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Welcome to MBBS, the start of a smooth sailing journey to a lucrative and prestigious career. Or, so you thought!
Many students hide their blood, sweat, tears and sleepless nights beneath their white coats. The long hours have taken away their me-time, self-care and possibly relationships.
So, before you apply, ask yourself these 7 questions.
1. Why Do You Want To Study MBBS?
If you have not stared down your soul in the mirror, now is the time to address the elephant in the room.
Why do you want to study Medicine?
To uphold the family honour? Because my friends are doing it? Because it is my calling?
A 2020 study sighted the response of 203 participants pursuing medicine studies where
- 94% agreed that they choose medicine because of their family
- 88% agreed that they would earn a better salary
- 81% agreed that they want to help the society
- 78% agreed that they are interested in science/ research innovation
- 75% agreed that their friends influenced them
Graduating from medical school is no walk in the park. Hence, a strong purpose is your driving force to get through the gruelling undergraduate regime and lifelong service to society.
(Think deeply about why you choose this as a future path.)
2. Do You Know How Long It Takes To Become A Doctor?
It takes 8-10 years JUST to become a general practitioner, a.k.a a regular doctor. Sceptical? Let’s do the math together.
Upon closing your SPM chapter, you will face
- 1-2 years of pre-university studies
- 5 years of undergraduate studies
- 2-3 years of training as a houseman
Want to become a specialist? Add 5,6 more years of residency to the equation. After summing up, that would be about 13-16 years of continuous learning and training before you can “make it” there.
3. Have You Met ALL The Requirements To Study Medicine?
Have you wondered why entering Medical school is a tall order? To enter this course, you need to meet higher entry requirements.
These standards are set by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and approved by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE). They ensure that you are well-prepared to care for the people.
At the School Certificate level,(i.e SPM, UEC and O-levels) you will need
- 5Bs (SPM or Equivalent) or B4 (UEC),
- B Grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths/ Add-Maths)
- C Grades in BM and English
After that, your Pre-university course or diploma must have
- a CGPA 3.0 (A-levels or Foundation in Science), or
- an 80% average (For CPU), or
- 33 points (IB Diploma), or
- a CGPA 3.50 (Diploma in Health Sciences), and
- B Grades in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics/ Maths
Read this article to explore available options for your medical degree:
Want To Study Medicine In Malaysia? Here Are The 10 Universities That Offer It!
4. Do You Have The Budget To Study MBBS?
Malaysia has many top universities with MBBS courses but the tuition fees can put a hole in your pocket. Aspiring students across the country typically have 2 paths to take, i.e. public or private education.
Public Universities have government-subsidised fees, making medical degrees there affordable. Usually, students apply via the UPU or Matriks (Matriculation) channel. However, slots are limited and only the best will make the final cut.
Should you not get a seat –touch wood-, there are globally ranked and top local private universities too. Among the popular choices are
| Private Universities | Estimated Total Tuition Fees |
| Monash University (Malaysia) | RM 560,500 |
| IMU University | RM 541,600 |
| University of Cyberjaya (UOC) | RM 455,150 |
| MAHSA University | RM 376,550 |
| SEGi University & Colleges | RM 356,050 |
| AIMST University | RM 326,100 |
| Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) | RM 320,500 |
Don’t let the fees scare you! Yes. Medical degrees typically cost more for their longer duration and top-notch facilities. They are vital resources universities invest to give you the best tertiary education possible.
Nevertheless, there are ways to reduce the upfront costs with scholarships and financial aid like PTPTN.
Check out 🔗 the Top 2024 Scholarships In Malaysia To Study MBBS at private institutions, without breaking the bank.
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Use our Pathway Match tool to accurately get matched with your preferred courses, fees and scholarships you qualify for in 5 minutes.
5. Do You Have The Right Character To Pursue Medicine?
Healthcare is a battlefield. Medical staff face long labour hours, round-the-clock commitment and even death. Hence, you build a strong mental fortitude and an iron-clad resilience for the profession.
Those aside, you also learn patience, empathy, attentiveness and curiosity. These traits are key to helping people and saving lives. Without them, you may put someone under your care at risk.
So, do you have what it takes to become a doctor? If “Unsure” or “I don’t know” is your answer, the upcoming questions may strengthen your resolve.
6. Are You Ready To Sacrifice Your Time, Relationships And Health?
Going into a medical career means you will have to make sacrifices, including
- losing personal time
- drifting apart from loved ones
- risking your health, safety and wellbeing
Doctors in Malaysia are said to work between 60 – 84 hours on average per week. That is twice the normal 48 working hours! And, where is the time for family, friends and yourself? Little to none. By the end of your shift, the only thing on your mind will be to pass out on your bed.
On top of that, imagine constantly running on an empty tank for long hours, in an environment filled with potential viruses.
7. Do You Have A Plan B If MBBS Is A No Go?
Not to be a sour lemon but have you ever thought
“What if I failed med school?”
“If I do fail, what do I do next?”
“What alternative pathways are there? ”
While we do not want to think of the worst, a plan B helps. Come up with a few options. A different healthcare profession, perhaps. Or, a career path in another industry you like just as much.
Speak to a doctor or a medical student for a better understanding of the medical field. Otherwise, confide in someone experienced like Uni Enrol’s professional counsellors.
Despite All That, Do You Still Want To Study Medicine?
What is your “Why MBBS?”
As you complete your MBBS, you will come out stronger. Despite the challenges, you learn life-changing skills that could save your important people. Moreover, your degree paves the way to a fulfilling career and constant learning.
Whenever you find yourself getting stuck, ask away and we will lend a helping hand.
Course Guides Recommendation
Check out our Guide on the Medicine Course In Malaysia.
If you are looking for other options, check out our full list of Popular Course Guides In Malaysia.
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