Studying in Developed Countries

Studying In USA

USA has many highly competitive and Ivy League universities and colleges. The majority of students attending these universities and colleges were in the top 10% to 25% of their graduating class  as well as being active in extracurricular activities. They demonstrated self motivation and leadership, scored well in SAT and/ or ACT and showed themselves to be passionate about learning.

Today, it is very difficult to gain admission into these colleges and universities. However, USA has many other competitive universities that are ranked in the top 200 in the world. They have many good schools, and over the years have trained many students to work in various industries in America and all over the world.

Entance to American universities will depend upon students' SAT and/ or ACT scores. Foreign students can apply straight to the university of their choice for admission.

Studying in Canada

Canada has many good universities. For example, University of Toronto is ranked 17th in the world.

Acceptance into the university of your choice is mainly based upon your grades. Foreign students are requested to also submit an essay, statement of intent or personal statement of experience and these must be submitted directly to the faculty being applied for. Additionally, letters of reference, examples of extracurricular involvement, additional community service endeavours, athletic participation, awards and scholarships won may be required items for acceptance into some of Canada's top programs.

Studying in Australia

At the time of writing, Australia's highest ranking university is University of Melbourne which ranks 60th in the world. There are also many other good universities in Australia like Australian National University (ranked 70), University of Queensland (ranked 86) and University of Sydney (ranked 96).

Students are accepted into Australian universities based upon their A Level or HSC results.

Studying in United Kingdom

United Kingdom has many good universities. University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College, King's College London and University College London are all good universities and ranked highly in world ranking. However, these are highly competitive universities and may require short listed candidates to attend an interview, write a personal statement and obtain a reference for admission.

Students are selected based upon their A Level, Higher School Certificate, or International Bacalaurate results.

Twinning Programs in Malaysia

Malaysia is a Commonwealth country with a rich educational heritage from United Kingdom. It has many private institutions that work with US, UK, Australia and Canada universities.

Many Asian students study English in Malaysia before going over to US, UK, Australia and Canada for their undergraduate studies. Most universities require a certification in English proficiency. After receiving their TOFEL, IELTS or A Level, HSC or IB, they will be accepted by the universities of their choice.

Private university colleges in Malaysia also offer American or Canadian Programs. Students can study 2 years in Malaysia and transfer some credits to American or Canadian universities. This way, students can save 1/3 of their education costs. However, this route will take students to good universities in America and Canada but not the highly competitive or Ivy League colleges. Many students attend competitive universities for their undergraduate years, and then go to highly competitive universities for their post graduate programs.

Many other universities from UK and Australia have also set up branch campuses in Malaysia. If you study your undergraduate years in Malaysia, your educational expenditures will only be 1/3 of what will cost you in the main campus. You will also be receiving a certificate from the university which entitles to apply for a post graduate program in the main campus.

So if you need to work within a budget constraint, you can seriously consider doing part of your education in Malaysia.