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ABOUT

The path towards becoming a doctor is long and challenging but one that sees no shortage of takers. It is a selfless calling, dedicated to the service of others and yet, is one of the most personally fulfilling career options to embark on.

Medicine Degree

To take up medicine, you need good grades coupled with total commitment to stay on the course. Hence, it is important that the decision to be a doctor is yours, not your parents’ or anyone else’s.

The IMU Medical programme focuses on Medical Sciences for the first 2.5 years. Students then proceed to undertake Clinical Training either at IMU’s Clinical Campuses in the southern part of Malaysia or at a Partner Medical School (PMS) overseas. The IMU awards the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree – MBBS (IMU) – to students upon completion of the IMU 5-year Medicine programme while students who complete their degree at a Partner Medical School will be awarded with a degree from the Partner Medical School.

From August 2017, IMU has incorporated the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Preparatory Course into the IMU medical curriculum across Semesters 1 to 10. This allows IMU medical graduates to prepare early for the USMLE leading to potential career opportunities in the United States of America. In addition, students will be given opportunities for clinical electives in selected hospitals in the USA to broaden their learning experience in different healthcare systems.

Overseas Clinical Electives

Students will have the opportunity of doing their clinical electives in selected hospitals in the USA in order to enhance their learning experience in different healthcare systems.

School of Medicine was conferred the Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) ASPIRE for Excellence Award in the area of  “Student Engagement” at 2013’s AMEE conference in Prague, Czech Republic.

Key Facts

DEGREE

  • MBBS (IMU)
  • Medical degree from Partner Medical Schools

Commencement

  • February and September

total duration

  • 5 years (MBBS from IMU)
  • 4½ – 6 years (Degree from Partner Universities)

International Students

  • Presently, international students are not able to do their housemanship in Malaysia

Medical Sciences Degree

The Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Honours) at IMU is a six-month programme that provides an opportunity for medical students to gain an understanding of research in a variety of areas.

The Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Honours), BMedSc (Hons) programme was initiated in 2003 and is an accredited 3 years honours degree. The first 2.5 years focus on the Medical Sciences as part of the IMU Medical programme (MBBS) in Bukit Jalil campus.

On completion, the Phase 1 MBBS students are eligible to spend an additional two (2) semesters to undertake a research project and submit a dissertation. The student will be supervised on the preparation of research proposal, designing and executing of research methodology using various scientific tools, data analysis, presentation and preparation of the dissertation and manuscripts for publication. In addition, there is a coursework covering various aspects of research methodology.

At the end of this programme, the student will be equipped with new knowledge and practical experience such as in the areas of:

  • Scientific research methodology
  • Analytical skills during data analysis and evaluation of results
  • Statistical methods relevant to research
  • Application of information technology to research
  • Ethical issues pertinent to research
  • Scientific writing
  • Literature search and review process
  • Health and safety issues in laboratory and experimental practice

This degree is a prerequisite for those who intend to transfer to Graduate Partner Medical Schools (PMS). It is also offered to those who are transferring to undergraduate PMS and Seremban Clinical Campus. It is also an option for students who wish to exit the programme with an honours degree in Medical Sciences.

Key Facts

DEGREE

  • Bachelor in Medical Sciences (Hons) (IMU)

Commencement

  • February and August

total duration

  • 3 years

Why Study Medicine at IMU?

An Established Private Medical and Healthcare University

IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university with over 30 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education.

IMU achieved a Tier-6 rating in the SETARA ratings of Malaysian Universities and University-Colleges awarded by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA).

Build Your Future Healthcare Professional Network

As IMU offers the widest range of healthcare programmes, our students are fully immersed in a vibrant community of students and practitioners from all healthcare fields.

This allows for the development of strong friendship amongst peers that will be the foundation of an extensive healthcare professional network upon graduation.

Largest Private Medical School in Malaysia

IMU’s MBBS programme was established in 1999 and to date has the highest number of faculty members, registered students and successful graduates of any other private medical schools in Malaysia.

The School has been re-accredited by Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) and Malaysia Medical Council (MMC) for a maximum duration of 5 years (2015 – 2020).

Curriculum Benchmarked to International Standards

IMU’s medical curriculum has been developed to meet high international standards and is accepted by 21 international partner universities for credit transfer into their medical programmes.

The medical curriculum is not only benchmarked to meet high international standards but now it also provides a pathway for our graduates to train and work in the United States with the incorporation of the USMLE Step 1 Preparatory Course into the IMU medical curriculum across Semesters 1 to 10.

