This study investigates the relationship between stress factors, perceived stress and academic performance among 154 Pre-Diploma Science students in a Malaysian public institution of higher learning which to date has received very little research attention. The results indicate that the students experienced stress but at a moderate level. There is a statistical significant difference between the level of perceived stress at the beginning and middle of the semester but not statistical significant between the beginning and middle with the end of the semester. The correlation was not statistical significant between the level of perceived stress at the beginning and middle of the semester but statistical significant between the end of semester with academic performance of students. The practical implications of the results are discussed.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]