Are you the type of person who wants to help people to get well when they are sick? Are you the type of person who just lights up in their eyes when chemistry or the human body becomes the topic of the conversation? Or are you the kind of person who would like to take part in drug innovation? If all of those questions resonate with you, then study pharmacy would be the right choice for you!
Why choose Pharmacy over Doctor of Medicine?
Why would you study the use of medication when you are capable to study MBBS and practice as a doctor to save lives, if that’s what you’re thinking, you should discard that thought immediately. The pharmacy field plays an important role in the healthcare of the public. For starters, pharmacists are also known as chemists who practice on focusing the safety and the effectiveness the medication use, ensuring that the medication is not being abused through overdosage. Pharmacists are important as they are responsible to provide instruction on the proper use and adverse effects of the medically prescribed medications.
Pharmacists are also responsible for:
- The quality of medicines supplied to patients
- Ensuring that the supply given is within the law
- Ensuring the prescribed medications are suitable for the patients
- Supervise medicines supply chain
- Ensure pharmacy premises and systems are fit to work
- Respond to patients’ symptoms and advise on medicines for sale in pharmacies
Being a pharmacist isn’t the only thing you can do with a pharmacy degree. Pharmacists can find jobs in areas such as:
- Research scientist (medical)
- Clinical research associate
- Higher education lecturer
- Medical sales representative
- Regulatory affairs officer
- Science writer
- Toxicologist
- Product/process development scientist
What are the steps taken to be a pharmacist in Malaysia?
Qualification | Minimum Requirement |
SPM / O-level or Equivalent | Minimum of 5Bs in: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Additional Mathematics |
A-Level / STPM or Equivalent | Minimum of BBC / ABC / AAC in: Biology, Chemistry (minimum B), Physics or Mathematics. Overall CGPA must be at least 3.0 (out of 4.0) |
Australian Matriculation (SAM / AUSMAT) | Average of 75% including Biology, Chemistry (minimum B), Physics or Mathematics, OR ATAR 80.0, including Biology, Chemistry (minimum B), Physics or Mathematics |
Matriculation or Foundation in Science | CGPA 3.0 (out of 4.0) in: Biology, Chemistry (minimum B, Physics or Mathematics |
* IMPORTANT TIP: Chemistry is the most important in Pharmacy!
A Pharmacy Degree is 4 years long, but that doesn’t mean after those 4 years you’re already a pharmacist. It is compulsory to go through one year of training followed by one year of compulsory service at a training location recognised by the Pharmacy Board Malaysia. You will also have to sit and pass an exam – Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination within the training period.
Which are the best private universities to study Pharmacy in Malaysia?
(that are recognised by the Malaysia Qualification Authorities and Pharmacy Board Malaysia)
University | Programme | Tuition Fee per year |
International Medical University (IMU) | Bachelor of Pharmacy | RM25,600 |
University of Nottingham | Pharmacy MPharm | RM57,900 |
UCSI University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | RM40,362 |
Cyberjaya University College of Medical Science | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
MAHSA University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
Management and Science University (MSU) | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
Monash University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
SEGI University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
Taylor’s University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
AIMST University | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
Which are the best universities to study Pharmacy in Australia?
University | Programme | Tuition Fee per year |
University of Tasmania | Bachelor of Pharmacy | AUD31,000 |
University of Sydney | Bachelor of Pharmacy | AUD44,500 |
University of Queensland | Bachelor of Pharmacy | AUD43,408 |
University of South Australia | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
Curtin University of Technology | Bachelor of Pharmacy | Enquiry with us |
The above list is the universities that are recognised by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia and the list shall be reviewed from time to time. Note: The program listed are provided as a general guide only, the university course fees were captured base on the publicly available information on the internet. Please consult with our education advisor for further assessment.
Contact us to find out more
International Student enquiries:
Phone: +60182414802
Email: info.my@exceleducation.com.au
For more stories like this, join the Excel Education community on Facebook
Need help with your uni application? Connect with us here
About Author

I am a freelance commercial content writer and student of IACT College studying Diploma in Graphic Design. I love to travel and enjoy ‘Me’ time with a cup of coffee in a quiet cafe. I prefer long black over Americano, you may ask me why by emailing me at tx.ng@exceleducation.com.au.