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MBBS in Malaysia

MBBS in Malaysia high rise building during night time
Malaysia boasts a rich history in medical education, with Singapore's establishment as the first medical school serving the region in 1905. Following Malaysia's independence, Kuala Lumpur saw the founding of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaya in 1963. Presently, there are 32 public and private medical schools in Malaysia as per WDOMS, all featuring a 5-year undergraduate program. Some private institutions have expanded globally through twinning or credit-transfer programs.

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Medical Education in Malaysia

Malaysia boasts a rich history in medical education, with Singapore’s establishment as the first medical school serving the region in 1905. Following Malaysia’s independence, Kuala Lumpur saw the founding of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaya in 1963. Presently, there are 32 public and private medical schools in Malaysia as per WDOMS, all featuring a 5-year undergraduate program. Some private institutions have expanded globally through twinning or credit-transfer programs.

The National Accreditation Board and Malaysian Medical Council accreditation are mandatory for all medical schools. The cost of MBBS in Malaysia aligns with that of Indian medical colleges, ranging from 55,000 to 110,000 MYR (10–20 lacs in INR) annually. Malaysia is considered the 3rd safest country in Asia and the 4th most affordable country for international students.

Quick Facts about MBBS in Malaysia

No. of Medical Colleges32
College TypeGovt and Private both
Degree AwardedMBBS
Duration5 Year + 1 Year of Internship
Eligibility CriteriaGPA more than 3.5
Admission ProcessThru Interview
Indian Students3300 ( 100-150 in Medicine)
Total Budget for MBBS75-90 Lacs
Meeting NMC CriteriaNo ( Internship is not Allowed for Indians)
Medical college RecognitionNMC/ECFMG/WHO/ AMC/GMC UK
Study Pattern1st Year -Pre Clinical
2 Year -Para Clinical
3-5 Year -Clinical
6th Year – Internship
Session StartsSept

Why Choose Studying MBBS in Malaysia?

Why Choose Studying MBBS in Malaysia?

Top QS Ranking Universities: According to the QS World Universities Ranking, many Malaysian universities rank in the top 500.

Global Recognition: The MBBS degree in Malaysia is recognised by the Medical Council of Malaysia in various countries, including the Middle East, US, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, ensuring global career opportunities for medical aspirants.

Credit Transfer Opportunities: Some Malaysian universities allow credit transfers to US, UK, Australian, and Irish universities during the 3rd year of medical education, enabling students to continue their MBBS course in those countries. Some countries also recognise medical licenses from these Malaysian universities.

Streamlined Admission Process: Admission to MBBS courses in Malaysian universities is straightforward, typically without requiring entrance exams or additional language tests, with only a few exceptions.

Safety and Security: Malaysia is recognised as a safe country for international students, with a solid commitment to ensuring their safety and security.

English Medium of Instruction: The language of instruction for MBBS in Malaysia is English, eliminating the need to learn any local language as part of the medical curriculum.

Early Clinical Exposure: Medical Study in Malaysian Universities enhances clinical and research-based training from the 3rd year of MBBS, providing students with early clinical and hospital exposure, similar to the approach in India.

Affordable Living Costs: Malaysia offers a low cost of living, and students can enjoy a variety of cheap international cuisines, including Indian, Chinese, Italian, and more.

Studying Medicine in Malaysia as an international student

Studying Medicine in Malaysia as an international student

Medicine in Malaysia for international students is very popular; most students are from India and other Islamic countries due to religious reasons. Malaysia attracts over 140,100 international students from 100+ countries seeking medical degrees. Studying MBBS in Malaysia for Indian students can be exciting in Tamil Nadu, AP, and Kerala. With over 20 lakh Indians in Malaysia (7% of the population) and 38% of healthcare workers being Indian, there is a strong Indian community and a significant presence in the healthcare sector, fostering a sense of familiarity and support for Indian students.

Does the degree of MBBS from Mauritius get recognised by the NMC?

Following the NMC gazette notification on November 18, 2021, Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS in Malaysia are eager to understand the acceptability of the Malaysian MBBS degree by the National Medical Commission (NMC). According to NMC guidelines, the MBBS program should extend beyond 4.5 years, including an additional year dedicated to clinical rotation or internship within the same college. However, a notable challenge associated with the MBBS in Malaysia is the lack of internship opportunities for international students.

Before 2021, Indian students studying MBBS in Malaysia used to do their internships in India, which the NMC restricted in their November 18 notification. Do remember that there are no NMC-approved medical colleges in Malaysia that meet all the NMC guidelines.