This is to allow future medical graduates to begin early preparation and be competent to sit for USMLE Step 1 examination that carves a path towards United States residency opportunities.

Better Preparation for Housemanship and a Career as a Doctor

With clinical exposure as early as Semester 1 and an intensive 6-month Senior Clerkship at Hospital Batu Pahat / Hospital Kluang in Semester 10 (unique in Malaysia), students with a MBBS (IMU) are better prepared for patient care, housemanship training and to become better doctors.

Programme Structure

Semester Contents

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
  • Introduction to Health Professions
  • Cellular Response 1
  • Cellular Response 2
  • Cellular Response 3
  • Integrated Courses 1
  • Cardiorespiratory 1
  • Cardiorespiratory 2
  • Cardiorespiratory 3
  • Early Clinical Attachment (ECA): Community Service
  • Research,Innovation and Evidence-Based Medicine 1
  • Alimentary & Genitourinary 1
  • Alimentary and Genitourinary 2
  • Alimentary & Genitourinary 3
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Early Clinical Attachment (ECA): General Practice
  • Integrated Courses 3 including Forensic Medicine
Semester 4 Semester 5 Semester 6
  • Special Study Course 1
  • Neuroscience & Locomotion 1
  • Neuroscience & Locomotion 2
  • Neuroscience & Locomotion 3
  • Integrated Courses 4 Early Clinical Attachment (ECA): Public Health Service
  • Research,Innovation and Evidence-based Medicine 2
  • Special Study Course 2
  • Transition to Clinical Practice
  • Healthcare Delivery Science
  • Primary Care Medicine
  • Internal Medicine 1
  • General Surgery 1
Semester 7 Semester 8 Semester 9
  • Special Senses
  • Acute Medicine and Trauma 1
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology1
  • Paediatrics
  • Orthopaedics
  • Psychiatry
  • Special Study Course 3
  • Acute Medicine & Trauma 2
  • Family Medicine
  • Internal Medicine 2
  • General Surgery 2
  • Special Study Course 4
Semester 10
  • Internal Medicine 3
  • General Surgery 3
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology 2
  • Paediatrics 2
  • Integrated courses include Precision Medicine, Professionalism and Personal Development, Rationale and Safety Prescribing, Healthcare Delivery Science.
  • The curriculum is reviewed periodically and is subject to change.
  • The MPU modules are compulsory modules imposed by Ministry of Higher Education under the Private Higher Educational Institutions Act 1996 (Act 555)
  • All students must take these modules and pass as a prerequisite for the award of the degree.

Entry Requirement

Examinations Requirements
A- Levels BBB or ABC in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics
STPM cGPA 3.00 with BBB or ABC in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics
Australian Matriculation ATAR 80 including
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent
NCEA Level 3 Average of 80% in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics AND attained 5Bs in Biology,Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent
Canadian Grade 12/13 80% aggregate in 6 subjects (with an average of 80% in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics) AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent
Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) B4 in 5 subjects
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics; and
~Advanced Mathematics I; and
~Advanced Mathematics II
Australian University Foundation Programmes 80% aggregate or ATAR 80 (with an average of 80% in 3 subjects
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics) AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent
Indian Pre-University Average of 70% in all subjects (with an average of 70% in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics)and Pass the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Exam AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent
Ministry of Education Matriculation # Overall cGPA 3.00 (with cGPA 3.00 in Biology and Chemistry and Mathematics / Physics)
AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB) Entry Requirement from 2024
33 points with a minimum score of 5 in each Biology, Chemistry & Mathematics at Higher Level (HL)
AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent
American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP)
Foundation Studies # IMU Foundation in Science
Overall cGPA 3.00 (with cGPA 3.00 in Biology and Chemistry and Mathematics)and attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level* Foundation in Science or equivalent from other institutions will be subjected to the Dean’s approval on a case by case basis*
Degree BSc in related field:
cGPA 3.00
Diploma Diploma in Health Sciences – cGPA 3.50 and provided duration is not less than 5 semesters or 2.5 years in the same accredited institution and attained 2Bs each in Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and 3Cs in English, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level

# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.

