Wednesday, February 15, 2012

FAQ for maktab duli school leavers

(Please note that these answers are correct at the time of posting, they might have been changes since then so do double check with your HEA)

1. I have my results now, what do I do next?
If you have enough tariff points to go further in your studies, you can apply to local or foreign institutions. For the institutions under HECAS, you apply through the HECAS system. For those not under the HECAS system, you will have to go to the institution itself to obtain an admission form.

2. What is HECAS?
Higher Education Central Admission System. The institutions under it are: UBD, UNISSA, ITB, Polytechnic and application for Government Scholarships (DANA, MOE, JPKE)

3. What is this MD HECAS Mock form?
The MD HECAS Mock form is an internal SAMPLE form that your HEA uses to check that you have filled in your HECAS form correctly. This is also an important opportunity for your HEA to give you advice on your chances and opportunities to proceed to higher education. DO NOT send this mock form to the institutions you are applying to.

4. What is UCAS?
The University and Colleges Admission Service. This is only for those applying to United Kingdom (including Scottish and Northern Ireland Universities) you must apply through UCAS.

5. When is the deadline for UCAS?

The deadline is 30th June but DO NOT wait until that date to submit your UCAS form. The sooner you send it the better, as university places are limited and are filled up really quickly.

6. I applied for early UCAS application and I have received offers, do I indicate it in my HECAS form?
Yes you should. This will indicate to the scholarship unit that you have a place should they decide to give you the scholarship. Also attach your offer letter with your hardcopy form that you send to scholarship unit.

7. I want to apply to UK universities. Is it ok if I apply through an agent instead of HEU?
Yes it is acceptable as they have direct links to universities. Both parties (agents and your HEA) will try to give you the best advice. However, your HEA should know you better since she/he has direct connections to your subject tutors and hence would be able to give you better advice.

8. Do I need to write a personal statement if I am NOT applying to UK?

No, you do not need to write one. A personal statement is only for those applying to UCAS

9 Can I apply to two degree courses and one HND course at ITB?
No. You are only allowed to choose two courses per institution. You are however allowed to apply to one degree course and one HND course.

10. I do not have enough points to enter a degree programme, but I do for HND. Should I just try my luck and apply to degree and HND programme?
Remember there is fierce competition for the degree programmes. There will be hundreds of other students who have obtained the minimum points of degree courses, hence your chances of being ‘lucky’ will be slim.
Should you get offered a place for the HND programme, it would not be advisable to reject it since you applied for it in the first place.

11. I do not have O Level/IGCSE English but I have enough tariff points to apply to a degree programme. Should I apply anyway to UBD/UNISSA?
Please note that one of the entry requirements to these institutions is a credit in English.

12. I am a few points short of the minimum tariff point requirement for scholarship. Should I resit one of my A levels?
Take note that one of the scholarship requirements is that your results should be obtained in ONE sitting. So you cannot combine your A Level results from November 2011 and June 2012 for scholarship application.

13. I have sent my HECAS form online but realized I made a mistake. What should I do?
Once you have sent your HECAS form, your HEA will not be able to help you. You will have to get into contact with HECAS yourself to amend the error. Please refer to the HECAS website for more details on this

14. Why is my HEA never around in HEU?
Please understand that your HEA is not a full-time counselor. He/she would have classes to teach. Please come during or wait for your HEA’s duty block.

15. I need a reference as I am applying to a university (outside UK). What should I do?
Please see your HEA to ask for a reference. However, writing up your reference takes time. HEU’s policy is that we will try as best as we can to give it to you within 2 weeks.

16. Who is my HEA?
Each AE/BE will have an HEA assigned to them. Please check the HEA duty block timetable to see which HEA you are under.

17. I have 160 points from two A levels, should I apply for HND scholarship or should I apply for a degree in UBD?
This is entirely up to you and your interests. Do take time to think about it thoroughly. Ask your HEA or subject tutors for their opinions.

18. I have less than 160 points. Should I resit my exams?

Again this is entirely up to you. You have the options of applying to HND or advanced diploma programmes at ITB or Brunei Polytechnic. Alternatively, there is the UniBridge programme at UBD. Please refer to these institutions entry requirements.




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