Primary and Secondary Education in Malaysia
Currently a 13-year system of general education is in effect, with children starting school at age 7.
- Primary Education is 6 years (ages 7-13) Grades 1-6. Culminates in the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (Primary School Achievement Test). All students automatically progress to secondary school.
- Lower Secondary Education is 3 years (ages 14-16) Grades 7-9 (Forms 1-3). Culminates in the Penitaian Menengah Rendah (PMR, Lower Secondary Assessment).
- Upper Secondary Education is 2 years (ages 16-18) Grades 10-11 (Forms 4-5). Culminates in the Sijil
Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM – Certificate of Education Examination) administered by the Malaysian Examination Syndicate.
- Pre-university (Form 6) lasts for two years and is divided into Lower Sixth Form and Upper Sixth Form. Culminates in the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM – Malaysian Higher School Certificate Examination), administered by the Malaysian Examinations Council.
Academic year begins in January and ends in November. Education is conducted in Bahasa Melayu.
The Ministry of National Education and Ministry of Religious Affairs are responsible for oversight of secondary and vocational education. Islamic schools or Madrasahs provide Technical and vocational education within the Islamic school system.
Grade conversion scale for Malaysia
Sijil
Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM – Certificate of Education) :
Grade Scale |
U.S. Grade Equivalence |
A+/A/A- |
A |
B+/B |
B |
C+/C |
C |
D |
C |
E |
D |
G |
F |
Credentials:
- Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM – Certificate of Education)
- Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM – Malaysian Higher School Certificate)
