Study Medicine in Malaysia: 8 Things You Should Know

If you are one of the people who dream or plan to take the path of becoming a professional in the field of medicine, you are in the right place. First, planning on becoming something great needs a lot of preparation and needs to be as early as possible. Starting early on in your high school education by earning high grades and good records on your report card are good preparation. The reason for this is because most universities have quota grades required from your previous institution to let you in on their medical programs or degrees. After that, 6 years of medical education from a university will come your way and the best preparation for this is to study well and diligently.

But where do you get the medical degree you want? Or to what university should you apply? There is a simple answer to these questions and the only answer is to go to the best. Get your medical degree from the best university in the best country you could find. The factors of finding the best country will depend on you and your wants. But in general, one of the best countries offering medical degree programs, especially in Asia, is Malaysia. Below is some information about the things you should know before considering studying medicine in Malaysia.

1. Why Study Medicine in Malaysia?

Malaysia has been one of the most progressive and developed countries in Southeast Asia. The country is known as one of the leading countries exporting agricultural products yet only a few countries know how technologically advanced and developed the country is, especially in the field of medicine. Still, there is traditional medical education available in the country but mostly, they are integrated with modern technology and ways of learning.

So, do not waste your early preparations and pursue an education in this country if you wanted to become among the heroes who save lives and take care of the sick.

2. What are the requirements?

For the requirements to study medicine in Malaysia, the usual documents needed for applying to an international university is asked for. Some of the requirements to prepare before going to the country include two documents or cards that will prove your identity and nationality such as a passport, birth certificate, or any of your country’s government-issued IDs, papers, and documents from your previous academic institution such as report card, certificate of good moral, and a graduation certificate, lastly, other required documents for your application and legality of stay in Malaysia such as application forms, admission fees, and student visa.

Furthermore, the students must take and pass the required entrance exam scores to meet the primary requirements of studying medicine in Malaysia. Also, a non-English international student must first take an English Language Proficiency Test and get the required score to enter a certain university.

3. In what language is the medical curriculum in Malaysia?

For most undergraduate studies or bachelor degree programs, the medium of instruction in Malaysia is in their native language which is Bahasa Malaysian. Yet, several special courses or degree programs in the universities of the country have English as their medium of instruction such as the International Medical University.

However, it is compulsory or required by law that any student in Malaysia who is enrolled in a medical program must at least enroll in a language course in Bahasa Malaysia that will be used for public obligation and services.

4. Can you enroll in Malaysian medical school as an international student?

Yes! There are a few international medical schools in Malaysia that are only for accommodating international students who wish to study medicine in the country. Aside from this, Malaysians have been known as one of the hospitable countries in Asia towards foreign visitors, students, and naturalized citizens so those who are planning to study in the country should not worry. Some universities that admit international students in their medical programs are International Medical University, Monash University, etc.

5. What are the components of the medical curriculum in Malaysia?

No other differences are found between other medical curriculums of other countries and the medical curriculum of universities in Malaysia. Except maybe for some different arrangements of topics that will be discussed during 6 years in the curriculum. Nonetheless, everything else is the same.

The medical curriculum in Malaysia is based on several universities composed of the usual themes or areas of study including personal and professional development, population, society, health and illness, clinical practice, and clinical skills.

The first four years of studying medicine in Malaysia will solely be for theories and several applications of what you will learn in the rooms while the last two years will be about clinical practices, rotations, and sharpening your skills.

6. How many medical schools are in Malaysia?

The total number of medical schools in Malaysia up to date is 32 schools—21 schools are private while 11 are public schools. These are the only recorded medical schools and are recognized by the country’s government and organization of medical institutions in the country.

7. How difficult is it to study medicine in Malaysia?

According to the statistics from all the medical schools in Malaysia, almost 1,000 students per year drop out of the medical program every year. There are several reasons that the country has been aware of why the number of dropouts from medical schools is relatively high.

One of those reasons is the watered-down or low grade and entrance exam score passing requirement so they are looking at the possibility of increasing the standards. Another and the most important reason for the dropout rate is the capability of students because of the wrong assessment. With this said, it is considered that studying medicine in Malaysia is relatively difficult.

8. What do you need to become a doctor in Malaysia?

After finishing your curriculum on medicine, you will need to complete another two years of internship before being qualified to take the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia which is an examination to let you work and be accepted in government posts. After passing this, you will be considered as a physician and can conduct medical practices.

 

I hope that this article was helpful. If you are interested, visit the Scholarships Page.