FAQS

Q1	:	What does 'HELP' stand for?
A1	:	HELP is the acronym for "Higher Education Learning Programme". HELP University College was set up to complement the government's efforts in expanding the educational opportunities in the country. Our mission is to be the leading and the most successful institution in fulfilling the education needs and aspiration of Malaysians and the global community.
Q2	:	What is the reputation and standing of HELP University College?
A2	:	Since its inception in 1986, HELP University College has firmly established itself as one of the leading private colleges in the country. HELP University College is locally and internationally recognised for its high and uncompromising academic standards. This is evident from links with world class universities, such as London School of Economics and Political Science, Cardiff University of Wales, University of Melbourne, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, Australian National University, Helsinki School of Economics & Business Administration, American University, Washington DC and DePaul University. Currently, HELP has a student enrolment of more than 8,000. Our staff of more than 350 (comprising 23 PhD and 60 Masters degree holders) and our reputation for excellence all work together to ensure that students make the most of their higher education in what has become one of the country's premier centres of learning. Every year our students achieve outstanding results that are the best in their class worldwide, including First Class Honours from the University of London and the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE). These students usually secure prestigious scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at premier institutions like Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Chicago and the top 8 Australian universities.
Q3	:	When was HELP University College awarded the MSC status and what does this signify?
A3	:	HELP University College was awarded the MSC Status in April 1999. This status is awarded to companies which have reached the prescribed industry standards stipulated by the Multimedia Development Corporation in terms of facilities, research and commitment towards promoting the IT age in Malaysia. Both staff and students conduct extensive research & development projects under the MSC framework at HELP University College. Eight incubator labs are set up primarily for such purposes. Amongst the many projects (not the actual titles) in which students are involved with the lecturers, universities and the IT corporations are: Conversion Tool from COBOL to Java Education Web Portal Using WAP Knowledge Based Medical System HELP's IT students won the top 2 prizes (student category) in the prestigious Ericsson Kacip@Cut-Edge 2001/02 Award with two ground breaking projects using WAP application software. HELP University College is the first college in Asia to develop and launch five WAP-based information systems in year 2001.
Q4	:	Is HELP University College an approved institution of higher learning?
A4	:	Yes, amongst the relevant approvals granted to HELP University College include: Licensed by the Ministry of Education, Malaysia JPWP171 Approved by the Ministry of Education to conduct '3+0' twinning degree programmes KP(JPS)5191/IPTS/92/JLD.IV/(47) Approved by the Malaysian Immigration Department to register foreign students Registered under the PROLUS Scheme of the Human Resource Development Council, under the National Manpower Development Act 1992. Recognition from the Chinese Embassy of Malaysia to recruit students from China
Q5	:	Where is HELP University College located?
A5	:	HELP University College is conveniently and strategically located in Damansara Town Centre, an affluent suburb of Kuala Lumpur that is rapidly becoming a centre of high commercial activity. Served by an excellent system of roads, it is easily accessible to the residents of Petaling Jaya and Taman Tun Dr Ismail, and Shah Alam and Kelang via the North Kelang Valley Expressway (NKVE). Its proximity to Bangsar provides easy access to the upmarket shops, cafes and restaurants there. HELP University College is located 15 minutes away from the Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 5 minutes from Petaling Jaya and 30 minutes away from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Please refer to location map, click here. The Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Immigration Department are some of the vital government offices located in close proximity to the University College. HELP University College is a city campus, a concept which is similar to many renowned city universities like the London School of Economics in the city of London, and George Washington University in Washington D C. Contrary to conventional wisdom, HELP University College is able to turn its city location into a position of enormous advantage. Apart from being able to select the best sporting and recreational facilities in the vicinity for the enjoyment of its students, HELP is able to conveniently and speedily access the best human and physical resources and facilities from top corporations and agencies in the city as part of the education and training of its students. On campus, students are able to commute with great ease between the main campus at Damansara Town Centre and other departments located at Wisma Perdana via college buses plying frequently between the two points. Location Map of HELP University College, click here.
Q6	:	How do I get to HELP by bus or LRT?
A6	:	You may take any of the following Intrakota bus services to HELP University College: Route No From To 18 Jln Chow Kit Sec 17, PJ 21A Jln Chow Kit Taman Tun Dr Ismail Bandar Utama 21C Kota Raya Taman Tun Dr Ismail Bandar Utama 21B Kota Raya (Return to Lot 10, KL) Taman Tun Dr Ismail Bandar Utama 22 Kota Raya Taman Tun Dr Ismail Bandar Utama 48C Kota Raya SS23 Taman SEA SS22 Damansara Jaya F3 Kota Raya   or take the LRT Service to Bangsar Station and then take Route No 90B Putra LRT Feeder Service to HELP University College.
