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As a medical tourism hub, Malaysia is known for producing some of the world’s best doctors. Thousands of students from around the world come to Malaysia to obtain their Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and related health degrees every year.
Malaysian medical universities have been heavily invested into, which means top notch facilities, experienced lecturers, and peaceful campuses that help aspiring doctors achieve their maximum potential.
Let’s compare why an MBBS Degree from Malaysia is a better choice than from Western countries.
Affordability & Cost
While salaries in Western countries are decent, the cost of medical school in countries such as the U.S., U.K., and Australia are exorbitantly high, placing a high burden on middle income families and often involving taking out massive student loans to finance it. Furthermore, the cost of living in Western countries is also generally higher, which means MBBS students from South Asian countries have to drastically cutback on lifestyle expensive to afford living there for 5 or more years.
On the other hand, Malaysian medical schools have far lower tuition, and Malaysia has the lowest cost of living in ASEAN according to Mercer’s 2020 Cost of Living Survey.
Read our blog The True Cost of Living for International Students for more information about cost of living in Malaysia, including accommodation, transport, food, and more!
No more Entrance Exams!
One main reason why students from South Asia, especially students from Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan prefer studying in Malaysia is that students do not need to pass their home country’s highly competitive entrance exams.
For example, for Indian students, the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET), or for Pakistani students, the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) are not needed for admission to a Malaysian MBBS program.
In the West, the requirements can be very difficult, as medical universities may require specific science courses that are not available at high schools in Asia. In the U.S., medical universities require a high score on the MCAT, which students often find difficult or time consuming to pass.
Malaysian Medical Entry Requirements
Most Malaysian universities will base their admission criteria on the student's “O-level’’ results and English proficiency.
Academic Requirements: Bs and above in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Additional Mathematics/Another Subject.
English Requirements: IELTS Band 5 and above. If you do not have these results, many universities also allow 1 or 2 semesters of English training before joining the degree program.
A Second Home
Malaysia is easily one of the most beautiful countries on Earth. During inter-semester breaks or long weekends, international students create lasting memories here by taking advantage of the bustling city life, serene natural beauty, amazing food, and diverse culture that only Malaysia can offer.
Speaking of diverse, did you know Malaysia has over 130,000 international students from 136 countries?
That means no matter where you’re from, you will find both countrymates and fellow students from a wide range of countries. With Malaysia being an open and hospitable culture, you will fit right in without feeling too homesick!
Are you looking for a spot at one of Malaysia’s medical universities?
Admissions for 2021 are now open! We recommend applying through MyUniZone as we are currently offering
up to 5 applications FREE of charge until 31 December 2020.
Which universities are worth applying to? Here are some of Malaysia’s best private medical universities you should consider next intake:
SETARA Rating: ★★★★★ (Excellent)
The Faculty of Medicine at University of Cyberjaya is one of the founding faculties, serving medical students from Malaysia and around the world since 2005. The campus is located in Cyberjaya, Malaysia’s first smart city, on a modern, eco friendly campus.
MBBS Program Details
- 5 year program
- Fully accredited by Malaysian Medical Council
- Develops clinical, patient management, and laboratory skills
- 5 Acre Modern, Eco-Friendly Campus
SETARA Rating: ★★★★★ (Excellent)
SEGi University’s RM300 million flagship medical campus is located in Kota Damansara, Selangor, not far from the capital city. SEGi has been around for 40 years, making it one of the oldest private institutions in Malaysia. It also has connections with universities in the USA, UK, and Australia.
MBBS Program Details
- 5 year program
- Fully accredited by Malaysian Medical Council
- Active student body, over 100 student clubs, societies, and collectives
- State of the Art Facilities
SETARA Rating: ★★★★ (Very Good)
AIMST private medical-focused university located on a sprawling 230 acre campus in the northern Malaysian state of Kedah. The University has built strategic linkages with premier universities in the UK, Japan, India, Philippines, and others.
MBBS Program Details
- 5 year program
- Fully accredited by Malaysian Medical Council
- Large campus with beautiful scenery
- Curriculum includes Clinical Attachment, Junior Clerkship, and Senior Clerkship
About SETARA Ratings:
Developed by the Ministry of Higher Education, SETARA Ratings are based on a rigorous assessment methodology to rate an institution’s teaching, research, and services. There are currently 6 tiers although no university has reached 6 stars (Outstanding). The rest of the tiers are 5 Star (Excellent), 4 Star (Very Good), 3 Star (Good), 2 Star (Satisfactory), 1 Star (Weak). They are an overall indication of factors including curriculum quality, resources, governance, quality of graduates, and graduate satisfaction.
For more detailed information on the SETARA ratings, click here.