Official guides / Enrolment & course planning

Tong Shi Cheng (Monash Malaysia)

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Monash University Malaysia

Last checked: 25 Oct 2026 UTC

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Tong Shi Cheng - Bachelor of Food Science and Technology

Dean's List Award 2020

My motivation to learn has always stemmed from wanting to know more and fearing of not having a sense of direction in life. Monash certainly helped guide the way with their diverse and comprehensive courses. I love how the course map is well structured, allowing individuals to build on previous knowledge with ample hands-on opportunities that include an internship as well!

All this has prompted me to develop a mindset that views things from multiple perspectives and in a very subjective manner. Though I must admit things can get stressful sometimes, especially when you’re aiming for the stars. But as long as you work hard and take every assessment seriously, earning a high distinction grade is actually conducive. The key is to find balance. Aside from studying, be active and participate in the myriad of activities available on campus.

To all freshies and fellow friends, after being in university for a while, I’d like to advise you all to know what you want to achieve in these 3 years and work towards it. Extended semesters can be stultifying, it won’t be the same experience as your first three years. So take your studies to heart, cherish and make the most of it while you’re there.

Related questions

What is GPA at Monash?

All campuses

GPA is calculated on a 4.0 scale from your grades rather than your marks: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.0, Credit 2.0, Pass 1.0, Near pass 0.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 0.3, Withdrawn fail 0.0. Some results, such as SFR and NE, are not counted. Your GPA is shown in WES and on your transcript. Malaysia also uses a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) with different values: High Distinction 4.0, Distinction 3.67, Credit 2.85, Pass 2.15, Near pass 1.7, Fail and Hurdle fail 1.15, Withdrawn fail 0.0. It is not on your academic record, so you request a CGPA letter.

How do I withdraw from a unit?

Australia: withdraw through WES while enrolment changes are open. Before the census date there is no fee and no record; after it, you keep the fee liability and the unit shows as a withdrawal. If you are on a student visa you have study load requirements to maintain: Monash's study load page says you can reduce your load only in compassionate or compelling circumstances, unless you are in your final year and will finish within the time on your CoE. Malaysia: after the census date a withdrawn unit shows as WD-LATE or WD-FAIL, and the date you withdraw can affect fee refunds and your academic record. The last day to withdraw without academic penalty is before the WD-LATE date ends; the dates are in Monash Malaysia's Principal Dates. With a Student Pass, going below 24 credit points a semester is an underload: it needs approval, it can never go below 18 credit points, and below 18 you have to apply for intermission.

How many hours can I work on a student visa?

The rules are each country's, not Monash's, and they are different. Australia: work rights for student visa holders are set by the Australian Government, and the cap has changed several times in recent years. Monash's page links to the current Department of Home Affairs conditions - always confirm the number there before relying on it. Malaysia: with a Student Pass you may work only during semester breaks or public holidays of more than seven days, and for no more than 20 hours a week, at restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets or hotels; the page lists jobs that are not allowed. Every job has to be approved by the Immigration Department: you apply through the International Student Pass office and must be there in person when the application is submitted.

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