Edited by Rivermore Academy
"Does this course have MQA accreditation?" "Oh no, the course I'm currently taking isn't MQA accredited. What if I can't find a job after graduating?" "I've been working for years and just want to take some extra courses to expand my knowledge. It shouldn't matter if there's no MQA, right?"
Whether you're a student or a working professional, questions about MQA are bound to arise. To understand the impact of a course without MQA accreditation, the benefits of having an MQA-accredited course, and more, it's essential to first grasp what MQA actually is.
What is MQA?
MQA, the Malaysian Qualification Agency, is responsible for the standardization and supervision of educational quality in both public and private higher education institutions. This agency evaluates courses offered by various institutions to ensure they meet the MQA standards.
Whether it's a government university or a private college, as long as their courses are accredited by MQA, they receive recognition from the Malaysian government. To achieve MQA accreditation, courses are subject to a set of minimum requirements.
Here are some of the minimum requirements set by MQA:
NO | Type | Min Duration of Study (year) | Typical Education Provider | Entry Requirement |
1. | Certificate | 1 1/4 | College | SPM with 1 credit or equivalent |
2. | Diploma | 2 | College, University College, University | SPM with 3 credit or equivalent |
3. | Advance Diploma | 1 | College, University College, University | SPM with 3 credit or equivalent |
4. | Bachelor’s Degree | 3 | University College, University | STPM/ A-level/ Diploma or equivalent |
5. | Master’s Degree (Research) | 2 | University College, University | Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent |
6. | Doctoral Degree | 3 | University College, University | Master’s Degree or equivalent |
Is MQA Accreditation Required for All Institutions?
First and foremost, it's important to clarify that it's not about whether the institution has MQA, but whether the course itself is MQA accredited. This is because MQA accreditation serves as a standard for evaluating the quality of individual courses.
So, the question should be: Is MQA accreditation necessary for every course?
Absolutely not!
For students, having an MQA-accredited course does provide a sense of security, but if a course isn't MQA accredited, there's no need to panic. There are a few possibilities to consider.
Firstly, if you're studying at a newly established institution, MQA accreditation might require the first batch of students to graduate before it can be obtained. Secondly, technical and vocational education courses and institutions don't fall under MQA accreditation, as they are registered under the Department of Skills Development (Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran, JPK) and other local or international vocational certification bodies, supervised by the Ministry of Human Resources.
For working professionals, the presence or absence of MQA accreditation is often not obligatory. The courses or institutions they opt for generally don't adhere to MQA regulations, such as minimum study duration and institutional categorization.
Educational opportunities for working professionals usually stem from institutions involved in "continuing education." Although these institutions often collaborate or are affiliated with government universities, they typically aren't listed under the categories of "College/University College/University" by MQA, and therefore lack MQA accreditation. However, due to their collaboration with government universities, the curriculum and teaching methods they offer must align with relevant requirements, ensuring the quality and standard of education these institutions provide.
When Is MQA Necessary?
Since everyone is so concerned about MQA, what exactly is its significance?
Firstly, MQA accreditation plays a crucial role for those aspiring to work in the Malaysian government sector, commonly known as civil service. Regardless of the field of study, having an MQA-accredited course earns recognition from the Malaysian government. Consequently, agencies such as the Public Service Department (Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam, JPA) and Appointment Authorities (Pihak Berkuasa Melantik, PBM) often consider MQA accreditation when appointing civil servants.
Secondly, MQA accreditation is essential for applying for scholarships and study loans. For instance, Malaysia's renowned PTPTN program, which includes the requirement that the chosen course must be recognized by MQA. Similarly, other scholarships and study loans often require proof of MQA accreditation for successful application.
Does Having MQA Accreditation Guarantee Peace of Mind in Learning?
Generally, yes. However, if you're considering fields like accounting, engineering, or medical sciences, simply spotting the MQA label might not be enough to put your mind at ease.
For these specialized disciplines, whether in Malaysia or abroad, specific professional accreditations are crucial for you to practice in those fields once you graduate. For instance, engineering programs not only require MQA accreditation but also need recognition from the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM). Without this additional accreditation, even with MQA, you might not be eligible to become a certified engineer upon graduation.
In essence, MQA ensures a certain level of quality for the courses it accredits, but meeting the standards of specialized professions demands assessments by dedicated bodies. Even courses or certifications without MQA accreditation simply lack recognition by the Malaysian government; however, some non-MQA accredited programs or certifications still hold equal status in other countries.
Can You Still Work Without MQA Accreditation?
As long as you're not aiming for a position within the Malaysian government, absolutely!
Especially if you're already a working professional, pursuing continuing
education courses is completely feasible. Certificates from continuing education programs are often accredited by partner government universities and are generally recognized by other countries, such as the MOM accreditation in neighbouring Singapore.
If you, as a working professional or a high-ranking executive, are concerned about the quality of continuing education courses, rest assured. As mentioned earlier, even without MQA accreditation, partner government universities ensure the quality and standard of these courses, enabling educational institutions to offer them.
Furthermore, if you're a business owner or someone with significant work experience, the most valuable aspect of continuing education courses should be the systematic knowledge and fresh perspectives they provide, rather than the three letters 'MQA.'
In summary, while MQA status does matter more for students, it's not a necessity for working professionals or senior executives. For the latter, they often prefer courses that are shorter in duration yet still of high quality. These courses might not meet MQA requirements due to their shorter duration or because the institutions providing them don't fit the categories of 'College/University College/University' and thus might not pursue MQA accreditation from the outset.
So, working professionals and bosses, don't let the absence of 'MQA' scare you away!
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