Q7	:	What are the advantages of studying in a city campus like HELP University College?
A7	:	Amongst the many inherent advantages of being a city campus are: Ease of transportation & accessibility as the University College is conveniently located along the routes of public buses plying the Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya routes. Accessibility to many upmarket shops, cafes, and restaurants particularly in the Bangsar neighbourhood. Access to the best sporting and recreational facilities in the neighbouring multi-cultural suburb. Access to the best human and physical resources and facilities from top corporations and agencies in the city for the benefit of students, ie industrial placement, guest lectures, training, and others. Eg, one of the largest accounting firms, Ernst & Young, and an international PR consultancy firm, Ogilvy & Mather, are located next to the University College. HELP is located in the heart of a vital government and business town centre in Damansara Heights, Kuala Lumpur. The Damansara Town Centre is also located close to friendly and safe residential areas. Location Map of HELP University College, click here.
Q8	:	What are the facilities provided at HELP University College?
A8	:	HELP University College consists of two campuses: the main campus in Pusat Bandar Damansara, and Wisma Perdana campus. The total built up area of both campuses is approximately 300,000 sq ft. A complete range of facilities for tertiary studies is provided in both campuses. Amongst these are: Teaching Theatrette (seating capacity of 170; multimedia equipped) & Conference Hall (seating capacity of 130) 8 Lecture Theatres 16 Lecture Halls 8 Seminar Rooms 7 Tutorial Rooms 1 Science Lab (Multipurpose) 6 Exam Halls (seating capacity of 500) Conference Area Numerous meeting and breakout rooms Computing Hewlett Packard, Dell and Siemens computers, networked to a 128Kbps leased line, a 2Mbps leased line and a 1.5Mbps satellite linkup for Internet and interactive video learning and email. 2 Enterprise Digital Alpha servers, which include peripherals and connectivity, representing a million-ringgit investment in our Education Management System. These servers are designed for wired and wireless network environments and run on a Windows 2000 operating system. 10 computer laboratories (including 2 multimedia and internet labs) with approximately 400 computers to serve the student population in terms of curricular requirements, assignments and research. 8 incubator laboratories to cater for project requirements of our IT students and for research and development. State-of-the-art Power Macintosh G4 laboratory. A WAP and web-based scheduling and communication system for students to have online access to subject enrolment, outstanding fees, results, timetables, message board and e-trade. Learning Resource Centre HELP University College's double-storey, pyramid-shaped resource centre provides a comfortable and conducive atmosphere for study. Students have access to this up-to-date lending and reference resource centre which houses a collection of over 60,000 volumes of books besides a variety of magazines, journals and newspapers. The resource centre management is all computerised. Students are able to gain more knowledge and information through the Internet facilities available in the resource centre. The 1-acre resource centre also contains an audio-visual room that provides students with the facilities to view educational programmes and documentaries. The resource centre is further equipped with a reading room comprising local and international magazines and newspapers in order for students to obtain up-to-date political and economic data. Internet access in the Centre is free. Students at HELP University College are given access to Lexis-Nexis, an on-line database and an electronic library of resources. It has over 24,871 information sources, of which 18,871 are news and business and 6,000 are legal articles. The Lexis-Nexis database allows students to search for information from practically all areas and disciplines such as business, engineering, economics, legal, social sciences, etc. Bookstore Multipurpose Court For volleyball, indoor hockey, street soccer, basketball, netball, sepak takraw and other outdoor activities. Music Studios (Centre for Performing Arts) Personal Counselling Offices 2 Main Student Lounges 1 MBA Lounge
Q9	:	How is the teaching faculty at HELP University College?
A9	:	HELP University College has more than 150 full time teaching staff comprising 23 PhD and 60 Masters holders. In addition, the local faculty is complemented by an international faculty comprising approximately 80 visiting professors and lecturers from Helsinki School of Economics & Business Administration, University of Texas Austin, American University, Washington D C, Harvard Business School, Cambridge University and others. This faculty has facilitated and guided our students in consistently achieving many academic distinctions and awards every year. They have helped to place HELP students among the best in the world. Please refer to FAQ 10 for further details on the distinguished achievements. Access to the full staff list of HELP University College.
