I went to KYUEM so you could ask me if you need further info.

Ultimately, it depends on what you want in life.

If you're set on going to top/prestigious universities then A-level is definitely a must option. I have plenty of friends who went to LSE, Oxbridge etc.

If you're okay with decent universities, do consider foundation. Some of the foundation programmes give you direct entry route into their universities. Do google up, some of the universities are not bad at all.

Foundation is definitely easier than A Levels, faster route of progression.

In general you get what you pay for. A Levels is not easy without great teachers especially if you're thinking of taking History, English Lit.

KYUEM may be expensive but they have great level of support. Plus, the advantage of having top scholars in your class. My classmates were mostly intelligent scholars, some even top 20 in Malaysia.

Sorry, I don't. I'm almost graduating from university so I'm not too sure of the prices these days.

First of all, please do take into the account that you're paying for boarding + food. Understandably, it will be more expensive.

The top scholars are sent to KYUEM for A Levels apart from KTJ. That alone speaks volume of the college itself. I have friends who are scholars of Khazanah, Sime Darby, Shell, Maybank etc.

Yes, there are private students but they too are vetted. We don't simply get accepted based on our capabilities to pay (I was a private student). A close friend of mine was rejected from KY so he went to KTJ. Simply, it's an environment that cultivates people to study. Plus, it is basically in the middle of nowhere. Less distractions.

The teachers are primarily expats. Perhaps the reason why tuition fees are expensive. They are great teachers though especially when it comes to subjects like History, English Lit (if you're planning on taking those). I don't think a local teacher could teach those subjects as good as they could.

Plus, additional support in terms of writing personal statement, university application. You do get extra support if you're thinking of pursuing medicine/ trying to get into Oxbridge. There will always be a group of people who got into Oxbridge every year.