Foundation Programme (Engineering Route)

Program Overview

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Foundation Programme (Engineering Route)

Course Details

• Full Time
• Duration: 1 year
• Intake Date: 29 May 2025, 03 July 2025, 25 September 2025
• Awarding Body: APU, Foundation
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About APU

Why choose APU?

• Malaysia’s Premier Digital Tech University
• 5-Star Excellence Rating (SETARA)
• 100% Employability Rate
• Ranked No.16 for International Students in the World
• More than 80,000 Graduates & Alumni

Requirements

Entry Requirements

The Foundation programme gives you an opportunity to sample your future areas of study. This helps you choose which Degree programme to pursue.

General Requirements

Engineering

• SPM: 5 Credits in at least 5 subjects at SPM level including a Credit in Mathematics and Physics OR ChemistryOR Technical Science with a minimum of a pass in Bahasa Malaysia and Sejarah (History);
• IGCSE/O-LEVELS: 5 Credits (Grade C & above) in at least 5 subjects including Mathematics and Physics OR ChemistryOR Technical Science at IGCSE/O-Levels;
• UEC: 3 Credits (Grade B & above) in at least 3 subjects in UEC including Mathematics and Physics OR ChemistryOR Technical Science;

Any qualification that APU accepts as equivalent to the above.

English Requirements

International Students

• IELTS: 4.0
• TOEFL IBT: 30-31
• Pearson (PTE): 36
• MUET: Band 3

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Please note that under Ministry of Higher Education regulations, only students who have achieved the minimum requirement in the English Language proficiency assessment as indicated above will be allowed to continue their studies in the main study programme. Students who do not have the required English Language achievement may apply for a student visa on conditional basis and are allowed to enrol in an English Language Certification programme at APU upon arrival in Malaysia and, subsequently, appear for the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/MUET assessment.

Students who are unable to obtain the required level of English Competency during the maximum 12 months’ period, will not be allowed to pursue their studies in the main programme and will have to return to their home country.

Students from English speaking countries and those with qualifications taught in English (IGCSE, A-Levels, IB, American High School Diploma etc) are exempted from English requirements. Applications for exemption must be accompanied by supporting documents.

Programme Outline

What We Teach

MODULES YOU STUDY

The modules studied help develop your study skills, introduce you to what you can expect on your degree and also allow you to discover what you can study depending on whether you choose a degree in Accounting, Banking, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Psychology, Business & Management, Computing & Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Animation and Visual Effects, Media and Communications, International Studies or Psychology.

FLEXIBILITY OF CHOICE

Our 12-month Foundation Programme is designed to prepare students from SPM, IGCSE, O-Levels or similar qualifications with the knowledge and skills to progress into the first year of a degree of their choice.

On completion of the Foundation Programme, you will be able to make an informed decision about your interest and pursue your degree of choice.

During the Foundation Programme, you are able to choose different routes depending on your area of interest. This will allow you to progress onto a specific degree programme at APU, related to this area or other relevant areas based on your foundation experience.

ENRICHING EXPERIENCES - MORE THAN JUST A FOUNDATION

The APU Foundation Programme lays the pathway towards professional tertiary education. It is a vital transformation point for students; soft skills, general knowledge and preparatory subject fundamentals acquired at the Foundation lead to excellence in a student’s education performance, as well as career-readiness as they move on as global professionals eventually. This is achieved through 4 key areas:

• Leadership & Teamwork
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Social Skills & Responsibilities
• Practical Skills

The unique support system at APU Foundation Programme consists of helpful academic mentors who are committed in ensuring academic achievements, providing pastoral care, advising, mentoring, motivating students’ potential and performance, to ensure that they undergo a smooth transition from secondary education to tertiary learning.

Our Foundation Programme is designed to help students with SPM, IGCSE, O-Levels or similar qualifications to develop the skills and knowledge to progress into the degree of their choice.

ROUTES:

• BUSINESS, FINANCE & SOCIAL SCIENCES
• COMPUTING & TECHNOLOGY
• ENGINEERING
• ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing your study in this programme, you will be able to:

• Enter Level 1 of degree study.
• Make an informed choice about what degree you want to study.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the concepts which underpin the study of Accounting, Banking, Finance, Actuarial Studies, Business & Management, Computing & Technology, Engineering, Industrial Design, Digital Marketing, Animation and Visual Effects, Media and Communications, International Studies or Psychology.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a given audience.
• Work effectively in a team.
• Demonstrate English and other study skills appropriate to undergraduate learning.
• Apply skills in numeracy, technology and communications.
• Explain the essential elements of technology.
• Use appropriate application software and the Internet.

ENGINEERING ROUTE

MODULES YOU STUDY

Semester 1 (12 weeks)

• English for Academic Purpose
• Communication Skills
• Personal Development & Study Methods
• Essentials of Web Applications
• Mathematics

Semester 2 (12 weeks)

• Mechanics for Engineers
• Engineering Mathematics
• Introduction to Visual & Interactive Programming
• Public Speaking in English

Semester 3 (12 weeks)

• Academic Research Skills
• Science for Engineers
• Perspectives in Technology
• Design Thinking - Fraunhofer - IEM
• Co-Curricular

Upon completion of your Foundation, you may then proceed to Level 1 of a Degree of your choice in the following pathways.