Foundation in Science
  • Foundation in Science qualifications from other higher education institutions will be considered on a case by case basis for admission into the local IMU programmes.
  • Students with IMU Foundation in Science can apply into IMU programmes and programmes with selected credit transfer options, upon meeting the entry requirement eligibility. **
    (Please refer to IMU Foundation in Science brochure for more details)
For admissions into the IMU Foundation in Science programme, students will need:
  • Pass SPM / O-Levels with minimum 5 credits in Mathematics, 2 Science subjects and 2 other subjects. Note: Specific SPM / O-Levels requirements may be needed for admissions into IMU programmes.

English Language Requirement

MUET* Band score of 4; or
(For Malaysian students)
IELTS Overall band score of 6.5; 0r
Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE)* Overall score of 176; or
Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE)* Overall score of 176; or
Cambridge Linguaskill* Overall score of 180; or
Pearson Test of English (PTE)* Overall score of 63; or
Credit Transfer IELTS Overall band score of 7.0

* ONLY applicable for those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia

Note

Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes.

Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

Application and Registration Fees

Fee Malaysian Student (RM) International Student (RM)
Application Fee 300 950
Registration Fee 1300 3,400
Refundable Caution Deposit 2,000 2,000
  • Application fee is payable upon submission of application.
  • Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office.
  • All students who are applying for the NHEF loans are required to pay their semester fees in FULL by the due date stated in the invoice.
  • The fees quoted for partner universities are current estimates only
  • Student must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees
  • All tuition and ancillary fees are subject to annual increases, currency exchange rates, and exclusive of levy and bridging fees (if any).
  • All students are required to pay Student Association Fees of RM40 per semester.
  • As stipulated by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, international students are required to pay Student Visa Application fee of RM2,500 AND personal bond (depending on nationality) upon registration.
  • Total fee for B Med Sc is RM41,300. The average total study duration varies with each partner university.
  • * Overseas fees are indicative and subject to annual increase and currency exchange rate. Fees are exclusive of levy and bridging fee.
  • ** Last intake for possible transfer to Partner University in Ireland is February 2024.

Fee Structure

malaysian student

Total Duration (years) Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Semester (RM) Transfer Fee Per Semester (RM) Tuition Fee Per Year (RM)
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
At International Medical University
Phase 1 & Phase 2 5 5 10 54,000 108,000
Degree from Partner University
Phase 1 at International Medical University (IMU)
5 54,000 4,500* 108,000
Phase 2 at Partner Medical School (PMS)
Country Average Total Duration (years) Average Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Year *
Australia 3 6 AUD 75,000 – 95,500
Ireland** 3 6 € 44,500
New Zealand 3 6 NZD 96,500
United Kingdom 3 6 £ 39,300 – 81,200

International student

Total Duration (years) Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Semester (RM) Transfer Fee Per Semester (RM) Tuition Fee Per Year (RM)
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
At International Medical University
Phase 1 & Phase 2 5 5 10 59,250 118,500
Degree from Partner University
Phase 1 at International Medical University (IMU)
5 59,250 4,500* 118,500
Phase 2 at Partner Medical School (PMS)
Country Average Total Duration (years) Average Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Year *
Australia 3 6 AUD 75,000 – 95,500
Ireland 3 6 € 44,500
New Zealand 3 6 NZD 96,500
United Kingdom 3 6 £ 39,300 – 81,200
Country Estimated Living Costs
(Per Year)
Exchange Rate
(As of Dec 2023)
Estimated Living Cost (Per Year) Australia AUD 21,000 – AUD 30,000 ≈ RM 65,900 – RM 94,200 AUD 1 ≈ RM3.14
Canada CAD 28,000 ≈ RM 98,000 CAD 1 ≈ RM3.50
China RMB 85,000 ≈ RM 56,100 RMB 1 ≈ RM0.66
Ireland EUR 12,000 ≈ RM 62,000 EUR 1 ≈ RM5.17
New Zealand NZD 22,000 – NZD 26,000 ≈ RM 64,500 – RM 76,200 NZD 1 ≈ RM2.93
United Kingdom GBP 10,000 – 22,700 ≈ RM60,000 – RM 136,200 GBP 1 ≈ RM6.00
United States of America USD 16,000 ≈ RM 75,800 USD 1 ≈ RM4.74
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia RM36,000 RM36,000