You can’t get the license to practice in India after doing MBBS in Malaysia, so you need to be aware of that before considering it as an option. However, a medical degree recognised in Malaysia is accepted by the USA, UK, Canada, etc. to pursue your medical PG there. The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), the regulator of medical education in Malaysia, recognised all medical universities in the country.

MBBS in Egypt is an alternative to Malaysia’s MBBS course

Medical studies for international students in Malaysia

For international students, Malaysia is a great option. Studying for a medical degree from a medical university in Malaysia is valid for most parameters. Remember that until the Malaysian medical universities provide 1-year mandatory internship training, MBBS students in Malaysia will remain disqualified from attempting NEXT & eventually practicing in India.

Duration for MBBS in Malaysia

How long does it take to be a doctor in Malaysia? As mentioned above, the MBBS duration in Malaysia is 5 years, and there is no provision for doing the internship. The NMC requires that MBBS abroad students have at least 5.5 years of training with a year of internship.

PhaseDuration
Pre- Clinical1st and 2nd Years in College
Clinical3rd to 5th Year College & Hospitals
Horsemanship or Internship6th year in attached Hospitals

Top Universities for MBBS in Malaysia for Indian Students

We are always searching for the best medical colleges in Malaysia for Indian students. There are 32 medical universities listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) in Malaysia. Out of that, nine are in Kuala Lumpur. You can consider MHASA University as Malaysia’s best medical university in Kula Lumpur.

By studying MBBS at Malaysian Universities, Indian and international students get quality education at affordable fees. Below is the list of Top Medical Universities in Malaysia:

Medical School NameCity
Asia Metropolitan University Faculty of MedicineJohor Bahru
AIMSTBedong
International Islamic University Malaysia Kulliyyah of MedicineKuantan
International Medical School, Management and Science UniversityShah Alam
International Medical University Faculty of Medicine and HealthKuala Lumpur
Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health SciencesBandar Sunway
Kulliyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam ShahKuala Ketil
Lincoln University College, Faculty of MedicinePetaling Jaya
MAHSA University Faculty of MedicineKuala Lumpur
Manipal University College MalaysiaMelaka
Newcastle University Medicine MalaysiaNusajaya
Perdana University Graduate School of MedicineKuala Lumpur
Perdana University Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of MedicineKuala Lumpur
Quest International University Perak Faculty of MedicineIpoh
RCSI & UCD Malaysia CampusGeorge Town
SEGi UniversityPetaling Jaya
Taylor’s University School of MedicineSubang Jaya
UCSI University Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesKuala Lumpur
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Fakulti PerubatanKuala Lumpur
Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine PerakIpoh
Universiti Malaya Fakulti PerubatanKuala Lumpur
Universiti Malaysia Sabah Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains KesihatanSabah
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains KesihatanSarawak
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia Fakulti Perubatan dan Kesihatan PertahananKuala Lumpur
Universiti Putra Malaysia Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains KesihatanSelangor Darul Ehsan
Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains KesihatanKuala Lumpur
Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Medical SciencesKelantan
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Faculty of MedicineKuala Terengganu
Universiti Teknologi Mara Faculty of MedicineShah Alam
Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Faculty of Medicine and Health SciencesKajang
University of Cyberjaya Faculty of MedicineCyberjaya
Widad University College Faculty of MedicineKuantan

Best Medicine Universities in Malaysia

University NameCountryUniversity TypeUniversity GradeEstablished YearWorld RankECFMG ApprovedIntakeDurationFeeMedium of InstructionSpecialization
Mahsa UniversityMalaysiaPrivateA200517924ApprovedSep-245 Yrs of MBBS, Internship is not allowed₹83.62 LacsEnglishMBBS
SEGi University & CollegesMalaysiaPrivateB+19773617ApprovedSep-245 Yrs of MBBS, Internship is not allowed₹63.88 LacsEnglishMBBS
Manipal University CollegeMalaysiaPrivateB199710753ApprovedSep-245 Yrs of MBBS, Internship is not allowed₹87.22 LacsEnglishMBBS

Fee Structure for Studying MBBS in Malaysia

The MBBS fee in Malaysian universities is at par with the cost of obtaining the same degrees in India with global recognition. There are no hidden or additional fees to be paid. Malaysia is the nearest and slightly cheaper country for Indians. As an Indian student, you can efficiently study and live safely.

The MBBS cost in Malaysia for international students is around USD 50,000 to USD 1,50,000 for the complete course. MBBS fees in Malaysia for Indian students in INR would be 50 lacs–1 crore overall, including tuition fees, food, accommodation, etc., for 5 years. Even the low-cost MBBS in Malaysia is 50 lacs, which is twice the MBBS in Russia’s cost, at par with the American program in Georgia.

