SINTOK, 14 June 2026: A total of 265 students enrolled in Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) Foundation Studies in Management Programme will have the opportunity to choose from 48 undergraduate programmes upon completing their studies. Unlike many other universities, where students are required to specialise at an earlier stage.
Director of the UUM Centre for Foundation Studies in Management, Prof. Dr Muhammad Fuad Othman, said the approach enables students to better understand their interests and inclinations before making an important decision on their field of study at the next level.
“At UUM, Accounting remains one of the most sought-after undergraduate programmes, with an average of 180 out of 265 Foundation Studies in Management students selecting the programme. Consequently, admission is highly competitive.
“All programmes at UUM, including the Foundation Studies in Management Programme, have received full accreditation from the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and students are required to complete 50 credit hours over two semesters of study,” he said.
He expressed hope that the new students enrolled in the UUM Foundation Studies in Management Programme for the 2026/2027 academic session would remain fully committed to their studies while taking the opportunity to explore their interests, academic goals and future career pathways.
UUM provides comprehensive facilities for students, including residential accommodation and transportation services. Residential college accommodation is made available to all new students, along with other facilities required to support their learning experience.
Prof. Dr Muhammad Fuad Othman also explained that teaching and learning at UUM are conducted through a hybrid approach, combining face-to-face and online classes according to the scheduled timetable. Internet access is also provided at the residential colleges to support students’ learning needs.
In addition, Foundation Studies students are exposed to various co-curricular activities aimed at developing leadership and teamwork skills.
He said, overall, students admitted to the UUM Foundation Studies in Management Programme are high achievers with strong academic credentials, reflecting the competitiveness of the admission process and the high selection standards set to ensure only truly qualified and high-potential students are selected.
According to him, this educational model aligns with the current needs, which require students to better prepared and more mature in determining their academic and career direction.
Through the Foundation Studies in Management Programme, students are not confined to a specific field from the beginning. Instead, they are given comprehensive exposure to the field of management before choosing the most suitable undergraduate programme,” he said.
He added that this approach also helps minimise the risk of students choosing unsuitable field of study, while improving success rates and satisfaction among graduates.
The programme also emphasises the development of soft skills, critical thinking and strong adaptability to ensure that students are able to compete in an increasingly challenging job market.
At the same time, the university has assured that students’ welfare will continue to be given priority, including through the provision of financial assistance, laptops, food vouchers and food bank assistance for students in need.
These initiatives reflect UUM’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that every student receives fair and holistic access to education, regardless of economic background.
The UUM Foundation Studies in Management Programme is seen as one of the strategic pathways for school leavers to pursue higher education with greater confidence and clearer direction.
