Application

Question
I had submitted my application to undertake post-graduate studies at USM and I received a letter indicating that I was unsuccessful. May I know the reason?
Answer
Your application has been evaluated by the School/Centre concerned whereby there is a criteria for admission. There are various reasons why an application is rejected, for example; a programme is highly competitive , lack of experience, does not meet the minimum requirement.

Question
I had submitted my application to further my studies, when can I know the result?

Answer
A It takes 3 months for an application of studies by research mode to be processed.

Question
What is the procedure for entry into the postgraduate degree programme: application procedure, qualifications needed, work experience, payment of fees? Who can I name to be the Referee and how long does it take to process my application?

Answer
A To apply, you need to purchase the application form (available from the Institute of
Graduate Studies) with a postal order or money order of RM10.00 made payable to “Bursar, Universiti Sains Malaysia” or you can download the application form from the IPS’ Website. With regards to the other enquiries, you can visit the homepage for help. One of your referees should be from an academic institution and another from your employer. The processing period for the research programme is between 1 - 1½ months.

Question
Does it mean that if an applicant, fulfils all the entry requirements, he/she will be accepted to register as a graduate student?
Answer 
Not necessary, for research programmes, it depends on the availability of a
Supervisor and for the Coursework/Mixed Mode programmes, a candidate should at least be in possession of a CGPA of 2.75 and above for courses that are highly sought.

Question
 I wish to enrol as a postgraduate student in USM. May I know the programmes of study offered?
A USM offers three modes of study: by Research, Coursework and Mixed Mode. These are offered in various disciplines on a full-time or part-time basis. For further details of courses, please visit IPS’ website.

Question
I sent in my application sometime ago. What is the status of my application?
Answer 
Once your application has been forwarded to the School/Centre concerned for consideration and a decision has been received, IPS will then inform in the due course. Normally it will take 2 months for the school to process the applications.

Question
 Is it possible to register for two (2) postgraduate courses at any one time, that is, by research and the other by coursework?
Answer 
No, the regulations do not permit a student to enroll for 2 courses of study
concurrently in this University and neither can a student be registered at any other
University whilst pursuing a course of study here.

Question
 I have submitted a self-addressed envelope and a postal order for purchase of the application form, until now I have not received it. May I know the delay?
Answer 
It could be that your request has not reached IPS. Could you forward IPS the slip of purchase of the postal order for us to verify that you had submitted it including a photocopy of the letter sent.

Question
 I am currently studying for my Master’s degree at UTM, Skudai, Johore. I now wish to transfer to USM to continue. Am I allowed and what is the procedure?
Answer 
If you are currently registered as a research student, you are not permitted for a transfer. Should you need to pursue your studies at USM, you need to submit an application for consideration. USM will check if there is a regulation for transfer of credits from your University and whether it can accept the credit exemption for a particular course.