The question of whether to go to a private or public university bugs nearly every school student as they prepare for tertiary education.

There are many facets to consider as parents and students plan for the future and financial costs, while a major factor, is not the sole deciding one.

"But if cost is a prime consideration, look carefully into the scholarships or tuition fee waivers in private universities," said Mitchell Liong (梁梓鍕), Head of Marketing at UOW Malaysia and also Senior Manager of the Student and Alumni Centre.

Students who meet UOW Malaysia's criteria might gain a 100% tuition fee waiver, akin to a full scholarship.

Even those who get between 3As to 8As in SPM and choose to study Foundation in Accountancy will be entitled to between 15% and 80% discounts off the tuition fees.

For some scholarships, said Liong, it is not the As that matter.

UOW Malaysia has the Driving Dreams Scholarship, designed for school students who demonstrated leadership and special talents during their school years.

Those who became the chairperson or president of clubs, societies or school uniform bodies (including those who become Scout troop leaders or chief prefects), students who became national or state athletes, and students who won special talent awards in national or international competitions can expect to get a 50% tuition fee waiver through the Driving Dreams Scholarship.

UOW Malaysia has a total of seven types of scholarships for students who prove their mettle.

And then there is one more called the HOPE Bursary.

For deserving students from families earning less than RM60,000 a year, UOW Malaysia KDU's HOPE Bursary provides the student with a 100% tuition waiver.

Liong said many more discounts exist, such as for the children of UOW Malaysia's alumni, who will get an automatic 10% cut off the tuition fee.

The vast array of financial relief for students, Liong said, has brought about two social benefits.

"For one, we make private university education affordable, especially for the younger generation who are serious about proving themselves in a university.

"For another, we make sure that the student body is made up of the cream of the crop.

"On top of high quality facilities, dedicated lecturers and smaller classrooms, our student body has many high achievers because we reward students who achieve," he said.

Thus, it is common for students to find course mates at UOW Malaysia with both high intellect and leadership qualities, regardless of financial standing.

"When you study in a group of high performers, you have a tendency to become a high performer yourself," said Liong.

A big plus point for a government-funded public university, said Liong, was the vast array of academic disciplines compared with private universities, which tend to focus on industry-related fields of study.

"This is where UOW Malaysia offers a special platform for students who are truly interested in niche academic fields," Liong said.

He explained that University of Wollongong in Australia is a public university with an enrollment of 32,000 students from 134 countries and ranked in the Top 1% worldwide, at that.

A student could study Foundation in Arts at UOW Malaysia and would thereafter receive automatic acceptance into UOW in Australia.

"You can, if you are really passionate about it, apply to study the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology or Archaeology and Ancient History at UOW Australia after finishing your Foundation in Arts at UOW Malaysia," Liong said.

As with all public universities worldwide that excel at research, Liong said UOW Australia has a dizzying list of undergraduate degrees in 21 fields including specialist scholarly pursuits such as Geography, Public Health and Mathematics.

Depending on credit transfer rules and the possible need to take extra subjects, Liong said UOW Malaysia students enjoyed the option of choosing to be scholars in niche fields at UOW Australia.

For a deeper understanding of your possible options, visit www.uow.edu.my to make an appointment with an education adviser.