Fees to study medicine in 19 Malaysian institutions

Medicine remains one of the most sought after courses due to the popular perception and image of glamour that comes with being a doctor.

There are many options for Malaysians to pursue a medical degree in Malaysia and abroad. Malaysians might be interested in studying in the UK, India, Indonesia or even Egypt – which is a popular destination among Malaysian Muslims.

However, current circumstances aren’t in favour of studying abroad. The government is reducing spending on studying medicine outside of Malaysia. But Malaysia does have highly qualified institutions that offer medical studies. Many Malaysians do study at these institutions because MQA and the Malaysian Medical Council have certified and approved these institutions.

The following is a list of all approved private universities/branch campuses and certified courses based on MMC’s listing and information provided by institutions:

Of course, many people would seek an education from the city because of the environment and proximity to important facilities and medical centres. Here is a list of institutions within Kuala Lumpur and Selangor and how much each institution charges for their medical degree:

Outside of KL and Selangor

Certainly, not everyone would want to study in Kuala Lumpur or Selangor for different reasons. There are other options that students can consider. For instance, there are institutions in Penang, Ipoh and other states, catering for students and families who live in these states or even for students from other states.

Foreign medical degrees

Some parents, on the other hand, wish to see their kids get a medical degree from an internationally renowned university or a university from the UK, Australia or other countries. There are few branch campuses of foreign universities in Malaysia which offer higher standards of medical education within the comfort of living in Malaysia. Interestingly, one Malaysian university has a branch campus outside of Malaysia offering a medical degree to both Malaysians and international students. Here is what parents and students need to know:

General entry requirements:

For Pre-Med:

• SPM: Students need to have minimum of 5 Bs in (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math/Additional Math, one other subject)
• O Levels: minimum 5 Bs in the following (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math/Additional Math, one other subject)
• UEC: minimum B4 in each of the following (Biology, Chemistry, Physics/Math/Additional Math)

 For medical degree:

• A-Levels or STPM: Any of the following combinations (BBB, AAC, or ABC) in 3 subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Math/Physics)
• Foundation, Pre-Med or Matriculation: CGPA 3.0 out of 4.0 in 3 subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Math/Physics)
• Unified Examination Certificate (UEC): B4 in 5 subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics)
• Pre U from Monash/Pre U from UNSW/Western Australian Curriculum Council/HSC Sydney Australia/Trinity College Foundation/Australian University Foundation Programmes/SAM/Victoria Cert of Education/Ausmat/A 12 year high school science programmes from/Canadian Pre U/Canadian International Matriculation Program/Secondary School Diploma: 80% average including (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Math)

Major advantage

Studying medicine in Malaysia has a number of advantages that wouldn’t be possible outside of Malaysia without spending more money. One reason, it is here, in Malaysia. Which means less expensive cost of travel, familiar living costs, closer to family and friends, and of course the food.

However, one of the most important things that must be considered is the study itself. MMC keeps a close eye on Malaysian private universities offering medical programmes and ensures that all regulations and standard practices are in place for students. Every university has two phases, pre-clinical which is usually 2 years, and clinical (hospitalisation) makes the remaining 3 years of the course. While students are in phase 1 (pre-clinical), universities are obligated to send students to hospitals to observe and learn while directly in the field. Each university is attached to at least one hospital where students can learn, practice and do the clinical phase of their studies.

For instance, SEGi University’s MBBS programme offers two years pre-clinical at their campus in Kota Damansara. For students at SEGi University, the clinical phase is conducted at Sibu Hospital in Sarawak.

After completing the 5 year  MBBS programme, Malaysian students are required to register with MMC for housemanship placement into local government hospital. There is usually a 6 month period before placement.  Dr May Heong Chee Mei from SEGi University said “Housemanship is a two-year compulsory internship that combines service and training roles. This is to ensure that students gain the appropriate knowledge, skill, experience, and above all, the right attitude, in order to be a competent, caring and compassionate medical professional.”

Malaysian universities have established collaborations with internationally renowned names in the field and students stand a great chance to excel and be on top of the profession.