Course Duration

DURATION OF MEDICAL PROGRAMME
UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY
Full duration of study: 4½ to 5½ years (depending on the University)
Phase 1 (IMU) Phase 2 Total
MALAYSIA
International Medical University 2½ years 2½ years 5 years
AUSTRALIA
University of Adelaide, Australia 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Newcastle, Australia 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Tasmania, Australia 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
Western Sydney University, Australia 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
NEW ZEALAND
University of Otago, New Zealand 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
UNITED KINGDOM
University of Aberdeen, Scotland 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Birmingham, England 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Buckingham, England 2½ years 2½ years 5 years
University of Central Lancashire, England 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Dundee, Scotland 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Edinburgh, Scotland 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Glasgow, Scotland 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Leeds, England 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Liverpool, England 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Manchester, England 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Nottingham, England 2½ years 2½ years 5 years
Queen Mary University of London, England 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
Queen’s University of Belfast, Northern Ireland 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Southampton, England 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
IRELAND
National University of Ireland, Galway 2½ years 2½ years 5 years
DURATION OF MEDICAL PROGRAMME
GRADUATE ENTRY
Full duration of study: 4½ to 6½ years (depending on the University)
Option A Phase 1 (IMU) Phase 2 Total
AUSTRALIA
University of New South Wales, Australia ##,### 3 years 3 years 6 years
UNITED KINGDOM
University of Warwick, England# 2½ or 3 years 3 years 5½ or 6 years

UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY

If you choose this route, you will compete for a place in every PMS, except UNSW and UW.

GRADUATE ENTRY

For University of Warwick, student with a first degree on entry may transfer after 2½ years. Students without a first degree will have to spend another year to complete the IMU Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Hons) to be eligible to transfer. The IMU Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Hons) is one year programme. Please click HERE  for more information on this programme.

The qualification should fulfil the following, with final approval from the University of Warwick:

  1. IMU Students can transfer to a graduate school to complete the Second Part provided that they have a First Degree in any field at the required standard. IMU will also consider matriculation/ pre-u qualifications when selecting students. IMU will also look at the maturity level of the students.
  2. The minimum entry requirement for IMU for the inception into the Medical Programme with an:  i)  Undergraduate level Degree at Second Upper class (2:1) and the Degree must be for an Honours-Level programme or equivalent.
  3. IMU students must have IELTS academic score of 7.0 or above with a minimum of 7.0 in two components and 6.5 in another two components of the test or equivalent qualifications as defined by UoW taken within the last two (2) years at the point of application to UoW, or if already achieved on entry to IMU, within two (2) years of commencing the first part of the programme.

# For University of Warwick, student with a first degree on entry may transfer after 2½ years.

## For University of New South Wales, students are required to complete the IMU Bachelor in Medical Sciences (Hons) prior to transfer.

### UNSW however, accepts First Degree on case to case basis.

Matching Process for Students Going to Partner Medical Schools (PMS) Abroad

The matching process is carried out early in the fifth semester. It is computerised and completely impartial. The students state their choice of PMS in strict order of preference. The PMS also rank the students based on their academic performance, student attributes and involvement in co-curricular activities. The computerised programme gives 5 times greater weighting to the students’ choice over the PMS ranking of students.

PATHWAY TO THE PARTNER MEDICAL SCHOOL (PMS) THROUGH A GRADUATE ENTRY

These graduate medical schools normally only admit candidates with a first degree eg BSc into their 4-year programme. Because of the unique nature of the IMU Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Hons) degree, candidates with this degree are given credit for exemption to part of the 4-year course. This can result in considerable savings in tuition fees and living expenses overseas.

You will be matched to one of the three graduate-entry medical schools mentioned above.

1) Do not have a degree at the time of entry into IMU you will do Phase 1 (2½ years). You can qualify for entry into the BMedSci degree if you have not failed any major examination during Phase 1. To get the IMU Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMed Sci)(Hons) degree, you will have to remain for 6 months to complete a research-based degree, the BMed Sci at the IMU. You must achieve an upper second class degree. If you do not achieve an upper second class degree, or have failed a major examination in Phase 1, every effort will be made to offer you a place in an undergraduate PMS. In the unlikely event that there is no PMS place, there will be a place for you in the IMU Clinical School.

2) Have an UPPER SECOND CLASS degree when you enter IMU, you could transfer to UW upon successfully completing Phase 1 (2½ years) in IMU, provided you have not failed any major examination during the course.

  • Through a matching process, you will spend 2½ years at the UW.
  • You will have 2 degrees (BMed Sci from IMU and the MBBS equivalent from the PMS).

