Welcome Message from the Head of Western Australian Matriculation

MCKL introduced the Western Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) programme in the year 2000 as an alternative to A Levels or STPM. It is an affordable 11-month programme vetted by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) of Western Australia, and features a balanced emphasis on coursework and external examination.

The AUSMAT programme eschews the barrage of exams common to Malaysia’s education system in favour of continuous assessment through assignments, projects and exams. This system more closely reflects the learning process in university, and may very well be a welcome change of pace for those who prefer greater reward for consistent work rather than last-minute cramming.

Students may select a combination of four subjects from the Arts and Sciences, with English as a mandatory fifth subject. Scholarships are available to those with outstanding academic or co-curricular achievements in school. 

Successful graduates are awarded the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), which is recognised by universities both locally and around the world. MCKL has a strong record of sending graduates for further studies in top universities in the UK, USA, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, and the best among them have done so with the benefits of external scholarships such as the AMCHAM-MACEE Scholarship, Star Scholarship, ASTRO Scholarship and Security Commissions Scholarship.

Ms Li Phui Chun

Head, AUSMAT 

SPM, IGCSE or equivalent with 5 credits

(Trial results can be considered if actual results are not available at the point of registration)

Assessment mode: 50% internal continuous assessment and 50% external final examinations

WACE exam date: November

Results release date: December

Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (OLNA)- Students need to pass the OLNA in order to obtain the WACE certificate

OLNA exam date: March and September (resit)

*SCSA conducts moderation exercises to validate the school standards and their comparability with the schools in Western Australia.

The continuous school based assessments consist of topic tests, quizzes, assignments, investigations, research and examinations. The diverse assessment tasks cater to the varied capabilities and aptitudes of the students. In November all WACE students sit for a common final examination set and marked by SCSA.

Students select a combination of 5 ATAR courses with at least one from List A and one from List B; Students must take English or EALD to satisfy the English requirement.

* These courses are only offered in January intake. August intake students will need to re-register their courses in the January semester and allowed to choose different course combination depending on student meeting the course requirement.

Estimated Additional Costs:

For international students, please refer to international fees. 

1.    When is the deadline to apply?

There is no deadline to apply. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. Students are encouraged to apply early as there is a quota for every course and students are not allowed to take that course if it is full.

2.    What is the requirement for the programme? Any additional requirement?

Minimum 5 credits overall in SPM, IGCSE, or equivalent. Certain subjects have additional prerequisites. Please refer to our marketing staff to find out more.   

3.    How much is the approximate cost?

The approximate fee for 5 courses (including two science courses) is RM15,630 for January intake and RM22,220 for August intake, not including external exam fees. Refer to local student fees for complete fee breakdown. International students may refer to the international student fees.

4.    How many courses should I take?

Students have to take 5 courses including English or English as an Additional Language or Dialect (EALD). 

5.    Can I mix Arts and Sciences courses?

Yes, students can mix arts and sciences courses, subject to availability.

6.    Is AUSMAT recognised by other countries?

AUSMAT is recognised by many leading universities worldwide not only in Australia and New Zealand, but also in the USA, UK, Canada and Singapore.

7.    How do I apply for the programme?

To apply, students can download the application form and attach all other relevant documents as listed in the application form.

8.    Do I need to take IELTS?

IELTS is not compulsory. However, it may be an entry requirement for certain universities and degree program.

9.    How many students are in a class?

Class size is around 25 – 30 students depending on size of cohort and subject.

10.  What is the timetable like?

The earliest class starts at 8am and the latest class will end at 5pm.

11.  Do I need to study MPU subjects?

For students who intend to pursue their degree overseas, it is compulsory to take all the MPU subjects. For students who intend to stay in Malaysia for their degree, they can choose to do their MPU subjects during their degree.

12. Is there any compulsory subjects to be taken in MCKL?

All students are required to take two compulsory subjects in MCKL, which are Service Learning and Character Formation. These subjects run for only one semester.

13.  Can I further my studies in a Local Public University after completing AUSMAT?

Yes, MCKL AUSMAT students have been admitted to some local public universities such as USM.

14. What is the difference between AUSMAT and SAM?

WACE (AUSMAT) and SACE (SAM) are both based on the Australian education system which leads to an Australian Year 12 qualification.

The AUSMAT programme is administered by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority of Western Australia, a statutory authority of the Western Australian Government. AUSMAT students are assessed based on 50% internal continuous assessment and 50% external examination.

