How Much Does It Cost to Study Medicine in Malaysia? (2027 Fees for International Students)

Studying medicine in Malaysia can cost several hundred thousand ringgit, and tuition is only part of the budget.

International students also need to account for accommodation, food, student visa charges, medical insurance and other expenses throughout their degree.

This guide explains the main costs of studying medicine in Malaysia, using published university fee information and practical budgeting estimates to help international students and their families plan ahead

The Short Answer

For most international students, the tuition for a 5-year MBBS in Malaysia ranges from roughly RM375,000–RM720,000 , depending on the university.

Add a foundation year if you need one, living costs, visa and insurance, and the realistic all-in total is usually somewhere between RM520,000 and RM950,000.

That is a wide range, and we'd rather tell you that honestly than give you a single "affordable" number.

Where you land depends mostly on the university you pick and the city you live in.

Below, we break down every cost, show where the figures come from, and point out what to double-check. 

MBBS Cost in Malaysia at a Glance: Tuition, Living, Visa and Insurance

1. MBBS tuition fees in Malaysia for international students

Tuition is the biggest cost, by far. International students usually pay more than local students at the same university.

Here are some examples of the total estimated cost for international students on a 5-year MBBS:

 What Is the Difference Between Tuition and Total Payable Fees?

Tuition fees: cover the academic programme, while total payable fees may include registration, administration, visa processing and other compulsory charges.

For example, IMU lists five-year international MBBS tuition at RM692,680, excluding applicable SST. If 6% SST applies to the full amount, tuition would be approximately RM734,241. 

Before choosing a university, please check:

• Is the published fee for the entire programme or one academic year?
• Does it include SST?
• Are registration, laboratory, resource and examination fees included?
• Can tuition increase in subsequent years?
• Are visa processing and insurance charged separately?

2. Foundation or Pre-university Costs

Not all students need to complete a foundation programme before studying medicine.

If you already have A-Levels or another pre-university qualification accepted by your chosen university, you may be eligible for direct entry, subject to its subject and grade requirements.

For students who need a preparatory qualification, here are some published examples of foundation fees for international students:

3. Living Costs for Medical Students in Malaysia

Your living expenses will depend on the city, accommodation, food choices and lifestyle.

For initial planning, EasyUni suggests budgeting around RM2,000–RM3,500 per month, including accommodation and everyday expenses.

This is a planning range rather than an official cost-of-living requirement.

At these monthly rates, five years of living expenses would amount to approximately RM120,000–RM210,000.

Accommodation is usually one of the biggest expenses. Sharing a room or apartment can help reduce costs, while living closer to campus may reduce transport expenses.

Other monthly costs include:

• Food and groceries
• Electricity, water and internet
• Mobile phone bills
• Local transport
• Laundry and personal expenses
• Books and other study materials

4. Student Visa and Pass Costs

International students need the appropriate Student Pass to study in Malaysia. The application process is generally coordinated through their university and Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS).

There is no single visa total that applies to every international medical student. Charges depend on the application, pass duration, nationality, insurance selection and the fees applicable to the institution.

The Malaysian Immigration Department lists the Student Pass fee at RM60. Other charges may include:

• EMGS application processing
• Electronic Visa Approval Letter (eVAL) processing
• Medical screening
• i-Kad processing, where applicable
• Medical insurance
• Visa charges based on nationality
• Any applicable courier or administrative charges

You should also confirm the charges for subsequent renewals rather than assuming they will be the same as the first-year application.

When should you apply for your Student Pass?

Start preparing your documents well before your intended intake. As a practical planning measure, allow around 10–12 weeks where possible, while checking the university's current instructions and processing timelines.

Once your Student Pass and travel arrangements are approved, plan to arrive no earlier than two weeks before classes begin. This gives you time to settle into your accommodation and prepare for orientation.

Do not book non-refundable travel based solely on an offer letter. Follow your Easyuni advisor or University's guidance on visa approval and when you can travel.

5. Health insurance

Insurance is compulsory for all international students for the whole period of study.

What you need to know:

Cost: roughly RM450 to RM750 a year, depending on the plan and provider. EMGS-listed plans run from about RM458 to RM567, and one university's own plan costs RM740.

First year: usually bundled into your visa fee, so you pay for it separately only when you renew. EasyUni's guide also notes that insurance is included via EMGS.

Cover limits: entry-level plans have annual limits (one EMGS plan lists RM20,000), and some charge a small amount per outpatient visit (RM25 on one plan). Read what is covered before you rely on it.

Keep it valid: you need cover for your whole stay. If it expires before your Student Pass does, you must top it up or extend it.

University plans: institutions can arrange their own insurance if it meets Ministry of Higher Education requirements, so ask which plan you will be on.

Clinical years: medical students spend time in hospitals, so ask your university whether you need extra cover.