Dentistry Course in Malaysia : Complete Guide for International Students

Overview

Studying a dentistry course in Malaysia attracts international students who seek high-quality education at affordable costs. With a diverse portfolio of programs from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, most courses are relatively more affordable than those found in the UK and USA. The cheapest dentistry course can be found at reputable universities that have high academic standards and modern facilities for the best learning experience. Among the top-ranked institutes includes the University of Malaya (UM), which is widely respected for its comprehensive curriculum and experienced teaching. Graduates from these medical universities in Malaysia can command fair salaries when they graduate from their respective institutions and move into the job market. International students from various counties such as India, Indonesia, and the Middle East gravitate towards Malaysia with good cultural diversity and higher- quality education. In addition, there are strong government initiatives and a welcoming environment in Malaysia, making it a good choice for international students who want to pursue their study in dentistry course in Malaysia.

Why Choose Dentistry Course in Malaysia?

There are many reasons why choosing to study a dentistry course in Malaysia can be beneficial. Malaysia has among the best universities offering a dentistry course, like the University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur and Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang. These institutions have excellent dental courses and tuition fees are pretty affordable, making Malaysia the preference for the cheapest dentistry course in Malaysia. English is the primary language of instruction, making it accessible for international students. With competitive dentistry in Malaysia fees and high-quality education, Malaysia is ideal for students seeking a reputable, affordable, and international-friendly environment to pursue a dentistry course and advance their careers.

Why Choose Dentistry Course in Malaysia for international Students?

Today, the dentistry course has become a highly preferred course by international students studying in Malaysia: it is affordable, of high quality, and welcoming. Comprehensive dentistry courses from the University of Malaya and Universiti Sains Malaysia are recognized globally. Compared to Western institutions, with Malaysian dentistry in fees, students from places like India, Indonesia, Nigeria, and the Middle East feel the need to pursue their education in Malaysia. The dentistry curriculum of Malaysia is taught in English so even non-native speakers can enroll easily and get a smooth experience in academics for the international students for the course in Malaysia.

This multicultural student population enhances a strong and lively cultural exchange, which helps improve the learning experience overall. Malaysia has advanced facilities, practical training, and research-driven programs to benefit international students. A student graduates in dentistry from Malaysia who would gain the necessary skills and stand on the world map with credentials as a qualified dental practitioner, opening doors for jobs both locally and globally.

Top Universities in Malaysia

Source: QS Ranking 2025

Career Of Dentistry Job in Malaysia

• There are various career prospects that the graduates from dentistry in Malaysia have, for instance, practicing in private clinics, public health or specialized dental clinics.
• Good training in their courses for dentistry at the best universities in Malaysia: University of Malaya, and Universiti Sains Malaysia.
• They are valued highly and may be deployed either in Malaysia or any country worldwide since it is well recognized globally.
• The cheapest dental course in Malaysia offers one an affordable route to a sought-after profession, reducing a student's debt.
• International students' fees for courses in Malaysia are competitive compared to other countries, where the quality of education provided is maintained.
• Dental courses in Malaysia for overseas students are diverse and can be a very enriching experience as they prepare themselves for the local and international dental market.
• Studying a dentistry course in Malaysia equips students with skills that ensure strong employability and career growth.

The standard need of a Dentistry Graduate from Malaysia is to be a Dentist. Below are the job prospects for Graduates in Dentistry are at :

• Government Hospitals
• Private Oral Health Clinics
• Government Health Services or Community Health Centres
• Dental Colleges and Universities

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Education Levels of Dentistry Courses in Malaysia

Malaysia dentistry course is offered with various education levels to facilitate the needs of the students towards their career goal and professional development.

• Diploma in Dentistry Courses in Malaysia : Provides foundational knowledge and practical training, being an entry point for those interested in dental assistance or supporting roles in clinics.
• Undergraduate in Dentistry Courses in Malaysia: the most popular degree, leading one to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent, which prepares and readies one for entry into dental practice. It has high demand as it contains extensive training.
• Postgraduate in Dentistry Courses in Malaysia: specializations in orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and various other advanced levels that heighten one's career by giving the most expertise related to that specific field.
• PhD in Dentistry Courses in Malaysia: Designed for those interested in academic research, teaching, or advancing knowledge in dentistry. The PhD program is research-focused and contributes to the field's scientific community.

Diploma in Dentistry in Malaysia

Overview

A Diploma in dentistry course in Malaysia is offered as foundational training to beginners in dental care. It is one of the most affordable dentistry courses in Malaysia, hence it is reachable to many students. The knowledge acquired is fundamental, and it provides the necessary skills that make the graduates fit to be supporting staff in dental clinics. International students can opt for a dentistry course in Malaysia as it offers quality education with relatively low fees for dentistry in Malaysia.

