This will be the first time UTM taking in Foundation students openly. Before this, there are smaller foundation programmes on specific faculties, but those have been discontinued. It is handled by UTM SPACE (which is our private wing) and is open to all Malaysians.

I don't know about the requirements are lower or not. For my programme, it's the same for all regardless of background. But one might argue that STPM 3.50 is higher than foundation 3.50, but there's no way to measure that yet.

UTM's full time (Perdana) programme has two intake paths: UPU and IDP. UPU is the standard one everyone takes. IDP is for international spot. But UTM has opened it to locals as a path for those who took A-levels or other programmes that UPU does not recognize, or if you wanna skip UPU altogether. IDP fees are higher, because it's international fees (despite having the exact same curriculum, cert and facilities).

If you take foundation, you'll be applying the degree spot under UPU. Hence the "lower fees".

Just to clarify my earlier statement:

Yes, you don't have to apply through UPU if you're applying for placement using the foundation. But you will still compete for placement with those from UPU. IDP path do not compete with UPU/foundation for placement.

Regarding pointers, I've been informed that both UPU and foundation is considered the same.