The Malaysian MBBS fee structure for popular universities is given below:

Name of UniversityFee in RMThe fee in Indian Rs
QUEST International University2.8249.32
NEWCASTLE5.596.25
Cyberjaya3.9769.42
MAHSA University4.3576.17
UCSI University3.5161.36
SEGI University3.6263.4
AIMST University3.6964.57
Management Science University4.9185.87
International Medical University5.4495.11
Asia Metropolitan University3.1254.53
Lincoln University2.848.94
TAYLORS University4.2774.68

International applicants are required to make a one-time payment to cover various application fees associated with the MBBS in Medicine Program in Malaysia. Below are the expenses to account for:

Type of ExpenseCost (MYR)
An admin fee of the University5000RM to 8000RM
Health Insurance250RM to 500RM per year
Application and Visa FeeVaries (3000 to 6000)

Living Costs in Malaysia for Medical Students

Malaysia’s expenses are slightly higher than India’s. Explore the costs of common daily necessities. Unlike American and European countries, Malaysia is counted among the most affordable, budget-friendly Study MBBS Abroad destinations if we compare it with European countries like Georgia and Poland.

Refer to the table below to gain an understanding of the approximate costs you’ll incur as an international student while studying in Malaysia.

Type of ExpenditureMonthly Costs (in MYR)
Accommodation and utilitiesRM 500 to RM 800
Travel costsRM 100 to RM 300
Food CostRM 500 to RM 700
Phone and internetRM 35 to RM 60
Books and Supplies200 RM
Personal ExpensesDepends
Living Costs in Malaysia for Medical Students

Hostel in Malaysia

Malaysian medical universities provide hostel facilities for all the students. The hostels are safe, clean and comfortable but slightly expensive compared to the other MBBS abroad Asian destinations. For the above 3 universities, the yearly hostel charges are given in the below table.

If we speak about the average hostel fee, you need to pay 1200-1500 USD yearly. The rent of an apartment will cost you around 100–150 USD per month. As mentioned above, the costs are very high when you stay in the city.

Entry requirements for Medicine in Malaysia

MBBS in Malaysia Eligibility- Academic

The academic requirement to study MBBS in Malaysia for international students is highly university-specific; below are the Criteria for various education boards popular in India.

ExaminationsREQUIREMENTS / GRADES
12thA score of 70% in any 3 subjects (Biology & Chemistry & & Physics/Mathematics)
UECMinimum B4 each in 5 subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics & Additional Mathematics)
International Baccalaureate (IB)30 points in 2 Science subjects, Min B Grade or 4 Points in Core Subjects Like Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Maths
A-LevelsAAB, BBB in PCB
Matriculation/Foundation in Science/Pre-Medical CourseCGPA 3.0 in 3 subjects (Biology, Physics/Mathematics & Chemistry)

Requirements to study Medicine in Malaysia- Non-Academic

Below is the Requirements for MBBS Admission in Malaysia

  • English proficiency scores like IELTS or TOEFL
  • NEET qualification is compulsory. (Is NEET required for MBBS in Malaysia? As per the Malaysia Medical Council, NEET is a mandatory requirement, though a Malaysian degree is not accepted in India due to new NMC rules.
  • Age – 17 to 25 years.
  • Statement of Purpose to support your application
  • Accepted candidates are required to participate in a personal interview.
  • Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
  • If the student is below 18 ages, a consent letter is required from parents. The student has to appear for a Maturity test.

Language Requirements

International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate their English proficiency through standardised test scores. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the required scores for MBBS programs in Malaysia.

Name of UniversityIELTS Bands
QUEST International University6
University of CYBERJAYA6
MAHSA University6
NEWCASTLE7
International Medical University7
SEGI University6.5
Asia Metropolitan University6
TAYLORS University6.5
UCSI University6.5
University Malaya7
AIMST University6.5
Management Science University6
Monash University7
Lincoln University6.5

Application deadline for MBBS in Malaysia

Below is the application deadline to apply for study MBBS in Malaysia:

Name of UniversityIntake / SessionApplication Fee RM
MAHSA UniversitySeptember3000
Asia Metropolitan UniversitySeptember
Lincoln UniversitySeptember1000
International Medical UniversityAugust / Feb950
SEGI UniversityApril / September500
NEWCASTLESeptember20000
University MalayaMarch/ October
AIMST UniversitySeptember
UCSI UniversitySeptember
UKMFeb / October400
QUEST International UniversityMay / September500
Management Science UniversityMay / September
TAYLORS UniversitySeptember
University of CYBERJAYASeptember

Documents required for a student visa in Malaysia:

Documents required for a student visa in Malaysia:

Below is the requirement for a Student Visa to Study MBBS in Malaysia.

