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 Colleges | 32 |
| College Type | Govt and Private both |
| Degree Awarded | MBBS |
| Duration | 5 Year + 1 Year of Internship |
| Eligibility Criteria | GPA more than 3.5 |
| Admission Process | Thru Interview |
| Indian Students | 3300 ( 100-150 in Medicine) |
| Total Budget for MBBS | 75-90 Lacs |
| Meeting NMC Criteria | No ( Internship is not Allowed for Indians) |
| Medical college Recognition | NMC/ECFMG/WHO/ AMC/GMC UK |
| Study Pattern | 1st Year -Pre Clinical 2 Year -Para Clinical 3-5 Year -Clinical 6th Year – Internship |
| Session Starts | Sept |
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
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.
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Pre- Clinical | 1st and 2nd Years in College |
| Clinical | 3rd to 5th Year College & Hospitals |
| Horsemanship or Internship | 6th 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 Name | City |
|---|---|
| Asia Metropolitan University Faculty of Medicine | Johor Bahru |
| AIMST | Bedong |
| International Islamic University Malaysia Kulliyyah of Medicine | Kuantan |
| International Medical School, Management and Science University | Shah Alam |
| International Medical University Faculty of Medicine and Health | Kuala Lumpur |
| Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences | Bandar Sunway |
| Kulliyah of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah | Kuala Ketil |
| Lincoln University College, Faculty of Medicine | Petaling Jaya |
| MAHSA University Faculty of Medicine | Kuala Lumpur |
| Manipal University College Malaysia | Melaka |
| Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia | Nusajaya |
| Perdana University Graduate School of Medicine | Kuala Lumpur |
| Perdana University Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine | Kuala Lumpur |
| Quest International University Perak Faculty of Medicine | Ipoh |
| RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus | George Town |
| SEGi University | Petaling Jaya |
| Taylor’s University School of Medicine | Subang Jaya |
| UCSI University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | Kuala Lumpur |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Fakulti Perubatan | Kuala Lumpur |
| Universiti Kuala Lumpur Royal College of Medicine Perak | Ipoh |
| Universiti Malaya Fakulti Perubatan | Kuala Lumpur |
| Universiti Malaysia Sabah Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan | Sabah |
| Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan | Sarawak |
| Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia Fakulti Perubatan dan Kesihatan Pertahanan | Kuala Lumpur |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan | Selangor Darul Ehsan |
| Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia Fakulti Perubatan dan Sains Kesihatan | Kuala Lumpur |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia School of Medical Sciences | Kelantan |
| Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Faculty of Medicine | Kuala Terengganu |
| Universiti Teknologi Mara Faculty of Medicine | Shah Alam |
| Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences | Kajang |
| University of Cyberjaya Faculty of Medicine | Cyberjaya |
| Widad University College Faculty of Medicine | Kuantan |
Best Medicine Universities in Malaysia
| University Name | Country | University Type | University Grade | Established Year | World Rank | ECFMG Approved | Intake | Duration | Fee | Medium of Instruction | Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mahsa University | Malaysia | Private | A | 2005 | 17924 | Approved | Sep-24 | 5 Yrs of MBBS, Internship is not allowed | ₹83.62 Lacs | English | MBBS |
| SEGi University & Colleges | Malaysia | Private | B+ | 1977 | 3617 | Approved | Sep-24 | 5 Yrs of MBBS, Internship is not allowed | ₹63.88 Lacs | English | MBBS |
| Manipal University College | Malaysia | Private | B | 1997 | 10753 | Approved | Sep-24 | 5 Yrs of MBBS, Internship is not allowed | ₹87.22 Lacs | English | MBBS |
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 University | Fee in RM | The fee in Indian Rs |
|---|---|---|
| QUEST International University | 2.82 | 49.32 |
| NEWCASTLE | 5.5 | 96.25 |
| Cyberjaya | 3.97 | 69.42 |
| MAHSA University | 4.35 | 76.17 |
| UCSI University | 3.51 | 61.36 |
| SEGI University | 3.62 | 63.4 |
| AIMST University | 3.69 | 64.57 |
| Management Science University | 4.91 | 85.87 |
| International Medical University | 5.44 | 95.11 |
| Asia Metropolitan University | 3.12 | 54.53 |
| Lincoln University | 2.8 | 48.94 |
| TAYLORS University | 4.27 | 74.68 |
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 Expense | Cost (MYR) |
|---|---|
| An admin fee of the University | 5000RM to 8000RM |
| Health Insurance | 250RM to 500RM per year |
| Application and Visa Fee | Varies (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 Expenditure | Monthly Costs (in MYR) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation and utilities | RM 500 to RM 800 |
| Travel costs | RM 100 to RM 300 |
| Food Cost | RM 500 to RM 700 |
| Phone and internet | RM 35 to RM 60 |
| Books and Supplies | 200 RM |
| Personal Expenses | Depends |
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.
| Examinations | REQUIREMENTS / GRADES |
|---|---|
| 12th | A score of 70% in any 3 subjects (Biology & Chemistry & & Physics/Mathematics) |
| UEC | Minimum 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-Levels | AAB, BBB in PCB |
| Matriculation/Foundation in Science/Pre-Medical Course | CGPA 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 University | IELTS Bands |
|---|---|
| QUEST International University | 6 |
| University of CYBERJAYA | 6 |
| MAHSA University | 6 |
| NEWCASTLE | 7 |
| International Medical University | 7 |
| SEGI University | 6.5 |
| Asia Metropolitan University | 6 |
| TAYLORS University | 6.5 |
| UCSI University | 6.5 |
| University Malaya | 7 |
| AIMST University | 6.5 |
| Management Science University | 6 |
| Monash University | 7 |
| Lincoln University | 6.5 |
Application deadline for MBBS in Malaysia
Below is the application deadline to apply for study MBBS in Malaysia:
| Name of University | Intake / Session | Application Fee RM |
|---|---|---|
| MAHSA University | September | 3000 |
| Asia Metropolitan University | September | – |
| Lincoln University | September | 1000 |
| International Medical University | August / Feb | 950 |
| SEGI University | April / September | 500 |
| NEWCASTLE | September | 20000 |
| University Malaya | March/ October | – |
| AIMST University | September | – |
| UCSI University | September | – |
| UKM | Feb / October | 400 |
| QUEST International University | May / September | 500 |
| Management Science University | May / September | – |
| TAYLORS University | September | – |
| University of CYBERJAYA | September | – |
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-Clinical | Phase2: Clinical |
|---|---|
| Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Forensic Pharmacology, Microbiology, Medicine and Pathology | Medicine, 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 2023 | Specialty | Govt Med College | Pvt Med College | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | Success Ratio | Seats | ||
| 2.06 Lacs | ||||
| MD (Non Clinical) | 15K | 8.6% | 10K | |
| MS (Clinical) | 8K | 4.6% | 5K | |
| Total | 23K | 11.4% | 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.
