Malaysia is a popular destination for aspiring doctors who want to pursue their medical education abroad. The country has a well-developed and diverse medical education system, with public and private universities, international branch campuses, and twinning programs. The medical degrees offered by Malaysian universities are recognized by various international bodies. This means that graduates can practice medicine in many countries around the world, subject to meeting the licensing requirements of each country. One of the main attractions of studying medicine in Malaysia is the affordability of the fees and the cost of living. According to Education Malaysia Global Services, the average cost of studying medicine in Malaysia ranges from MYR 150,000 to 250,000 MYR (34,500 USD to 57,500 USD) for the entire course, depending on the type and duration of the program. This is significantly lower than the cost of studying medicine in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, where the fees can exceed USD 200,000 for the entire course. Moreover, the cost of living in Malaysia is relatively low compared to other countries, with an estimated monthly expenditure of 1,500 MYR to 2,000 MYR (345 USD to 460 USD) for a student. However, the cost of studying medicine in Malaysia varies depending on the type and duration of the program, the type and location of the university, and the personal expenses of the student. Students should compare the fees and costs of different universities and programs before making a decision.
In this article, we will explore the various aspects of studying medicine in Malaysia, such as the types of medical programs, the tuition fees, the living expenses, and the scholarships available.
Cost of Medical Studies in Malaysia: General Medicine
Medicine programs in Malaysia usually last five or six years and consist of two phases: pre-clinical and clinical. Pre-clinical phase covers the basic medical sciences, such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, and microbiology. The clinical phase involves practical training in various medical disciplines, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and public health. Medicine programs in Malaysia are offered by both public and private universities, as well as international branch campuses and twinning programs. The fees range from 150,000 MYR to 1,050,000 MYR for the entire course. Medicine programs in Malaysia are accredited by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and recognized by various international bodies.
| University Name | Tuition Fees (2023/24) |
| MAHSA University | 85,640 MYR |
| AIMST University | 75,830 MYR |
| International Medical University | 118,500 MYR |
| Taylor’s University | 470,829 MYR (Total Tuition) |
| Perdana University | 500,000 MYR (Total Tuition) |
| University of Malaya | 673,200 MYR (Total Tuition ) |
| Monash University Malaysia |
Suggested Reading: Study medicine in Malaysia
Cost of Medical Studies in Malaysia: Dentistry
Dentistry programs usually take five years to complete, and graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree. Dentistry students learn about anatomy, physiology, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, and clinical skills related to oral health. Dentistry graduates can work as general dentists or pursue further specialization in areas such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, restorative dentistry, periodontology, and pediatric dentistry.
| University Name | Annual Tuition (2023/24) |
| International Medical University | 131.100 MYR |
| AIMST University | 75,810 MYR |
| University of Malaya | 630,200 MYR (Total Tuition ) |
| Lincoln University Malaysia | 426,000 MYR (Total Tuition ) |
| Segi University | 351,100 MYR (Total Tuition ) |
Suggested Reading: Job Opportunities After Medical Studies in Malaysia
Cost of Medical Studies in Malaysia: Nursing
A pharmacy degree usually takes four years to complete, and graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or a Master of Pharmacy (MPharm). The average tuition fee for a pharmacy degree in Malaysia is around 100,000 MYR. Pharmacy graduates can work as pharmacists, researchers, lecturers, or consultants in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, universities, or pharmaceutical companies.
| University Name | Annual Tuition (2023/24) |
| International Medical University | 21,000 MYR |
| University of Malaya | 137,478 MYR (Total Tuition ) |
| AIMST University | 25,500 MYR |
| MAHSA University | 18,100 MYR |
| Lincoln University Malaysia | 95,000 MYR (Total Tuition ) |
Suggested Reading: Cost of Medical Study (MBBS/MD) in UAE
Cost of Medical Studies in Malaysia: Pharmacy
A nursing degree usually takes three years to complete, and graduates are awarded a Bachelor of Nursing (BNurs) or a Master of Nursing (MNurs). The average tuition fee for a nursing degree in Malaysia is around 50,000 MYR. Nursing graduates can work as nurses, educators, managers, or researchers in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, or community centers. There are different specializations of nursing, such as medical-surgical, pediatric, psychiatric, community, or critical care nursing.
