Top 5 Universities to Study Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) in Malaysia

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Looking to study MBBS in Malaysia but not sure which university to enrol? Check out the Top private Medical university to study in Malaysia that you can consider. 

What is MBBS?

MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is an undergraduate Degree programme pursued by individuals aspiring to become medical doctors. The Degree is commonly awarded in countries following the British medical education system.

The term “MBBS” is often used in countries like India, the United Kingdom, and many Commonwealth nations. The Degree encompasses both medical theory (Medicine) and practical surgical skills (Surgery). Graduates with an MBBS Degree have the necessary knowledge and training to practice Medicine and perform medical procedures.

In some universities and regions, the term “Doctor of Medicine” (MD) is used interchangeably or alongside MBBS. The Doctor of Medicine title is typically associated with postgraduate medical education. In such cases, after completing the MBBS Degree, medical graduates can pursue further specialisation or research leading to the award of the Doctor of Medicine Degree. The MD Degree is often regarded as a higher academic qualification and may require additional years of study and research beyond the basic medical Degree.

It’s important to note that the usage of terms like MBBS and MD can vary across countries and institutions, and the specific requirements and designations may differ. It’s advisable to refer to the specific regulations and terminology used by the medical education system in a particular country or university for accurate understanding.

Medicine Specialisation

Medicine Specialisation

Description

Allergists

They deal with autoimmune illnesses, asthma, eczema, food allergies, insect sting allergies, and other immune system disorders.

Anaesthesiologists

These medical professionals administer medications to alleviate discomfort or induce unconsciousness during surgical procedures, childbirth, or other medical interventions. They closely monitor your essential bodily functions while you are under the effects of anaesthesia.

Cardiologists

Cardiologists are highly skilled specialists in the field of cardiovascular health, focusing on the heart and blood vessels. They are sought after for conditions such as heart failure, heart attacks, hypertension, or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

Colon and Rectal Surgeons

Gastroenterologists are specialised doctors who diagnose and manage disorders related to the small intestine, colon, and rectum. They provide treatment for conditions such as colon cancer, haemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease, among others.

Critical Care Medicine Specialists

Specialise in the care of critically ill or injured individuals, often leading intensive care units (ICUs) within hospitals. They are commonly consulted in cases where there is organ failure, such as heart failure, or in situations involving accidents or severe trauma.

Dermatologists

Dermatologists specialises in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. From moles and scars to acne and skin allergies, they offer expertise and treatments for a wide range of dermatological concerns.

Endocrinologists

These are experts on hormones and metabolism. They can treat conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, infertility, and calcium and bone disorders.

Emergency Medicine Specialists

Emergency physicians play a vital role in saving lives and reducing disability by making critical decisions and providing urgent medical care in emergency rooms.

Family Physicians

Family physicians deliver comprehensive healthcare for all ages, conducting checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. They prioritise holistic and continuous care for the entire family.

Gastroenterologists

Gastroenterologists specialise in the digestive system, treating conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhoea, jaundice, and digestive organ cancers. They also perform colonoscopies and other tests for colon cancer.

Skills to be a Doctor

Empathy Understanding and appreciating other people’s emotions and experiences is known as empathy. One of the essential traits for doctors is empathy. Doctors should give care in a way that satisfies both the physical and emotional requirements of their patients since patients and their families are frequently in challenging, life-changing, or stressful situations.

Emotional-Intelligence

Unfortunately, it is a hard truth of the job that occasionally you will have to break bad news to patients or their close family members. You need to have the emotional maturity to stay professional and level-headed and explain to people what the best course of action is since it’s usually news they don’t want to hear.

Problem-Solving

You’ll also need to be able to think creatively. The test results may not match your expectations in cases where the patient presentation is not obvious, so don’t be afraid to channel your inner Gregory House and look at the situation from a different angle.

Attention to Detail

When managing prescription dosages, patient histories, allergies, physiological variances, cultural customs, and every other aspect of a busy hospital ward, it’s imperative to pay attention to even the smallest details. In other words, any medical professional must possess the capacity for close attention to detail.

Decision-Making

Doctors have the last say in all clinical choices pertaining to patient care, so you’ll need to feel at ease accepting responsibility and making difficult judgements. This entails coordinating and supervising patients’ treatment programmes as well as having to defend them to family members, which can be challenging if they are resistant to your suggestions.

Eligibility to study MBBS in Malaysia

Academic Entry

Minimum Score

Foundation

CGPA 3.00

Diploma

CGPA 3.50

STPM

CGPA 3.0

UEC

B4

A-Levels

BBB

Australian Matriculation (ATAR)

80

IB Diploma

30

Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

Entry Level

Minimum Score

IELTS

Band 6.0

MUET

Band 4

TOEFL

60

Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

Pathway to be a Doctor in Malaysia

In Malaysia, becoming a doctor entails a multi-step process with specific requirements. Below are the general guidelines for you:

After completing your SPM, you can choose one of these three:

(a) Foundation in Science which only will take you 1 year to complete OR

(b)STPM/ Matriculation/ A Levels/ SACE/ Equivalent OR

(c) Diploma in Diploma in Science/ Health Science which will take you 2 years to complete

When considering your desired career in Medicine, it is crucial to carefully assess your long-term objectives and evaluate the available options. Your academic performance and personal goals should serve as guiding factors in making informed decisions.

