MBBS in Malaysia – Fees, Eligibility, Duration

MBBS is one of the most revered degrees around the world and every student interested in medicine and surgery goes for this degree. Malaysia is as great a place as any for MBBS. In fact, MBBS in Malaysia is a popular destination for international students. It is a racially diverse country with the official language being Malay.

Malaysia is no stranger to Indians as it is the nearest and slightly cheaper country in which Indians can explore the “foreign”, so to speak. Malaysia feels unique yet known. When it comes to Indian students for doing MBBS from Malaysia, we don’t see much traffic for it. Most of the students prefer not studying MBBS from Malaysia because of various reasons but the biggest roadblock is the fee structure. One can expect to shed between INR 70 lakh to 1.25 crores for the full MBBS program in Malaysia. 

Through this article, we shall see why Indian students don’t apply for Malaysia and if any of the readers want to apply, then what are the steps to be followed.

MBBS in Malaysia Overview

Duration	5 years
Medium of Instruction	English for the full course
MCI approved universities	Yes
Eligibility Criteria	Generally 70%+ in 12th. You need to check the eligibility of individual university separately on its official website.
Dominant Religion	61.3% Islam (official) 19.8% Buddhism 9.2% Christianity 6.3% Hinduism
MBBS Degree Name	MBBS equivalent to MBBS in India
Do I need to qualify NEET to study MBBS in Malaysia?	Yes, qualifying NEET exam is mandatory for admission in any MCI recognised university abroad.
FMGE result	Only 6 Indian students appeared and 1 passed between 2015-18.

MBBS in Malaysia Eligibility Criteria

Although NEET is required, some universities conduct their own entrance exams too, and some don’t, which means you can get a direct admission according to your NEET scorecard. Be sure to check the university’s page before applying for one. 

Let’s take a look at the general MBBS in Malaysia eligibility criteria –

Entrance Exam in India	You need to check the eligibility requirements of every university individually. Some universities conduct entrance exam or interviews. IELTS or TOEFL score is a must in some as well.
Age	The student must be at least 17 years old as on 31st December of the year in which the admission is being taken.
Board	The candidate must have completed class 12th from a regular and recognised board.
Marks for General Category students	Most of the universities ask for an aggregate of at least 70% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and must have English as a compulsory subject.
Marks for Other Category students	Same as that of General Category students.
NEET	You need to qualify NEET exam for admission in any of the MCI approved medical universities of Malaysia. NEET result is valid for 3 years for MBBS abroad from 2018 onwards.
Passport	The student must hold a valid passport.

Kindly check the website of the university you want to apply for to know the exact eligibility.

MBBS in Malaysia Duration

The MBBS course in Malaysia is of 5 years and is divided into two parts – 

• Pre-Clinical Training- It is for 2 years where the students learn the theoretical basics of medicine and surgery.
• Clinical Training- It is further divided into two phases:

1. 1. 1st Year is for learning clinical skills.
   2. For the last 2 years, students are allotted work at the University hospitals for more hands-on training in real-life situations as a trainee. 

For specialisation, one has to opt for the postgraduate degree, that is, MD degree which a student can choose to do from Malaysia or from their home country-India. Post-graduation from Malaysia is not recognised in India.

MCI Recognised Medical College in Malaysia

Here is the list of all the MCI recognised medical colleges where Indian students can apply to –

MBBS in Malaysia Fee Structure for Indian Students

Following is information about the MCI recognised medical universities in Malaysia along with their fees and eligibility. The ranking is of 4icu unless mentioned otherwise and the fee is the total 5-year tuition fee in ₹. Hostel, travelling, food, admission expenses will be extra.

AIMST University

Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST University) is a private university in Kedah, Malaysia. It was built by the Malaysian Indian Congress to provide education to Malaysian Indians. It offers courses such as medical, engineering, business management to name a few. It offers more than 30 programs in the foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

World Ranking – 9,041
Eligibility – Average of 70% in any 3 subjects i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. NEET qualified. IELTS minimum score – 6 or TOEFL minimum score – 550.
Tuition Fees – 67.50 lakh

Prospectus – AIMST University MBBS program Prospectus

Asia Metropolitan University

It is a private university which was founded in 2004 and its MBBS program is MCI recognised. It offers courses in Medicine and Health Sciences, Business and Information Technology, various foundation and post-graduate programs. The MBBS is also recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), World Directory of Medical School (WDMS), World Health Organization (WHO).

World Ranking – 11,110
Eligibility – Average of 70% in any 3 subjects i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics. NEET qualified.
Tuition Fees – 68 lakh

Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences

Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences is a private university which was established in 2005. It has a total of 5 faculties including the Faculty of Medicine which teaches MBBS course. Currently, it has more than 6,000 students in its various faculties across various levels.