PATHWAY TO THE PARTNER MEDICAL SCHOOL (PMS) THROUGH A UNDERGRADUATE ENTRY

This is the current PMS route that the majority of our medical students take. You will be matched to a Partner Medical School for another 2½ to 3 years upon successfully completing Phase 1.

POLICY ON RESTRICTIONS OF TRANSFER OF STUDENTS TO PARTNER MEDICAL SCHOOLS

Our Partner Medical School (PMS) are prepared to accept non-Malaysian students. However, students with citizenship in any countries of the PMS will not be eligible to transfer to:

1) The country where they hold citizenship.
2) or hold citizenship with the bloc of countries that shares the same Medical Council, e.g. Australia and New Zealand

Thus:

  • Citizens or PR holders of Australia or New Zealand will not be matched to any of the PMS in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Citizens or PR holders of United Kingdom, Ireland, or members of the European Union will not be matched to any of the PMS in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Effectively all United Kingdom, Irish and Australian Schools are prepared to accept international students.

Students with citizenship and permanent resident status in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and United Kingdom are advised to check with the Admission Department on their eligibility to apply.

* The list of Partner Medical Schools is subject to change from time to time.
The IMU is not responsible for housemanship training.

Partner Universities

As an assurance of a total commitment towards quality education in medicine, the IMU maintains its relationship with many partner universities in Australia, Ireland, and United Kingdom. The list of partner universities is subject to change.

Our Alumni

Our alumni today have embarked on diverse and promising career paths across various industries. They are a true testament to the versatility of their education, as they continue to excel in a wide range of professional healthcare fields.

  • Asiri Medical Hospital Sri Lanka
  • Cryocord
  • Freelancer.com
  • Harley Street Fertility Centre
  • Hospital Umum Sarawak
  • Hospital Seberang Jaya
  • Hospital Bintulu
  • Hospital Duchess of Kent
  • Hospital Eche Besar Hajjah Khalsom
  • Hospital Ipoh
  • Hospital Jerantut
  • Hospital Kajang
  • Hospital Kemaman
  • Hospital Klang
  • Hospital Kuala Lumpur
  • Hospital Kulim Kedah
  • Hospital Manjung
  • Hospital Melaka
  • Hospital Miri
  • Hospital Pakar Sultanah Fatimah
  • Hospital Permatang Pauh
  • Hospital Pulau Pinang
  • Hospital Putrajaya
  • Hospital Queen Elizabeth, Kota Kinabalu
  • Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bahru
  • Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun
  • Hospital Sarawak
  • Hospital Seberang Jaya
  • Hospital Segamat
  • Hospital Selayang
  • Hospital Serdang
  • Hospital Seri ManjungHospital Shah Alam
  • Hospital Sibu
  • Hospital Sultan Abdul Halim, Sungai Petani
  • Hospital Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah
  • Hospital Sultan Ismail
  • Hospital Sultanah Aminah
  • Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah
  • Hospital Sultanah Nora Ismail
  • Hospital Sungai Buloh
  • Hospital Taiping
  • Hospital Teluk Intan
  • Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan
  • Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah
  • Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah
  • Hospital Tuanku Fauziah
  • Hospital Tuanku Jaafar
  • Hospital University Sains Malaysia
  • Hospital Wathupitiwala, Sri Lanka
  • Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (Maldives)
  • Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH)
  • International Medical University
  • Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
  • Minisity of Health, Maldives
  • NHS Dumfries and Galloway
  • NHS, UK
  • Ninewells Hospital
  • North Cumbria University Hospital
  • Northampton General Hospital
  • Nottingham University Hospital
  • Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Harare, Zimbabwe
  • Public Medic Care Group
  • Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
  • Royal Blackburn Hospital
  • Sarawak General Hospital
  • Singapore General Hospital
  • Subang Jaya Medical Centre
  • Sunway Medical Centre
  • Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital
  • Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
  • University Malaya Medical Centre
  • Warrington and Halton Hospitals

