Why Choose UCSF
As a model green university, University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) welcome students from all parts of the world by extending our hearts of friendship, with the purpose of sharing, advancing and learning together, towards building a global society that is responsible and sustainable.
Stunning Natural beauty
UCSF campus is strategically located right in the city of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, on the island of Borneo. Sabah remains as one of the important ecotourism destinations of the world due to its large conservation areas, consisting of pristine tropical rainforest that is rich in natural resources and recognised to be one of the biodiversity centres of the world. Apart from being endowed with natural beauty, it is also blessed with a diverse ethno-cultural community of more than 42 ethnic groups living harmoniously. There is much one can learn from studying at UCSF and living in Sabah.
Accessibility and Convenience
Kota Kinabalu is generally very safe and a modern city with good infrastructure, modern amenities and direct air connectivity to many cities across the Asia-Pacific region. The distance from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to UCSF is only 5.2 km. The urban campus is located within a school district that is surrounded by public conveniences such as hospitals (both private and public), places of worships, shopping malls, hotels and resorts, a railway station, a road transportation hub and residential areas.
Global Participant of SDG
In line with its Green Concept and Philosophy, UCSF is strong in its commitment to the global green agenda as well as delivering the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is a strong advocate towards an education based on lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning while balancing the needs of the 21st century, including being ready for the challenges of IR4.0.
Living Labs
UCSF strives to be a conducive living learning ecosystem. It leverages on its beautiful and rich surroundings, as living labs to make active learning a reality as well as to facilitate a more effective education experience in understanding the interdependent relationships between the natural ecosystem and human cultural development. Strategically situated within UCSF’S campus are the green cafe, a Nature Inspired Art Gallery and incubation corners – all serving as living experimental platforms.
Qualified Academicians and Research Focused
UCSF believes in the creation of new knowledge. Thus, it encourages transformative research, i.e. those creating impact and bring about transformation. Its pool of young academicians are ever ready to share their knowledge and expertise in their respective fields by engaging the students to explore theoretically as well as immerse in the practical aspects.
Towards GREATness
UCSF aspires to be a model living green university founded on sound knowledge and education. It will commit to a path of continuous learning experience based on the following principles that aims to bring UCSF towards GREATness.
Application Procedure
STEP 1 – Identify The Programme (of Your Choice)
For the upcoming September 2020 Intake, due to the restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, only the following programmes will be allowed to take in new international students :-
a. Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Development Studies with Media Communication
b. Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons)
c. Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons)
d. Bachelor of Hospitality & Tourism Management (Hons)
Explore and identify the discipline of study and the precise programme which you are interested in pursuing.
Choose your bachelor’s degree programme here
STEP 2 – Submit Application Forms
Submit Application Forms
Identify the discipline of study and the precise programme which you are interested in pursuing.
Read carefully the requirements for enrolment (programme details, entry requirements, commencement date and fees). If you do qualify, please complete and submit your International Student Application Form.
Application Submission Checklist
In order to prevent unnecessary delay, an applicant is strongly advised to submit his/her application at least eight (8) weeks (2 months) prior to the commencement date of the intake.
Please complete and submit the International Student Application Form, with the following required documents attached:
1) Six (6) passport-sized colour photographs
– The size of the photograph must be 3.5 cm (W) x 4.5 cm (H), with BLUE background.
2) Three (3) sets of certified photocopied passport photocopy (in colour)
– The validity of the passport should be at least 15 months from the date of admission / submission to the university.
– For Indonesian students, the validity duration of the passport need to be at least 27 months from programme commencement date.
– All pages of the passport including the cover pages are required (in colour), and ensure that the page numbers are clearly visible.
3) Three (3) certified true copies of academic transcripts and completion certificate:
– Only transcripts and certificates which are equivalent to O-Level or higher are required.
– In the event that these documents are not in English, applicants are required to provide both true copies of original together with the English-translated versions.