Upon completing the necessary pre-med prerequisites, you can proceed with applying for and completing an undergraduate Medicine Degree programme, which typically takes around 5 years to finish. The medical course encompasses a preclinical phase (2 years) that focuses on fundamental medical sciences, followed by a junior clinical clerkship (1 year) and senior medical clerkship (2 years). Problem-solving, inquiry methods, critical thinking, and independent learning strategies are strongly emphasised throughout the course. Graduating students are expected to demonstrate competencies in essential knowledge, clinical skills, as well as leadership and communication skills required for effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Subsequently, upon successful completion of the Degree in Medicine, it becomes mandatory to undertake a two-year housemanship, which is an essential internship for aspiring doctors in Malaysia. Housemanship training provides supervised practical experience and must be completed following graduation from medical school.

After the two-year housemanship period, you can apply for full registration as a medical officer with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), paving the way to become a general practitioner in Malaysia.

After gaining some experience as a doctor, you can continue your education with postgraduate studies, which typically takes 4 to 5 years. You also need to complete 2 to 4 years of supervised training to become a Specialist. To be able to become a Specialist, you are also required to sit for the Examination for Provisional Registration (EPR) to ensure that a medical practitioner has the knowledge, skills and competence levels to provide safe and effective treatment to the Malaysian public.

Becoming a Doctor in Malaysia is a long and challenging journey that requires dedication and perseverance. It takes an average of 8-9 years to become a fully registered Doctor after completing SPM, and more than 10 years to become a Specialist. Good luck future doctors!

Top private Medical university in Malaysia

1. Monash University Malaysia

Monash University Malaysia is a counterpart of the Monash University network in Australia, making it an internationally accredited university. Graduates will have the chance to engage with students from all over the world in an inclusive campus community, expanding global and cultural horizons.

During the first two years, students will spend their time at Sunway campus developing their clinical skills through hands-on experiences. They will engage in visits to medical practices, community care facilities, and hospitals, and participate for a two-week period as members of healthcare teams in rural areas. From year three to five, students will be based at the Clinical School in Johor Bahru, where clinical studies will focus on Sultanah Aminah Hospital.

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

Duration

5 Years

Intake

February 

Indicative Fees (2024)

Local students: RM594,200

International students: RM643,200

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

2. IMU University

International Medical University, also widely known as IMU, is one of the most distinctive private medical and health sciences universities in Malaysia. IMU carries the status of being Malaysia’s first private medical university with over thirty years in Malaysia’s healthcare education making them a very notable healthcare learning institution in Malaysia.

At IMU’s Medical programme, students will delve into Medical Sciences for the first 2.5 years. Afterward, they move on to hands-on Clinical Training at IMU’s Clinical Campuses in southern Malaysia or at a Partner Medical School (PMS) abroad. IMU integrates the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Preparatory Course throughout Semesters 1 to 10 of its medical curriculum. This early preparation equips IMU medical graduates for potential career paths in the United States of America.

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – MBBS

Duration

5 Years

Intake

February, September

Indicative Fees (2024)

Local students: RM540,000

International students: RM592,500

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

3. Taylor's University

Taylor’s University is a notable private higher education learning institution in Malaysia, established in 1969. Taylor’s has placings in the top ranked among Southeast Asian and Malaysian private universities, making it a favourable choice for those looking to study Medicine in Malaysia. 

The MBBS programme is aimed at cultivating highly skilled medical professionals ready for the dynamic healthcare field. It will focus extensively on clinical education in both medicine and surgery, students acquire hands-on experience and foster the necessary competencies essential for success in their future medical endeavours. Furthermore, comprehensive support is provided to students preparing for the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination), which is mandatory for all domestic and international students planning to practise in the United States.

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

Duration

5 Years

Intake

April, September

Indicative Fees (2024)

Local students: RM419,690

International students:  USD100,874 

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

4.UCSI University

UCSI University & College (UCSI) offers over a hundred credentials through partnerships with esteemed universities across the globe to fulfil their aim of nurturing their graduates with profound passion and percipient intellect to bring about changes for a better world. 

The medical programme at UCSI prioritises five core areas: fundamental medical services, clinical and therapeutic methods, procedures and investigations, community and family medicine, communication skills, and professional competence. From Year 1 onwards, students are based at the Springhill campus located in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, where UCSI Hospital is also located. This setting offers students the opportunity to actively participate in medical procedures rather than solely observing them.

Programme Offered

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Duration

5 Years

Intake

September

Indicative Fees (2024)

Local students: RM372,810

International students: RM458,710

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

5. SEGi University

Established in 1997 as Systematic College, SEGi University is a private university located in Kota Damansara, Selangor gained its university college status in 2004, and finally to university status in 2012.

The MBBS programme at SEGi University is structured into two phases: Medical Sciences (Year 1 and 2) and Clinical (Year 3 to 5). From the end of the first year onwards, SEGi prepares students for the USMLE exam using various learning resources. Students enrolled in the SEGi MBBS programme also gain exclusive opportunities to apply their knowledge in real healthcare settings at the SEGi Sibu Clinical Campus during the last three years of their studies.

Programme Offered

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.,B.S.)

Duration

5 Years

Intake

September

Indicative Fees (2024)

Local students: RM300,000

International students: RM371,300

For more information on the table presented above, contact us now!

For more information regarding the university, programmes offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.

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About The Author

Qasyrina Zahirah

Still figuring out the direction of my life and most of the time life directs me to good foods and beaches 🙂

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