Views from Our Community

Shahkeerah Kamarul

Student, Medicine

IMU introduces its medical degree that upholds its holistic approach and has garnered a lot of attention from students globally. As a medical student from one of the top medical schools in Malaysia, I am very proud to be accepted in this university that provides a curriculum which trains students to apply critical knowledge, thus preparing us to be holistic and competent doctors in the future. They divide IMU Medical degree into two stages, which are the Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences. IMU curriculum in medical sciences specifically are very thorough that allow students to be on par with students of top universities in the world, especially those in the United States of America as it amalgamates curriculum from the USMLE. My experience as a preclinical (Medical Sciences) student who has undergone these changes is very much challenging at first. However, the adequate resources provided by the School of Medicine has helped me to boost my grades, especially in critical times like this. From my experience throughout my Medical Sciences years, IMU has definitely prepared us not only theoretically but also practically to face our Clinical Sciences years with multitudinous efforts such as excellent clinical skills sessions, hospital attachments and also clinical case discussions under the tutelage of committed lecturers, it has shed some light on our curiosity of the upcoming clinical years. Although facing a challenging year with the recent pandemic, IMU has always prioritised their students and is trying to offer the best solutions that favour students’ current situation. I should award the lecturers with the highest praises, as they are always accessible throughout the day, even on weekends. Some of them will go beyond their working hours to entertain the needs of the students in this challenging time.   The School of Medicine has always been supportive of student development, especially in leadership skills by allowing students to take part in various conferences, competitions and leadership programmes and be part of the event as a main committee alongside with reputable professors from all over the world. These experiences somehow help students to grow beyond the medical field, shaping us to be an all-rounder. If I were to turn back time and choose again, I would definitely choose IMU again and again. I hope to see more IMU Alumni engraving their names on the international plaque.

Tee Chen Giap

Student, Medicine

The curriculum emphasises on clinical exposure even during the early pre-Clinical phase of training, which eases the integration of pre-clinical students into their clinical phase of training via hospital visits, exposure rotations in various departments and simulated clinical learning. Online resources like Up-To-Date and AMBOSS also complements our learning within the hospital environment, off-campus and on campus sessions as well. Finally, IMU provides various avenues for students to strive to be better versions of themselves via clubs, societies, conferences, competitions and networking opportunities which further enriched my student experience. All in all, I am glad be part of the School of Medicine in IMU and I am excited to see new frontiers IMU will go into for the coming years.

Dr Sushela Devi Somanath

Senior Lecturer and Head of Department, Microbiology Department

I am with IMU since 1994 and at that time it was just a fledgling university amongst the other bigger universities in the country. It started as a little seed in the minds of its founders- Tan Sri Dr Kamal Salih, Dr Mei Ling Young, Dr Saidi Hashim and Prof Ong Kok Hai. Together they roped in two leading medical educationists -Professor Ian Hart and Professor Ron Harden and a STAR was born. Together with our partner schools, we built a one of its kind medical university in Malaysia. We literally started off with very few amenities, a small building, and an even smaller number of staff. However, managers, academics and non- academics alike worked towards a common goal, beating the odds, and forging ahead to create a unique learning environment which would allow our students and faculty to thrive and grow. Hence, we have arrived at a good place today and are determined to move forward together with our partner schools and our students. IMU is growing day by day and soon we will be having our very own hospital. This fills me with a sense of awe as to how we began and to what we have now achieved. I have a deep respect for how our faculty and support services have bent over backwards to serve our students. In all my numerous years, I have seen many students walk through these corridors and emerging as dedicated professionals. It fills us all with pride to see them as responsible, caring, and dedicated professionals. I hope that the School of Medicine continues to surge ahead with new innovations in teaching and learning and a commitment to create a better tomorrow for our students.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the structure of the IMU medical programme?

The IMU medical programme is structured in two phases: Phase 1, Medical Sciences and Phase 2, Clinical Training.

 

Phase 1 (Medical Sciences)
This phase of 5 semesters (2½ years) focuses on the Medical Sciences and is undertaken at the University’s campus in Bukit Jalil. Completion of Phase 1 in Malaysia enables all students to become familiar with local health conditions and facilities in rural and urban settings. From the second Semester, students gain early clinical exposure at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Seremban, Kuala Kubu Baru Hospital and other government health centres and private clinics in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor.

 

Phase 2 (Clinical Training)
On completion of Phase 1, students proceed to Phase 2 which focuses on clinical training. Students may choose to undertake this training either at the IMU Clinical Campus in Seremban or at a Partner Medical Schools (PMS) overseas. The overseas duration varies from 2 to 3 years. Note: Students are to choose where to take their Phase 2 option at the time of application and this option is indicated on the letter offering a place.

What are the aims and key features of the local MBBS (IMU) degree?

Through its teaching, the IMU aims to produce “reflective medical practitioners” and “caring doctors”. Students who wish to undertake a medical programme completely in Malaysia can join the IMU Clinical Campus in the Seremban subcampus for the final 2½ years.