Q10	:	Does HELP University College have a proven academic track record?
A10	:	HELP University College has an excellent and distinguished track record spanning a 15-year tradition. Amongst which are: University of London First Class Honours - 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 University of West of England LLB First Class Honours - 2001 Melbourne International Undergraduate Scholarship - 1999 LSE Diploma in Economics with Distinctions - over 11 years since 1992 University of London Sesquicentennial Prize - 1991, 1993 Standard Chartered Bank Scholarships - over 9 years since 1994 LSE External Study Scholarship - over 5 years since 1997 CPA Australia Prize for Best Accounting Graduate - 1997, 1998 CPA Australia Essay Competition - 1999, 2000, 2002 British High Commissioner Chevening Award - 1996, 1998 Lycos Asia Spin -A-Web Contest - 2000 (3 prizes) Ericsson Kacip@Cut-Edge 2001/02 Award (1st & 2nd Prizes) - WAP Enabled Technology Students are admitted into prestigious universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, Wharton, Chicago…and others.
Q11	:	Which are the universities that HELP is affiliated to?
A11	:	HELP University College is affiliated with top ranking and innovative universities, namely: United Kingdom London School of Economics* University of London* University of the West of England, Bristol Cardiff University University of Birmingham University of Greenwich University of Exeter University of Liverpool University of Wales, Aberystwyth University of East London Loughborough University Oxford Brookes University * HELP University College offers tuition support to students of the University of London Programme with the Lead College London School of Economics & Political Science Australia Charles Sturt University University of Adelaide University of Queensland University of Melbourne University of New South Wales Australian National University University of Tasmania University of South Australia Curtin University of Technology Griffith University Deakin University Macquarie University University of Ballarat Edith Cowan University Murdoch University India Bushra International Institute of Graduate Studies New Zealand University of Otago Auckland University of Technology USA and Canada American University (Washington D.C.) Bemidji State University Upper Iowa University DePaul University Drake University Drexel University Michigan Technological University Montana State University Pepperdine University Purdue University University of Oregon Iowa State University University of Mississippi Central Michigan University Towson University University of Oklahoma University College of Cariboo Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis France Université Francois-Rabelais de Tours Université de Nice - Sophia Antipolis Ecole Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d'Angers Université de La Rochelle Germany Leipzig Graduate School of Management (HHL - Handelshochschule Leipzig) People's Republic of China Shanghai International Studies University Shanghai Teacher's University Beijing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics Fuzhou Napier College (FNC) Indonesia Bidakara International Education Institute (BIEI) Denmark Esbjerg Business Academy
Q12	:	How are the career prospects upon graduating from HELP University College?
A12	:	HELP graduates are popular candidates for employment with leading multinational companies such as Boston Consulting Group, McKinsey & Co, Ernst & Young, Accenture, Peat Marwick, Price Waterhouse Coopers and others.
Q13	:	What are the extra curricular activities (ECA) available at HELP University College?
A13	:	HELP University College has 30 sporting clubs and hobby groups in rugby, soccer, badminton, basketball, bowling, table tennis, drama, literary pursuits, photography, ballroom dancing, etc. Amongst the very active sports clubs at HELP University College are rugby, soccer, badminton, table tennis, basketball and bowling. Click here to view the full listing of clubs available at HELP University College. Training sessions and matches (inter-collegiate championships) are organised regularly by the respective clubs for their members. This includes HELP football and hockey leagues, which are ongoing. Some clubs are registered nationally, eg the Hockey Club is registered with the KL Hockey Association and is participating in the KL League. In addition, HELP University College hosts several annual international events of prestige such as the European Film Festival, French Film Festival, South Australian Wine & Food Festival, Music Fest and many international musical performances. These events are important avenues to expose and educate our students to the finer qualities of balanced personal development. Mr Lewis Pragasam, undoubtedly the most celebrated percussionist in Asia, is involved in the teaching of music and percussion courses at HELP University College. He is the Resident Music Director of the Centre for Performing Arts at HELP University College. More information on ECA at HELP University College.
Q14	:	What is the international student population at HELP University College?
A14	:	HELP is an international college. It has a large foreign student population numbering more than 900, drawn from 38 countries like Indonesia, China, the Republic of Maldives, Mauritius, Finland, Germany, Thailand, Vietnam, Denmark, France and India, reflecting the prestige and recognition that HELP has gained in the international arena. The presence of these students contributes to a rich and fascinating cultural mix on campus, and helps foster an open and global frame of mind among the home students.