– Certified copy of the applicant’s TOEFL/ IELTS result / transcript (if applicable).
For students transferring from other institutions of higher learning in Malaysia, have to submit the following documents:
– Release letter from the prevailing institution of higher learning and proof of visa cancellation by submitting a (1) copy of the passport page with the exit stamp.
– Attendance records / report (i.e. it must be of at least 80% in-attendance).
If applicant is seeking credit exemptions, please complete the Credit Exemption Application Form, and provide all necessary documents required for the submission.
4) Visa
International students from certain countries need to apply for the Visa Approval Letter (VAL) before they can acquire a Single Entry Visa (SEV) from the nearest Malaysian Embassy/ Consulate.
- Please click here to check if your country of origin is one of those listed within the list.
If yes, then it is of extreme important that you indicate clearly within the International Student Application Form, (if applicable) which Malaysian Embassy/Consulate (eg. Indonesia: Jakarta; China: Beijing) you wish to apply from for the SEV.
5) All application will only be processed when the Application Fee is paid. You may make payment in the following way:
– Online bank or tele-transfer to UCSF bank account as follows:
Bank Islam
Uni YS Sdn Bhd
10016010097059
Submission & Delivery
The completed documents will need to be labelled and posted as registered mail to the following:
Attention:
Registrar’s Office
University College Sabah Foundation
Jalan Sanzac,
88100 Sembulan,
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,
Malaysia.
You may also submit scanned copies of your documents for our review and verification purpose. If we identify any shortfall, we may request you to refurnish the identified document for resubmission while awaiting your mailed document to arrive. You may email to us at
You may also email us any of your inquiry to the above address.
STEP 3 – Receive Offer Letter
Once we receive your application and payment, and verify that they are complete, we will issue you an Offer Letter . But if your application is unsuccessful, we will email and inform you in writing.
After issuing the Offer Letter, we will proceed to apply for your (Student) Visa Approval Letter (VAL) from the Malaysian Immigration on your behalf. The VAL will allow you to apply for a Single Entry Visa (SEV) from the nearest Malaysian Embassy/ Consulate.
This process will take approximately 1 to 2 months
STEP 4 – Prepare Your Trip To UCSF
1) Obtain Student Visa Approval Letter
Upon obtaining your Student Visa Approval Letter (VAL) issued by the Malaysian Immigration Office, as stipulated in the International Student Application Form, as part of the application process, you are required to settle the Pre-registration Fee (approximately USD 1555*) before the original Visa Approval Letter (VAL) will be sent to you.
For those students from countries who only need a Single Entry Visa, kindly bring the original Visa Approval Letter together with your passport to the nearest Malaysian Embassy/Consulate as you are required to obtain a single entry permit before entering Malaysia.
(*Rates are subject to change without prior notice.)
2) Inform Us of Your Scheduled Arrival
Complete and submit the online Airport Pick-up Form (or you may also email to us) your arrival details at least 5 (five) working days prior to your arrival in Malaysia.
When we receive your Airport Pick-up Form, we will acknowledge and respond to you with details of the name and contact details of the UCSF Officer who will be meeting you at the airport.
AIRPORT PICK UP FORM
3) Bring Relevant Documents
Once you have fulfill all the requirements, you are ready for the journey of your new life. Apart from preparing yourself for your trip, we would like to remind you of bringing along all relevant documents for verification. These include:
- – Original Passport with validity of at least 12 months
- – Original High school certificates and transcripts
- – Original copy of Visa Approval Letter and Single Entry Visa
- – Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (for African nationalities)
STEP 5 – Arrival
1) Submit Arrival Card at Immigration
Please make sure you complete the Disembarkation Card (Arrival Card) which will be provided by the airline, or you can get them at the airport’s arrival hall.
Malaysian immigration has its procedure. Please note, Immigration will not release a student without the presence of an official representative from UCSF.
