Where Can You Study With Australian Matriculation?

The Australian Matriculation is not only good for Australia. Check out these other countries that accept the qualification.

Updated 07 Jun 2022

Where Can You Study With an Australian Matriculation? - Feature-Image

In partnership with:

What’s in a name? Given its title, it’s easy to assume that the Australian Matriculation is a great pre-university option for students who aim to pursue their tertiary education in Australia.

But did you know that the qualification goes beyond that?

As an international pre-university programme, Australian Matriculation and its various senior secondary certificates of education (e.g. SACE International, WACE) are acknowledged far and wide across the globe. But just how far does its reach go? And exactly which countries recognise the programme?

Here’s a list of the top 7 countries that accept Australian Matriculation as a credential.

#1. United Kingdom

There are numerous reasons why the UK is a popular study destination. Firstly, it is home to some of the world’s best universities. A look at the QS and Times Higher Education rankings reveals a myriad of UK institutions in top spots.

But aside from that, the UK is also a great place for international students because of the Graduate Visa. This visa allows you to stay in the UK for work for an additional 2 – 3 years after graduating. This means that you won’t have to say goodbye to the UK lifestyle immediately once you’ve finished your studies.

The UK is also an especially great destination for Malaysian students because of the large network of Malaysians in the country. Studying abroad can be lonely so while it cannot replace Malaysia, it’s at least comforting to know that there are plenty of your compatriots all around.

If you think that the road to the UK is set in stone in the form of A Levels, think again. Some of the top UK universities that have accepted students from SACE International (SACEi) are the London School of Economics (LSE), Oxford University, University of Cambridge and University of Warwick.

#2. United States of America

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting this land of opportunity and freedom, now’s your chance. The USA is home to a great many institutions including MIT and Harvard — but its appeal as a study destination goes beyond that.

As a student, you’re probably looking for a place that can give you great memories to look back on. And the United States, with its diverse culture and dazzling lifestyle, promises exactly that. You can take a classic American road trip, visit its many iconic cities, explore beautiful landscapes at scenic national parks or immerse yourself in the magical world of Disneyland.

Since the American education system is very different from that of Australia, you’ll probably be surprised to learn that many American institutions recognise Australian Matriculation. The California Institute of Arts, Pennsylvania State University and Arizona State University are just some of the many universities that have a history of accepting SACEi graduates.

DID YOU KNOW

Getting into these top universities is not as hard as you may think. Taylor’s has an excellent track record of placing over 7,000 of its graduates in universities globally, including in the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford and Cornell University. Learn more about the Taylor’s University Placement Service here.

#3. Canada

Tired of Malaysia’s hot climate? Why not go up north to snowy Canada?

Situated right next to the US, Canada is another great study destination. Not only does it boast an impressive catalogue of world-class universities, but it is also friendly to international students. Some countries may ask that you leave immediately after graduating but under Canada’s Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PWPP), you can stay and work for up to 3 years.

Furthermore, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in an enriching cross-cultural experience. Although English is the country’s primary language, French is widely spoken as well, with plenty of signs and information in both languages. As a result, you can use this opportunity to learn some French.

Plenty of universities accept the Australian Matriculation certificate in Canada including the University of British Columbia, York University and University of Toronto.

#4. New Zealand

Want to go on your own fantasy-filled adventure? While places like the Shire and Lothlórien are not real (at least, from what we know), you can get the next best thing in New Zealand. Famed for its beautiful sceneries and landscapes, the country is perfect for lovers of nature.

It is especially a great choice for Malaysians because it provides you with the best of both worlds — in New Zealand, you can experience studying abroad in an English-speaking country while staying (relatively) close to home.

And if you find yourself reluctant to leave the country at the end of your studies, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa that allows you to extend your stay and work for up to 3 years.

Interested in studying in New Zealand? Use Australian Matriculation as your ticket. Universities that have accepted SACEi graduates include the University of Auckland, University of Canterbury and Victoria University of Wellington.

Note: New Zealand is not the only one known for its beautiful scenery. While it’s no Middle Earth, the Taylor’s Lakeside campus is a beauty in its own league. Study at Taylor’s to experience a vibrant community set on 27 acres of vast tropical greenery.

#5. Hong Kong

Want to study abroad but don’t like the freezing winter and blazing summer? Why not head to subtropical Hong Kong?

Ranked #15 on the QS Best Student Cities 2022 rankings, Hong Kong, with its impressive selection of quality education, prosperous job market and strong international community, is another great study destination. It is also home to one of the best public transportation systems in the world, which makes exploring the diverse metropolitan area all the more exciting.

The country is a particularly excellent choice for Malaysians for two reasons — it has an excellent English standard (which makes communicating easier) and it’s not that far from home. A non-stop flight from KLIA to Hong Kong will only take you about 3 to 4 hours.

Among some of the universities in Hong Kong that have a record of accepting SACEi students include the high-ranking University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

#6. China

Think Hong Kong is too small for you?

Head over to Shanghai in China instead. As the second-largest city in the world, Shanghai is a melting pot of cultures that you don’t want to miss out on. Paired with an impressive public transportation system, it’s the best student-friendly city you can study in.

Studying in Shanghai can also boost your employability. China is a global superpower and companies are always looking for people with experience in this market. If you choose to study in China, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the culture, learn their languages and explore internship experiences that will prepare you for the workplace.

Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China, in particular, has a record of accepting SACEi graduates. A member of the C9 League, China’s version of the American Ivy League, the university consistently features in the world's top 100 universities.

#7. Singapore

Homesickness is no joke. If you prefer to stay close to home (but still crave that feeling of studying abroad), you can always go to Singapore.

Firstly, it's literally Malaysia’s next-door neighbour. So whenever you’re hit with homesickness, just hop on a bus for a short weekend trip back home.

Additionally, Singapore and Malaysia share a lot of similarities, from our general proficiency in English to our culture. So if you ever miss local food, you can just go to the local hawker centre for a taste of home. Of course, we can’t guarantee it’ll be as good as Malaysian food.

With SACEi, you can apply to study at the National University of Singapore, which is ranked #11 on the QS World University Rankings 2022. Aside from that, your SACEi qualification can also take you to Singapore Management University (SMU), Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) and Kaplan Singapore.

DID YOU KNOW

You don’t have to go overseas for quality education. Taylor’s is actually the No. 1 Private University in Malaysia & Southeast Asia. Learn more here.

Want to travel the world? Go wherever you want with SACE International. Here’s why you should choose Taylor’s College for your Australian Matriculation programme.

Who says studying abroad has to be hard? If you’re interested in going to any of these countries, you should seriously consider pursuing the SACE International programme.