Discover Details About Study Pharmacy in Malaysia
Overview of Study Pharmacy in Malaysia:
Pharmacy is a scientific discipline that focuses on studying drugs, their preparation, manufacturing, and usage.
It combines natural sciences with medical sciences, covering subjects like chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and more.
History of Study Pharmacy in Malaysia:
Pharmacy studies in Malaysia began in 1962 with the establishment of the Bachelor of Pharmacy program at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Initially, the program lasted for 3 years but was extended to 4 years in 1972. In 1976, the Bachelor of Pharmacy program was established at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), followed by Taylor’s University in 1980.
The Malaysian Pharmacy Council (MPCB) was established in 1994 to regulate the pharmacy profession in the country, leading to a significant increase in the number of universities offering pharmacy programs in Malaysia.
Number of Pharmacy Students in Malaysia:
According to data from the Malaysian Pharmacy Council, around 15,000 students were studying pharmacy in Malaysia in 2023, including approximately 5,000 international students.
The demand for pharmacy studies in Malaysia is expected to continue growing due to population growth, increased awareness of the importance of medications, and advancements in pharmaceutical technology.
A study by Deloitte suggests that the pharmacy market in Malaysia is expected to grow by 10% in the next five years.
Advantages of Studying Pharmacy in Malaysia:
– High-quality education provided by experienced faculty
– Access to modern pharmacy technologies and medical equipment
– English as the primary language of instruction, aiding international students in better understanding the coursework and improving their language skills
– Cultural diversity, providing opportunities for students to interact with peers from various backgrounds
– Affordable cost of living compared to many other countries
– Employment opportunities in emerging healthcare sectors and the pharmaceutical industry
Is Pharmacy Study in Malaysia Affordable?
Yes, pharmacy studies in Malaysia are relatively affordable compared to many other countries. In addition to tuition fees, international students should consider the cost of living in Malaysia, which is much lower than in many other countries as well.
If you’re interested in learning more about studying pharmacy in Malaysia, feel free to contact Alemni Shokran.
We offer educational consultancy services, including assistance in selecting the right university for you and preparing for studies in Malaysia.
Requirements for Studying Pharmacy in Malaysia
Bachelor’s Degree Stage:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent: Most Malaysian universities require obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent, with a cumulative GPA of no less than 80% in scientific subjects. Admission requirements may vary from one university to another, so it’s important to check the specific admission requirements of the university you wish to apply to.
• English Language Tests: All Malaysian universities offering pharmacy programs require passing English language tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, with a score of at least 6.0. These tests can be taken at accredited test centers worldwide.
• Application for Admission: International students wishing to study pharmacy must apply for admission to the chosen university.

In addition to the high school diploma and English language test results, international students may be required to submit the following documents when applying for admission:

• Valid passport copy.
• Birth certificate.
• Recent passport-sized photos.
• Letters of recommendation.

Master’s Degree Stage:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy from an accredited university, with a cumulative GPA of no less than 75%.
• Passing English language tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, with a score of at least 6.0.
• Submission of application for admission to the chosen university, along with required documents such as the bachelor’s degree, English language test results, and letters of recommendation.

PhD Degree Stage:

• Master’s Degree in Pharmacy: Malaysian universities offering PhD programs in pharmacy require obtaining a master’s degree in pharmacy from an accredited university, with a cumulative GPA of no less than 75%.
• English Language Tests: Passing English language tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, with a score of at least 7.0. These tests can be taken at accredited test centers worldwide.
• Application for Admission: Applying for admission to the chosen university.
• Research Proposal: Most PhD programs in pharmacy in Malaysia require submission of a research proposal by prospective students, outlining the research topic they wish to pursue in the PhD program.
• Motivation Letter: Universities may request a motivation letter explaining your reasons for choosing to study pharmacy and your career goals.
• Recommendation Letters: You may need to submit recommendation letters from professors or professionals in the field who can assess your academic abilities and competency.
• Interview (if necessary): In some cases, universities may require a personal interview to evaluate your skills and discuss your study goals along with your resume.

Duration of Pharmacy Studies in Malaysia and Coursework:
The duration of undergraduate study in Malaysia at Malaysian universities is four years, similar to most other countries. These years include four years of theoretical and practical study, in addition to one year of internship.
Undergraduate Coursework:

• Chemistry is one of the most important subjects in pharmacy studies, covering the study of the structure, properties, and reactions of chemical substances. Chemistry-related coursework includes general, organic, analytical, and physical chemistry.
• Biology: Biology is also crucial, covering the study of living organisms and their functions, including general biology, organ function in living organisms, and pharmacology and toxicology.
• Physics: Physics-related coursework includes the study of motion, energy, electricity, magnetism, and biophysics, which applies principles of physics to living organisms.
• Mathematics: Mathematics coursework covers basic concepts such as algebra, geometry, and calculus.
• Basic Pharmacy Science: This coursework covers the study of drug structure and properties, methods of drug preparation and packaging, and how to use drugs in treatment.
• Internship: The final year of undergraduate pharmacy study in Malaysia is dedicated to internship training in a pharmacy or hospital, allowing students to gain practical work experience as pharmacists.
• Pharmacist Licensure Examination: At the end of the fourth year, students are required to pass the Licensure Examination for Pharmacists to obtain a license to practice pharmacy in Malaysia.

