Frequently Asked Questions | Institut Sinaran | Kota Kinabalu
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is A-Level?

A-Level is a pre-university programme offered in Malaysia that’s based on the UK education system. Otherwise known as GCE Advanced Level, you can take this course after completing your SPM and before pursuing a degree at university.

A-Level in Institut Sinaran is administered by Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The programme is 18 months in duration.

For entry into British Universities a minimum of 3 A-Level subjects is required.

A-Level candidates at Institut Sinaran usually take 3 A-Level Subjects but high Achievers may opt to take a maximum of 4.

Entry Requirement for A-Level Science:

Pass in SPM/SPMV/0-Level with credits in 5 subjects* OR Pass in UEC with Grade B in 3 subjects* OR equivalent qualifications recognized by the Malaysian Government.

* Depending on intended field of studies at undergraduate level, credits achievement is specific subjects like Pure Sciences, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics and English are required.

Entry Requirement for A-Level Commerce:

Pass in SPM/SPMV/ O-Level with credits in 5 Subjects *OR Pass in UEC* with Grade B in 3 Subjects OR equivalent qualifications recognized by the Malaysian Government.

* Depending on intended field of studies at undergraduate level, credits achievement is specific subjects like Mathematics, English and Bahasa Melayu are required.

Intakes

January 

2023

 

April 

2023

September

2023

AS Level

May/June

2024

Oct/Nov 2024

A2 Level

Oct/Nov

2024

May/June 2025

Oct/Nov

2023

May/June

2024

How Is A-Level Structured?

A-Level-Structure.png

A-Level consists of two parts:

  • Advanced Subsidiary (or better known as AS Level), and

  • A2 Level

AS Level is the first half of the programme and forms the foundation of A-Level. A2 Level is the second part of the syllabus, covering more complex topics in the subjects that you have chosen.

 

You will typically take exams at the end of each level, with each level contributing 50% towards your final grade. That is to say, 50% from AS exams and 50% from A2 exams.

 

Your final results will be a grade of A* to E for each subject taken. The maximum score is A*A*A* for 3 subjects, and A*A*A*A* for 4 subjects.

Why Should You Take A-Level?

There are many pre-university programmes that you can choose from, but here are some of the top reasons why you should take A-Level.

 

1. A-Level is recognised by many universities worldwide 

A-Level is well-known as the gold standard of pre-university courses, and is widely accepted by universities worldwide. While it is generally the go-to programme if you wish to study in the UK, it is also accepted by many other countries, including Australia, USA, Canada & Singapore.

2. It keeps your options open

While Foundation programmes may limit you to certain degrees at certain universities, A-Level allows you to pursue a wide  range of degrees upon successful completion. This is especially great if you’re not sure what degree to study yet!

3.  It gives you deep knowledge in your chosen subjects

Instead of having to juggle five or six subjects, A-Level allows you to focus on only a few subjects and gain in-depth knowledge in your chosen subjects. This is great for those who are passionate about a few subjects and want to dive straight in.

4. There is a wide range of A-Level resources available

Materials such as past year papers, marking schemes and revision questions are readily available everywhere for A-Level. Your lecturers supplement you with sufficient resources to ace your exam, but if you don’t think it’s enough, the internet is filled with resources for you to go through!

Accounting, Business, Economics, Finance

Essential: Mathematics & Economics

Recommended: Business Studies, Accounting and Law

Computer Science

Essential: Mathematics

Recommended: Physics, Further Mathematic

Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy

Essential: Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics

Recommended: Physics

Actuarial Science

Essential: Mathematics

Recommended: Further Mathematics, Economics, Physics

Engineering

Essential: Mathematics & Physics

Recommended: Chemistry, Further Mathematics

Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Nutrition

Essential: Chemistry, Biology & Mathematics

Recommended: Physics

Law

Essential: None

Recommended: Mathematics, Economics, Law, English Literature, Accounting

Degrees and Recommended Subjects 

Can I pay the fees by instalment?

If you are facing certain financial difficulties, please write a letter to the CEO stating the reason and proposed date of payment by instalment.

Can I pay through PTPTN loan?

PTPTN Loan is only available for Diploma:

In order to be eligible for the PTPTN loan, you must check all the following boxes:

  • You are a Malaysian citizen

  • You are aged 45 years and below (which means mature students are eligible too!)

  • You must already have an offer to study at an institution of higher learning (both public and private institutions, including colleges, universities and polytechnics, are accepted)

  • The course that you are pursuing is approved and accredited by MQA

  • The remaining period of your study must not be less than one year.

  • You have no other sponsors.

  • You must have an SSPN-i savings account before sending in your application.

Can I still apply after the closing date for application or registration? 

Yes, you can. We will still accept you subject to space availability and your results. However, please apply and register early so that you do not miss the orientation and the fun games as well as activities that come with it.

How can I pay my fees?

Where can I buy my textbooks?

Fees can be paid in cash, by cheque, credit card or through direct credit into the institute's bank account 
(Institut Sinaran: AmBank Account 888101-803-2681).

The books can bought from Institut Sinaran's library and it will be according to the programme that you are enroled in. Please ask your lecturers for any additional information. Second hand books can be bought from seniors as well.

What is Institut Sinaran's dress code?

All students can wear the collared the institute's T-Shirts for school days and the round neck T-Shirts for activities. T-Shirts are to be worn with long pants, skirts or jeans and shoes. The shirts are included in the fees.

Is there a shuttle bus service?

You can choose to drive to the institute, however you must purchase a parking sticker to enter the premises and this is to ensure the safety of your vehicle. Students may also choose to take a shuttle bus from Damai Community Center at 7.05am to the campus. A single trip would cost RM8, while a return trip (two way) would cost RM60 per week. Application forms are available at the administration office.

Any there any accommodation provided?

We have a selected list of landlords and landladies which have been chosen to host students at reasonable rental prices. For more information, please call Institut Sinaran at 088-492924 or visit the campus.

Is food available on the campus?

Students will be able to purchase their breakfast and lunch on the campus through our cafeteria which provides Halal and Chinese food. Students may also opt for delivery from Food Panda, GrabFood or Mcdonald's. Students can also travel to CKS Menggatal during their break. An ATM machine is available at 7-11 just a few blocks away from CKS Menggatal.

What are the college hours?

The college hours are Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 4pm depending on your classes and timetable. However, there is a fortnight club activity on Fridays where students must participate in and they can leave early, depending on the duration of the activity. There are no classes on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. However, in some cases certain programmes such as A-Level require students to sit for exams on public holidays due to the structure of the course.

How do I go about with regards to University placement after my course in Institut Sinaran?

We have an experienced Guidance Counsellor who will be able to assist you with questions on further studies abroad and locally.

I am an International student and would like to study in Institut Sinaran. Who can I talk to?

We have an experienced Guidance Counsellor who will be able to assist you with questions regarding studying in Institut Sinaran and applying for a Student visa.

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