  • All pages scanned copy is needed with a passport of a 1-year validity
  • Signed and Completed application form
  • Passport-size photo with background
  • Letter of acceptance by the University
  • Health declaration form for all international students
  • Personal Bond: To obtain a student visa in Malaysia, the student’s educational institution must act as a financial guarantor by signing a personal bond for a certain sum. The student must then deposit this amount with the institution.

MBBS Scholarship in Malaysia for International Students

Malaysia is an economical/affordable study-abroad destination in Asia, but medical colleges in Malaysia do not offer scholarships for international students. However, some medical universities in Malaysia, like AMU, Linclon, MAHSA, and SEGi University, offer scholarships for MBBS tuition fees.

Subjects in MBBS in Malaysia

Find the Phase 1 and Phase 2 Subjects in the below table.

Phase1: Pre-ClinicalPhase2: Clinical
Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Forensic Pharmacology, Microbiology, Medicine and PathologyMedicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Community Medicine, ENT, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine and Ophthalmology

Medical License in India after MBBS in Malaysia

During MBBS study, a student realises the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness of securing an MD / MS Seat in a Govt. College. Let’s look at the success ratio to get a PG Seat in Govt Medical Colleges in India, which is 11% broadly; we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get a PG Seat, whereas the chances of getting Clinical speciality is 1 out of 20 applicants. The PG journey will be challenging, or students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College in Crores!

Total Applicants NEET PG 2023SpecialtyGovt Med CollegePvt Med College
SeatsSuccess RatioSeats
2.06 Lacs
MD (Non Clinical)15K8.6%10K
MS (Clinical)8K4.6%5K
Total23K11.4%15K

Will early preparation and the right mentorship pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC has already announced the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India in 2024. This Exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The Exam will be conducted in two parts: NEXT-1 and NEXT-2. 

The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only after qualifying for NEXT-1 will any medical student be eligible for an internship. After completing the internship, Students must go through NEXT-2, assessing their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 will be awarded a license to practice, and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice of speciality.

What is the duration of the MBBS program in Malaysia?

The MBBS program in Malaysia typically lasts 5 years, with an additional 1-year internship included.

Which universities in Malaysia offer MBBS programs?

Malaysia has 32 medical schools, both public and private. Some notable universities include:

Mahsa University
SEGi University & Colleges
Manipal University College Malaysia
International Medical University
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia

Is the MBBS degree from Malaysia recognized internationally?

Yes, the MBBS degree from Malaysia is recognized by several international bodies, including the Medical Council of Malaysia, ECFMG, WHO, AMC, and GMC UK. However, it does not meet NMC criteria for practice in India due to the lack of a mandatory internship.

What are the eligibility criteria for MBBS admission in Malaysia?

The eligibility criteria include:

A minimum GPA of 3.5 in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in 12th grade.
NEET qualification for Indian students.
Proficiency in English, demonstrated through IELTS or TOEFL scores.
Age between 17 to 25 years.

What is the cost of studying MBBS in Malaysia?

The total cost for an MBBS degree in Malaysia ranges from 75 to 90 lacs INR. This includes tuition fees, which are between 55,000 to 110,000 MYR annually, as well as living expenses.

Do Malaysian universities offer scholarships for MBBS students?

Some universities, such as AMU, Lincoln, MAHSA, and SEGi University, offer scholarships for MBBS tuition fees, although these are not widely available for international students.

Is the MBBS degree from Malaysia accepted for further studies in countries like the USA and UK?

Yes, the MBBS degree from Malaysia is accepted in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, allowing graduates to pursue further medical education and practice in these countries.

What is the medium of instruction for MBBS programs in Malaysia?

The medium of instruction for MBBS programs in Malaysia is English, making it accessible for international students without requiring proficiency in the local language.

What is the application process for MBBS programs in Malaysia?

The application process typically involves:

Submitting academic transcripts and NEET scores.
Demonstrating English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL.
Participating in a personal interview.
Providing letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
Meeting the specific application deadlines for each university.

Can Indian students practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS in Malaysia?

Due to the lack of a mandatory internship year in Malaysia’s MBBS programs, Indian students cannot practice medicine in India without additional training. They need to meet NMC criteria, which include completing a 5.5-year program with a year of internship.

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