Study Nursing in Malaysia

Study Nursing in Malaysia

Nursing is a profession within the healthcare sector focused on the care of individuals. 

Nursing is one of the most respected and in-demand careers in Malaysia today. Whether you’re an SPM leaver or looking to step into the healthcare industry, pursuing a nursing diploma or degree in Malaysia offers a meaningful path with stable job opportunities.

In Malay, nursing is seen as a kerjaya mulia (noble career) that brings comfort and care to those in need. Many students choose this path not just for the career, but because it gives them the chance to help people every single day.

With the rising need for healthcare professionals, many students are now choosing to become a nurse in Malaysia. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the top private universities, entry requirements, and the best courses to study nursing in Malaysia, so you can take your first step!

Study Pathways to Becoming a Nurse in Malaysia

If you're planning to take a nursing course, there are two main study routes in Malaysia: the Diploma in Nursing and the Bachelor of Nursing (Hons). Both can lead you to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN), with options to level up later.

Route 1: Diploma in Nursing

This is the most direct path for SPM leavers who want to become a nurse in Malaysia. The programme takes 3 years and includes hands-on clinical training in hospitals. After graduating, you’ll sit for the Malaysian Nursing Board Exam. Once you pass, you can register as a Registered Nurse (RN) and start working right away in government or private hospitals.

Route 2: Degree in Nursing

Some students choose to further their studies with a Bachelor of Nursing (Hons). This route typically comes after completing a diploma, or for those with qualifications like STPM or Foundation in Science. It takes around 4 years and opens up more opportunities in leadership, education, and specialised care.

10 Best universities for studying nursing in Malaysia

It might be a hard decision to make when it comes to choosing the best nursing school to pursue your dream. Therefore, we have listed some suggestions of where to study Nursing in Malaysia below:

1. Management & Science University (MSU)
2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)
3. International Medical University Malaysia (IMU)
4. AIMST University
5. UCSI University 
6. Sunway University
7. MAHSA University
8. Monash University
9. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
10. University of Malaya (UM)

1. Management & Science University (MSU)

Management & Science University (MSU)  is a Tier 5 Excellence rated institution in Malaysia, recognized for its high-quality education. It specializes in fields such as Medicine, Health and Life Sciences, Nursing, and Pharmacy, alongside Business and Management.

Nursing Courses at MSU

2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia  the National University of Malaysia, ranks in the Top 137 of the 2024-25 QS World University Rankings. Located in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor, UKM is a leading public university. UKM has expanded from three faculties to 13 faculties and 12 research institutes, with around 172,000 alumni globally. 

Nursing Courses at UKM

3. International Medical University Malaysia (IMU)

International Medical University is Malaysia’s first and most established private institution dedicated to medical and health sciences education, with 29 years of specialized experience. Ranked #151-200 in QS University Ranking 2024, IMU focuses on comprehensive healthcare education through its five schools within the Faculty of Medicine and Health.

Nursing Courses at IMU

4. AIMST University

AIMST University registered with the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia, has been a recognized tertiary educational institution since it began operations on October 30, 2001. As of 2024, AIMST University ranks in the Top 100 of the QS Southeast Asia University Rankings, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.

Nursing Courses at AIMST University

5. UCSI University

UCSI University is recognized as one of the top private universities in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, currently ranked #265 in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Offering a diverse range of foundation, diploma, degree, and postgraduate programs, UCSI is dedicated to providing quality education that meets industry demands.

Nursing Courses at UCSI University

6. Sunway University

Sunway University is a prominent private university situated in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Sunway University engages in impactful research, particularly in the area of sustainability. As of the QS World University Rankings 2025, Sunway University holds a global rank of #539, reflecting its dedication to quality education.

Nursing Courses at Sunway University

7. MAHSA University

MAHSA University has been a renowned and esteemed private institution of higher education since its inception in 2005. MAHSA offers programmes at various levels, from foundation and diploma to degree and postgraduate programmes in Healthcare such as Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Dentistry, as well as Bioscience.

8. Monash University

Monash University Malaysia is the third-largest campus of Monash University - a premier research-intensive Australian university ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings. 

Their campus offers a distinctly international and culturally rich environment with approximately 8,400 students from 78 different countries and students are taught by highly qualified academic staff from across the world.

9. Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)

Universiti Putra Malaysia is a leading research university in Malaysia located in Serdang.

As a world-renowned centre of learning and research, UPM has attracted students and staff from all around the world, making it a well-respected global entity. It is also recognised by independent government assessments as one of Malaysia’s leading research Universities.

10. University of Malaya (UM)

University of Malaya, or UM, Malaysia’s oldest university is situated on a 922-acre campus in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. 

