Malaysia is becoming one of the most favorite destinations for international students for many reasons. First of all, Malaysia offers a high-end education that is delivered with modern technology. Another big plus for education is the language because most classes are available in English. Malaysia is also considered to be very safe and most of all extremely budget-friendly, as the prices for tuition and living are accommodating to everyone.

The government of this beautiful country sees the value of higher education, thus Malaysia is redirecting a lot of money to universities and hospitals. This means they are working hard on improving the quality of education as well as keeping the doors open to international students and partnerships. In this article, we will be looking at the best medical schools in Malaysia.

Can international students enroll in medical schools in Malaysia?

Yes, according to the official site of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia international students are able to enroll in medical schools in Malaysia. This country is working very hard on keeping the international students in the country and increasing the number of new students.

It’s very easy to understand the popularity of this location. Once you realize that prices are extremely low, education very high-quality, and travel opportunities are endless, it’s amazing how Malaysia stayed off the maps for so long. In the last decade, they have been on the top of the lists for medical universities and most classes are now available in English.

Learn More: Cheap Medical Schools in Malaysia

What is the medical curriculum like in medical schools in Malaysia?

It takes five years to finish medical school in Malaysia and get your Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS) degree according to the University of Malaya site. Education in Malaysia is divided into academic and clinical, with the ability to be part of the research and elective placements.

Medical education in Malaysia is focused on getting actual practical experience, and the clinical part of education is more valued. Universities there are trying to make well-rounded, informed, competent, and compassionate doctors that will improve the health of the nation as a whole, not just individuals.

See Also: Best Scholarships in Malaysia

Best Medical Schools in Malaysia

1. University of Malaya

The University of Malaya was established in 1905 and represents one of the most popular universities in Malaysia. Located in Kuala Lumpur, officially the city with the lowest prices for students, it comes as no surprise as to why this university is on the rise.

The medical faculty at the University of Malaya is the best medical school in Malaysia and is unique because they have a dedicated teaching hospital with over 1,000 beds. This provides the students with an amazing opportunity to learn from the best doctors and prepare for future jobs. The multicultural environment and international partnerships make it easier for foreign students to fit in.

2. International Medical University

International Medical University is a private university established in 1992. Focusing only on medical science and complementary sciences, this university is different from all the others, making it very popular among students.

Classes are performed in the English language, and this top medical school in Malaysia has a lot of international partnerships with universities in Australia, China, England, and more. The goal is to be part of international education and be able to send students to other countries to acquire knowledge.

This university also has a specialized program named IMU Cares where students are learning how to serve the community as future doctors. They learn about communication, decision-making, and compassion needed for this unique job.

3. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

The University Kebangsaan Malaysia was established in 1970, and the medical faculty was founded after two years in 1972. Since then, this is one of the most pristine universities in Malaysia with over 15,000 students and over 1,300 of them are international.

The medical curriculum lasts for 5 years, and it’s divided into two years of pre-clinical education where students are getting familiar with the basics of medical science. After that, there is a year-long intermediate stage of junior clinical clerkship followed by two more years of the senior medical clerkship. This university also has a teaching hospital, University Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) where students are learning about the clinical and hands-on part of the education process.

4. Universiti Sains Malaysia

The University Sains Malaysia, one of the top medical universities in Malaysia, was the second one that was established in the country in the year 1969, and one of the largest ones too. This university has the only Accelerated Programs for Excellence (APEX) government-funded autonomous university in Malaysia.

There are three campuses and the Kelantan Malaysia campus houses the medical department and hospital. Located in the famous food capital of Malaysia, Penang, this university offers not only premium education but also the opportunity to explore Malaysian culture and natural beauties.

5. Universiti Malaysia Sabah

The University of Malaysia Sabah was established in 1994, and the faculty of medicine in 2003, as a response to higher demands for doctors and medical personnel in that part of the country. This top medical school in Malaysia is one of the younger ones which makes it even more popular as they are trying even harder to create a unique education system.

A medical degree is achieved after five years of study, and like most universities in Malaysia, this one also promotes clinical education. Years 3 to 5 are dedicated to internships and hospital rotations where students can learn about practical things and show what they learned in the academic portion of education.

6. Asia Metropolitan University – Faculty of Health Sciences

Founded in 2004, the Asia Metropolitan University ranks highly among the medical institutions in Malaysia. It has a Center of Quality Assurance to ensure that it meets the quality standard and compliance requirements for providing higher education.