Duration:

 It takes about 2-3 years in most universities and programs.

Intakes:

Most universities have intakes in March, July, and September, so that international students can easily plan their time.

Entry Requirement:

•  Normally, it requires a high school diploma with science subjects like Biology and Chemistry and minimum GPA.
• The student also needs to be proficient in the English language, which can be proven through IELTS or TOEFL scores.

Tuition Fee: 

The cheapest dentistry course in Malaysia tuition fees are approximately MYR 20,000 to MYR 50,000 for the whole program, so relatively affordable compared to other countries.

Jobs for graduates with Diploma in Dentistry in Malaysia

• Dental assistant or dental hygienist
• Dental technician
• Clinic coordinator in dental clinics
• Dental sales representative for dental products

Bachelor in Dentistry in Malaysia

Overview

The Bachelor in Dentistry course offered in Malaysia offers thorough training and education to make students fit enough for dental practice professionally. It is one of the cheapest dentistry courses offered in Malaysia, giving the international students an affordable quality experience of training in this field of careers. With reasonable dentistry fees offered in Malaysia, it helps international students access high quality education in a totally English spoken program. This dentistry course in Malaysia equips the student with the necessary skills to excel in a career of dental care.

Duration:

The course lasts for 5 years, which includes both education and clinical training.

Intakes:

Most universities have March, July, and September intakes, which makes the intake flexible for international students opting for dentistry in Malaysia.

Admission Requirements:

They comprise a minimum requirement of having high school qualifications with very strong science subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, GPA, and fluency in the English language through IELTS/TOEFL test.

Tuition Fee:

This is one of the least expensive dental programs offered in Malaysia where the full program's fee ranges between MYR 50,000 and MYR 120,000.

Careers for the graduates in Dentistry from Malaysia:

• Dentist in private or public clinics
• Dental specialist (following additional postgraduate training)
• Dental researcher or lecturer
• Sales representative for a dental product

Masters in Dentistry in Malaysia

Overview

A Masters in Dentistry course in Malaysia covers advanced education and specialty for different dental fields such as orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. For dental professionals who desire in-depth knowledge, this program suits them. Malaysia remains some of the cheapest countries regarding dentistry courses as opposed to Western countries and will offer reasonable dentistry fees in Malaysia. The course allows admissions for international students into a programme of dentistry in Malaysia with high-quality training towards achieving career growth.

Duration:

Normally 2-3 years depending on the specialization and university.

Intakes:

Most universities provide intakes in March, July, and September that help international students pursue dental education in Malaysia.

Entry Requirement: 

Applicants normally require a BDS or equivalent in Dentistry, relevant clinical experience, and a good GPA. The applicant also requires IELTS or TOEFL for English language proficiency.

Tuition Fee:

The most affordable dentistry master's program in Malaysia would usually range from MYR 30,000 to MYR 80,000, competitive compared to Western programs.

Jobs after Masters in Dentistry in Malaysia:

• Specialist dentist in different fields (such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics)
• Dental educator or academic staff in universities
• Dental researcher
• Consultant in dental practices or health organizations

PhD in Dentistry in Malaysia

Overview

A course for PhD in Dentistry at Malaysia is designed to contribute to advanced research and careers. It offers specialized training in various dental disciplines towards contributing to the global field of dental science. It also provides some of the cheapest courses in dentistry Malaysia among others. This therefore presents an attractive option to anyone looking forward to a higher-level education. The reasonable fee on dentistry Malaysia has made it easy to get into for international students hence supporting career growth both in academia and research.

Duration: 

It usually takes 3-5 years, depending on the nature of research and program structure.

Intakes:

Most universities offer intakes in March, July, and September, giving flexibility for dentistry in Malaysia for international students.

Entry Requirement:

• A relevant Master's degree (e.g., MSc in Dentistry or related field), a strong academic record, and research experience. 
• English language proficiency (IELTS or TOEFL) is usually required.

Tuition Fee: 

Malaysia offers the cheapest dentistry course where a PhD program can be attended at MYR 20,000 to MYR 50,000.