Q15	:	Does HELP University College provide accommodation for outstation and foreign students?
A15	:	The HELP Residence is a purpose-built student residential area developed to provide a clean, comfortable and conducive living environment to students. More details on accommodation and application procedures.
Q16	:	Are scholarships or financial assistance available for students?
A16	:	HELP Scholarships & Bursaries are available for all pre-university and undergraduate programmes. They are awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need. More than RM5 million worth of scholarships & bursaries has been awarded to date. Apart from HELP's own Scholarships & Bursaries, there are also international scholarships to the London School of Economics & Political Science, such as 3 Standard Chartered Bank Scholarships worth of 19,000 pounds per annum for year two of undergraduate studies, and up to 3 LSE External Study Scholarships for two years of undergraduate studies. Other international scholarships include: HELP-University of Queensland Scholarship, HELP-Charles Sturt University Scholarships and Melbourne University International Scholarships. More details on scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance.
Q17	:	Does HELP University College provide study loans?
A17	:	HELP University College also provides Financial Assistance to student who face financial difficulties but who are not eligible for scholarship awards based on academic achievement. This financial assistance will be in the form of interest-free study loans which will be granted at the discretion of the Awards Panel to assist students in financing their studies at HELP. In addition, many banks and financial institutions offer study loans at relatively affordable rates and with flexible schemes. Banks like Standard Chartered, HSBC, RHB, and many others have study loan arrangements. You can refer to any of these banks for a suitable loan package. More details on scholarships, bursaries and financial assistance.
Q18	:	Does HELP University College assist me in career and job placement after I graduate?
A18	:	Yes, the Customer Service Department conducts the Graduates Career Placement Programme which assists participating corporations to identify suitable jobs and training opportunities for graduates. It also organises workshops for graduating students to learn the finer points of writing resumes, attending interviews and selecting the most suitable jobs. A placement service for a two-week intensive residential programme in Australia and the UK is also offered. This programme enables students to develop team-building and leadership abilities and to acquire self-esteem and personal skills to help them set their goals more effectively in a career context.
Q19	:	What is the range of mental health and personal development programmes provided at HELP University College?
A19	:	HELP University College's resident counselling psychologists conduct mental health and leadership programmes to help students in their personal growth and development. Students can participate in various self-development programmes offered in sessions throughout the year. These programmes include: Time and stress management Personality testing Emotional intelligence Interpersonal skills Study techniques Exam taking skills Communication skills Counselling skills Conflict resolution In addition, students have access to personalised counselling to help them overcome difficulties and to cope with their problems in order to achieve their fullest potential. Other students are also encouraged to come for counselling in order to find deeper meaning and significance in life and to discover their deeper potential and work towards self-realization. With 6 qualified full-time counselling psychologists and counsellors, HELP is the only private college that offers such a comprehensive range of mental health and personal development programmes. More information on services offered by the Centre for Psychology.
Q20	:	What are the '3+0' degree programmes offered At HELP University College?
A20	:	HELP University College collaborates with Charles Sturt University and the University of East London to conduct the following 3+0 programmes: Charles Sturt University (CSU) Bachelor of Business Marketing, International Business, Business Management, Accounting, Finance, Banking, Human Resource Management, E-Commerce Bachelor of Information Technology University of East London (UEL) BA Hons Accounting & Finance BA Hons Business Administration Pathways: International Business, Marketing, Business Finance BSc Hons Business Information Systems
Q21	:	What is the reputation of Charles Sturt University, Australia?
A21	:	Located in the state of New South Wales, Charles Sturt University is a multi-campus university with established traditions and a proud record of higher education in Australia spanning more than 100 years. It was named the 1997 Australian University of the Year and is an innovative & modern university which is fast becoming a phenomenal university. It is the largest distance education provider in Australia with over 31,000 students. Other distinguished achievements and high profile accolades of CSU include: CSU is a member of the internationally recognised Association of Commonwealth Universities and is funded by the Australian Government. CSU is at the leading edge in the delivery of information technology services to its students. CSU has earned a reputation for producing graduates prepared for entry into the workforce and immediate on-the-job performance. The Australian government has recently allocated AUD2.6 million in funding for the new Centre of Applied Philosophy and Public Ethics which is hosted by CSU. In the recently held Sydney Olympics 2000, CSU was involved in the management of the modern pentathlon, and also the development of the web-based applications. Jointly with IBM, it also trained personnel for the Technical and Specialist Volunteers Program, and the Sydney Olympics Broadcasting Organisation. CSU is a specialist university and in this role, it contributes significant inputs to different areas of management; one particularly well-known area is its role in advising the FBI and its input in training the Hong Kong police. Its course (Master in Policing Management) is highly regarded and is offered worldwide. The DBA of CSU is the only DBA which is endorsed by the Association of Scientists, Professionals, and Engineers, Managers in Australia (APESMA). CSU is the largest provider of MBA programmes in Australia and has the largest MBA programme in Asia. CSU is the second largest exporter of education in New South Wales. Its network includes senior staff of Fortune 500 companies (Cisco, Agilent Technology, Canon, etc) and many successful entrepreneurs who are owners of public listed companies. CSU is collaborating with Malaysian institutions in online research under the MSC (Multimedia Super Corridor) framework.