| University Name | Annual Tuition (2023/24) |
| International Medical University | 54,000 MYR |
| Monash University Malaysia | 65,760 MYR |
| AIMST University | 37,750 MYR |
| MAHSA University | 46,080 MYR |
| University of Malaya | 240,000 MYR (Total Tuition ) |
| Lincoln University Malaysia | 175,000 MYR (Total Tuition ) |
Suggested Reading: Cost of Medical Studies in Canada
Living Costs in Malaysia for International Students
Malaysia is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue higher education in a multicultural and affordable country. However, the cost of living in Malaysia can vary depending on the location, lifestyle, and accommodation choices of the student.
Here are some of the main aspects of the living costs for international students in Malaysia:
Accommodation: The rent for accommodation can range from 300 MYR to 3,000 MYR per month, depending on the type and location of the accommodation. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center can cost around 1,555 MYR per month, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center can cost around 1,097 MYR per month. Alternatively, students can opt for on-campus accommodation, which can cost as low as 300 MYR to 1,250 MYR per month, depending on the university.
Transportation: The cost of transportation can vary depending on the mode and frequency of travel. A monthly pass for public transportation can cost around 75 MYR per month, while a one-way ticket can cost around 2.8 MYR per trip. A taxi ride can start from 3.8 MYR and increase depending on the distance and traffic. Students can also use bicycles or motorcycles to save on transportation costs.
Food: The cost of food can vary depending on the quality and quantity of consumption. A three-course meal for two at an inexpensive restaurant can cost around 75 MYR, while a McDonald’s combo meal can cost around 16 MYR per person. A cappuccino can cost around 2.28 EUR (11 MYR), while a 0.5-liter local beer can cost around 2.96 EUR (14 MYR) per bottle. Monthly grocery bills could range from 600-900 MYR.
Utilities: The monthly utilities for electricity, heating, water, and garbage can cost around 189 MYR) per month. A mobile phone with a monthly plan with calls and 10GB+ can cost around 38 MYR per month, while a 60 Mbps or more internet connection at your accommodation can cost around 111 MYR per month.
The average monthly cost of living in Malaysia for international students is around 4,579 MYR, which includes expenses for accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, and entertainment. However, this can vary depending on the city, the type of accommodation, and the personal preferences of the student. Therefore, international students should plan their budgets carefully and choose the options that suit their needs and expectations.
Suggested Reading: Cost of Medical Studies in the UK
Scholarships for Medical Studies in Malaysia for International Students
Malaysia is a popular destination for international students who want to pursue medical studies, as it offers high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and diverse cultural experiences. However, finding scholarships for medical studies in Malaysia can be challenging, as most Malaysian universities do not offer scholarships for international students. Some exceptions are the Monash High Achiever Award, the Monash Pharmacy Excellence Award, and the Monash Medicine Bursary offered by Monash University Malaysia. These scholarships provide fee waivers or discounts ranging from 10% to 100% for eligible students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, or financial need.
In addition to that, the Malaysian government also offers some scholarship options like:
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS): This scholarship is for postgraduate studies in Malaysia, covering tuition fees, living allowance, travel costs, and medical insurance. The scholarship is open to students with excellent academic and co-curricular backgrounds, who are interested in Malaysia’s development fields.
Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme (MTCP): This scholarship is for postgraduate studies in Malaysia, focusing on technical cooperation among developing countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living allowance, book allowance, and travel costs. The scholarship is open to students from developing countries, who have relevant work experience and qualifications.
Suggested Reading: Scholarships to Study Medicine in Malaysia for International Students
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of medical studies in Malaysia is quite affordable and cheap compared to some of the other popular destinations. Moreover, there is no tradeoff for the lower fees, as the higher education system in Malaysia is impeccable and offers some of the most compelling programs in the medical field. However, cost can’t be the only consideration when applying for a medical degree, you should consider other factors such as the admission requirements, the curriculum, accreditation, rankings, and career prospects. Therefore, it requires careful planning and effort to undertake a medical education in Malaysia. By doing so, you can ensure that you make the most out of the money spent on your education. If you are still confused about the right choice for you, contact our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
