Malaysia is facing a CRITICAL SHORTAGE of psychologists.

The demand for mental health professionals has surged in recent years, driven by post-pandemic anxiety, stress and rising cases of bullying linked to social media use.

According to The Star, Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj, president of the Malaysian Mental Health Association, described the situation as “dismal.” With a population of 35 million, Malaysia currently has only 400 clinical psychologists. The psychologist-to-population ratio is 1:87,500, while the recommended number by the World Health Organization is 1:5,000. 

This shortage means fewer opportunities for people to receive professional mental health support when they need it, but it also implies that the demand for psychologists in Malaysia is high. 

👉 So if you decided to study Psychology in Malaysia, check out our basic Psychology Course Guide! 

Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist vs. Counsellor

Psychologists hold a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) and specialise in understanding the mind, emotions and behaviour. They often focus on research or clinical practice and use psychotherapy (talk therapy) to treat mental health conditions. While they don’t prescribe medication, they help individuals address emotional and psychological issues, offering a deep understanding of human behaviour. To know more details about the study journey and the industry itself, you can read Emlynne Tham’s and Kiran Kaur’s journey in becoming a clinical psychologist. 

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MD or DO) with specialised training in mental health. They diagnose and treat complex mental health conditions, and most importantly, they can prescribe medication and administer medical treatments. Psychiatrists often manage conditions that require medical interventions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or severe depression.

Counsellors (or therapists) typically hold a master’s degree in a mental health field, such as psychology, counselling psychology, or marriage and family therapy. They are skilled in evaluating mental health and using talk therapy to help clients work through life challenges, stress or relationship issues. Counsellors provide emotional support but typically do not prescribe medication or manage severe mental health conditions.

There are also different specialisations that you can explore after graduating with a Psychology degree. Check it out here.

Degree in Psychology 

A Degree in Psychology will give you a solid foundation in how the human mind works. Most psychology degrees in Malaysia take around three years to complete.

With a psychology degree, you will be prepared to explore almost any career that you want. You could dive into careers in human resources, marketing, advertising, public relations or sales, where understanding people gives you a real edge.

If you want to pursue a Degree in Psychology, these are among the main pathways to choose from:

Local Private Universities

These universities provide a complete psychology education and a locally recognised degree. Graduates may pursue further training, internships, or certifications depending on the area of psychology they choose to specialise in. 

Local private universities offering psychology degrees include:

• Management and Science University | Bachelor in Psychology (Hons)
• Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) | Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Psychology
• University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus | Applied Psychology and Management BSc (Hons)

For a full list of universities, programmes, and details, click here to explore your options.

Foreign Branch Campuses in Malaysia

This pathway allows students to study locally while earning a degree from an international university. It offers globally recognised education at a lower cost compared to studying abroad.

If you decide to go to a foreign branch campus in Malaysia, just remember these key tips:

• Always check accreditation status and professional recognition in Malaysia.
  
  
• Ensure the programme offers internship placements or practical training as required.

These are to ensure that your degree is officially recognised and meets the standards requirements in Malaysia. It is important for your future career. Likewise, internship placements or practical training are essential, as they provide hands-on experience, help you apply what you’ve learned in real-world settings, and prepare you for professional practice after graduation.

Examples of foreign branch campuses offering psychology programmes in Malaysia:

• Monash University Malaysia | Bachelor of Psychology
• University of Nottingham Malaysia | BSc (Hons) in Psychology
• Heriot-Watt University | BSc (Hons) Psychology

👉 Click here to check the details (e.g., fees, requirements, and location) and more foreign branch campuses that offer psychology programmes in Malaysia. 

Becoming A Psychologist: Master’s Degree

To become a licensed psychologist, you will need a master’s degree in psychology. This is where you can specialise in a particular field of psychology, such as clinical psychology, educational psychology, counselling psychology, sports psychology, or industrial and organisational psychology, and develop advanced knowledge and skills.

Most master’s programmes in Malaysia take around two years to complete and typically include a combination of academic coursework, practicum or internship experience, and a research project.

It’s important to note that entry requirements vary by specialisation. For example, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology often requires not only excellent academic results but also passing an interview. Other specialisations may not have this additional requirement.

If your goal is to start your own private practice, conduct research, or pursue a career in academia, further study through a PhD in psychology is recommended. This level of training provides the expertise and credentials needed for advanced professional practice and leadership roles in the field.

Registering as a Psychologist in Malaysia

After completing your postgraduate studies, the next step is professional registration. Clinical psychologists must register with the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council and obtain a practising certificate.

While counsellors will need to register with Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia, other psychology specialisations currently have no mandatory licensure, but joining professional networks can boost credibility and career opportunities. These steps ensure you are officially recognised and ready to practise in your chosen field.

A career in psychology offers endless opportunities to understand and improve human well-being. Whether your goal is clinical practice, counselling, research or academia, the journey may be challenging, but the impact you can make in people’s lives makes it worthwhile. 

Start planning your pathway today and take the first step toward a meaningful career in psychology.