PRIMARY PATHWAYS

• Engineering

ALTERNATIVE PATHWAYS

Students may alternatively choose the following:

• Computing & Technology
• Immersive Technology & Game Development
• Accounting, Finance, Banking & Actuarial Studies
• Business, Management, Hospitality & Tourism
• Industrial Design, Visual Effects, Animation & Digital Advertising
• International Relations
• Media, Communications & Psychology
• Architecture

Specialised Modules for Engineering Route

Introduction to Visual & Interactive Programming

Computational thinking is a skill to solve a problem logically by applying visual and interactive programming elements, including decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithm. Students will learn the essential skills required in designing and implementing software solutions regardless of platform, language, or application domain.

Science for Engineers

This module introduces students to the study of both electrical and electronics principle and physical chemistry. Fundamental knowledge in both electrical and electronics principle are essential as basis for application to complex electronic circuits and systems, to understand how technology works and to optimize transmission of energy. Physical chemistry focuses on physical properties of which gives some insight on how laws of physics affect chemical processes.

Design Thinking – Fraunhofer – IEM

This module is designed to help students understand how engineering design and innovation is planned, designed, built and tested (cradle to grave concept). Students will be taught concepts pertaining to the end-to-end engineering design lifecycle, including ethics as an important factor in engineering applications. Students will be equipped with necessary engineering design skills and innovative thinking framework to future-proof themselves.

Mechanics for Engineers

Mechanics for Engineers introduces students to the study of physics, a brief exposure on mechanics - statics and dynamics, fluid, and materials and on waves and heat. Fundamental knowledge from mechanics and other basic physics topics are essential as basis for other advanced mechanics modules such as mechanics of materials, machine design, fluid mechanics and engineering materials.

Engineering Mathematics

Engineering Mathematics introduces essential mathematical concepts in engineering. This module provides the knowledge of trigonometry, matrices, vector and complex numbers. The notions and techniques in this module are essential to undergraduate engineering study.

Engineering Programmes

Leading from APU Foundation to your Choice of Degree Studies; please note that a Credit Pass in Mathematics and Physics OR Chemistry at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE is required for the following programmes:

• Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Honours
• Bachelor of Mechatronic Engineering with Honours
• Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours
• Bachelor of Computer Engineering with Honours
• Bachelor of Petroleum Engineering with Honours

Business, Management, Marketing & Digital Marketing, Media and International Relations, Psychology, Hospitality & Tourism Programmes

• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in E-Business
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in Digital Leadership
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Business Management with a specialism in Business Analytics
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Human Resource Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Business Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Marketing Management with a specialism in Digital Marketing
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Tourism Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Tourism Management with a specialism in Hospitality
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialism in Hospitality Innovation
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialism in Events Management
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Hospitality and Tourism with a specialism in Aviation Management
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Media and Communication Studies
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in International Relations

Computing, Technology & Games Development Programmes

Leading from APU Foundation to your Choice of Degree Studies; please note that a Credit Pass in Mathematics at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE is required for the following programmes:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Information System Security
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Cloud Engineering
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Internet of Things (IoT)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Digital Transformation
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Financial Technology (FinTech)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Business Information Systems
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Information Technology with a specialism in Sustainable Computing
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science with a specialism in Data Analytics
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science with a specialism in Digital Forensics
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science (Cyber Security)
• Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Software Engineering
• Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) (Artificial Intelligence)
• Bachelor in Interactive Media and Immersive Technology (Honours)
• Bachelor in Interactive Media and Immersive Technology (Honours) with a specialism in VR/AR
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Games Development

Students who choose to progress to Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Digital Forensics and Artificial Intelligence programmes will be required to undertake Foundation Pathways from the Computing & Technology route or Engineering route if the student does not have a credit in Additional Mathematics at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE or equivalent.

Students who have completed Foundation from other routes apart from the above are required to do a Pre-Requisite module in Further Mathematics or equivalent in the first semester of the Degree Programme, provided they also still have Credit in Maths and Science or ICT subject at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE or equivalent.

A Pass in Mathematics at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE is required for these programmes. (Strong Mathematics would be an added advantage.)

Accounting, Banking, Finance and Actuarial Programmes

Leading from APU Foundation to your Choice of Degree Studies; please note that a Credit Pass in Mathematics at SPM / O-Level / IGCSE is required for the following programmes:

• Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours)
• Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) with a specialism in Forensic Accounting
• Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) with a specialism in Forex and Investments
• Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (Honours) with a specialism in Accounting Technology
• Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons)
• Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Investment Analytics
• Bachelor in Banking and Finance (Hons) with a specialism in Financial Technology
• Bachelor of Financial Technology (Honours)
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies with a specialism in Data Analytics
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies with a specialism in Financial Technology

Further Mathematics module is Compulsory for students who choose to progress to Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Actuarial Studies.

Architecture, Design, Advertising, Animation & VFX Programmes

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Visual Effects
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Animation
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Digital Advertising

Facilities

Facilities at APU

The APU Centre Point & Atrium serves as a melting pot of cultures from all over the world. Here, cultural activities are organised regularly at the campus, fostering long-lasting intercultural relationships among APU students, who come from over 130 countries.

Fees & Certification

Ready, Set, Go.

Whether you are locals or traveling here, we have the options for you to pursue your dreams.

Malaysian

RM26,800

Engineering Pathways

International

RM28,500 (USD6,630)

Engineering Pathways

MQA Cert

Programme code: (R3/0011/3/0089)(11/29)(A10955)

Fees stated here do not include Deposits and other Miscellaneous Fees. Please refer to Fee Guide for details.

All information is correct at the time of publication, but is subject to change in the interest of continuing improvement.