January Intake lets school leavers get a head start on their tertiary education

Miri – 16 November 2010 – Students completing their SPM and STPM this year need not wait for their results next year to enroll 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 programme, which will run from 10 January to 18 February 2011, allows them to take the Ministry of Higher Education’s compulsory subjects for entry into tertiary studies (Malaysian Studies and Islamic/Moral Studies) before the actual start of the academic year (undergraduate and pre-university programmes at Curtin Sarawak start 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 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 programme will also give the students a taste of university life and a better understanding of the requirements of tertiary education.

To enroll, students are required to pay the programme fee of RM3000, which does not include textbook fees, up front before 31 December 2010. 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 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. Specific terms and conditions apply and interested students can contact Curtin Sarawak’s Student Recruitment Department at 085-443939 or visit www.curtin.edu.my/january_intake/ for more information.

Those requiring accommodation can enjoy a special discount on accommodation at the Lakeside Apartments located on the campus. 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.

The last date for enrollment is 15 January 2011 and orientation for enrolled students will be on 10 January 2011. The census date (last date to withdraw applications) is 18 February 2011. Students who withdraw before the census date will be refunded 90% of their fee, while no refunds will be given for withdrawals after the census date.

Curtin Sarawak, established in 1999 in partnership with the Sarawak State Government, is Curtin’s first and largest international branch campus. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses identical to those at Curtin’s main campus in Perth, as well as an exciting stimulating, industry-focused learning environment with excellent teaching methods and state-of-the-art facilities.

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 students from over 40 different countries.

Courses at Curtin Sarawak are endorsed by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and professional bodies both locally and overseas, ensuring wide recognition.

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

To best meet student and industry needs, Curtin Sarawak applies Curtin’s ‘triple-i’ model, which ensures industry links, intercultural and indigenous awareness and interdisciplinary study are embedded into each course curriculum. As a result, students receive a diverse, challenging and rewarding education grounded in the real world, and are job-ready when they graduate.

More details of the January Intake Programme can be obtained by visiting www.curtin.edu.my/january_intake/, or by Curtin Sarawak’s Student Recruitment 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.