The SAM programms is administered by the SACE Board of South Australia, a statutory authority of the South Australian Government. The assessment mode for this programme is 70% internal continuous assessment and 30% external examination. 

15.  What does internal assessment include?

Internal assessment includes monthly tests, mock exams, assignments and projects.

16.  Can I apply to join AUSMAT if my high school examination results have not yet been released?

Students can apply using their trial exam results if the actual results are not available at the point of application. 

17.  Why is the duration of August intake longer?

The August intake is longer than the January intake because the final external exam is held only in November each year. Students coming in for August intake do not have enough time to prepare for the November final exam within the same year. Hence, they have the privilege to try out different courses from August to November and still be able to change their choice of course in January. The assessments conducted in the first semester are not included in the actual WACE assessment. 

WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION (WACE) RESULTS

Jeremy Tan, AUSMAT Class of 2013 

Studied Medicine in International Medical University

I was pretty set by then to pursue something related to the arts, probably just go for a foundation in arts, maybe get an economics degree. Until one day, I was reminded by a dear friend about a small dream I used to have before taking my SPM – a dream to study medicine. I was interested in taking a special course that comes after a degree in medicine, which is geriatrics. The privilege of working with old people is something that really brings me joy and peace. I have been mostly brought up by my grandmother. She is someone I have always looked up to. The person who never gave up on me and who always encouraged me made a huge impact on my lifestyle.

However, I did not have biology as part of my subject combination in SPM, and most colleges would not accept a student without a biology background, especially to take it as a subject in pre-university.Yet one day, I was given a shot by a college to do the Australian matriculation programme with the subject combination of Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Psychology and English. This combination enabled me to pursue medicine, should I achieve the required grade.Although the registrar I spoke to said that even getting a C or a low B would be a miracle in college with the SPM results I had, I was still blessed enough to be given a chance to do those subjects.

Fast-forward to the end of college, I managed to do well and was even a subject of discussion among lecturers as a person who did biology without a biology background. Without a doubt, it was with the help of my lecturers that I managed to succeed, although it also took a lot of effort and perseverance. Finally I applied to a medical school, and with the results I achieved from my college, was accepted. My small dream of becoming a geriatrician when I was a high school student is finally becoming a reality.

Ikhwan Bin Khalid, AUSMAT Class of 2013 

Ikhwan Bin Khalid enrolled into MCKL in July 2012 for the AUSMAT programme and later graduated as one of the top students in the programme. An admirable feat, and even more so once his history is taken into account. MCKL was not his first pre-U experience. According to Ikhwan, it took him a while to find a college where he belonged.

“My parents did have reservations about what my experience would be like as a Muslim in a Christian college. Our general perception of Brickfields as a troubled area didn’t make them very confident either. But my father allowed me to make my own decisions, and I am glad to say that it paid off. After my time in MCKL, my mother now wants my younger sibling to join MCKL.

“Personally, I found MCKL a very enjoyable college experience. The environment was quite well insulated from the noise and activity of KL, which I found very conducive to studying. The lecturers all knew their stuff, and they actually cared and did whatever they could to help us succeed. I quickly made friends with my college-mates as well, in spite of the unusual age gap between us.”

Ikhwan chose AUSMAT because he preferred consistent work as opposed to last-minute cramming, and through hard work, he became the top student of AUSMAT Class of 2013 with an ATAR score of 99.10. He also won prizes for scoring the highest marks in Human Biology, Physics and Chemistry and was given the Tan Sri FR Bhupalan award for his outstanding achievements in MCKL. In addition to his academic achievements, Ikhwan also took part in many co-curricular activities, such as the Editorial Board and Stargazing Club, and he also participated in a tutoring programme for MCKL students where he could coach peers in subjects that he was proficient in. He plans to go into research in theoretical physics and cosmology.

Priscilla Parisa, AUSMAT Class of 2012

Studied Economics at Truman State University, US

My goals were initially quite narrow and simple, and the thought of studying in America never even crossed my mind. But over time, MCKL opened my eyes – there were loads of seminars on undergraduate studies being held on campus throughout the year, and Ms Veronica and Ms Choong gave me plenty of guidance in selecting a place for further study. I thank God for my time in MCKL because it helped me to plan ahead and setting higher goals for myself.

I am now studying Economics in Truman State University, and it is quite an experience. The best part of studying here is the diversity and flexibility of courses. I like being able to choose from a variety of subjects outside of my major field, as it allows me to explore and discover my strengths and weaknesses. There aren’t many places where you can pair up Chemistry with Painting. You do not have to worry about being restricted solely to your major classes.

