Foundation in Business in Malaysia: A complete guide

What is a Foundation in Business?

If you find the realm of business fascinating, a Foundation in Business is a good first step towards exploring all its branches, which include but are not limited to accounting, finance, marketing and business administration. 

This course equips students with the fundamental knowledge and business skills to pursue a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field. How many years does a Foundation in Business take to complete? Like other foundation courses, it is only one year.

Admission to a Foundation in Business often requires a minimum of five credits or Cs in SPM or an equivalent such as O-Levels. Different institutions may have their own entry criteria, so be sure to check with them before applying. 

The course structure typically consists of around 10 subjects, which are split into compulsory core subjects and electives. The electives are up to you to choose and can be selected according to the business major that you wish to specialise in later. That said, not every course has electives as a Foundation in Business is slightly more specialised than broader foundation courses such as Foundation in Science and Foundation in Arts. 

Students are usually assessed through a combination of coursework, examinations and projects. This ensures a holistic evaluation of your comprehension and application of business concepts. In terms of tuition fees, a Foundation in Business can range from RM8,000 to RM25,000. 

Besides the choice of institution, the cost of a business education in Malaysia can vary depending on where you study as well. Studying a pre-university course coupled with a bachelor’s degree can cost up to RM135,000 in the Central region, a figure which is halved if you opt to study in the East Coast region instead. 
 

• Fast facts about a Foundation in Business
• A Foundation in Business typically takes one year to finish.
• The minimum requirement to enrol is five credits or Cs in SPM or an equivalent, though this may vary according to institution. 
• The course costs an average of RM8,000 to RM25,000.
• There are usually around 10 subjects per course, consisting of compulsory core modules and electives. 
• Bachelor’s degree programmes popular among Foundation in Business graduates include marketing, business administration and international business.
• Other careers a Foundation in Business qualification can lead to are entrepreneur, marketing manager and personal finance adviser. 

What Foundation in Business subjects should you choose?

As a course that acts as an essential bridge between your secondary school studies and business-related undergraduate studies, a Foundation in Business covers many subjects.

There are core modules that every student is required to take. While these vary from institution to institution, they usually don’t stray far from subjects like English, business law, economics and accounting. 

As for electives, not all universities in Malaysia offer them as part of their Foundation in Business. For the ones that do, they consist of sFfoubjects that expand on or complement business basics, like psychology, mass communication and mathematics. 

To help you narrow down your options when selecting a course or electives, consider your motivations, interests and goals. If you are motivated to learn more about business, choose a course or electives covering as many bases as possible. This will also come in handy to help you decide what you’d prefer to specialise in later on. 

On the other hand, if you have a clearer picture of your interests and goals, look for a course with modules that can provide a stronger foundation for your bachelor’s degree of choice or dream career.

For instance, if you plan on opening your own business one day, you can seek out courses focusing on entrepreneurship, marketing and commercial law.  Alternatively, since a university’s Foundation in Business course is usually designed to complement the business degrees it offers, you can work backwards by seeing which universities provide degrees in your desired majors and see if they have a foundation course that leads straight to it. 

Foundation in Business subjects are spread across two or three semesters, which may take three to six months to complete. 

What are some of the bachelor’s degrees you can take after obtaining your Foundation in Business? One popular choice is business administration, which can lead to diverse roles such as business analyst, marketing executive and human resource manager. Another viable option is a Bachelor of Economics, which can lead to career opportunities as an economic analyst, financial consultant or policymaker.
 

Bachelor's degree programmes and career pathways

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Foundation vs other pre-university programmes

What are the benefits of studying a Foundation in Business?

• It helps you determine the field of business you want to specialise in 
  Business encompasses many fields of study, and if you have yet to decide which field you want to pursue, a Foundation in Business gives you a preview of various majors at once. 
• It opens you up to more types of jobs
• Business is vital to so many industries. Hence, getting an education in business enhances your versatility as an employee and opens you up to more opportunities in the job market. Business aside, you can branch out to marketing, management, hospitality, human resources and more.
• A faster pathway to a business-related degree
  If you already have your sights set on a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field, a Foundation in Business can get you there more quickly as it can usually be completed within a year. 
• It gives you a more holistic education in business
  Apart from giving you a fundamental understanding of business principles, a Foundation in Business offers a more holistic education through coursework, group assignments and exams. Excelling in business requires theoretical and practical knowledge and this course can provide you with both. 

How to apply for a Foundation in Business

Step 1. Pre-application

• Check the requirements of the Foundation in Business programme at your desired institution like exam results and minimum age for entry.
• Check the institution’s Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) accreditations to ensure your programme is recognised and meets standards.
• Check the number of intakes, intake dates and other key dates like the last day of application submission and payment deadlines.

Step 2. Application

• Prepare all necessary documents for your application. Institutions usually provide a checklist you can refer to easily. 
• Check for application fees. If a fee applies, proceed with paying the fee.
• Check for a course deposit. If a deposit applies, proceed with paying the deposit. 
• Submit your application and required documents. Most institutions have an online portal through which you can make your submission.

Step 3. Post-application

• If an online portal for your desired institution exists, you can usually track your application status there.
• Otherwise, keep an eye on your inbox for updates on your application via email. 
• If your application is successful, you should receive an email detailing the next steps including the offer acceptance deadline and orientation date.

Foundation in Business courses in Malaysia

In Malaysia, you’ll find plenty of reputable and internationally recognised institutions that offer Foundation in Business courses.

To kick off your search, here are a few to get you started:

1. Taylors College

Obtaining a Foundation in Business at Taylor’s College provides you with a direct pathway to Taylor’s Business School, ranked #91 in the world according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Business and Management Studies. It places greater emphasis on practical learning and offers learning opportunities beyond the classroom through field trips, community service and competitions.

2. INTI International University and Colleges

The Foundation in Business course at INTI International University and Colleges prepares students for real-world experience with a syllabus that meets the requirements of professional bodies. Here, you will be assessed continuously throughout each semester through projects, laboratory work and presentations. 

3. University of Nottingham

University of Nottingham’s Foundation in Business and Management is delivered by the Centre for English Language and Foundation Education (CELFE), a UK institution that specialises in English-language education. This course aims to help students build a solid foundation in social sciences while fostering critical thinking, academic literacy and communication skills. 

4. Multimedia University

Studying a Foundation in Business at Multimedia University offers opportunities for hands-on entrepreneurship projects, industry-relevant field trips and talks by industry representatives, making for a varied learning experience and a more engaging student life. 

5. UCSI College

Upon obtaining a Foundation in Business from UCSI College, students can continue their undergraduate studies at UCSI University or universities abroad, as the course is recognised by institutions in the UK, Ireland and Australia.