 

Key features of IMU programme include:

  • An adaptive curriculum
  • Outcome-based education
  • Technology-driven learning
  • Dynamic, experienced and eminent faculty
  • Clinical training in Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Seremban
  • Regular assessments and feedback
  • Well-equipped Skills Centre and a Learning Resource Centre comprising of a library, medical museum and e-learning resources.

What are the teaching/learning approaches used?

The IMU has an integrated systems-based curriculum for its medical programme and uses a variety of approaches to its teaching and learning activities. These include lectures, problem-based learning (PBL), practical classes, independent learning, clinical skills sessions and clinical training with patient contact at the Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Seremban and other health clinics in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor.

 

The early exposure of students to clinical experiences emphasises the importance of the basic sciences to its clinical application and serves to stimulate students’ interest in medicine.

 

Note: Students are to choose where to take their Phase 2 option at the time of application and this option is indicated on the letter offering a place.

What is the duration of the IMU medical programme?

What are the semester contents?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]

What are the semester contents for Phase 2 (Clinical Training) in the IMU Clinical Campus?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]

When do students get clinical exposure?

Experiential learning occurs in the real clinical settings or simulation. Students are exposed to incremental clinical experiential learning from Year 1 with opportunities to experience, participate and evaluate the full spectrum of care from primary to tertiary prevention. The early exposure emphasizes the importance of clinical application of basic science, focusing on wellness and disease prevention and helps to stimulate students’ interest in Medicine.

What is the aim of the clinical exposure?

The aim of the clinical exposure is to ensure that students gain sufficient interviewing and examining skills before transferring to the clinical course provided by the IMU Clinical Campus or the Partner Medical Schools (PMS). In addition, they will obtain experience in the common presentation of diseases in Malaysian patients. This is important for their practice of medicine in Malaysia.

Where are the IMU Clinical Campuses?

IMU has four clinical campuses, one in Seremban, one in Batu Pahat, one  in Kluang and the other in Kuala Pilah. The IMU Clinical Campus in Seremban is a purpose-built 5-storey teaching block located next to Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Seremban. This building with a built-up area of about 62,000 sq ft is linked to the Hospital via a walkway.

 

Hospital Batu Pahat became an additional teaching facility for IMU in 2003 and currently Semester 10 students undergo their 6 months of Senior Clerkship at Hospital Batu Pahat. During this semester, students work in wards as junior house officers under the supervision of senior clinicians, in order to prepare them for their house officer posting. This is important for the students as they will be provided the opportunity of incremental responsibility for independent patient management.

 

In 2008, Hospital Tuanku Ampuan Najihah (HTAN) in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan was sanctioned by the Ministry of Health as an additional teaching hospital for the IMU. An IMU teaching resource was set-up at a building near the hospital.

What are the teaching facilities in the Clinical Campus?

The teaching facilities include:

  • Airway Laboratory
  • Library
  • On-call Rooms
  • Clinical Skills Unit
  • Simulation Ward
  • Problem-based Learning Rooms(PBL)
  • Conference Room

What teaching hospitals/clinics are used by the IMU?

Besides Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar, Seremban, the other teaching hospitals used are Hospital Port Dickson, Hospital Batu Pahat, Hospital Kuala Pilah, Hospital Kuala Kubu Bharu, Hospital Gombak and Hospital Kluang. Students are also taught at district hospitals as well as community health clinics, government health clinics and family practice clinics in Negeri Sembilan and Selangor.

Who are the teaching staff?

Most of the academic staff (which include local and overseas trained lecturers) are full-time. Through arrangements with our Partner Medical Schools (PMS), experienced academic staff come as visiting lecturers to teach specialised subjects on a rotational basis at IMU. In addition, experienced academicians and clinicians from Malaysian medical schools and research institutes, as well as consultants in private practice are also invited to teach the students.

What is the medium of instruction?

The medium of instruction is English. Students who come from a system of education in which the medium of instruction is not English are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English by making their own arrangements to attend additional English Language classes before entering the IMU.

 

It is compulsory for students to attend a course in Bahasa Malaysia as the national language is used in both community health work and the practice of medicine in Malaysia.

What happens after I graduate as a doctor?

All medical graduates have to complete an internship or housemanship after graduation. This can be done in Malaysia or in some overseas countries. Presently, international students are not able to do their housemanship in Malaysia.

 

The IMU student who graduates from any of the Partner Medical Schools (PMS) can apply to the Ministry of Health for a housemanship position in Malaysia. In Malaysia, the internship is for 2 years.

