Dr David Lim (DL): OUM recently introduced the “En Bloc Credit Transfer Scheme”. Please can you tell us about the scheme?

Prof Dr Siti Aishah (SA): The “En Bloc Credit Transfer Scheme” was introduced to help learners transfer the maximum number of credits allowable by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency [MQA].

DL: How is this scheme different from the conventional credit transfer scheme? Is it open to all learners, including non-OUM graduates?

Three key benefits immediately come to mind.

SA: Previously, learners had to apply for credit transfer for each of the subjects they had taken. That process tended to be laborious. Now, with the “En Bloc Credit Transfer Scheme”, OUM alumni who continue their studies with us will, upon entry to their respective programmes, automatically be given the maximum number of credits to transfer. The process happens in one go, without the learners needing to put in an application. Non-alumni learners, too, qualify for en bloc credit transfer if they apply and furnish all the required documents for the university’s once-off evaluation.

DL: How will qualified candidates benefit from the scheme?

SA: Three key benefits immediately come to mind. The first and most apparent is the convenience of en bloc credit transfer. It takes place one time and is settled once and for all upon entry. The second benefit is financial in nature. With en bloc credit transfer, learners stand to benefit from substantial savings in fees as they will need to pay for fewer credits than they would have had to otherwise. Conditionally, learners may be able to transfer up to 50 per cent of their credits into a higher-level programme. That’s how much less learners will need to pay for furthering their studies with us. Third, with the en bloc credit transfer scheme, learners will benefit from having the duration of their study shortened proportionately.

DL: Thank you for sharing, Prof Siti.