If you are concerned with cost, TSU’s scholarships are both reasonably achievable and substantial. I am on a President’s Honorary Scholarship, and it has made my studies so much more affordable over here. Any way of reducing the financial burden on my parents is a good thing.

The people here are great, too. It is a very eye-opening experience to mingle with people from diverse backgrounds and to get their views on the world we live in. Some of the most interesting people I’ve met are feminists, evangelical Christians, gay activists and Mormons. They have given me new perspectives on life and improved my ability to express my thoughts and ideas to others. 

Nicholas Wong Keng Loong, AUSMAT Class of 2008

Studied Actuarial Science at Curtin University of Technology, Perth 

The Australian Matriculation course enables one to think outside the box. The course is demanding and challenging. It keeps me competitive and encourages me to work hard throughout the year. I gain invaluable experience for example a taste of college life, interacting with lecturers and new friends. I have learned to solve problems logically and analytically, which is essential in my future endeavours. I have always intended to study in Australia and it is a recognised pre-university programme in Australia. The lecturers are generally well versed in their respective field and dedicated to imparting their knowledge to students.

Shalini Subramaniam, AUSMAT Class of 2008

Studied Medicine in International Medical University

The coursework in Australian Matriculation course help the students in term of doing revision in a chapter and as a guideline to what are the important sub topics in a chapter. I enjoyed the small community because it allows you to gain the attention you deserve from the lecturers, and there is a sort of togetherness. The lecturers are very dedicated and willing to help the students. Hence, they partake in each other’s joy and achievements.  

Teo Shu Wen, AUSMAT Class of 2008

Admitted to Colby-Sawyer College, US on AMCHAM-MACEE 2009 Scholarship and Colby-Sawyer Awards

My experience in MCKL was great. Lecturers in MCKL were always supportive, and willing to give advice or help. They respected the students, rather than soon-feeding us information. We were encouraged to form our own opinion and discuss them. Every week we had to discuss an issue of topical interest. My lecturer gave me a lot of confidence in my ability and always asked me to lead a group of students to discuss assignment(s). Without his encouragement, I would not be able to speak in front of a class or be molded into who I am today. 

Are you an alumni with a tale to tell? Write in to ask@mckl.edu.my with your full name, programme and cohort, and send us your stories with some pictures. We'd love to hear all about your experiences and share it with others! 

Class Size
Small classroom size of around 30 students per class enable students and lecturers to get to know each other easily and to build trust.

Lecturers
A mixture of experienced and young, enthusiastic lecturers who are qualified in their field.

Discipline
Students are required to have appropriate, decent attire that adheres to the MCKL dress code.
Strong emphasis on punctuality and attendance.
Parent-Lecturer conferences held at the end of the semester.
Student progress is monitored.

Track Record
Year after year, our pre-university students have produced excellent results and have obtained entry and scholarships into top universities around the world. 

National Accreditation
The AUSMAT programme has been given accreditation by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency.

University Placement Counselling
MCKL’s experienced lecturers and University Placement staff can assist students by giving testimonials and guiding them in writing personal statements.

Psychology and Learning Centre (PAL)
MCKL has set up a PAL centre where it encourages academically strong students to be peer tutors to coach weaker students in a controlled environment. 

Financial Aid/Loans
MCKL Financial Aid available for student to apply if annual gross household income is below RM48000.

Scholarship and Government Bursary
MCKL is chosen by the Ministry of Education to allow its Government Bursary Scholar to study in MCKL. Apart from external scholarships, MCKL also provides a wide range of Scholarships to deserving students.

Service Learning and Character Formation 
All students in MCKL must attend 2 compulsory subjects called Service Learning and Character Formation. These subjects help develop soft skills and improve CV for university and job placement in the future.

Accessibility 
KL Sentral station, the city's major transportation hub, is within walking distance from MCKL. This gives students easy access to all parts of the city and country via taxi, bus, LRT, KTM and monorail.

Not a profit-driven organisation
The College focuses on delivering quality education at affordable and reasonable prices.
MCKL management and staff are driven by a passion to serve and to help students.
Places great emphasis on high moral values, social ethics, etc. and impart these values to our students.

CLASS OF 2015 

CLASS OF 2014 

CLASS OF 2012

CLASS OF 2011

CLASS OF 2010

CLASS OF 2009

CLASS OF 2007 AND 2008