Study Medicine in Malaysia for International Students (2024)

Are you passionate about studying medicine and looking for the perfect destination abroad? Curious about your options and what factors make a destination the right fit for your ambitions? Malaysia has become an attractive choice for international students seeking high-quality medical education at affordable costs. Currently hosting between 130,000 and 170,000 international students, Malaysia is projected to reach 250,000 by 2025. This guide covers everything you need to know about studying medicine in Malaysia for international students in 2024-2025, from the basics of the education system to the best medical universities and study costs, helping you make an informed decision about your future career.

The Medical Study System in Malaysia

Studying medicine in Malaysia spans five years, featuring a comprehensive program that combines theoretical and practical education. This ensures that students are well-prepared to become professional doctors. Here’s how the academic years are structured:

A. Theoretical Phase: First and Second Year at Medical Universities in Malaysia

In the first two years, students focus on basic medical sciences, forming the foundation for clinical medicine. The curriculum includes subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, medical ethics, and teamwork skills. Additionally, students start developing early clinical skills in classrooms and labs through simulated scenarios without interacting with real patients.

B. Third Year: Beginning Hospital Training

The third year marks the transition from theoretical learning to practical clinical training. Students begin to interact with real patients across various departments like internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics. This year aims to enhance theoretical knowledge by applying it to real-life medical situations.

C. Fourth Year: Advanced Practical Training

In the fourth year, students continue their hospital rotations with deeper training and more hours to gain extensive experience in specialties such as orthopedics, psychiatry, emergency medicine, and community medicine. This phase focuses on developing decision-making skills and patient management techniques.

D. Fifth Year: Practical Internship Year

The final year involves intensive clinical training where students take on more responsibility under supervision. They rotate through all crucial departments to broaden their practical skills, preparing them for their roles as junior doctors.

During this year, students practice medicine in hospitals across various Malaysian states, without theoretical exams, to ready themselves for the job market.

This structured educational system ensures that students acquire the necessary knowledge and practical skills to become competent doctors capable of practicing efficiently anywhere in the world.

How Studying Medicine at Malaysian Public Universities Differs from Private Universities

Malaysia offers an ideal destination for international students due to its high-quality medical education and reasonable study costs compared to many other countries. Whether you prefer a public or private university, understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision for your academic and professional future.

Studying Medicine at Malaysian Public Universities

1. Government Funding: Public universities receive significant financial support from the Malaysian government, reducing tuition costs for students.
2. Limited Slots for International Students: Admission for foreign students is more competitive due to limited slots.
3. Lower Tuition Fees: Studying medicine in public universities is much cheaper than in private institutions.
4. Local Cultural Environment: Most students are Malaysians, creating a traditional local cultural setting.
5. Bilingual Instruction: Courses are often taught in a mix of Malay and English due to the predominance of local students.
6. Centralized Admission System: The centralized admission system (Unit Pengambilan Unit) is highly competitive, especially for high-demand fields like medicine and pharmacy.
7. Extensive Facilities: Public universities boast vast facilities, such as libraries, swimming pools, and gyms, although they might face maintenance issues.
8. Highly Qualified Faculty: A higher proportion of faculty members hold PhDs compared to private universities, making public universities more suitable for research-oriented studies.

Studying Medicine at Malaysian Private Universities

1. Self-Funding: Private universities are usually self-funded or backed by major corporations.
2. Higher Tuition Fees: The cost of studying medicine in private universities is higher, but many offer scholarships and financial aid.
3. Diverse International Environment: Private universities host a large number of international students, fostering a diverse and multicultural environment.
4. English Medium Instruction: Most courses are taught in English, providing an international learning atmosphere.
5. Flexible Specialization Options: Private universities offer greater flexibility in choosing specializations for international students, given that they meet the admission requirements, allowing students to pursue their preferred fields.
6. Modern Facilities: Private universities are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and regular maintenance, providing a comfortable and modern study environment.

Now that you understand the differences between public and private medical universities in Malaysia, let’s explore the admission requirements for international students at these institutions.

Medical School Qualifications for Foreign Students in Malaysia

Studying medicine in Malaysia requires meeting a set of academic and language requirements that international students must adhere to for admission into medical programs. Here are all the necessary requirements:

A. Academic Qualifications

1. General Certificate of Secondary Education (UEC): A minimum of B4 grades in five subjects, including Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, and Additional Mathematics.
2. A-Level: Grades of AAB or BBB in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
3. Foundation Courses or Pre-University Year: A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Mathematics.
4. International Baccalaureate (IB): At least 30 points with good grades in at least two science subjects.

