The Ministry of Health Malaysia Recently announced that the Nursing Diploma Requirements have been lowered to SPM 3 Credits for 2025 and 2026 Intakes only
- Malaysia Lowers Nursing Entry Requirements to Address Shortage
- Applicants only need credits in Bahasa Melayu, maths, and a science subject, along with a pass in two other subjects, including English
- Malaysia faces a 60% nurse shortage by 2030
The admission requirements for the diploma in nursing programme have been lowered from 5 SPM credits to 3 credits to tackle Malaysia’s critical nurse shortage. Malaysia’s Health Ministry has lowered the entry requirements for the diploma in nursing programme for the 2025 and 2026 intakes only.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad confirmed the decision, citing an urgent need to boost recruitment due to the dire need for qualified nurses. The change will apply to students enrolling in 2025 and 2026.
Previously, students required five credits, including Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, and a science subject. Now, only three credits are needed to join the Diploma in Nursing course, with a pass in two other subjects, including English.
Experts have long warned that Malaysia faces a 60% nurse shortage by 2030, exacerbated by high-income countries recruiting Malaysian nurses with better salaries and working conditions. If this not addressed promptly and appropriately, the number of people requiring quality nursing care will continue to be affected and the primary goal to improve and protect the health of the individual will continue to be a challenge.
Nurses are essential workforce and form the largest professional group, which comprises healthcare workforce within the healthcare system in contributing significantly in delivering quality healthcare services, and assisting in the improvement of health outcomes for individuals, families and communities either through preventative and curative measures
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