Medical Colleges in Malaysia

When considering studying medicine, Malaysia offers unique advantages with 41 registered medical colleges. Attracting over 150,000 international students from 140+ countries each year, the country is renowned for its affordable, high-quality education. This guide will help you navigate eligibility requirements, costs, and the top medical colleges in Malaysia.

Why Study Medicine in Malaysia 

Malaysia stands as the global hub of medical studies due to the unique set of advantages that the country offers to international students. Here are some top reasons as to why you must consider Malaysia for your medical studies:

• Malaysia attracts over 150,000 international students from 140+ countries each year, offering affordability without compromising quality of life. Kuala Lumpur, its capital, is ranked the second most affordable city for students in the country.
• Degrees from medical colleges in Malaysia are accepted by all global accrediting bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNESCO.
• Medical colleges in Malaysia for MBBS are consistently ranked among the top in the world due to their comprehensive medical programs and innovative teaching methods.

Malaysia offers quick placements for students who graduate from medical universities. According to the Health Ministry, the country needs 28,000 medical specialists by 2030.

Top 10 Medical Colleges in Malaysia at Glance

Criteria for Choosing These Colleges

When choosing one of the best medical colleges in Malaysia, you must consider many factors. Some of them are as follows:

1. Academic Reputations: Always choose medical colleges in Malaysia ranked high in global indexes, as they provide the maximum certificate value.
2. Facilities: Analyze the infrastructure of each college carefully. Ensure that your university has sufficient advanced facilities to promote practical learning.
3. Student Satisfaction: Check the availability of counseling and extracurricular activities to ensure a positive college environment.
4. Research Output: Preference institutions with vital research programs and high publication rates, as they can offer you better career opportunities.
5. Tuition Fees and Scholarships: If you are a financially struggling international student, compare the fees and availability of scholarships in all colleges before choosing one.

Detailed Overview of Top Medical Colleges in Malaysia

Malaysia is well-known on a global level for their top-notch medical colleges. Check out some of the best medical colleges in Malaysia:

University of Malaya (UM)

University of Malaya is a public research university based in Kuala Lumpur that offers courses in diverse areas and has an enrolment of over 28,000 students.

Overview and History

The University of Malaya (UM) is Malaysia's oldest and highest-ranking medical college. It was founded in 1905 to address the country's shortage of medical professionals. It was named the King Edward VII College of Medicine at the time. Later, in 1949, it merged with Raffles College to become the University of Malaya. The institution gained National University status in 1960.

Programs Offered

Since the University of Malaya is the top-ranked institution in Malaysia, almost all types of programs and courses are offered. Some of the prominent programs are:

• Arts & Social Sciences
• Business & Economics
• Computer Science & IT
• Dentistry
• Education
• Engineering
• Law

Benefits and Challenges

Studying in a top-notch college like the University of Malaya comes with many benefits:

• As Malaysia's highest-run University city, your certificate will be of prestigious value.
• The Universe University ep-rooted history in delivering top-quality education.
• All the courses from the University of Malaya are globally accepted.
• Students at UM will have access to cutting-edge research facilities for practical training.

However, studying in such a top-reputed University comes up with many challenges like:

• Getting admission to a high-ranked college like UM is challenging due to intense competition.
• Due to the more considerable student strength, the learning experience may feel less focused.
• Availability of on-campus accommodation facilities is more challenging due to the large international student population.

University of Sains Malaysia

The University of Sains Malaysia is a public research university located in Serdang that strongly focuses on research and teaching in agriculture.

Overview and History

The University of Sains Malaysia is the second oldest college in the country. It was founded in 1960 and was initially named Universiti Pulau Pinang. The college has a student strength of as high as 34,000, with over 3,800 international students. 

Programs Offered

Being one of the best medical colleges in Malaysia, Sains Malaysia offers all mainstream  programs like:

• Science
• Engineering
• Medicine, Dentistry, and Health 
• Art

Benefits and Challenges

Pursuing a course in Sains Malaysia offers many advantages, such as:

• The university provides a wide range of programs across its 17 academic schools.
• Since Sains Malaysia is a research-focused institution, it is the perfect place for students to gain hands-on experience.
• The college supports a multi-disciplinary education system that allows students to explore diverse areas of study.

