DIPLOMA IN COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE

About the Course

Diploma in Counselling and Guidance serves as an essential entry-level academic qualification, specifically designed to cultivate foundational knowledge and basic practical skills for individuals aspiring to enter the helping professions. The program's primary function is to provide a robust theoretical and ethical framework for understanding human behaviour and promoting well-being, while simultaneously acting as a crucial preparatory step for higher-level professional certification. Upon completion, graduates are qualified for supportive and para-professional roles rather than fully independent counselling practice. This programme most critically recognised as the stepping stone to a Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling or Psychology. In Malaysia, a Bachelor’s degree is the mandatory academic prerequisite for individuals seeking to register and practise as professional counsellors under the Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia (LKM). Therefore, the Diploma successfully prepares students for both immediate entry-level employment and seamless academic progression.

Duration
2 ½ years

Courses Offered

Year One

• Principles of Counselling and Guidance
• Child Psychology
• Ethics and Issues in Counselling
• Counselling Lab I

Year Two

• Counselling Lab II
• Theories and Psychotherapy in Counselling
• Human Resource Management
• Introduction to Abnormal Psychology

Year Three

• Educational Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Pre-Practicum Counselling

Career Prospects

• Assistant Counsellor
• Junior Welfare or Social Services Officer
• Assistant Family Therapist

Entry Requirements

Entrance Qualification Renewal Approval Letter (JPT/BPP(U)1000-801/33/Jld.24(31), dated 10 August 2016):

i. Pass Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) / Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Vokasional (SPMV) with credit in three (3) subjects; or

ii. Pass Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) or equivalent with a minimum of Grade C (CGPA 2.0) in one (1) subject; or

iii. Pass Sijil Tinggi Agama Malaysia (STAM) ranked maqbul; or

iv. Pass O-Level with at least Grade C in three (3) subjects; or

v. Pass Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) with at least Grade B in (3) subjects; or

vi. Pass Certificate (Level 3 MQF) in related field with a minimum CGPA of 2.00; or

vii. Pass Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) (Level 3 MQF) in relevant field and pass SPM with a minimum credit in one (1) subject; or

viii. Pass Community College Certificate equivalent to Level 3 MQF in relevant field and pass SPM with at least credit in one (1) subject; or

ix. Any other qualification recognized as equivalent by the Malaysian Government.

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university