Q22	:	What is the reputation of the University of East London, UK?
A22	:	Established in 1898, the University of East London (UEL) is a modern, forward-thinking university with a portfolio of innovative programmes. UEL has throughout its welcomed students from all over the world. Its current student population stands at over 13,000. It offers a wide range of courses from Law to Languages, Media Studies to Mathematics. In 1999, UEL opened its new Docklands campus costing 40 million pounds. This is the most significant campus development in London in the last 50 years. UEL's courses and curriculum are highly industry oriented, relevant and up-to-date. It has developed a strong reputation in the industry. This is evident from the the fact that UEL is the only UK university chosen by Ford Motor Company, Jaguar Cars, Aston Martin, Logica and over 40 organisations to conduct staff training programmes for managers and executives in both the UK and Europe through the unique Industrial Partnership Programme (IPP).
Q23	:	What is the normal duration required to complete a degree programme at HELP University College?
A23	:	For SPM leavers, it usually takes about 3 years and 8 months to complete a degree in Business or Information Technology from an Australian or UK university. For the American Degree Program, it takes from 3 to 3 ?years to complete the degree in business, psychology, computer science and management information systems.
Q24	:	What are the majors and degrees that I can study at HELP University College?
A24	:	HELP University College offers degrees and majors in Business (which includes Accounting, Marketing, Banking, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business Management, Business Management & E-Commerce) (BUS) Information Systems (ECONS, IT) Economics (ECONS) Information Technology (IT) Multimedia Studies (IT) Computer Science (IT) E-Commerce (IT & BUS) Psychology (PSY) Engineering (ADP) Mathematics & Natural Sciences (ADP) Humanities & Social Sciences (ADP) Mass Communication (ADP) Law (LAW) Tourism (BUS) If you are interested in pursuing any of the above mentioned degrees or majors, please click on the selected major(s) for more information.
Q25	:	What programme should I take after completing my SPM examination?
A25	:	Upon completing your SPM, you are required to complete a pre-university programme before embarking on your undergraduate studies (except for the American Degree Program). At HELP University College, we offer the A-Levels (London Examinations) and Foundation courses in Information Technology & Business.
Q26	:	What is the minimum entry requirement for the pre-university courses offered at HELP University College?
A26	:	Generally, for entry into the pre-university programmes, ie 'A' Levels and Foundation (Business or Information Technology), the requirements are: 3 SPM/ 'O' Level credits including English, Mathematics and a pass in Bahasa Melayu; or 4 Bs in Senior Middle 3 (UEC) including English & Math Students who do not attain credits for English and/or Math are required to enrol for Basic English and/or Basic Math.
Q27	:	What is the minimum requirement for entry into the undergraduate programmes (Degree Year I) offered at HELP University College (except the American Degree Program*)?
A27	:	Generally, for entry into all undergraduate programmes, the requirement is any of the following: Business or Information Technology Foundation 2 STPM Principals/ 'A' Level passes & 3 SPM/ 'O' Level credits 6 Bs in Senior Middle 3 (UEC) 6 CPU passes with an average of 60% 5 SAM/ TEE passes with a minimum average of 60% LCCI Level 3 Diploma and Credit 3 in SPM 322 English Language or TOEFL score of 550 Students who do not meet the above entry requirements will be required to complete at least one semester of the Foundation course before being accepted into the undergraduate programmes. The subjects to be taken will be determined by the Head of Department concerned. * Students are eligible to enrol for the American Degree Program if they possess a minimum qualification of either 3 SPM/ 'O' Level credits (including English, Maths and a pass in Bahasa Melayu) or 4 Bs in Senior Middle 3 (UEC) (including English & Maths).