PhD in Dentistry Degree Holder Jobs in Malaysia:

• University lecturer or academic researcher
• Research scientist in the dental research centers or the health organizations
• Consultant on dental policy or healthcare management
• Specialist in clinical research and trials

Comparison of Dentistry Courses in Malaysia vs. UK and USA

Living Cost to Study Dentistry Courses in Malaysia

Application Process for Dentistry Course in Malaysia

1. Search and select a university: 
   • Find a list of the best colleges offering the lowest dentistry course in Malaysia and choose different courses according to quality and fee structure
2. Eligibility Criteria:
   • Confirm that all the eligibility criteria are matched, such as academic requirement, English language proficiency i.e., IELTS and/or TOEFL, pre-requirement subjects.
3. Prepare Required Documents: 
   • The required documents include academic transcripts, proof of English language proficiency, a valid passport, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
4. Online Application:
   • Apply through the university's online portal or international student application system. Fill in all sections accurately and submit before the deadline
5. Application Fee:
   • Pay the application fee according to the university's requirement. The fee is not so high compared to the fees charged in other countries.
6. Wait for Admission Confirmation:
   • After submitting your application, wait for a response. Some universities conduct interviews or additional assessments.
7. Acceptance and Visa Application: 
   • After receiving acceptance, obtain your student visa by following the procedures as stated by the university and submit the necessary documents to the Malaysian embassy or consulate.
8. Enrollment and Tuition Payment: 
   • Confirm your enrollment and pay the dentistry in Malaysia fees as instructed by the university before starting your studies.
9. Prepare for Arrival: 
   • Arrange for accommodation, travel, and other essentials for your stay in Malaysia.

Visa Process for Dentistry Course in Malaysia

1. Letter of Acceptance and Admission Acceptance Notice:
   • Once you accept into a dentistry program at a Malaysian university, see to it that the confirmation letter is received as these are necessary for making student visas.
2. Student Visa: 
   • Submit your application via their official immigration portal, your official office, or else an application form must be presented which demands certain documents.
3. Required Documents:
   • Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity
   • Official offer letter from the university
   • Proof of adequate funds to support the students for dentistry in Malaysia fees and living costs.
   • Academic transcripts and certificates
   • Recent passport-sized photos
   • Medical report (may be required by some of the universities)
4. Visa Fee Payment: 
   • Pay the visa processing fee as prescribed by the embassy or consulate of Malaysia. The cost is usually within reach compared to other places.
5. Attend an interview (if necessary): 
   • some applications will require an interview with the visa officer to affirm your intention to study
6. Get Approval and Visa Sticker: 
   • After approval, you will receive an approval letter or a visa sticker to be attached to your passport
7. Travel Arrangements: 
   • Make travel arrangements to Malaysia, and prepare for arrival in Malaysia. You must have sufficient funds for initial expenses according to the university's requirements.
8. University Registration:
   • Upon arrival, register with the university and complete any check-in requirements for international students.

Application Timeline for International Students to Study Dentistry in Malaysia

Scholarships for International Students to Study Dentistry in Malaysia

• University Scholarships
  • Merit-Based Scholarships:
    • For students with excellent academic records. Usually, the best performing students in high school or previous studies are eligible for full or partial tuition remission.
  • Need-Based Scholarships: 
    • Available to students who have a demonstrated need. These scholarships enable more students to pursue their dentistry education when facing economic hardship.
  • Excellence Awards: 
    • For international students who have outstanding skills or achievements in areas related to dentistry or research.
• Government Scholarships:
  • Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS):
    • This scholarship attracts the best students from all over the world and offers tuition fees and other expenses.
  • Public Service Department (JPA) Scholarships: 
    • The scholarships are awarded to students with excellent academic results and cover tuition fees and living costs.
• External Scholarships
  • ASEAN Scholarships:
    • This scholarship is offered to students from ASEAN countries to support their higher education in Malaysia.
  • Commonwealth Scholarships: 
    • Available to students from Commonwealth countries to study in Malaysia, with full tuition fees paid.
  • The Chevening Scholarships: 
    • These are generally postgraduate scholarships, but some master's courses in dental research may be included.
• University-specific programs
  • Monash University Malaysia Scholarships: 
    • Various awards are available for international students who want to pursue dentistry and have academic excellence.
  • University of Malaya (UM) Scholarships:
    • International students are awarded grants based on merit and financial need.
  • Taylor's University: 
    • Offers scholarships to international students with excellent academic performance or achievements.

Application Tips:

• Check University Websites: 
  • Most universities have specific scholarship pages that outline eligibility, deadlines, and required documents.
• Apply Early: 
  • Scholarship applications usually close months before the program begins. Plan ahead and ensure that you submit all required documents on time.
• Prepare a Strong Application: 
  • Highlight academic achievement, extracurricular activity, leadership roles, and personal statement that shows the individual's commitment.