Hi, I already have my own interest (Software Engineering) but I think Form 6 is not an option for me .
But the problem is I have 2 routes to choose:
1. TARC(Diploma)->UTAR(Degree)
2. UTAR(Foundation)->UTAR(Degree)

My dream is to work for companies like Google etc.
a) If i got an offer from Matrix...UTAR, TARC or Matrix?
b) Can I work overseas if I study in local universities?
c) Will they recognize and accept my degree?

My condition is studying in universities that will not cause alot burden to my family in terms of tuition fees.
Other than UTAR or TARC...Do suggest other universities which are well known at IT(software engineering).
Would really really appreciate all your advice...Thanks!

I will suggest you go for diploma > degree personally because
1)you can apply PTPTN and student loan in diploma but not in Foundation.
2)you only have to study 2 years degree instead of 3 years, therefore cheaper tuition fees in your degree.
3)You can look for some part time job that relevant with you course after you graduated from your diploma while pursuing your degree,you can get extra pocket money as well as experience which can help you after you graduated from your degree.

Last, remember study hard in your diploma because if you graduated with cgpa >3.9 then you can get fully tuition fees waived,you can even get 50% tuition fees discount if you graduated with cgpa>3.5 in TARUC.(correct me if I am wrong)

As an educationist currently - i would advise you to do the foundation to degree route as the learning is more in-depth and the foundation level would really hammer in your core fundamentals fro software engineering. The diploma programme fundamentals just doesn't cut it as the purpose of the diploma programme is to prepare you to go out and work. So everything is rushed within that 2-year programme. Unless it's a 3-year diploma programme - then it covers everything.

Why just the two routes? You do know that TARUC has a Bachelor in Computer Science in Software Engineering as well?

You CAN of course work overseas with a local degree qualification though maybe not so much as a fresh graduate. Having said that - i know a LOT of singapore companies are looking for Fresh Grads who are talented in Programming. So there is an option.

As long as the degree programme you are studying in is MQA-approved (which most are in Malaysia) - then you would have no problem as MQA as a whole is recognised as certified Accreditation Body and if the countries you are studying in are under the same umbrella or consortium of accreditation bodies, they will recognise it.

2)you only have to study 2 years degree instead of 3 years, therefore cheaper tuition fees in your degree.
Bad advice. Usually year two entry is only given to diploma programme flow-through within the same institution. And actually under the Ministry, it depends on the number of credits that the Degree programme offers. If it is a straight 120 credit, you can only bring 30% of the credits from a diploma programme over which is usually a maximum of 36. 36 credits may not even cover one year so you may have to do an additional semester or pack your semester. Actually to be honest - this is a marketing gimmick. Good universities never offers a straight year two entry - because technically you can never credit transfer the maximum 36 credits anyway.

Based on costs - the other universities you can consider is KDU, MMU and UNIMY. Sunway would be great but it would be too expensive. Though - i think MMU is pricey now as well. I suggested KDU cause my company did some talks there and I was the EE there at one time and i am actually impressed with their SE/CS courses now. They used to be not so good. UNIMY is now quite a force in the public university side too.

Also be sure to check out the Star Education Fund 2018 and try to apply for that.

If your family can afford the foundation programme, then go for it. (No PTPTN)

Otherwise, choose diploma, of course credits transfer is subjected to university. You don’t know how much subjects get transfer (if you plan to change uni), unless you continue pursue degree in TARC then yes, straight to year 2.

Either way, 4 years to graduate as degree holder. Personally I preferred foundation, since you can have solid fundamental background.

Software Engineering?
Not sure you want to consider a Computer Science degree first?
Or is it IT Degree?

Software Engineering wise, it only appearing up in certain university like Sunway University like also just recently.

Actually now you don't have to go through the CS route to study SE. Under ACM (and MQA programme standards), SE is now a separate study discipline from CS.

Computing is divided into now the Four Major Components.
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Information Technology
- Information Systems

That's why you see SE only coming up recently in unis.

- computer science would be the best suit for you
- budget wise, TARC would be the best option as foundation does not cover by ptptn
- if you are Chinese and you go matrix, you must pray hard that you will be able to enroll into USM penang, thats the best source to generate good programmer and the cheapest also
- if you are really got passion into it, big IT company look at the cert like an entry pass only, their real intention of getting employee is to see how creative they are and how strong is their problem solving skill. If you able to come out a prototype by your own during your uni time and it is marketable, i don't think you need to find google anymore, lots of company will be interested with your product and look into further collaboration

don't focus too much on certification, focus on skill set and focus on things that can change the world, this is what IT are meant to be

This post has been edited by skylee18: Jan 24 2018, 10:47 AM

Thanks Skylee, first off
1. Why makes you think that USM will generate better programmers(I live in Penang lol), how about UTM or UM in your opinion?

Yes I totally agree skills are really important in the outside world...
2. But if i study in Tarc, 2 years of diploma would cost me around 16k+++, on the other hand, foundation of 1 year in UTAR would cost around 9k+.
What is your advice?

i have some IT friends who come from USM, their skill are good and they gave the credit back to USM a lot as that's the place they got their foundation laid

TARC diploma can entitle you for ptptn while foundation is not
and getting diploma will direct you to that specific course but foundation is still pretty diversify to plenty of different small courses
if you already put your mind into a certain course, go for diploma