Therefore, upon your arrival at the airport, proceed to the Immigration Office Student Waiting Area where a UCSF Officer will escort you through the Immigration checkout point for visa clearance.
2) Check-in to Your Accommodation
The UCSF representative will send you safely to your accommodation venue and brief you about your stay in Kota Kinabalu.
3) Reporting to UCSF
You are to report to the UCSF International Office immediately upon your arrival, or the next working day (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). You must complete all requirements including ensuring the medical check-up, be briefed on relevant information, and open a bank account (upon request). You will be given one (1) week to settle the matters.
MEDICAL CHECK-UP FORM
4) English Placement Test and Enrolment
As the main medium of instruction is English, you need to fulfil a minimum English proficiency before you are allowed to enrol into the University’s Undergraduate and higher-level programmes.
You must sit for the English Placement Test (EPT), unless you have been exempted.
The EPT is to determine your proficiency level. If you pass the EPT results, you will be allowed to proceed to enrol in the programme you have applied. Otherwise, you will have to enrol in the UCSF English Improvement Programme.
5) Student Visa Processing
An international student is required to acquire his/her student pass endorsement within one (1) week from his/her arrival.
UCSF will assist you in processing your Student Visa. Therefore, you must submit your original passport to the International Office after you have undergone your medical examination and upon request. As part of the procedure, you will be given a certified true copy of your passport and an acknowledgement slip as your temporary identification.
Notes:
It is critical to note that incomplete applications cannot be processed.
Any late application which are submitted less than eight (8) weeks before the commencement date of the intake may not be processed in time. Hence, your admission may be postponed to the next intake.
Quick Guide
The followings serve as a general guide. Depending on discipline of study, there may be slight variation and additional requirements. Please check the programme website for a more complete detail.
General Entry Requirements (Diploma Programme)
GCE O Level / SPM
Pass 3 subject with Grade C GP 2.00 and above
UEC
Pass 3 subject with Grade C GP 2.00 and above
GCE A Level / STPM
Pass 1 subject with Grade C GP 2.00 and above
Technical and Vocational Certificate
Related and recognised certificate(equivalent to MQA Level 3 with 1 year of related working experiences
General Entry Requirements (Degree Programme)
GCE A Level / STPM
Pass 2 subjects with minimum Grade C (GP 2.00) and above
UEC
Pass 5 subjects with minimum Grade B and above
Matriculation/Foundation
Successfully completed programme with minimum CGPA of 2.0 and above
Diploma
Successfully completed Diploma in relevant fields with minimum CGPA of 2.0and above
South Australian Matriculation
Minimum ATAR score 55 (based on relevant subjects)
International Baccalaureate
Minimum 24 points in 6 relevant subjects
*MQA: Malaysian Qualification Agency
Recognised International Qualifications
Recognised International Qualifications
China, Brunei, Indonesia, Uzbekistan
Recognised International Qualifications
The following serves as a guide on some of the high school and higher level qualifications recognised
by the Malaysian government and the Senate of University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF).
Please also consult the programme details for more information on other entry criteria.
