Which are the Best Private Universities in Malaysia that’s Affordable to Study Pharmacy?
Study Pharmacy at a Top Private University in Malaysia
Top Pharmacy Programmes in Malaysia
- List of affordable top private universities in Malaysia offering the Pharmacy programme
- What kind of students should choose to study Pharmacy?
- Course details, Entry Requirements and Career Prospects for Pharmacy
- PTPTN Loan for Pharmacy programmes at private universities in Malaysia
So have you been wondering about a career in Pharmacy? There are many questions running through your mind about the job demand, entry requirements, which universities in Malaysia are best for Pharmacy? and if this course suits you? These are the common questions for students who have just completed their secondary school in Malaysia and is looking for a course that’s related to the sciences.
The Pharmacy programme at private universities would not be cheap and will range from RM120,000 to RM200,000 for a 4-year programme. Students may look at affordable options but should not sacrifice on the quality.
To study this course, students need to choose universities where the degree programme is recognised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board. Students who have just completed their high school would need to go for a Science Pre-University Programme before entering into a top private university for Pharmacy in Malaysia. Entry requirements for pharmacy are higher than for other science courses.
This article will address most of your concerns. Please do fill up the enquiry form for a more in-depth consultation.
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What is Pharmacy?
One might ask, “What is Pharmacy about?”. Pharmacy is about using medications safely and effectively. A Pharmacist is a professional who manages this process.
Pharmacy is about using medications safely and effectively. A Pharmacist is a professional who manages this process. While Doctors diagnose the disease or illness, it is the Pharmacist who are experts in drugs and medications.
Their service is very important to both patients and the health care community. In addition to dispensing prescriptions, they must understand the chemistry, drug reactions, patient’s history, the effects and side effects of drugs.
Pharmacists are experts in drugs and medications and their service is of paramount importance to both patients and the health care community. In addition to dispensing prescriptions, they must understand the chemistry, drug reactions, patient’s history, the effects and side effects of drugs.
A pharmacist is an integral part of any health care system. Pharmacists are experts in drugs and medications and their service is of paramount importance to both patients and the health care community.
In addition to dispensing prescriptions, they must understand the chemistry, drug reactions, patient’s history, the effects and side effects of drugs.
Unlike earlier times, pharmacy is a field that requires its practitioners to be flexible in their job and adaptable to the changing nature of the healthcare industry. Firstly, the worldwide trend is moving towards specialisation in the distribution of medication and pharmaceutical care is influencing pharmacy practice in this region of the world.
Secondly, the changing environment in retail pharmacy sector from individually owned pharmacy shops to nationwide chain stores is demanding an adaptability of pharmacy graduates. Thirdly, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry in Malaysia is in dire need of experts in industrial pharmacy.
In Malaysia, job opportunities abound for pharmacists. Besides employment in traditional venues such as hospitals and private clinics, pharmacy graduates are engaged in other areas such as research and development, drug enforcement and academia. In all these areas, pharmacists play an important role in the health of the country.
In all these areas, pharmacists play an important role in the health of the country.
Which are the Best Private Universities in Malaysia that’s Affordable to Study Pharmacy?
Leow En Qi and Sin Jie, graduated from Pharmacy
Studying Pharmacy at a private university in Malaysia can be expensive for some students. Without sacrificing on quality, students should look at affordable universities that have years of experience, facilities, qualified lecturers and an English-speaking student environment.
The fees for the Pharmacy programme at some private universities can be quite low but the facilities that they offer are lacking. It is better to invest in a reputable private university that provide better facilities and a overall university experience.
Top private universities in Malaysia that you can consider studying the Pharmacy degree course are:
Other universities that you can opt for if you have the finances are Monash University, University of Nottingham and International Medical University (IMU).
All of their courses are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and recognised by the Malaysian Pharmacy Board.
Who Should Study Pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a good choice for students who excel in Chemistry and Biology with a strong passion for healthcare. It is also a mix of practical and academics hence would attract students who don’t like to sit down full time in an office job.
In addition, studying a Pharmacy degree is an excellent decision if you’re a people person. You get to interact with all kinds of people who share their problems in detail so that you can offer them the right advice and medicine.
Obviously, you need to be a good active listener and show empathy. But if human interaction is truly important to you, working as a pharmacist will fulfil your needs.
Students who have a strong passion about helping people to stay healthy should consider a career in Pharmacy. Whether it’s prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, pharmacists provide people what they need to stay healthy. In some cases, pharmacists might even prepare medicine on the spot, using a small laboratory inside the pharmacy or drug store.
The responsibilities of a pharmacist can also vary. By working in a hospital with other doctors, you might decide the right dosage for certain prescriptions. If you become a pharmacist in a smaller community, you can fulfil additional roles like vaccinating people or keeping them informed about the latest medical issues.
Pharmacists also need to pay very close attention to the patients’ medical history and the drugs they are selling. Some people can have strong adverse reactions, which might put their life in danger. The same adverse effects can show up by combining different types of medicine.
What Subjects do I need in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels in order to Join a Pharmacy Course?
To enter a Science Pre-University programme continuing into the Pharmacy programme, SPM or IGCSE/O-Level students must achieve at least 5Bs including Biology and Chemistry and Physics and Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics) and other one subject.
How Long is the Duration of a Pharmacy Degree?
A Bachelor of Pharmacy degree programme in Malaysia will take 4 years to complete. Subsequently, you will need to go for a 1-year housemanship or Provisionally Registered Pharmacists (PRP) training .
What will You Study in the Pharmacy Programme?
