Studying Physiotherapy in Malaysia – 6 Universities & Costs

Before you start searching for a university, there is one question you need to answer first: do you want to work in Saudi Arabia or Qatar after graduation? Because your answer will determine how you choose your university. Studying physiotherapy in Malaysia is a real option with significantly lower costs than the West and a degree accredited by the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council MPC, but professional licensing in the Gulf after graduation involves additional steps that no one clearly explains. This article covers everything.

Why Malaysia for Physiotherapy Studies

Physiotherapy is a healthcare specialty in continuously growing demand across the Gulf, and studying it in the UK or Australia starts from $80,000. Malaysia offers the same academic quality at a total program cost ranging between $9,000 and $28,000 depending on the university.

All courses are fully in English at private universities, and programs are accredited by the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council MPC and the Malaysian Qualifications Agency MQA. The Islamic environment is comfortable for Gulf and Arab students, and modern teaching hospitals provide real clinical training throughout the program.

An important point to understand from the start: MPC accreditation of your program means your degree is recognized in Malaysia for professional registration. However, to work in Saudi Arabia or Qatar after graduation, you will need to complete professional licensing procedures in each country separately. This is not an obstacle — it is a standard procedure for all graduates from abroad regardless of their country of study.

Best Physiotherapy Universities in Malaysia

Six universities offer a Bachelor of Physiotherapy to international students in full English. Each has its own angle and advantage.

University of Cyberjaya

A health sciences-specialized university located in Cyberjaya. The physiotherapy program runs for 4 years, fully in English. Total program fees are approximately $26,800, a reasonable figure for a specialized medical university. It has a teaching hospital providing clinical training from the first year. Suitable for students who want a specialized medical university in a quiet environment outside Kuala Lumpur.

• Program Duration: 4 years
• Total Fees: ~$26,800
• Accreditation: MPC and MQA
• Language of Study: English

Read about: University of Cyberjaya

SEGi University

SEGi is one of Malaysia’s oldest private universities, located in Kota Damansara, Selangor. The physiotherapy program runs for 4 years with total fees of approximately $29,500. Around 40% of its students are international, giving students a culturally diverse environment. Suitable for students who want a university with a long track record in welcoming international students.

• Program Duration: 4 years
• Total Fees: ~$29,500
• Accreditation: MPC and MQA
• Language of Study: English

Read about: SEGi University

MAHSA University

MAHSA is entirely specialized in health sciences, meaning all its resources and faculty are dedicated to medical education only. The physiotherapy program runs for 4 years with total fees of approximately $27,700. It has a fully integrated teaching hospital within the campus. ApplyUni is an official agent for MAHSA.

• Program Duration: 4 years
• Total Fees: ~$27,700
• Accreditation: MPC and MQA
• Language of Study: English

Read about: MAHSA University

Lincoln University College

Lincoln is by far the most affordable among all physiotherapy universities in Malaysia. Total program fees are approximately $9,000 only. It accepts IELTS 5.0, the lowest language requirement on this list. Suitable if your budget is limited and you want an accredited degree without high fees.

• Program Duration: 4 years
• Total Fees: ~$9,000
• Accreditation: MQA
• Language of Study: English

Read about: Lincoln University College

UniKL

UniKL is an applied technical university offering the physiotherapy program with a clear practical orientation. Total fees are approximately $23,700. Its curriculum focuses more on field application than theory. Suitable for students who want direct applied education linked to clinical work.

• Program Duration: 4 years
• Total Fees: ~$23,700
• Accreditation: MQA
• Language of Study: English

Read about: UniKL

INTI International University

INTI is ranked 516 globally and offers the physiotherapy program with total fees of approximately $23,600. Its partnerships with British and American universities provide opportunities to complete part of the studies abroad. Suitable for students who want a degree with international ties.

• Program Duration: 4 years
• Total Fees: ~$23,600
• Accreditation: MQA
• Language of Study: English

Read about: INTI International University

Cost of Studying Physiotherapy in Malaysia

The following figures are approximate based on EasyUni data for 2025, and fees are subject to change. Always verify with the official university website or contact us for updated figures.

Tuition Fees

Monthly Living Costs

Accommodation in Kuala Lumpur ranges between $200 and $400 per month. Food between $100 and $250. Transportation with the monthly My50 pass costs only $11. Health insurance between $22 and $45 per month. The realistic monthly total is between $400 and $750.

Total Cost for 4 Years

For comparison: the UK starts from $80,000 and Australia from $70,000 for the full program including living costs.

Admission Requirements for Physiotherapy in Malaysia

Admission requirements for physiotherapy are more specific than business or technology programs, as it is a healthcare specialty requiring a defined scientific background.

• High school certificate with a science track, minimum grade of 70 – 75% at most universities
• Acceptable grades in Biology and Chemistry, with some universities adding Physics
• IELTS minimum 5.5 at most universities, Lincoln accepts 5.0
• Medical fitness certificate confirming full health before admission
• Personal interview at some universities, which is a genuine part of the admission decision

Is a Malaysian Physiotherapy Degree Recognized in Saudi Arabia and Qatar?

This question deserves a straightforward answer, not a marketing one.

Recognition in Saudi Arabia

A physiotherapy degree from a Malaysian university accredited by MPC helps facilitate professional evaluation later in Saudi Arabia, but it does not mean automatic licensing. The authority responsible for licensing is the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties SCFHS, and after graduation you must pass the PROMETRIC exam and then register with SCFHS.

The final licensing decision remains with SCFHS, not with the university or the Malaysian accreditation. Universities accredited by MPC make the evaluation process easier and faster, but they do not guarantee its outcome.

Recognition in Qatar

In Qatar, the competent authority is the Qatar Council for Healthcare Practitioners QCHP. The same logic applies: your accredited Malaysian degree facilitates professional evaluation, but final licensing requires fulfilling QCHP’s specific requirements, including degree verification and work record if applicable.

Check SCFHS or QCHP requirements in your country before enrolling, not after graduation.

Read also: Malaysian Universities Recognized in Gulf Countries

How to Apply Through ApplyUni

Applying for physiotherapy requires specific documentation and precise accreditation verification. Studying in Malaysia through ApplyUni means:

• Verifying the university and program accreditation from MPC and MQA
• Evaluating your grades and eligibility for the most suitable university
• Completing all admission procedures and official documentation
• Processing the student visa
• Reception and accommodation arrangements upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur
• Free initial consultation with no commitment

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to study physiotherapy in Malaysia?

Total program fees range from $9,000 at Lincoln to $29,500 at SEGi. Including four years of living costs, the total ranges from $28,000 to $65,500 depending on the university and lifestyle.

Is a Malaysian physiotherapy degree recognized in Saudi Arabia?

A physiotherapy degree from a Malaysian university accredited by MPC helps facilitate professional evaluation in Saudi Arabia, but final licensing requires passing the PROMETRIC exam and registering with SCFHS after graduation.

How many years is the physiotherapy program in Malaysia?

All physiotherapy programs at the mentioned Malaysian universities run for 4 years leading to a Bachelor’s degree.

Which is the most affordable university for physiotherapy in Malaysia?

Lincoln University College is the most affordable with total fees of approximately $9,000 for the full program. It accepts IELTS 5.0, the lowest language requirement among the available universities.

Can I study physiotherapy online in Malaysia?

No. Physiotherapy is a healthcare specialty requiring mandatory in-person clinical training. Distance learning is not possible for this program and will not be recognized for professional licensing in any country.