Malaysia is a popular destination for aspiring medical students from around the world. The country boasts of high-quality medical education institutions that offer a range of programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate degrees, in various fields of medicine. According to the Malaysian Medical Council, there were more than 40,000 international students enrolled in medical courses in Malaysia in 2023, making it one of the top choices for medical education in Asia. The high influx of international students reflects the reputation and recognition of Malaysian medical qualifications, as well as the affordability and diversity of the country. However, securing a seat in one of the prestigious medical universities in Malaysia is not easy. The admission and eligibility for medical studies in Malaysia are very high and competitive, as the universities aim to maintain their standards and produce competent and ethical medical professionals. Applicants need to have excellent academic records, and relevant qualifications, and pass various tests and interviews. They also need to understand the guidelines and process of applying for medical studies in Malaysia efficiently, as different universities may have different requirements and deadlines.
In this article, we will look at the complete process for admission and eligibility for medical studies in Malaysia, including the top universities, the entry requirements, the application process, and the fees.
Medical Degree in Malaysia
The most common and basic degree that aspiring doctors pursue is the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), which is a five-year undergraduate program that covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of medicine. The first two years of the MBBS program focus on the preclinical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology. The next three years of the program involve the clinical sciences, where students learn the skills and knowledge required to diagnose and treat patients in various specialties, such as surgery, medicine, obstetrics gynecology, pediatrics, and psychiatry. The MBBS program also includes a compulsory internship year, where students work under the supervision of senior doctors in various hospitals and clinics. The MBBS degree is the minimum qualification required to practice medicine in Malaysia and other countries that recognize it. However, to become a specialist or a consultant, MBBS graduates need to pursue further studies and training in their chosen field of interest. Some of the popular postgraduate courses after MBBS are MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), DNB (Diplomate of National Board), and DM (Doctorate of Medicine).
Top Medical Universities in Malaysia
Malaysia attracts many students who wish to pursue a career in medicine, as it provides excellent opportunities for learning and development. The medical programs offered by Malaysian universities are of high standard and have global recognition. There are 42 medical universities in Malaysia that cater to different needs and preferences of students. These medical schools have different features, such as the type and duration of the curriculum, the accreditation status, and rankings.
Here are some of the best medical universities in the country:
- University of Malaya
- Perdana University
- International Medical University
- AIMST University
- MAHSA University
- Universiti Sains Malaysia
- Universiti Putra Malaysia
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Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Malaysia: Eligibility
The eligibility criteria for medical studies in Malaysia may vary depending on the university and the program, but generally, they include the following:
- A minimum age of 17 years and a maximum age of 25 years for undergraduate courses.
- A minimum score of 70% or more in physics, chemistry, and biology or mathematics at the high school level or equivalent.
- A pre-university qualification, such as A-levels, IB, or Foundation in Science, for some universities.
- A good score in an entrance exam or an interview, for some universities.
- A valid NEET score, for Indian students.
- Students must demonstrate their English language skills by taking an internationally recognized test, such as IELTS or TOEFL. The minimum scores required are usually 6.0 for IELTS and 550 for TOEFL. Some universities may accept other tests, such as MUET or PTE.
These are the basic requirements for applying for medical studies in Malaysia. However, applicants should also check the specific requirements of the university and the program they are interested in, as they may differ from the general ones. Applicants should also declare any criminal offenses, serious physical or mental illnesses, or serious communicable diseases that may impact their fitness to practice medicine.
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Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Malaysia: Application Process
To apply for medical studies in Malaysia, students need to meet the eligibility criteria, which may vary depending on the university and program. The admission process for medical studies in Malaysia involves the following steps:
- Choose a university and a program that suits your interests and understand your budget. You can refer to the websites of the universities, for more information about their programs, fees, and requirements.
- Submit your application online or offline, along with the required documents.
- You also need to pay the application and visa processing fees, which are non-refundable.
- Wait for the offer letter from the university, which may take up to 8 weeks. If you are accepted, you need to accept the offer and pay the tuition fee deposit before the deadline.
- Apply for a student pass and visa through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), which is the one-stop center for international students. You need to submit your offer letter, passport copy, and visa application fee to EMGS, and undergo a medical health check. EMGS will coordinate your student pass and visa application with the Immigration Department and the Ministry of Higher Education. You can track the status of your application online through the EMGS website.
- Once your student pass and visa are approved, you will receive an approval letter from EMGS, which you need to present at the Malaysian embassy or consulate in your home country to obtain a single-entry visa. You also need to book your flight ticket and inform the university of your arrival date and time.
- Upon arrival in Malaysia, you need to clear the immigration and customs and report to the university for enrolment and orientation. You will also receive an i-Kad, which is an identification card for international students, and a multiple-entry visa, which allows you to travel in and out of Malaysia during your study period.
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Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Malaysia: Documents Required
To pursue medical studies in Malaysia, you will need to meet the minimum qualifications set by the Ministry of Higher Education and the Malaysian Medical Council. These include having a high level of academic attainment, especially in science subjects, and a good command of English. You will also need to pass a recognized entrance exam, such as NEET or MCAT, depending on your country of origin. Additionally, you will need to submit the following documents along with your application to the medical school of your choice:
- Passport (Minimum 18 months validity).
- High school certificate and transcript.
- Birth certificate.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Official invitation letter from the medical school.
- Authorization and legalization of all documents from the relevant authorities in your country and Malaysia.
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).
- NEET scorecard (for Indian students).
- MCAT scorecard (for other international students).
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Application Deadlines and Fees
In general, most universities have two intakes a year, in September and February, with some also offering a third intake in April/May. The application deadlines vary depending on the intake and the university, but they usually range from three to six months before the start of the semester. For example, the application deadline for the September intake at Universiti Malaya, the top-ranked university in Malaysia, is May 31 for undergraduate programs and September 30 for graduate programs. On the other hand, the application deadline for the February intake at Universiti Putra Malaysia, another leading university, is December 31 for both undergraduate and graduate programs. The application fees for most universities range from 300-400 MYR.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, international students need to carefully evaluate the different requirements for admission and eligibility for medical studies in Malaysia. These requirements may vary depending on the university, the program, and the intake season. Additionally, international students must also consider the application deadlines, the visa process, the tuition fees, and the cost of living in Malaysia. Choosing the right university and program for studying medicine abroad is not an easy task. It requires proper research and a balanced decision that takes into account various factors, such as the quality of education, the accreditation, the reputation, the curriculum, the faculty, the facilities, the location, the culture, and the opportunities. Prospective students should also compare and contrast different options, weigh the pros and cons, and seek guidance from experts, such as academic advisors, counselors, teachers, and mentors. By following these steps, international students can make a balanced decision that suits their academic goals, personal preferences, and financial situation. For more information on admission and eligibility for medical studies in Malaysia, reach out to our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
