The Complete Guide To Study Medicine in Malaysia

Medicine degrees from Malaysian universities enjoy global recognition. This allows students to pursue the program in Malaysia and then move anywhere in the world. A number of students continue to their master's and specialisation in Malaysia or transfer to other countries to pursue other pathways.
Medicine in Malaysia
Country

Malaysia

Duration

5 Years

Fees

$15,000+ Yearly

Field

Healthcare

Program Overview

There are numerous reasons why international students study medicine in Malaysia. Medical universities in Malaysia teach a structured and well-developed program curriculum which is on par with international quality benchmarks.

Malaysia’s affordable medical programs, straightforward admission process, world-class infrastructure, and global acceptance of medical programs make it the best match for international students without breaking the bank. The professional degrees offered by medical schools in Malaysia have wide acceptance and enable students to learn at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions.

The Medicine degree in Malaysia prepares students to become doctors or surgeons who can practice as efficient and well-trained clinical professionals. After completing the course, students are well-equipped to explore professional opportunities around the world.

The Medicine course in Malaysia is divided into two phases:

Stage 1: The pre-clinical training phase
Stage 2: The clinical training phase.

While the pre-clinical training phase of the Medicine course introduces students to theoretical concepts taught in the classrooms, the clinical training period exposes them to the practical side of the course.

The total time period to study medicine in Malaysia is 5 years.

Why Study in Malaysia

Over the past two decades, Malaysia has successfully positioned itself as a hub for international students. The country has focused on some key parameters to ensure that international students get an amazing learning experience. There are several reasons that have helped broaden the attractiveness for international students and one of the main factors is that programs taught in Malaysian universities enjoy recognition globally.

Malaysia offers world-class medical schools, an international course curriculum, and strong collaborations between top universities for medicine in Malaysia and prestigious global universities.

Some of the prestigious organizations that recognize Medicine degrees from Malaysia include the following:

  • World Health Organisation (WHO)
  • Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)
  • United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
  • National Medical Council
  • World Federation for Medical Education
  • Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates
  • Ministry of Education, Malaysia

After completing their Medicine degree in Malaysia, students can easily transition to other countries and further their careers globally.

Students can transition to other destinations by undergoing assessment tests or licensing exams, such as transitioning to the United Kingdom through PLAB, the United States through USMLE, Australia through AMC, and Canada through MCCQE.

Over the last decade, Malaysia has emerged as a preferred destination for medical education as it offers many benefits for aspiring doctors. Some of the top benefits of studying Medicine in Malaysia are as follows:

Affordable Course Fees

The fee required to complete medicine in Malaysia is comparatively less than that required in many other countries, such as the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada, to name just a few. With medical degree expenses shooting up worldwide, Malaysia comes across as a reliable option to receive a high-quality education at an affordable cost. The average cost at a five-star rated University in Malaysia can be around USD $16,000 per year when proper scholarships and discounts are applied.

Globally Recognised Degrees

A degree in medicine from a Malaysian university enjoys global recognition. Medicine in Malaysia allows students to pursue the program in Malaysia and then move anywhere globally. Students can continue their master’s and specialisation in Malaysia or transfer to other countries to pursue different pathways. This flexibility allows international students to study in Malaysia for a bachelor’s degree and still be able to move to other parts of the world for their careers, apply for immigration or explore other opportunities.

International Education Standard

The standard of medicine in Malaysia meets international standards. This ensures exceptional education for students who enrol in this course. The course curriculum is rigorously developed, keeping in line with international benchmarks to ensure students learn the latest developments in medicine in Malaysia. 

Excellent Campus Facilities and Infrastructure 

Malaysia offers excellent campus facilities, modern infrastructure, and innovative teaching aids for medicine in Malaysia. The schools in Malaysia offer a great learning atmosphere. Several leading universities offering bachelor’s in medicine in Malaysia have developed in-house labs and testing facilities dedicated to helping students learn with hands-on experience, operate with state-of-the-art machinery, and stay up to date with the latest innovations.

Practice-Oriented Medical Training

Students undergo practice-oriented medical training in Malaysia. This enables them to put their academic knowledge into practice and understand the concepts better.

