Globalisation has caused an influx of international student admissions to local universities in Malaysia. Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has opened its degree and post degree programmes to students around the world as one of its internationalisation strategies. Differences in the education system and grading system in different countries have caused the issue of many applications from international applicants not being given proper consideration. This study aims to find out the various academic systems adopted by other countries and to develop standardised admission requirements for international students aspiring to further their studies at UUM. To gather its data, this study used three data collection methods which are document analysis, face-to-face interview and focus group interview among international students studying in UUM and Embassy officials of countries which have students studying in UUM. The study found that most universities adopt three systems: British, French and the US system. In terms of grading system, it was found that three assessment systems were used, namely average grade point, percentage and cumulative grade point average. These three grading systems were key factors in the setting up of standardised admission requirements for international students to UUM to ensure each application receives proper consideration by the university. It was also hoped that the grading system created based on this study would make it possible for international applicants to make an online check whether they meet the requirement of the university before submitting their applications. (C) 2016 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.uk