Pharmacy Major Duration in Malaysian Universities
Duration of Pharmacy Master’s Degree in Malaysian Universities
The duration of studying pharmacy at the master’s level in Malaysia is two years. These years encompass two years of theoretical and practical study, in addition to one semester of research, where students conduct scientific research in the field of pharmacy.
Coursework for Pharmacy Master’s major in Malaysia
The coursework for pharmacy master’s major in Malaysia varies from one university to another. However, generally, these courses include the following:
– Core Subjects: These subjects cover the fundamentals of pharmacy, such as pharmacology, toxicology, biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy, clinical pharmacology, and pharmacotherapy.
– Elective Subjects: These subjects allow students to choose their area of major, such as industrial pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, community pharmacy, environmental pharmacy, analytical pharmacy, and neuropharmacology.
At the end of the pharmacy master’s program in Malaysia, students are required to submit a research thesis in their chosen specialization field.
Duration of Studying Pharmacy in Malaysia for PhD
The duration of studying pharmacy for a PhD in Malaysian universities ranges from three to four years, which is a duration approved by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia.
Coursework for Pharmacy PhD major in Malaysia
The coursework for the PhD includes the following:
– Pharmacology: This course specializes in the mechanism of action of drugs and their effects on the body.
– Toxicology: Students study the effects of harmful substances on the body.
– Biochemistry: Students study the structure and functions of biochemical substances in the body.
– Microbiology: This course focuses on the study of microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
– Anatomy: This course studies the body’s structure.
– Clinical Pharmacology: This course studies the use of drugs in disease treatment.
– Pharmacotherapy: This course studies the preparation and manufacture of drugs.
– Industrial Pharmacy: This course studies the development and production of drugs.
– Clinical Pharmacy: This course studies the application of drugs in patient care.
– Community Pharmacy: This course studies patient care in the community.
– Environmental Pharmacy: This course studies the effects of drugs on the environment.
– Analytical Pharmacy: This course studies drug analysis methods.
– Neuropharmacology: This course studies the effects of drugs on the nervous system.
– Scientific Research: Scientific research is one of the most important elements of studying pharmacy for a PhD in Malaysia. Students are required to submit an innovative research thesis in their chosen specialization field.
The research topic is selected by the student in collaboration with the academic supervisor and must be new, useful, and executed according to recognized scientific research standards.
– Practical Training: Sometimes, students are required to complete a practical training period in hospitals or research centers to gain practical experience in their chosen specialization field, usually lasting between three to six months.
In general, the coursework for pharmacy PhD major in Malaysia focuses on developing students’ scientific research skills and providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to study and develop various pharmacy fields.
The courses taught vary among Malaysian universities offering pharmacy PhD programs, but all programs generally comply with the standards set by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia.
Employment Opportunities for Pharmacy Graduates in Malaysia
There are diverse employment opportunities available for pharmacy bachelor’s degree graduates due to the significant role pharmacy plays in society and the continuous need for qualified pharmacists.
Here are some prominent employment opportunities for pharmacy bachelor’s degree graduates:
– Pharmacies: Pharmacies are one of the main employment areas for pharmacy graduates. Pharmacists in pharmacies dispense medications to patients, provide them with medical advice, and monitor their health status.
– Pharmaceutical Companies: Pharmaceutical companies are involved in the production and distribution of drugs.
There are many opportunities for pharmacists in pharmaceutical companies, such as working in research and development, production, or marketing and sales.
– Medical Laboratories: Pharmacists work in medical laboratories analyzing drugs and medical materials, monitoring drug quality, and conducting medical research.
– Hospitals and Medical Centers: Pharmacists work in hospitals and medical centers providing healthcare to patients, dispensing medications to them, and monitoring their health status.
– Scientific Research: Scientific research is one of the most important employment areas for pharmacy graduates, where pharmacists conduct scientific research in the field of drugs and medical materials to develop drugs and improve disease treatment.
– Teaching: Pharmacists can teach at universities and colleges, where they teach students the fundamentals of pharmacy.
In addition to these areas, there are many other fields that pharmacists can work in, such as medical sales, medical translation, quality management, and pharmacovigilance.
Employment Opportunities for Master’s Degree in Pharmacy major Graduates
The employment opportunities for master’s and doctoral degree graduates in pharmacy major differ from those available to bachelor’s degree graduates, as master’s and doctoral degrees typically require practical or research experience, making graduates more qualified for advanced positions.
Here are some prominent employment opportunities for master’s and doctoral degree graduates in pharmacy major:
– Scientific Research: Employment opportunities in scientific research are among the most available for master’s degree graduates, where pharmacists conduct scientific research in the field of drugs and medical materials to develop drugs and improve disease treatment.
– Teaching: Master’s degree pharmacists can teach at universities and colleges, where they teach students advanced pharmacy topics.
– Healthcare Management: Master’s degree pharmacists can work in healthcare management, where they develop and manage healthcare programs and ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare to patients.
– Pharmaceutical Industry: Many opportunities are available for master’s degree pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry, such as working in research and development, production, or marketing and sales.
– Government: Many opportunities are available for master’s degree pharmacists in government, such as working in drug monitoring, public health, or hospital management.
In addition to these areas, there are many other fields that master’s and doctoral degree pharmacists can work in, such as clinical pharmacy, clinical pharmacy with a master’s in clinical pharmacy, or veterinary pharmacy.
Languages Available for Studying Pharmacy in Malaysia
– English Language: English is the most common language for studying pharmacy in Malaysia. Most Malaysian universities offer pharmacy programs in English.
– Malay Language: Pharmacy can also be studied in Malaysia in the Malay language. Some Malaysian universities offer pharmacy programs in Malay.
List of Malaysian Universities Offering Pharmacy Major
Public Universities:
– University of Malaya
– Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)
– Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (USM)
– Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UMS)
– Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM)
– Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)
– Taylor’s University
Private Universities:
– Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences
– Management & Science University (MSUM)
– International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)
– UMS North Borneo University
– KDU University
– Monash University Malaysia
– University of New South Wales (UNSW) Malaysia
International Universities:
– University of Nottingham Malaysia
– University of Edinburgh Malaysia
– Monash University Malaysia
– University of New South Wales (UNSW) Malaysia
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