Aspiring pro-gamers in Malaysia should be aware that the Asia Pacific University (APU) is offering esports certification. Classes start this May, and the university has revealed the pricing structure for the course. The entire thing – from level 1 to 3 – will cost a total of RM2,730. Which includes one time registration fee.
APU’s esports programme covers four different games: Dota 2, League of Legends, FIFA 17, and Counter Strike: Global Offensive. The brief claims that participants will learn co-operation, critical thinking, leadership, problem solving, and perserverance. Each game is further broken down into three levels; with an increasing fee for each level.
Of course, not everyone is capable of attending these courses. It looks like APU is putting at least a minimum skill level to ensure that those taking up the course are cut out for esports. For instance, the Dota 2 course requires an MMR of at least 3,000.
Still, there are also allowances for those with more experience. The course allows students to skip levels based on their in-game ranked performance. This is not that easy however. As an example, skipping straight to level 3 in the FIFA 17 course requires a consistent top 16 placing in tournaments.
Having a rank screenshot is not enough, as the university will actually evaluate each applicant’s gaming prowess.
Interestingly, this course is only run on weekends. Which means that it’s not meant for full time study. A fact that might help convince parents to allow their children to attend it while also getting a proper education. Or, working adults might be able to squeeze it in as a future career change.
It’s difficult to say if the course fees are worth the professional training provided. Especially considering that this will be the first intake in Malaysia. Still, we’re willing to give it the benefit of the doubt and see where it takes our esports scene.
Image Credit: EA Sports FIFA Online 3