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Career Prospects

After completing a Medicine degree in Malaysia, a student can explore various career opportunities. These include specializing in a chosen field in the medical sector to gain in-depth knowledge and practice as a specialist doctor. Students can also opt for employment in government or private hospitals in their native countries.

Clinical research is another popular career option for Medicine graduates from Malaysia. They can do practical research for pharmaceutical companies or public health organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), National Institutes of Health (NIH), etc.

The Medicine degree allows students to start a clinic and begin private practice. They can even build their career as medical-legal advisors and help legal teams solve crimes.  

The medical profession is a noble and prestigious one. By opting for a Medicine degree from Malaysia, you can fulfil your dream of becoming a doctor. A Malaysian Medicine degree will be a smart choice for you as it ensures a high-quality education at an affordable cost.

You will have a great learning experience due to the global education standards, innovative teaching methodologies, practice-oriented medical training, and modern campus infrastructure. So, go ahead and take the first steps towards building a bright career in the medical field with a Medicine degree from Malaysia.

Program Duration

The duration of the Medicine degree in Malaysia is 5 years.

Phase 1 or Pre-Clinical Training Phase: The first phase involves pre-clinical training in an academic environment. This training takes two years to complete. During this period, students will learn about relevant basic medical sciences to form a strong base in the field.

Phase 2 or Clinical Training Phase: The second phase involves clinical training imparted at a teaching hospital. The teaching hospital is often closely integrated with the medical school offering the Medicine degree and extends to three years. During the first year, students learn all about the relevant clinical skills. The remaining two years of the second phase allow students to hone their skills and gain real-time experience as trainees in the medical field.

After completing their Medicine degree, students can opt for a specialization that best suits their interests and can even move back to their respective home countries. There is no obligation for students pursuing Medicine in Malaysia to serve any internship period in this country. If they opt for specialization, they must undergo the prescribed process.

Entry Requirements

The Medicine admission requirements for international students may vary to a certain degree from one university to another in Malaysia. However, the basic general requirements are the same for most universities. Students must complete a junior college level of education equivalent to an A level to become eligible for Medicine admission in Malaysia.  

The table below summarises the general entry requirements for medicine programs in Malaysia: 

CurriculumMinimum Requirements
A-LevelAAB, BBB in PCB
UECMinimum B4 in each of the 5 subjects (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, and Additional Mathematics)
Indian Pre-UniversityAn average of 70% in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
Pre-Medical/Foundation in Science CourseCGPA of at least 3 in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
International Baccalaureate (IB)30 points with a minimum of 2 Science subjects
Australian Matriculation80% and ATAR (including Chemistry, Biology, and Physics or Mathematics) 80

English Language

International students must also provide proof of English language proficiency with IELTS or TOEFL exams. Students who have studied the British or American curriculum are exempted from the English proficiency requirements since the medium of instruction for that curriculum is in English by default. Students who have studied other curriculums where the medium of instruction is also English will usually need to provide a letter from the school stating that the instruction language for their schooling has been English. With that letter, the English proficiency requirement will be met.

Fees & Cost

Students sometimes only look at the tuition fee during the comparison. However, depending on how forthright and clear the fee guidelines from the university are, the extra fees can be a hefty amount that could be a surprise. So students are advised to correctly add all the fees and decide which university fits their budget requirements to study medicine in Malaysia. 

Various factors will contribute to the overall cost structure, such as:

  • Tuition fees
  • Accommodation fees
  • Admission fee
  • Registration and Visa fees and
  • Other one-time fees.

These fees vary from university to university and can depend on varying factors. The quality, infrastructure, facilities and teacher-to-student ratio will also determine how much a university charges.

You must find the right balance between quality and cost to get the best education possible. The average cost to study medicine in Malaysia is between RM70,000 to RM110,000 per year, depending on the University.

For reference, that’s around $15,000 to $24,000 per year for a 5-year medical degree program at the current exchange rate.

