Curtin Sarawak 2010 intake now in progress: Special January Intake Programme gives SPM/STPM students a head start on their tertiary education

Miri – 20 November 2009 – Curtin Sarawak has commenced enrolment for its January 2010 intake. Students who have completed their SPM and STPM need not wait until they get their results in the coming year to enrol in Curtin Sarawak.

They can take advantage of the university’s special January Intake Programme, a course of study which will prepare them for tertiary studies at Curtin Sarawak, as well as set them on the road to achieving Curtin’s graduate attributes, that is, to be knowledge users, creative and critical thinkers, research smart, effective communicators, technology savvy, life-long learners, international citizens, culturally sensitive and profession wise.

The Private Higher Educational Act 1996 (Act 555) requires private higher education institutes to teach Malaysian Studies, Islamic Studies for Muslim students and Moral Studies for non-Muslim students, and all Malaysian students are required to pass these compulsory subjects as a prerequisite to the award of a certificate, diploma or degree.

The Malaysian Studies and Islamic/Moral Studies modules are conducted 7 hours a week for a total of 14 hours a week, while the Essentially Curtin module is 10 hours per week.

The five-week January Intake Programme, which commences on 11 January and ends on 12 February 2010, gives SPM and STPM students a head start on tertiary education at Curtin Sarawak should their SPM or STPM results prove adequate for entry into the university’s Undergraduate programme in February and Diploma and Foundation programmes in March 2010.

It will also give the students a taste of university life and a better understanding of the requirements of tertiary education.

The fee for the programme is a very affordable RM3,000, excluding textbook fees.

To be eligible to enrol in the programme, a student must make an upfront payment of RM3,000 before 31 December 2009. The student must also fulfill the entry requirements for either the Diploma, Foundation or Degree programmes (based on their SPM or STPM forecasted results, or for UEC students, their actual results).

On one hand, if the student is eligible and decides to enter one of the programmes upon completion of the January Intake Programme, the RM3,000 fee will go towards his or her first semester tuition fees, which means the student undergoes the January Intake Programme absolutely free. On the other hand, if the student discontinues his or her studies at the end of the programme, the amount will be forfeited with no refund given.

However, a full refund will be given if a student’s SPM or STPM result does not meet Curtin Sarawak’s English or academic requirements, rendering him or her ineligible to enter a Diploma, Foundation or Degree programme.

Those requiring accommodation, can enjoy 50% off their rent for five weeks’ study at the Lakeside Apartments located on the campus, which feature well-appointed living spaces and are within walking distance from classrooms, the cafeteria, campus shops, computer laboratories, library and other campus facilities.

They are, however, required to pay a 2-month housing deposit prior to their stay, which is fully refundable if they discontinue their studies after the January Intake Programme, or conversely, if they enter the first semester intake, used as a deposit for their subsequent tenancy.

Utility charges are included in the rent to a maximum of RM50 per resident per month. Usage above the amount will be charged accordingly.

The last date for enrolment in the programme is 15 January 2010 and orientation for enrolled students will be on 11 January 2010, which is also the census date (last date to withdraw application) for the programme. Students who choose to withdraw before the census date will be refunded 90% of their RM3,000 fee. Meanwhile, no refunds will be given for withdrawals after the census date.

Various fee payment and scholarship schemes such as the Fee Installment Payment (FIP), CSM Scholarship schemes, as well as the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) Withdrawal Scheme for Education, are not applicable for the programme.

Furthermore, students enrolling for the programme are not eligible to Curtin Sarawak’s earlybird rebate for early enrollment unless full payment on their first semester tuition fee is made on or before the earlybird expiry dates, that is, 8 February 2010 for the Diploma and Foundation programmes, and 1 February 2010 for the Degree programmes.

More details of the January Intake Programme and entry requirements for the Diploma, Foundation and Undergraduate programmes can be obtained by contacting Curtin Sarawak’s Marketing Department at +60 85 443939 or e-mailing enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

Programme also gives students a taste of university life

and a better understanding of the requirements of tertiary education.