Like having a coin with two sides, Sains Malaysia has some challenges like:

• Due to the higher international student population, finding affordable accommodation near the college is tough.
• Learning experience may be affected by the large student population.

University of Putra Malaysia (UPM)

The history of UPM dates back to 1931 when the college was founded as a School of Agriculture. Later on, other faculties like forestry and veterinary were added. In 1997, Malaysia's Prime Minister named it University of Putra Malaysia. Currently, it has 16 faculties and centers.

Programs Offered

Main programs offered by UPM are:

• Agriculture
• Forestry
• Veterinary Medicine
• Science
• Engineering
• Economics and Management

Benefits and Challenges

As one of the top medical colleges in Malaysia, UPM offers many benefits like:

• The institution is recognized as a research university by the Government of Malaysia, and half of the top Malaysian scientists listed by OIC are from UPM.
• Has a diverse student population, with over 7,291 international students from 72 countries as of 2022.
• UPM has established partnerships with many top companies, offering promising placement opportunities for students.

Some of the main challenges of studying at University of Putra Malaysia are:

• Since the number of international students is higher, there are limited accommodation facilities.
• Even though UPM offers many programs in English, some courses and electives are only available in Malay.

University of Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), established on May 18, 1970, is a prominent public university located in Bangi, Malaysia. 

Programs Offered

Main programs offered are:

• Medicine
• Dentistry
• Science and technology
• Economics and Management
• Law

Benefits and Challenges

Here are some of the major benefits of studying in UKM:

• Adoption of e-learning methods to get updated with global education shifts.
• Forward-looking curriculum that addresses the needs of the current job market.
• Nurtures research skills among students to solve the most pressing issues.
• Has the reputation of being ranked as one of the top 200 colleges in the world.

Some of the challenges in studying in this university are:

• University has a deep-rooted value of promoting Malay language and this could limit the inflow of international students.
• Being one of the best universities in the world, UKM has rigorous admission standards.
• May not be the right option for students who prefer a traditional learning approach.

Taylor’s University

Taylor's University is a prominent private institution located in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, known for its commitment to providing quality education. Established in 1969, it has evolved into one of the top private universities in Malaysia, consistently ranking among the world's leading universities.

Programs Offered

Main programs offered are:

• Architecture
• Bioscience
• Law
• Mass communication
• Science

Benefits and Challenges

Have a look at some of the benefits of studying in Taylor’s University:

• As the number 1 private University in Malaysia, the college is well-known for its academic excellence.
• Since the university is among the top 1% in employer reputation, job opportunities will be much larger.
• Taylor University has various in-house job openings that could increase your chances of placement.

Major challenges in studying in Taylor University are:

• As a private institution, tuition fees at Taylor's University can be relatively high compared to public universities.
• Being a private university, Taylor's may have fewer resources available for scholarships and financial aid.

Honorable Mentions

Apart from these, here are some other top medical colleges in Malaysia for Indian students:

• University of Teknologi Malaysia
• Taylor's University
• UCSI University
• Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP)

Eligibility for Medical Colleges in Malaysia

The eligibility criteria for medical studies in Malaysia depend on your chosen University. These are some of the common conditions of the best medical colleges in Malaysia:

• Above 18 years of age but must be less than 45.
• Must have a B-level grade for Biology, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the high school level and completed all pre-university qualifications.
• Pass an admission interview, aptitude test, or entrance exam.
• Score at least 6 in IELTS or complete equivalent tests with the necessary score.

Admissions Requirements for Malaysia Medical Colleges

Document Requirements

The key documents you need for studying in medical colleges in Malaysia for postgraduate and undergraduate studies are as follows:

1. Academic documents like high school certificates and mark sheets prove that you have the required marks in science subjects.
2. Passport with at least 12 months of validity.
3. Passport-size photograph with white background.
4. Copy of Health Declaration form.
5. A certificate that shows English language proficiency.