The Faculty of Health Sciences offers different undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Bachelor of Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy, a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, and a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. The medical programs impart knowledge and skills about patient-care and ethical values, essential requirements for becoming a successful doctor.

Another area where AMU stands out is its extracurricular opportunities. The Faculty of Health Sciences offers various clinical affiliations that allow students to gain clinical experience before graduating. Student societies like MedSoc provide ample opportunities to network with industry professionals and cultivate friendships with like-minded individuals. The faculty also offers students a state-of-the-art Lab Center with advanced technology and equipment, like paramedic support equipment, x-ray, and ultrasound equipment for simulations and hands-on learning experiences.

7. Cyberjaya University – Faculty of Medicine

Founded in 2001, Cyberjaya University is one of the top-ranked medical schools in Malaysia in terms of research and course offerings. It is among the top 400 universities according to the 2022 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. The Faculty of Medicine boasts a world-class faculty with experienced professors and lecturers specialized in their respective fields to prepare students for the dynamic medical industry.

Cyberjaya University offers various courses, including Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences, and Traditional and Complementary Medicine. All these courses are conducted in English to ensure students access international exposure and global opportunities. Some of the undergraduate medical programs include the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and the graduate programs include the Master of Science in Public Health(Global Health) and a Master of Physiotherapy.

Additionally, it provides extensive clinical training with modern facilities and hands-on experience with specialized equipment to help students master everything they need to become skilled medical practitioners. Cyberjaya University is also renowned for its strong industry connections allowing graduates to gain access to real-world insights in the medical field and a more employable career once they graduate.

8. MAHSA University – The Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience, and Nursing

Mahsa is a private medical university founded in 2005 as a college, then later upgraded to a university in 2009. It is known for having the best health science courses in Malaysia, delivered through a team of experienced and professional instructors.

The Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience, and Nursing at MAHSA is the largest department in the institution. All three schools offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses, including a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, a Master of Medical Sciences, and a Doctor of Philosophy(Ph.D.) in Nursing.

The faculties are well-equipped with modern laboratories and other facilities necessary to give students the best possible hands-on education. Additionally, it has dedicated research centers in biotechnology and biomedical sciences and offers clinical attachment at hospitals in Malaysia and other countries such as the UK and India.

9. Taylor’s University – Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences

Taylor’s University is located in Subang Jaya and has plenty of academic offerings, including comprehensive courses and up-to-date facilities. It offers internationally recognized qualifications as it is a Tier-5 university and has held the status of Excellence by the Ministry of Education since 2013.

The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences encompasses the School of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Biosciences, offering programs such as a Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours), a Master of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Sciences.

It has 13 Impact Labs, including the lab for Medical Advancement, that focuses on developing practical, affordable, and safe methods to diagnose, prevent, and treat common diseases. Additionally, students receive early clinical training and exposure thanks to its strategic partnerships with leading hospitals throughout Malaysia. As part of their program, this top medical faculty encourages its students to pursue international clinical placements and research experiences abroad, allowing them to gain a global view of medical practice and research.

10. The University of Kuala Lumpur – Institute of Medical Science Technology

The University of Kuala Lumpur is one of the leading medical schools in Malaysia. It offers an impressive array of clinical and research-based education that many other Malaysian universities cannot match. It has accreditation from The Ministry Of Higher Education and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency, so rest assured that your degree will not be worthless after graduation.

The Institute of Medical Science Technology( MESTECH) provides students with knowledge and skills in environmental health study and healthcare screening. The institute boasts various undergraduate and graduate programs like the Bachelor of Occupational Safety & Health (Honours) and a Master of Applied Bioscience. Additionally, the School of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Health Sciences offers programs like the 5-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), a Master of Public Health, and a Doctor of Philosophy(Pharmacy).

The institute has state-of-the-art medical laboratories, simulation centers, and world-class medical libraries that provide learners with all the educational resources needed to succeed. It also offers industrial linkages with government and private hospitals to provide valuable hands-on experience for aspiring doctors in various fields.

 

With so many great universities in Malaysia, choosing the best medical school can be daunting, and the repercussions of making the wrong decision can be dire. But with this comprehensive list, you can now make an informed choice. From traditional classes to cutting-edge technologies, these ten best medical universities in Malaysia are all set to offer you the best of medical education in the country. Malaysia also offers amazing traveling opportunities, with endless sandy beaches and one of the most delicious cuisines in the world. This multicultural country will feel like home to most students and ensure that they are there to stay.

 

We hope that this article on the best medical schools in Malaysia was helpful. To know more information like this, check out the Available Programs for International Students.

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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