in Germany!

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