For other countries, please refer to the Malaysia Qualification Agency (MQA) website:
China
高 中 毕 业 证 书 (Senior Secondary School Graduation Certificate)
Bachelor Degree
职 校 / 职 高 / 技 校 毕 业 证 书 (Graduation Certificate from a Vocational / Technical Secondary School (Zhixiao / Zhigao) or a Skilled Worker School (Jixiao))
Bachelor Degree
Brunei Darussalam
Cambridge GCE O Level
Foundation Or Diploma
Cambridge GCE A Level
Bachelor Degree
Matriculation
Bachelor Degree
Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Ugama (STPU)
Bachelor Degree
BDTVEC National Diploma
Bachelor Degree (without credit transfer)
BDTVEC Higher National Diploma
Bachelor Degree
Indonesia
Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Umum (SMU) 3 / Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) / Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) / Ijazah Madrasah Aliyah (bagi lulusan tahun 2014 dan sebelumnya) dengan gred purata 5 – 5.9
Foundation Or Diploma
Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Umum (SMU) 3 / Ijazah SekolahMenengah Atas (SMA) / Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) / Ijazah Madrasah Aliyah (bagi lulusan tahun 2014 dan sebelumnya) dengan gred purata 6 – 10
Bachelor Degree
Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Umum (SMU) 3 / Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) / Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) / Ijazah Madrasah Aliyah (bagi lulusan mulai tahun 2015) dengan gred purata 55 – 65
Foundation Or Diploma
Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Umum (SMU) 3 / Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Atas (SMA) / Ijazah Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) / Ijazah Madrasah Aliyah (Aliyah (bagi lulusan mulai tahun 2015) dengan gred purata 66 – 100
Bachelor Degree
Uzbekistan
Diploma of Academic Lyceum
Bachelor Degree
Diploma of Professional College
Bachelor Degree
O’rta Ma’lumot To’g’risida Shahodatnoma (Diploma of Specialised Secondary Education) – after 1998
Foundation Or Diploma
Diploma of Completion of Secondary Education – prior 1998
Foundation Or Diploma
English Requirement
All International Students are required to sit for the English Placement Test (EPT), unless they are able to provide evidence such as having attained International English Proficiency certification which is recognized by UCSF.
Otherwise, the student is required to pursue the English Improvement Programme of UCSF.
Qualification Recognized
Minimum Requirement
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Overall 6.0 or higher
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Overall 69 or higher
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
C or higher
Malaysian University English Test (MUET)
170 or higher (Upper Band 3)
GCE ‘O’ Level
C or higher
*The validity period for requirement should not be more than five (5) years.
English Improvement Programme
University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF) English Improvement Programme is specially designed for students to improve their English language proficiency, to enable them to further their higher education studies in the diploma or degree programmes (or to find employment).
Intakes: April & September
Class Level (Outcome of the Programme)
Suitable for those with Proficiency Level of .. (Based on CEFR)
Class Duration
Pre-Intermediate English Improvement Programme
Basic to Elementary (A1-A2)
15 weeks x 20 hours/week
Intermediate English Improvement Programme
Pre-intermediate (B1)
15 weeks x 20 hours/week
Format of the English Improvement Programme
This is a full time student-centred English Improvement Programme designed to run for 15 weeks at 20 hours per week. It is to enhance the four basic skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The classes are being conducted by qualified English teachers (non-native speakers). This programme is deliberately intended to be thematic, interactive and immersive, whereby students will practice their language skills in a variety of context, especially outside the classroom.
Apart from focusing on achieving a good command of the English language, i.e. proper grammar, correct vocabulary and accurate pronunciation, there will be a strong emphasis on comprehension, composition and communication skills.
The programme is suitable for those who wish to achieve the necessary proficiency for pursuing academic excellence, as well as for those who wish to improve their business communicative proficiency.
Recognised English Proficiency Certificates
All International Students are required to sit for the English Placement Test (EPT), unless they are able to provide evidence such as having attained International English Proficiency certification which is recognised by UCSF. This exemption, however, may be revised from time to time without prior notice. Otherwise, the student is required to pursue the relevant English Improvement Programme of UCSF.
The programme is suitable for those who wish to achieve the necessary proficiency for pursuing academic excellence, as well as for those who wish to improve their business communicative proficiency.
Living Cost
The table below serves as a general guide on the living cost of an international student in Sabah. The actual costs will vary, according to their prefer location and lifestyle.