World Ranking – NA
Eligibility – NA
Tuition Fees – 65-70 lakh

International Medical University

It is a private university located in Kuala Lampur. International Medical University is Malaysia’s leading private medical and healthcare university and was established in 1992. The tuition fee is on the higher end and you need a budget in excess of ₹1 crore to fund your education here.

World Ranking – 4,408
Eligibility – Average of 70% in all subjects (with an average of 70% in Biology, Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics)
Tuition Fees – 1 crore

Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University

It is the medical school of Monash University, Malaysia. Monash University is a research-intensive Australian university with many campuses abroad. Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences is among the best medical universities in Malaysia and it is also among the most advanced ones. The cost and eligibility requirements are on the higher end. Admission is not as easy as there are entrance exams and multiple mini-interviews.

World Ranking – NA
Eligibility –

Pre-university qualifications:

• Indian School Certificate Examination – 80%
• All India Senior School Certificate – 85%
• Chemistry (Year 12 equivalent, with excellent results).

Selection will be based on a combination of:

• Pre-University Qualifications
• International Student Admission Tests (ISAT)
• Adequate performance in Multiple Mini-Interviews
• English Proficiency

Tuition Fees – 1.05 crore

Lincoln University College

Lincoln University College or LUC, in short, is located in Petaling Jaya. It was established in the year 2002. The university is approved by WHO, MCI and the Ministry of Higher Education. It is an associate member of the ‘Association of Indian Universities’.

World Ranking – NA
Eligibility – Average of 70% in any 3 subjects i.e. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
Tuition Fees – NA

Mahsa University

It is a private university which was established in 2004. Masha University is located in Petaling Jaya. Check Masha University prospectus for Faculty of Medicine. The students get good opportunities to learn the trade by getting adequate practical training here.

World Ranking – 8,000 (webometrics)
Eligibility – Average of 70% in any 3 subjects i.e. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Mathematics
Tuition Fees – NA

Management & Science University, Shah Alam Campus

It is a private university which was founded in 2001. The university is located in Shah Alam, Selangor. It has received many rewards such as the ‘Excellent Status University’ on two occasions on the national university-rating system. It was also named the ‘Best Entrepreneurial Private University’ by the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia.

World Ranking – 551-560 (QS Rankings)
Eligibility – Average of 70% in any 3 subjects i.e. Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/Mathematics
Tuition Fees – 70 lakh

Newcastle University Medicine

It is a branch of Newcastle University UK and was established in 2011 in Johor, Malaysia. Newcastle University’s Malaysian branch mainly focuses on courses related to medicine and its degree is recognised by the Medical Council of India.

World Ranking – NA
Eligibility – 85%, based on the average of the five best academic subjects, including the required science subjects with a minimum of 80% in Biology and Chemistry. Once the university has considered your application and you are pre-selected, you will receive a letter of invitation to attend an interview.
Tuition Fees – 1 crore

Perdana University

Perdana University has tied up with the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. It is a Public-Private Partnership project. Just like the other universities in Malaysia, it offers a 5-year MBBS course. Various scholarship opportunities are made available by the university.

World Ranking – 9,198
Eligibility – A minimum average score of 85% or above in 4 subjects including Chemistry, Biology and either Physics or Mathematics with a minimum score of 85% in each of the four subjects.
Tuition Fees – 1 crore

Quest International University

It is one university whose fee is on the lower end. However, it is still above ₹50 lakh. It is a private and comprehensive research-led university. You can apply to Quest International University through Global Medical Foundation’s assistance.

World Ranking – 5,229
Eligibility – Average of 70% in 3 subjects i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Tuition Fees – 55 lakh

SEGI University

It is one of the oldest universities on this list as it was established in 1977. SEGI University has more than 25,000 students and is a private university. It has a total of 5 campuses. The MBBS course is taught at the Kota Damansara campus.

World Ranking – 5,618 (webometrics)
Eligibility – Average of 70% in 3 subjects i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics
Tuition Fees – 62 lakh

Taylors University

It is a private university in Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. Taylors University was established in 1969 making it one of the oldest MCI recognised medical university in Malaysia. It is one of the top-ranked universities on this list.

World Ranking – QS Global World Ranking – 379
Eligibility – NA
Tuition Fees – 80 lakh

Universiti Sains Malaysia

It is one of the biggest and oldest universities in Malaysia. Universiti Sains Malaysia was founded in 1969 and it a public research university. It has about 25,000 undergraduate and post-graduate students. There is currently an overseas collaboration of Universiti Sains Malaysia with KLE University, India offering the Doctor of Medicine (USM) undergraduate degree.

