Curtin Sarawak’s January Intake Programme gives students a head start

Miri – 30 November 2011 – Students completing their SPM and STPM this year need not wait for their results next year to enrol in Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak). They can take advantage of the university’s special January Intake Programme and sign up for selected courses immediately.

The January Intake Programme, which will run from 9 January to 17 February 2012, allows SPM and STPM school leavers to take the Ministry of Higher Education’s compulsory subjects for entry into tertiary studies before the actual start of the academic year for undergraduate and pre-university programmes in February and March respectively.

This would give them a significant head start on their university careers at Curtin Sarawak should their SPM or STPM results prove adequate for entry into the university’s undergraduate or pre-university programmes later.

The ‘Essentially Curtin’ course incorporated into the programme offers further value for the students as it includes instruction in English Language, Critical Thinking and Computing Skills, Time Management, Mind Mapping and Learning Styles, which will help the students acquire the necessary skills for a fulfilling tertiary education.

The Malaysian Studies and 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 programme will also give the students a taste of university life and a better understanding of the requirements of tertiary education.

To enrol, students are required to pay the programme fee of RM3000 before 30 December 2011. They must also fulfill the entry requirements for either the pre-university or undergraduate programmes at Curtin Sarawak (based on their SPM or STPM forecasted results, or for UEC students, their actual results).

If they are eligible and decide to enter one of the university’s foundation, diploma or degree programmes following the January Intake Programme, their RM3000 fee will go towards their first semester tuition fee, which effectively means they undergo the January Intake Programme for free.

Students enrolling the programme also stand to enjoy a RM200 early bird rebate provided their tuition fees for Semester 1, 2012 for degree programmes are paid in full on or before 27 January 2012, or 17 February 2012 for Foundation or Diploma programmes.

Those requiring accommodation for the duration of the programme can enjoy a 30 percent discount on accommodation at the Lakeside Apartments located on the campus with a refundable deposit of two months’ rental. The apartment units feature well-appointed living spaces and are within walking distance from classrooms, the cafeteria, campus shops, computer laboratories, library and other campus facilities.

Curtin Sarawak, Curtin University’s first and largest international campus, offers Foundation programmes leading to diplomas in Business; Process Plant Technology; Occupational Health and Safety; and Instrumentation and Control Engineering; in addition to Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Technology degrees in various disciplines. It also offers postgraduate degrees in Project Management, Policy Sciences, Engineering and Business.

Students at Curtin Sarawak gain valuable work experience interacting with local and international industry professionals, learn from lecturers with real industry experience, and indulge in a unique international and cross-cultural learning environment studying with some 3,500 students from over 40 different countries.

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses at Curtin Sarawak are identical to those at Curtin’s main campus in Perth, Western Australia. All courses at Curtin Sarawak are endorsed by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Public Services Department (JPA), and most are accredited by professional bodies both locally and overseas, ensuring wide recognition.

Curtin Sarawak achieved a Tier 5 or ‘Excellent’ rating in the MQA’s SETARA rating of institutions of higher learning, which placed Curtin Sarawak among the top 18 universities in Malaysia, and it is one of eight universities in Malaysia granted self-accreditation status by MQA.

More details of the January Intake Programme can be obtained by visiting www.curtin.edu.my/january_intake.htm, or by Curtin Sarawak’s Student Recruitment Department at +60 85 443939 or e-mailing enquiries@curtin.edu.my.

January Intake Programme also gives students a taste of university life and an understanding of the requirements of tertiary education.