The Pharmacy Degree programme is geared towards the patient as the major focus for the application of knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences. The programme will equip students with the scientific, clinical and professional knowledge as well as strong communication skills to positively impact the healthcare system.
The Pharmacy degree will cover four main areas:
- Physiology and Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology
- Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice
Assessments
The assessment methods for the Pharmacy Degree Programme include various assignments, practical & visitation reports, oral presentations, research project viva, patient counseling, tutorials, problem based sessions and finally the examinations
Compulsory Training for Pharmacy in Malaysia Shortened to 1 year
Accreditation
What are the Entry Requirements to Enter the Pharmacy Programme at a Private University in Malaysia?
The entry requirements below are for most private universities in Malaysia however each university may have different requirements so do check with the particular university of interest for their requirements.
In addition, some universities will require an interview as well.
- A- Level
- 3B or 2A1C or 1A1B1C in Biology and Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics with minimum “B” in Chemistry
- With reference to the Score system of the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) carried out at United Kingdom for A-level result with score of A+ = 140, A=120, B=100 and C=80
- 3B proposed by LFM is equal to the total score of 300 with B for Chemistry course
- STPM
- 3B or 2A1C or 1A1B1C in Biology and Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics with minimum “B” in Chemistry
- Overall CGPA minimum 3
- Matriculation or Pre-Study in Medicine and Pharmacy
- CGPA 3.0 and above with minimum “B” in Chemistry
- Minimum 1 year of study
- Pass SPM with minimum 5B in Biology and Chemistry and Physics and Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics) and other one subject at School Certificate level or equivalent
- Foundation in Sciences
- CGPA 3.0 and above with minimum B in Chemistry
- Minimum 1 year of study
- Pass SPM with minimum 5B in Biology and Chemistry and Physics and Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics) and other one subject at School Certificate level or equivalent
- Diploma
- Diploma in Science (Chemistry or Biology or Physics) CGPA 3.75 and above including B in Chemistry subject
OR
- Diploma in Pharmacy CGPA 3.5 and above
- Minimum 1 year of study
- Pass SPM with minimum 5B in Biology and Chemistry and Physics and Mathematics (or Additional Mathematics) and other one subject at School Certificate level or equivalent
- First Degree in Science
- First Degree in Science CGPA 2.75 and above (CGPA 2.75 = Gred C+)
- UEC
- Pass UEC with minimum Grade B4 in 5 subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics or one other subject.
- Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) /Tertiary Entrance Education (TEE) /South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) /New South Wales Higher Education Certificate (HSC) (Year 12) /Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) (Year 12) /Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) (Year 12) /Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY)
- Aggregate 80% include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics in which minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent
OR
- TER/ UAI/ ENTER/ ATAR 80 include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics in which minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent
- South Australian Matriculation (SAM)/ Western Australian Curriculum Council/ University of New South Wales Foundation/ Trinity College Foundation/ Higher School Certificate-Sydney Australia
Aggregate 80% include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics in which minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent
OR
- TER/ UAI/ ENTER/ ATAR 80 include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics in which minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent
- Canadian Pre-U (CPU)/ Canadian International Matriculation Program (CIMP)
- Aggregate 80% include Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics with minimum “B” in Chemistry or equivalent
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Pass IB with minimum 30 points (exclusive of bonus points) for two Science or Mathematics subjects at Higher Level (HL) and another one Science subject at Standard Level (SL) with minimum 4 points for Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics
- Other International Qualifications Deemed Equivalent to STPM/A-Level by Malaysian Qualifications Agency
- Aggregate 80% for three subjects (Chemistry, Biology and Physics or Mathematics) with minimum “80%” in Chemistry or equivalent
What are the Career Options for Pharmacy Graduates in Malaysia?
- Community pharmacy
- Industrial pharmacy
- Hospital & clinical pharmacy
PTPTN Loan for Pharmacy
The Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional (PTPTN), is an agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Education that provides educational financing for students.
Basically, the PTPTN Loan is open to all Malaysian students who are enrolled for Pharmacy degree programmes at approved private universities or colleges for courses that are accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).
|
Amount of loan that you can get for Pharmacy per year. |
Household Income | ||
<RM4,000MAKSIMUM(RM) 17,000 |
<RM8,00075%(RM) 12,750 |
>RM8,00050%(RM) 8,500 |
|
Will I be able to get the Full Loan Amount?
The PTPTN loan is divided into three categories – full, partial and tuition fees only. The amount of the loan is determined by the applicant’s monthly household nett income and number of dependants.
| Category of Education Funding | Monthly Household Nett Income (RM)* |
|---|---|
| Full | Not exceeding 4,000 |
| Partial | More than 4,000 but not exceeding 5,000 |
| Tuition fees only | More than 5,000 |
* The monthly household nett income will be subtracted with the number of dependents (1 dependent = RM250)
Peringkat jumlah pembiayaan ditentukan berdasarkan kelayakan di bawah:-
|
PERINGKAT PEMBIAYAAN |
KELAYAKAN |
|
Maksimum |
Sekiranya pelajar atau penjaga pelajar disenaraikan sebagai penerima Bantuan Rakyat 1 Malaysia (BR1M) |
|
75% daripada pembiayaan maksimum |
Pendapatan keluarga tidak melebihi RM8,000 (tiada dalam data BR1M) |
|
50% daripada pembiayaan maksimum |
Pendapatan keluarga melebihi RM8,000 (tiada dalam data BR1M) |
How will the PTPTN Loan be Disbursed?
Mode of Payment Payment from PTPTN will be made TWICE a year directly into the university’s account. Students must make payment of first semester’s tuition fees to the university and then apply for the PTPN Loan for it to come into effect for the second semester.