B. English Language Requirements

1. IELTS: A minimum score of 6.0 to 7.0, depending on the university.
2. TOEFL: A minimum score of 550 (paper-based) or equivalent.
3. Students who have studied in an educational system where English was the medium of instruction can provide a letter from their school confirming this instead of taking language proficiency tests.

Meeting these requirements is essential to ensure your acceptance into Malaysian medical universities. Now that you know the qualifications needed, you can prepare effectively for a successful application.

Cost of Studying Medicine at Malaysian Public Universities

Generally, the cost of studying medicine at Malaysian public universities is lower compared to private universities, though still relatively high compared to other undergraduate programs. The exact costs vary from one university to another and by academic year. Here are some examples of the annual costs for studying medicine at some Malaysian public universities:

• University of Malaya (UM): Approximately $31,382 per year.
• National University of Malaysia (UKM): Around $23,810 per year.
• University of Science, Malaysia (USM): An average of $27,500 per year.
• International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM): About $22,000 per year.

Cost of Studying Medicine at Malaysian Private Universities

The cost of studying medicine at Malaysian private universities is generally higher than at public universities but still lower than in countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. The exact costs also vary by university and academic year. Here are some examples:

• Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences (CUCMS): Approximately $22,500 per year.
• International Medical University (IMU): Around $27,175 per year.
• Monash University Malaysia: About $27,500 per year.
• Taylor’s University Malaysia: Around $20,200 per year.
• MAHSA University: Approximately $20,000 per year.
• University of Kuala Lumpur (UniKL): About $15,000 per year.
• Management and Science University (MSU): Around $24,000 per year.

Now that you have an overview of the costs and requirements, let’s move on to the most esteemed medical universities in Malaysia.

Related: Studying Engineering In Malaysia and Its Costs

Top 5 Malaysian Universities for Studying Medicine in 2024

Malaysia is home to several prestigious universities offering high-quality and internationally recognized medical programs. Here are the top 5 Malaysian universities for studying medicine in 2024, based on their academic reputation, teaching quality, facilities, and the latest information:

1. University of Malaya (UM): Established in 1905, UM is the oldest and one of the best universities in Asia. Its Faculty of Medicine is renowned globally, offering an MBBS program that emphasizes clinical training and scientific research and also Malaya university offers scholarships for international students.
2. International Medical University (IMU): Founded in 1992 as Malaysia’s first private medical university, IMU has partnerships with global universities. It offers an internationally recognized MBBS program, along with various postgraduate medical specializations.
3. University of Science, Malaysia (USM): A leading public university established in 1969, USM’s Faculty of Medicine is known for its advanced medical center and outstanding research programs. It offers an MD program combining theoretical and practical training.
4. Monash University Malaysia: A branch of the Australian Monash University, established in 1998. It offers an internationally recognized MBBS program, focusing on developing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
5. Taylor’s University: A prestigious private university founded in 1969, Taylor’s Faculty of Medicine emphasizes scientific research and medical innovation. It offers an MBBS program that integrates academic and practical training.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re considering studying medicine in Malaysia, it’s natural to have additional questions about international recognition of degrees, working while studying, aptitude tests, and foundation years. Here are answers to some of the most common questions:

Are Malaysian medical schools internationally recognized?

Yes, almost all Malaysian medical schools and colleges are globally recognized by reputable bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER). This recognition allows graduates to practice medicine in many countries worldwide.

Can students work while studying medicine in Malaysia?

Yes, international students can work part-time during their studies in Malaysia, provided they do not exceed 20 hours per week during semesters. They must work in non-academic jobs and obtain a work permit from Malaysian immigration authorities.

Do Malaysian medical schools require aptitude tests for admission?

Not all Malaysian medical schools require aptitude tests for admission. However, some universities may require tests such as the BMAT or MCAT as part of their specific admission criteria. You have to check the official website of each university to know for sure.

When is a foundation year necessary for studying medicine in Malaysia?

A foundation year is necessary if prospective medical students have not met all the academic requirements for the medical program. The foundation year allows students to complete essential subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, qualifying them for entry into medical programs. This year is typically required for students who did not achieve sufficient grades in core science subjects during high school.