Accommodation

Another recurring expenditure for international students is the cost of housing. In general, students can choose between staying in private accommodation or the on-campus accommodation that the university provides. Expenses will vary depending on your location and the university you enrol in. 

Generally, on-campus accommodations at major universities start at around US$150 per month and can go up to $400 per month. The pricing for on-campus accommodation is determined by the size of the room, whether a student will be sharing the room or will be staying alone, or if the student is taking a master room which generally comes with an attached bathroom or decides to stay at a shared room with shared bathroom.

Some universities also offer cooking facilities on the on-campus accommodation and shared facilities that will be factored into the accommodation costs. Utility costs are generally an add-on fee. 

While choosing the university, you can check with your admissions advisor on the options available for accommodation and how much they will cost so that you have an idea of how much of a monthly budget you will require as a student.

Admission Procedure

Researching, applying and managing overseas admissions is a tedious, time-consuming and often confusing process. Incorrect application submissions can lead to lengthy processing, delayed approvals, or rejections. You can visit education, exhibitions and fairs to collect information. However, that is not enough. You can only collect cursory information at these places. However, your admission processing will usually take much longer. During that time, you will need consistent and dedicated support to ensure your application is in the right experienced hands.

This is where we help.

Edmates helps international students from around the world with complete admissions processing. Our integrated one-stop centre helps international students with everything. We help you find future-driven programs that match your abilities and interests in leading universities.

We handle the entire process from the beginning until you have joined the university. Our international support system will manage everything for you, absolutely free.

Each student is assigned with a dedicated admission advisor who will manage the complete admission process and also guide the student throughout the admissions process. The advisor will also liaise with the university admissions department to ensure clear communications and faster processing.

You can speak with your assigned advisor anytime by booking a free call online through the website. You will also receive regular updates regarding your application via emails, SMS and WhatsApp.

To learn about each step of the admission process, you can read our complete guide to start applying for your higher education the right way.

FAQ’s

How can I get a medical degree in Malaysia?

You can get a medical degree in Malaysia by joining a fully recognised medical school and completing 5 years of education. Depending on your academic curriculum and pathway, you can either join the bachelor’s program directly or go through a foundation in medicine program.

Which university in Malaysia is the best for medicine?

The best university for medicine in Malaysia would be amongst a select group of globally recognised institutions. Depending on your requirements, such as budget, future plans, academic pathway and location preference, there are quite a number of Malaysian medical universities to choose from. Some universities offer global transfer options, whereas others offer degrees in Malaysia.

How much does a medical degree cost in Malaysia?

A medical degree in Malaysia can cost approximately RM 90,000 to 120,000 annually. A number of universities offer scholarships for international students which can lower the costs.

How many years does it take to become a doctor in Malaysia?

It takes around 5 years to complete a medical degree program in Malaysia.

Is an MBBS degree from Malaysia accepted in India?

Yes, an MBBS or medicine degree from Malaysia is accepted in India, provided it is approved by National Medical Council in India and meets the necessary qualifications criteria. A number of leading medical universities in Malaysia are fully approved and recognised by NMC, India.

Is Malaysia a safe destination for students?

Malaysia is among the most peaceful and safest nations in the world. The country ranks among the top 20 nations in the world regarding safety. 

Can international students get an education loan to pursue Medicine in Malaysia?

The possibility of getting an education loan for pursuing a Medicine in Malaysia will depend on the loan regulations in the student’s home country and the bank from which the loan is availed.

Do international students need to sit for any entrance test in Malaysia to pursue Medicine?

International students do not need to sit for any entrance test to study medicine in Malaysia

Is NEET compulsory for Indian students who want to study Medicine in Malaysia?

NEET is compulsory for Indian students who want to study medicine in Malaysia.

Do Malaysian medical schools offer the option of global transfers?

Some Malaysian medical schools offer the facility of transferring to other global universities.

What is the minimum age to pursue Medicine in Malaysia?

The minimum age to pursue Medicine in Malaysia is 17 years.

How are hostel facilities for Medicine students in Malaysia?

Medical schools in Malaysia offer well-equipped hostel accommodations for students. The hostels have modern infrastructure and ensure a good atmosphere for studying.

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