Malaysia is a popular destination for international students, especially those from Bangladesh, pursuing studies in health and medicine. The country has several world-class universities offering medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and allied health programs. The education system in Malaysia is internationally recognized, with many universities maintaining strong connections with top medical institutions worldwide.
Below are the popular Health and Medicine courses and entry requirements for Bangladeshi students.
Popular Health and Medicine Courses in Malaysia
- Medicine (MBBS):
- General Medicine
- Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Dentistry:
- General Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Pharmacy:
- Pharmaceutical Science
- Clinical Pharmacy
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Nursing:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Nursing Administration
- Pediatric Nursing
- Physiotherapy:
- Sports Physiotherapy
- Neurological Physiotherapy
- Orthopedic Physiotherapy
- Public Health:
- Epidemiology
- Environmental Health
- Health Management
- Allied Health Sciences:
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Radiography
- Dietetics and Nutrition
- Biomedical Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine:
- Animal Health
- Veterinary Surgery
- Veterinary Pathology
- Pharmacology:
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Drug Development
Entry Requirements for Bangladeshi Students
Foundation/Diploma Programs:
- Education:
- Completion of Class 12th with at least 50%–60% marks in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS 5.5 (no band less than 5.0) or equivalent (TOEFL iBT 60 / PTE Academic 50).
Undergraduate Programs (MBBS, BDS, BPharm, BSc Nursing, etc.):
- Education:
- Completion of Class 12th with a minimum of 70%–80% marks in Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics) for courses like MBBS, BDS, and Nursing.
- For Pharmacy and other health-related fields, a strong background in Chemistry and Biology is essential.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band less than 6.0) or equivalent (TOEFL iBT 70–80 / PTE Academic 58–61).
- Additional Requirements:
- Medical Examination: Some medical universities may require a medical examination before acceptance.
- Interview or Entrance Exam: Many universities require a personal interview or entrance exam (especially for MBBS and Dentistry).
- Recommendation Letters: Some programs may require one or more recommendation letters from teachers or mentors.
Postgraduate Programs (MD, Master’s in Public Health, MSc in Biomedical Science, etc.):
- Education:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, or a related field, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or equivalent.
- English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS 6.5–7.0 (depending on the program) or equivalent (TOEFL iBT 80–90 / PTE Academic 61–67).
- Additional Requirements:
- Work Experience: Some programs, especially in Public Health and Nursing, may require relevant work experience in the healthcare sector.
- Research Proposal: For research-based programs, a research proposal may be required.
- Personal Statement/Statement of Purpose: A personal essay explaining why you want to pursue postgraduate studies in health and medicine.
Estimated Tuition Costs:
- Foundation/Diploma Programs:
- MYR 15,000–30,000 per year.
- Undergraduate Programs:
- MBBS: MYR 60,000–100,000 per year
- BDS: MYR 50,000–80,000 per year
- BPharm: MYR 25,000–40,000 per year
- Nursing: MYR 20,000–35,000 per year
- Postgraduate Programs:
- MD: MYR 50,000–80,000 per year
- MSc in Biomedical Science, Public Health, etc.: MYR 30,000–50,000 per year
Popular Universities Offering Health and Medicine Courses in Malaysia:
- University of Malaya (UM)
- Monash University Malaysia
- International Medical University (IMU)
- University of Science Malaysia (USM)
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
- University of Nottingham Malaysia
- Tunku Abdul Rahman University College (TAR UC)
- Taylor’s University
- Asia Metropolitan University (AMU)
- International University of Health Sciences (IUHS)
Special Opportunities for Bangladeshi Students:
- Scholarships:
- Malaysian Government Scholarships
- University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities offer merit-based scholarships, such as the Monash International Merit Scholarship or IMU Excellence Scholarship.
- Partial Scholarships: Some institutions provide partial scholarships to international students.
- Clinical Placements and Internships:
- Many medical and healthcare programs in Malaysia include clinical placements or internships, giving students valuable hands-on experience in hospitals and healthcare facilities.
- Post-Graduation Work Opportunities:
- Malaysia offers work opportunities for international graduates through the Post-Graduation Work Visa, especially in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors.
Career Prospects:
Graduates in Health and Medicine can find employment in various healthcare sectors, including:
- Public and Private Hospitals: Doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals.
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Pharmaceutical sales, drug development, and clinical research.
- Public Health Organizations: Roles in epidemiology, healthcare management, and health policy.
- Research and Academia: Medical research and teaching roles in universities.
- Private Clinics and Practices: Private practice for doctors, dentists, physiotherapists, and more.
Why Study Health and Medicine in Malaysia?
- High-Quality Education: Malaysian universities are globally recognized for their strong medical and healthcare programs, and many of them partner with international universities for advanced training.
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to countries like the US, UK, and Australia, Malaysia offers more affordable education with high-quality programs.
- Clinical Training: Medical and health science students benefit from clinical placements in hospitals, giving them real-world experience.
- Multicultural Environment: Malaysia’s diverse society offers international students exposure to different cultures, which is valuable in the global healthcare field.
- Work Opportunities: With a growing healthcare sector, Malaysia offers ample job opportunities for medical professionals, especially in the public and private healthcare sectors.