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Editor's note: This story has been updated following a correction by Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) today, 11 September. The university had previously misstated that STPM Mathematics was required for admission to its Accounting programme.
Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has corrected an earlier statement, clarifying that STPM Mathematics is not a requirement for admission to its Accounting, Finance, and Economics programmes
A representative from the university's academic affairs department said today, 11 September, that "the actual entry requirement is a credit in Mathematics at the SPM level — not STPM — as stipulated under the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) Programme Standards".
"There is no requirement for Mathematics at the STPM level for admission into Accounting, Finance, or Economics programmes," said the spokesperson, adding that they regret the confusion caused by the earlier statement.
In a statement to SAYS yesterday, 10 September, the spokesperson mistakenly said that the requirement for STPM Mathematics in its Accounting programme was set at the national level under the MQA Programme Standards
According to the spokesperson, the requirement was to "ensure that students admitted are well-prepared for the academic rigour of their chosen fields".
The statement comes after Edward Wong Yi Xian's complaint that he did not receive a public university placement in Accounting despite achieving a 4.0 CGPA in STPM and a 99.9% merit score.
The subjects Wong took at the STPM level were General Studies, Economics, Accounting, and Information and Communication Technology. He did not take Mathematics.
Besides UUM, Wong's Unit Pusat Universiti (UPU) application to three other universities — Universiti Malaya, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia — was also unsuccessful.
What are the MQA Programme Standards?
The MQA Programme Standards serve as a guideline that sets the minimum requirements for designing and offering academic programmes at higher education institutions.
They cover aspects such as learning outcomes, curriculum design and delivery, assessment methods, student selection, and academic staff qualifications, ensuring the quality of programmes across universities.
From Accounting to Performing Arts and Medical and Health Sciences, MQA Programme Standards are "compulsory to be complied with" for institutions offering these courses, as stated on its website.
So, is STPM-level Mathematics actually required for Accounting programmes at public universities?
No. A closer look at the MQA Programme Standards shows that candidates pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting are only required to have at least a credit in Mathematics at the SPM level.
Applicants must obtain a minimum of Grade C+ (GP 2.33) in any two STPM subjects — a condition that aligns closely with the admission guidelines published on both UUM and UM's websites.
