The best Pre-U options for studying medicine in Malaysia

Becoming a doctor is almost every girl's, boy's, parents' and the whole kampung's dream.

Starting from 2011, the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) has stated that the requirements to register for your housemanship or medical practice in Malaysia are an SPM minimum of 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths/Add Maths & another subject.

We hope to help you choose a pre-university option before pursuing a medical degree in Malaysia for local public and private universities via this guide.

Study medicine in the best private universities in Malaysia.

A-levels

Chemistry is normally considered essential for those aiming to study medicine, with at least one other science subject (normally Biology or Physics).

In practice, the vast majority of applicants will have three or more science subjects, which will put them at an advantage over someone with only two sciences.

To practice in Malaysia, you need to achieve grades BBB, ABC or AAC in:

• Biology/Human Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics or Mathematics

Useful additional subject:

• Psychology

Find out what are the recommended A-levels subjects for 6 most popular university courses.

IB Diploma

This option is the best for those who are into an independent learning approach (a valuable trait for doctors) and is recognized by universities in 144 countries.

In Malaysia, you can even enroll into these public universities with an IB qualification: University of Malaya, Universiti Tenaga Nasional, and International Islamic University.

Get a headstart in universities all over the world with the IB programme!

Essential subjects:

• HL chemistry
• HL biology
• SL Math

Recommended subject:

• SL psychology

Useful additional subjects:

• HL Math
• HL Humanity
• HL Language B

Foundation in Science/Pre-medical course

Pre-medical (often referred to as pre-med) involves activities that prepare students for medical school, such as pre-med coursework, volunteer activities, clinical experience, research, and the application process.

There is a higher opportunity for students from this course to enter the first year of the medical degree at the university offering the Foundation or Pre-Med programme.

Minimum requirements:

• CGPA 3.0 in

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Physics or Mathematics

• MUET (minimum band 3)

List of institutions offering a Foundation in Science

STPM (Form 6)

Only Science stream students may choose to pursue a degree in Medicine.

It is also one of the most affordable options on this list and the new syllabus focuses so much more on coursework and presentations to allow you a feel of university life.

Minimum requirements:

• Grades BBB, ABC or AAC in:

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Physics or Mathematics T

• Grade C in Pengajian Am (only for government uni)
• MUET (minimum band 3)

Read: Six ways to secure Band 6 in MUET your teacher forgot to tell you

Matrikulasi

This is a pre-university programme held at Pusat Matrikulasi throughout Malaysian and is managed under the Malaysian Ministry of Education (KPM).

Minimum requirements:

• CGPA 3.0 in 3 subjects

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Physics or Mathematics

• MUET (minimum band 3)

Asasi or Foundation

Asasi is a pre-university programme offered by some public universities in Malaysia and is under the authority of the Ministry of Higher Education (KPT) and foundation offered by private universities or colleges. 

To study degree medicine in UKM (public university) specifically, they only accept two Asasi leavers which are from Pusat Asasi UM (Pasum) and Pusat Asasi UiTM. So, you have to make sure your pre-university is the right pathway. 

Minimum requirements:

• CGPA 3.0 in 3 subjects

1. Biology
2. Chemistry
3. Physics or Mathematics

• MUET (minimum band 3)

BONUS SECTION:

Diploma in Health Sciences

Diploma programmes will take at least 3 years to finish, and you will need a minimum CGPA of 3.50 to pursue a degree in Medicine provided the course is not less than 5 semesters or 2 1/2 years in the same accredited institution.

Bachelor's Degree

For those whose pre-university results were not enough to apply for direct entry into medical degree programmes, don't worry.

Hold on tight to your dreams and get any degree of your choosing first as long as you fit these minimum requirements:

Degree in Health/Pure/Applied Sciences

• minimum CGPA 3.0 for 5-year medical programme
• minimum CGPA 3.3 for 4-year graduate entry medical programme

Degree in the Arts or Humanities

• minimum CGPA 3.5 for 5-year medical programme
• minimum CGPA 3.75 for 4-year graduate entry medical programme

To get more information about pre-university courses and which institutions offered, you may click here to visit our course page.