The University of Malaya is committed to conduct teaching and learning, carry out research and provide quality services on a global level, generate and enhance knowledge through continuous improvement efforts for the benefit of all stakeholders, especially University of Malaya’s students.

(Check this out: List of highly-recognised Nursing programmes)

What are the entry requirements and qualifications?

Every institution has different requirements for admission into a Nursing programme and the entry requirements are different for different levels of studies too. Generally, the requirements to study Nursing in Malaysia are:

1. Diploma in Nursing (3 Years)

Entry Requirements

• 3 SPM credits in Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics), and any one Science subject (Science / Biology / Physics / Chemistry)
• Pass in 2 other subjects, including English
• Medically fit and pass screening

Note: Starting from 2025, the Malaysian Ministry of Health has lowered the entry requirement for the Diploma in Nursing to just 3 credits in SPM, as part of a trial period until 2026. The Malaysian Nursing Board will evaluate this change based on students' performance to decide whether the requirement will continue.

2. Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) (4 Years)

Entry Requirements

• STPM: Minimum CGPA 2.5
• A-level: Minimum 3 Cs
• Diploma in Nursing (from a recognised institution)
• Some universities may require MUET for English proficiency

3. Postgraduate Nursing

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor’s in Nursing with 2-3 years of work experience
   

How long will I be studying in this programme?

The duration of study in Nursing programmes is different depending on your level of study. Below is the duration of the programme listed according to their study levels:

How much does it cost to study Nursing?

The cost of studying Nursing in Malaysia is different for every institution but the fees are estimated to be around the cost as the table below:

Nursing Specializations & Careers in Malaysia

There are so many specialities and career path options and each of them has their own challenges and responsibilities. Here are some which are quite popular: 

1. Children’s Nurse
As a children’s nurse, you will be involved in everything from nursing a sick newborn to a sick adolescent by providing care and support needed by the patients.

Children’s nurses are typically employed by hospitals, nursing agencies, and health centres to provide care for infants, adolescents, and children with a range of medical needs.  

2. Registered nurse
A registered nurse (RN) is a fully qualified nurse who is licensed to practice and offer healthcare services. An RN works in a variety of healthcare settings including hospitals, outpatient facilities and dialysis centres. An RN with advanced education/certification may be responsible to perform patient diagnosis and case management.

3. Labour and Delivery Nurse
Labour and delivery nurses bring new lives into this world by helping to deliver healthy babies and get moms through the process safely. The primary responsibilities of a labour and delivery nurse range from monitoring baby’s and mother’s vital signs during labour to coaching new mothers throughout the delivery.

4. Staff Nurse
A staff nurse is a hospital nurse whose rank is slightly below that of a charge nurse. They are responsible for assessing a patient’s condition and administer medications and injections. They are basically the first person you’ll come in contact with when you visit a hospital or a clinic.

Job Prospects After Studying Nursing in Malaysia

Image source: iMoney

Studying a nursing course in Malaysia opens up far more than just one career path. With Malaysia currently facing a projected 60% shortage of nurses by 2030 (source: eduspiral.com), the demand for qualified professionals is growing fast, making this a smart and stable career choice.

There are various career options available for nursing graduates both locally and internationally. These include direct patient care roles, leadership positions, education, and more.

Popular Nursing Careers in Malaysia:

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• Midwife
• Adult Nurse
• Children’s Nurse
• Learning Disability Nurse
• Travel Nurse
• Nurse Educator
• Nursing Administrator
• Health Services Manager
• Paramedic
• Physician Associate

A nursing qualification in Malaysia equips you with in-demand clinical skills, healthcare knowledge, and the foundation to work in hospitals, clinics, NGOs, and even international healthcare systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many years to study Nursing in Malaysia?

Studying Nursing in Malaysia takes 3 years for a Diploma and 4 years for a Degree. Postgraduate programmes like a Master's in Nursing typically take 1.5 to 2 years and help you level up in your career.

2. How much is a Nursing course in Malaysia?

A Diploma in Nursing costs around RM30,000–RM60,000, while a Nursing degree ranges from RM50,000–RM100,000. Some universities also offer scholarships or financial aid for eligible students.

3. What qualifications do I need to be a nurse in Malaysia?

To become a nurse in Malaysia, you need at least 3 SPM credits (Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, and a Science subject) for Diploma. For a Degree, you’ll need STPM/A-Level with CGPA 2.5 or 3Cs, plus a strong interest in healthcare.

4. Which country is easy to study Nursing?

Malaysia is one of the easiest and most affordable countries to study Nursing. The lowered SPM entry requirement for Diploma in 2025–2026 makes it more accessible than ever.