World Ranking – QS Global World Ranking – 142
Eligibility –

• Average of 70% in any 3 subjects of
  their Standard XII Examinations – Biology / Equivalent, Chemistry, and Physics/Mathematics
• Candidates must undergo an interview session before being accepted by the respective faculty

Tuition Fees – 1.05 crore

University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur

It is a public research university established in 1905, making it the oldest university on this list. It is among the top 60 universities in the world. You can understand the value of its degree and the prestige this university commands.

World Ranking – QS Global World Ranking – 59
Eligibility – Band of 5.0 and above in IELTS (Academic); or
A score of 500 (PBT), 173 (CBT) or 60 (IBT) and above in TOEFL.
Class 12th requirements NA
Tuition Fees – 1.15 crore

MBBS from Malaysia Syllabus

Before selecting an MCI approved university, go through its brochure or official website and check the syllabus pattern followed. Here’s the general structure of syllabus followed by the universities-

1st Year	Medical Sciences Basic Mechanisms of Diseases Cardiovascular System Genetics, Immunology and Molecular Medicine Haematology Respiratory System
2nd Year	Gastro-Intestinal System and Nutrition Urinary System Musculoskeletal System Epidemiology and Biostatistics Reproductive Systems Nervous Systems Endocrine and Metabolism
3rd Year	Medical Posting Surgery Posting Paediatrics Posting Obstetrics and Gynecology Postings Primary Care Medicine Posting Dermatology Posting Community Health Posting
4rth Year	Medical Posting Surgery Posting Primary Care Medicine Posting Orthopaedics Posting Psychiatry Posting Anaesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Critical & Palliative Care Medicine Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology Forensic Medicine
5th Year	Medical Posting Surgery Posting Obstetrics and Gynaecology Posting Paediatrics Posting Orthopaedics Posting Psychiatry Posting

Be sure to compare the syllabus with the universities’.

MBBS in Malaysia Advantages

Even though Indians don’t prefer Malaysia as an academic destination for MBBS, it still is a great country that offers a lot. Let’s take a look at some of the advantages of studying MBBS in Malaysia. 

• The MBBS degrees are recognized by MCI and WHO.
• The degree is globally recognized and respected.
• Indian students can enjoy the cultural diversity on and off-campus.
• Malaysia is home to some of the best and top-ranked universities in the world.
• The cost of living is quite low compared to other bigger countries.
• Direct admission in some universities after qualifying NEET and getting adequate marks in 12th.
• Malaysia is a beautiful country to travel and live plus the food is unique yet familiar. 
• The courses are taught in English.
• English is a pretty common language.
• Some universities are ranked among top-500 and even in top-60.

MBBS in Malaysia Disadvantages

• The official language is not English so the students have to learn a new language, Malaya, which is not a famous language and won’t help you in the job area.
• The fee structure of the universities is quite high. With such a high budget, it is better to take admission in India itself.
• The FMGE passing percentage of 2015-18 is for only 2 universities – Mahsa University and in it 5 students applied but only 1 passed. From International Medical University, 1 appeared and did not pass. Between 2012-14, a total of 2 Indian students appeared and did not qualify.  
• Not a lot of students go to Malaysia for MBBS specifically.
• Better and cheaper options are available.

After MBBS in Malaysia

Medical education from Malaysia is a great career choice as it gives many options to students graduating from these Universities. After completing medicine from Malaysia, a student will have the following options:

Option 1: The most taken option is to come back to India and apply for FMGE or the MCI Screening Test as it is commonly known as (FMGE has been replaced by NEXT). Prepare for this exam, clear this exam and get the registration number from the MCI for medical practice in India. NEXT will replace NEET PG.

Option 2: After completing your degree in Malaysia, you can explore the opportunities in Malaysia itself and go for PG also, and settle in Malaysia.

Option 3: While studying, you can apply for USMLE Step 1 or 2 in case you want to settle down or practice in the United States. USMLE has 3 steps and those who clear all the 3 steps and get Permanent Registration from the medical council of the USA can practice there. PLAB, which is the licensing exam of the UK is another popular choice of students. Students can also go for PG in Australia, Canada, New Zeland. The MBBS degree from Malaysia is valid worldwide.

Verdict – Choose Malaysia or not?

The reason why students go for MBBS abroad is that they do not have the budget to get a private seat in India. If you are capable enough of getting admission in a government medical university, then you do not have to plan for MBBS abroad. When you look at the cost of studying MBBS in Malaysia for Indian students, the budget is as high as private universities of India. Therefore, if you have the budget to study MBBS in Malaysia, most probably, you do have the budget of studying in MBBS in India in a private college. The high budget is the reason why Indian students do not go to study MBBS from Malaysia.

In case you do not have the budget to study in Malaysia, there are other options which are more popular and where Indian students actually go to.

The alternate options are –

• MBBS in Ukraine
• MBBS In Philippines
• MBBS In Kyrgyzstan
• MBBS In Russia
• MBBS In Bangladesh
• MBBS In China
• MBBS In Georgia