Visa Requirements

Check out the visa requirements to study in medical colleges in Malaysia for Indian students:

1. Your admission must be accepted, and you must get the Offer Letter from your university.
2. Have at least 12 years of education.
3. Passed a national or international exam acknowledged by the Malaysian government.
4. You must fill in the health declaration form to prove that your health is fine.
5. You must pledge a sum of money to the institutions so that they can sign a personal bond on behalf of you.

How to Apply to Medical Colleges in Malaysia

The application procedures in Malaysia are more straightforward than in Western countries. Here is a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Choose a reputed medical college in Malaysia recognized by all the global accrediting bodies after considering several factors like fees, location, infrastructure, etc.
2. Collect all the required documents for admission and submit them along with the filled-in application form.
3. Once your application is moved forward, you will be notified to take an interview or test. Attend them and wait for the university offer letter.
4. After getting the university's acceptance letter, it's time to start the visa application by submitting all the required documents. You can either do it directly or through an agency.
5. If your visa is approved, you will get a Visa Approval Letter (VAL) within 14 days of submission of the visa application. Now, you are free to fly to Malaysia.

Cost of Studying Medicine in Malaysia

The cost of studying medicine in Malaysia varies widely depending on the institution and the program chosen. Check out some key details:

• The estimated tuition fees to pursue a bachelor’s degree from medical colleges in Malaysia range between RM 50,000 to RM 500,000 (about $10,600- $106,145), depending on the university you choose.
• For the Master’s, the college fees may range between RM 55,000 and RM 110,000 ( $10,600 and $23,352).
• Non-refundable visa processing fee of RM 1,060 ($240) which is discounted for some of the top medical colleges in Malaysia.
• The documentation processing fee is RM 579 ($122), which is refunded in case of visa rejection.

Cost of Living in Malaysia

One of the main benefits of studying in Malaysia is affordability. As compared to other popular Western countries, the cost of living in Malaysia is much cheaper. Have a look at the living costs of international students in the country:

• Food: Food is available at cheaper prices, as students can manage with as little as $3 daily. You can get a premium meal for just $5-$10.
• Data Charges: The cost of internet services in Malaysia depends upon several factors like availability of local wifi, subscription, etc. However, the bills would not be more than $50 per month.
• Laundry: Dress maintenance expenses, like ironing, washing, etc., will be less than $15 per month.
• Medical: Unlike European countries, medical expenses in Malaysia will fit in a common student’s pockets as a regular appointment with a doctor and medicine costs will be less than $15.
• Transport: Transportation charges also depend mainly on the location of your house and college. But it typically ranges between $20 to $30.
• Rent: You can get private shared apartments from just $50.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Students

On top of the cost-effective living costs, Malaysia offers many scholarships to attract international students. Check out some of the top scholarships:

Student Life in Malaysia

Malaysia has a multicultural society that broadly welcomes international students from all over the world. The country is considered safe as the crime rates are lower than the global average. Malaysia is a multilingual country with English as one of the major languages, making it easier for students to communicate. 

The universities in Malaysia are well-known for providing comprehensive support services for international students to create a secure environment. Most medical colleges in Malaysia have experienced faculties and modern facilities to promote practical learning.

Career Prospects After Studying Medicine in Malaysia

Studying in the medical colleges opens gates to many career pathways like:

• Health Journalism: After getting a valid degree from a top-reputed institution, you can switch your career to journalism in the healthcare field to provide authentic medical insights.
• Physician: As medical students usually do, you can start a career as a physician in a laboratory or governmental institution or even set up a clinic.
• Teaching: Medical students can also pursue a teaching career to teach science subjects through their degrees.
• Medical Consultants: Degree-holders in medical studies can become medical consultants to explain healthcare concepts simply to individuals

Conclusion

Studying medicine in Malaysia offers a cost-effective and quality education with eligibility criteria, including a solid academic background and English proficiency. With top colleges like University Malaya and International Medical University, students can access advanced facilities and experienced faculty. The affordable tuition and comprehensive training make Malaysia an attractive destination for aspiring medical professionals.