Introduction
If you completed a Diploma in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or Agriculture at a polytechnic, community college, or local university, you do not need to start your degree from scratch.
Under the Sarawak Free Tertiary Education Scheme (FTES), diploma holders can transfer academic credits directly into Year 2 of an approved bachelor’s degree program, saving up to a full year of study while enjoying 100% free tuition.
Here is what you need to know about minimum CGPA thresholds and exemption guidelines.
Minimum CGPA Requirements by Institution
While specific entry cutoffs vary by discipline, the standard CGPA benchmarks for credit transfer under FTES are structured as follows:
| Origin Qualification | Target Degree Field | Minimum CGPA Required | Expected Degree Duration After Credit Exemption |
| Diploma in Engineering (MQA Accredited) | B.Eng (Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, Energy) | 2.75 – 3.00 | 3 Years (Exempted from Year 1) |
| Diploma in Computer Science / IT | Cyber Security, Software Eng, Data Science | 2.50 – 2.75 | 2 to 2.5 Years |
| Diploma in Accounting / Business | Bachelor of Commerce / Business (Accounting/Finance) | 2.50 – 2.80 | 2 Years |
| Diploma in Agriculture / Science | B.Sc Agrotechnology / Environmental Science | 2.50 | 2 Years |
How Credit Transfer Works
Credit exemption is evaluated on a subject-by-subject basis by the academic faculty.
[ Student's Diploma Transcript ] ──> Course Outline & Syllabus Comparison ──> Faculty Credit Review
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[ Exempted Units Granted ] <── Min. 80% Syllabus Match & Grade C (2.0) or Higher <──────┘
Key Rules for Successful Exemptions:
- MQA Accreditation: Your diploma program must be fully accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
- Grade Threshold: You must have scored at least a Grade C (2.00) or higher in the specific diploma subject you want exempted.
- Maximum Credit Limit: Generally, universities allow a maximum of 50% to 66% total credit transfers toward a 3- or 4-year degree.