IPMA

I just gotta know that besides IPTA (public university) and IPTS (private university) there's another category which is known as IPMA. It stands for Institusi Pendidikan MARA. Basically, it is the IPTA's franchise but the learning centre is in IPTS and MARA colleges, not in the main/proper public university's campus. Means that the registered IPTS runs IPTA's program under MARA's sponsorship. It's another privilege for Bumiputera.

Like me, I'm doing 3 years Diploma in Business Studies in collaboration with UiTM Program at Kolej Poly-Tech MARA Bangi. The syllabus, the programs, the activities are from UiTm and I even have to follow UiTM rules which is more strict. I registered with UiTM and that makes me an official UiTM student but studying in KPTM.

One of the advantage studying in IPMA is every student may apply and get MARA study loans (usually every application will be accepted). There's monthly allowance, books and even fees allowance. So you wouldn't burden your parents and family financially. And MARA study loans not as burden as PTPTPN because students who obtained good grades/pointer upon graduation are eligible to convert their MARA study loans to MARA scholarships. Means that, there will be no 100% repayment and no interest will be charged. Moreover, if the student excel in every semester and get pointer 3.5 and above, the percentage for him to repay will be lesser. While for PTPTPN, you have to repay after you have graduate.

Another advantage that I like the most is the atmosphere in the class. The classroom is very small. Roughly, there are 30 students per class and the two-way communication between the lecturer and students works effectively. I can pay more attention and focus better in a small classroom.

Whatever it is, I'm so glad that I'm on the right track now. Alhamdullilah. =]