 

Those who graduate from the UK can apply for a house officer position there. Graduates from Ireland can apply for housemanship positions in Ireland or take the Proficiency & Language Assessment Board (PLAB) examination and apply to work in the UK.

 

Application to do housemanship overseas is subject to the regulations of the overseas country.

How can I do postgraduate training overseas?

Doctors who have completed their house officer positions in the UK may apply to work as Senior House Officers (SHO) in the UK and sit specialist examinations e.g. membership/fellowship of the various medical professional colleges in the UK or Ireland.

 

In the United States, when you apply for an internship position, you are also applying for a residency (postgraduate) position.

 

Application to do postgraduate training overseas is subject to the regulations of the overseas country.

Do I have to serve the Malaysian Government?

It is compulsory for all Malaysian doctors who want to practise in Malaysia to serve the Government for two (2) years.

How can I undertake postgraduate training in Malaysia?

The present programme for postgraduate specialist training for doctors has been on-going for more than 20 years. Various Malaysian public Universities run the professional Masters programme, which is a four-year training programme. Many Malaysian doctors who attend the local course also sit the membership examinations of the UK colleges and thus end up with postgraduate qualifications from the UK as well.

How do I register to work as a doctor?

The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) is the professional body in Malaysia which regulates and issues the “Annual Practicing Certificate” (APC) to all doctors.

 

All applications for registration and for renewal of APC are made to the MMC. The MMC is also responsible for gazetting doctors as specialists.

When should I apply?

You can apply using your forecast or actual exam results.

Who will award the medical degree?

The IMU will award the medical degree of MBBS (IMU) to students in their Clinical School. This degree is recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) formerly known as National Accreditation Board (Lembaga Akreditasi Negara or LAN). The degree is listed in the World Health Organisation (WHO) directory of medical schools.

The Partner Medical Schools (PMS) will award degrees to students in their respective training programmes. Degrees from these schools are recognised internationally and locally by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) for full registration.

When do I attend a student interview?

All applicants who have pre-university qualifications that meet IMU’s minimum requirements have to attend an interview. The interview is to gauge the students’ aptitude and motivation for pursuing a career in Medicine as well as communication skills in English. Students will be informed of the date and time of interview after the application forms and all other necessary documents are received by the IMU.

What should a potential student do to prepare for the medical training?

All potential candidates are advised to try and obtain practical experience related to their intended career:
(a)   Voluntary work in charitable organisations, eg. Spastics Home

(b)   Hospital/clinic/pharmacy attachment for a period of 4 to 6 weeks

(c)   Talk to students and practitioners about the profession and life as a student.

Compulsory subjects

Effective September 2013, the Ministry of Higher Education requires all institutes of higher education to conduct compulsory modules known as Mata Pelajaran Pengajian Umum (MPU) / General Studies Subjects for all undergraduate students. The Ministry of Higher Education requires students in tertiary education to undertake and pass five (5) MPU modules from Categories U1-U4 as a prerequisite to the award of a 1st degree. All Malaysian and international students must enrol, undertake, and pass the modules. The MPU modules, offered to both Malaysians and international students are standardised compulsory modules for both public and private institutes of higher learning.

Does IMU accept international students?

The IMU welcomes international students. International students applying for the medical programme are required to check with the respective professional bodies in the countries they wish to work in on accreditation issues.

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Interested in applying for one of our programmes?

You will need to prepare the following documents for your application:

  • Verified copies of your academic qualifications
  • Evidence of English language proficiency
  • A copy of your MyKad or the identification page of your passport

These supporting documents needs to be attached electronically to your application. Please note that all of our programmes require payment of a non-refundable application fee after the application has been submitted. Application will only be processed once the payment for application fee has been made.

We wish you all the best with your application, and hope we will be welcoming you into one of our programmes soon!

A Word from the Dean

Prof Sulaiha

PROF SHARIFAH SULAIHA BINTI SYED AZNAL

Dean, School of Medicine
MBChB (Glasgow), M Med (O&G) (UKM), PGCert Med Edu (Dundee), AMM.

“The medical programme at IMU has an international reputation for excellence and innovation. In collaboration with our Partner Schools across the world, students have the opportunity to train as truly global health practitioners. Medicine is a challenging career path that requires dedication and hard work but offers the reward of knowing that you are using what you learn to help people and communities in their time of most need.”

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