Cost of Living in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) PER MONTH for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Item |
Single room |
Shared room |
Whole Apartment/
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accommodation |
300 – 600 |
200 – 500 |
800 – 2500 |
| Water Bill |
30 – 45 |
30 – 45 |
50 – 75 |
|
Electricity Bill |
30 – 50 |
20 – 40 |
50 – 100 |
|
Public transport
|
200 – 250 |
200 – 250 |
200 – 250 |
Meal Expenses (3-meals a day)
|
500 – 1000 |
500 – 1000 |
500 – 1000 |
Telecommunication
|
60 – 150 |
60 – 150 |
60 – 150 |
Medical
|
50 – 100 |
50 – 100 |
50 – 100 |
| Estimation of total cost per month |
1160 – 2195 |
800 – 1385 |
1450 – 3475 |
UCSF OFF-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION
(For Local and International Students)
Although UCSF has an on-campus shared apartment style accommodation (UCSF Hostel) for its students, it has also engaged with its pool of property agents in providing off-campus accommodation especially for students who wish for additional privacy and off-campus living experience. The location of these off-campus accommodation are located at :
Graceville Apartment at Sembulan
The Loft Apartment Studio Suites at Imago
Sutera Avenue Suites Residences
These apartments are within walking distance of UCSF campus. Because UCSF is strategically located in the city centre, access to e-hailing transport services is abundant and not a worry.
Services from the Accommodation Office
The Accommodation Office coordinates with its pool of appointed property agents to facilitate the students to enjoy a wider selection of choices of these higher quality accommodations.
Each appointed agent has a responsibility to ensure that the accommodation facility is equipped with the basic amenities.
The basic amenities provided are:
- It is air conditioned.
- A furnished bedroom which consists of :
- A bed
- A dressing cupboard
- A study desk
For those who opt for apartment or studio style accommodation, the following may be provided in addition to the above:
- Furnished kitchen with stove and fridge.
- Furnished common area for sitting.
- A washing machine.
Other amenities like TV and Wi-fi service will be subjected to the provisions made available by the apartment’s owner.
Student will need to subscribe their own broadband services.
Responsibility
UCSF Accommodation Office will serve to provide:
- Clean and safe accommodation options to both its local and international students.
- Liaison services between the student and the agent for the residential needs as well as the welfare of the student.
- To assist the student in finding a suitable off- campus accommodation.
- To attend to the student’s emergency support services when required.
- Will from time-to-time conduct the necessary survey to ensure that the accommodation facilities provided by the agent are as agreed in the tenant’s contract.
- To have access and to monitor on the students’ wellbeing (as part of UCSF responsibility and requirement by the Malaysian Immigration Department for International Student). This include ensuring cleanliness and hygiene are exercised and maintained by the student at all time.
UCSF’s Appointed Property Agent will have the responsibility to:
- Maintain as a reliable and trustable agent for providing quality accommodation services to its student tenants (both local and International).
- Work with UCSF’s Accommodation Office in providing clean and safe premises for accommodating UCSF’s student tenants.
- Fulfill and meet the criteria and provision of the accommodation need of UCSF.
- Collaborate with UCSF’s Accommodation Office in working out any requests and issues of concerns in improving the services of both parties.
The Student’s/Tenant’s Responsibility
The student who opt for off-campus accommodation will have to enter into a contract with the UCSF’s Appointed Property Agent. UCSF has no control over the actions of the residential owner. As such the students/tenants will be fully responsible for their obligations within the contract. UCSF will not take responsibility, liability or act on behalf of the student/tenant for any mishaps of any private terms and conditions set forth and agreed in the Tenancy Contract between the tenant (i.e. the student) and the agent of the property. The student as the signatory will be liable and responsible for meeting the contractual terms. This could include payment of any rent/charges, as a penalty, for the entire period that a tenant has committed if there is a breakage of a Tenancy Contract.
Enquiries
For Further Enquiries
Should you have any problem or uncertainty, you are welcome to send in your enquiry to:
Email Address : registrar@ucsf.edu.my
Telephone Number : (+60) 88-511 146
Contact Us
For more information, kindly contact:
Tel : (+60) 88 – 511 111
Fax : (+60) 88 – 511 100
Email : registrar@ucsf.edu.my