generally, u wont have to sit for matrics/STPM, that's for sure.

if u're talking about going from diploma in science into degree in science, u should be able to start in 2nd year, given that the diploma is recognized and accredited. however, in changing fields, i dont think u will be able to transfer credits that much so that u could skip one semester/term, much less a whole year.

sorry, after reading ur post again, i'd have to ask this question:

are u thinking of switching to a degree programme BEFORE u have ur diploma, or after?

If you do that, then you will start 2nd year in degree already lo. Then with credit transfers, that certainly can help a lot . Anyway, I feel that taking up a degree is good. All the best

as i've said before, it depends on how many subjects u share or similar to the new field u'r changing into. usually u could transfer credits for subjects like "kenegaraan/sejarah malaysia" or "basic research writing" or whatever which is common in most courses. the more u have in common with the new field, the more u can transfer.

but specific/specialty subjects such as "application of synthetics" or "introduction to theoretical physics" would definitely be a no.

so lets assume following standard credit intake per semester in local universities is 16credits. and from ur diploma, u've managed to transfer 32 credits. that's equivalent of 2 semesters. hence, u will start ur studies in degree hopefully in 2nd year.

if u only manage to transfer 8 credits, then u'll have to start 1st year, although u dont have to retake the subjects that u've transferred the credits to.