If you are looking for a university specialized in the medical field in Malaysia, Mahsa University is a worthy option. The university primarily focuses on health and medical sciences, welcoming thousands of international students every year from all over the world. It is located close to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and offers a practical learning environment supported by an actual teaching hospital.
Mahsa started as a small educational institute in 2004 and gradually developed until it received full university status in 2009. Today, it hosts over 5,000 students studying medicine, pharmacy, engineering, and business administration.
Overview of Mahsa University
- Founded: 2004 as an institute, officially became a university in 2009
- Location: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 20 minutes from central Kuala Lumpur
- Type of University: Private, accredited by MQA (Malaysian Qualifications Agency)
- Key Programs: Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Nursing, Medical Engineering
- Student Population: Approximately 5,000+ students from 75 different nationalities
- Average Fees: Starting from $3,600 for standard programs, up to $7,500 per year depending on the program
- Ranking: Holds a SETARA (Berdaya Saing) rating from the Malaysian Ministry of Education, confirming its academic competitiveness
- Campus Environment: Located in a quiet and safe area in Selangor, with easy access to Kuala Lumpur and KLIA
The university emphasizes practical training more than theoretical learning. Its main campus spans 48 acres and includes modern medical simulation laboratories replicating real operating theaters and intensive care units. This type of education is particularly beneficial for those planning to work in the healthcare sector immediately after graduation.
Why Choose to Study at Mahsa University
- Genuine Medical Specialization: The first private university in Malaysia to offer a full MBBS program. Mahsa has been specialized in health sciences since 2004.
- Training in Major Government Hospitals: From the third to the fifth year, students train at hospitals such as Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Sungai Buloh.
- Early Practical Exposure: Even in the first and second years, students visit hospitals and learn clinical examinations on real patients. The program follows an Early Clinical Exposure model from day one.
- Diverse International Environment: Students come from 75 different nationalities.
- Affordable Medical Program: The MBBS program costs around $125,000–$130,000 for the full five years, which is about 50% less than studying in the UK or Australia.
- Recognized International Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Malaysian Medical Council and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (FAIMER), allowing graduates to pursue specializations in the UK, USA, or Canada.
Main Idea: If you are looking for a medical university that balances quality and affordability while providing real practical training instead of just theoretical lectures, Mahsa University is a logical choice. The university is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive in Malaysia, but most importantly, it is genuinely specialized in health sciences.
Campus and Facilities
The main campus is located in Bandar Saujana Putra, covering 48 acres. It provides essential facilities, though it does not offer luxurious amenities like some Gulf universities. The infrastructure is practical and suitable for medical education.
Key Program Highlight
The MBBS program is the backbone of Mahsa University and the main reason for its recognition. The program lasts five years, divided into two phases: two years on campus and three years of full hospital training.
What distinguishes this program:
- Training in Major Government Hospitals: From year three to five, students are placed daily in Hospital Kuala Lumpur or Hospital Sungai Buloh, which serve thousands of patients.
- Comprehensive Rotational System: Every 2–8 weeks, students rotate through different departments surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology, and emergency. This ensures graduates have clear exposure to all specialties.
- Strong International Accreditation: The program is accredited by the Malaysian Medical Council and listed in the FAIMER World Directory, enabling graduates to take specialization exams such as PLAB in the UK, USMLE in the USA, or equivalent in Canada.
The program is designed with the help of local and international experts and follows a modified British curriculum adapted for the Malaysian context. If your goal is specifically human medicine, this program is the primary reason to consider Mahsa University.
Mahsa University Programs with Duration and Fees
| Specialization |
Study Duration |
Approximate Fees / Year |
| Human Medicine (MBBS) |
5 years |
$25,945 |
| Dentistry (DDS) |
5 years |
$24,908 |
| Pharmacy |
4 years |
$7,439 |
| Nursing |
4 years |
$4,159 |
| Physical Therapy |
4 years |
$5,824 |
| Medical Imaging |
4 years |
$3,638 |
| Medical Laboratories |
4 years |
$5,824 |
| Business Administration |
3 years |
$4,335 |
Note: Fees are approximate and may vary by academic year. Registration and health insurance fees are not included. It is recommended to confirm the actual fees through direct contact.
Recognition and International Accreditation of Mahsa University
- Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA): All programs are fully accredited by Malaysia’s official academic accreditation authority
- Malaysian Medical Council (MMC): The MBBS program is accredited by MMC, a requirement for practicing medicine in Malaysia
- FAIMER World Directory of Medical Schools: The MBBS program is officially listed, used as a reference by medical authorities in the USA, UK, and Canada
- Sri Lanka Medical Council: Mahsa is the only private university in Malaysia recognized by the Sri Lankan Medical Council for its dentistry program
- Wide International Recognition: Degrees are recognized in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia), Pakistan, Nigeria, Thailand, India, Jordan, and Mauritius
Important Note: Being listed in FAIMER allows graduates to apply for international licensing exams such as PLAB (UK) or USMLE (USA), but this does not guarantee automatic acceptance only eligibility.
Key Facilities Available
- Medical Simulation Labs: Operating theaters and intensive care units equipped with advanced medical mannequins for training before handling real patients
- Anatomy Labs: Equipped with Anatomage digital tables instead of traditional cadavers in the early years
- Mini Training Pharmacy: For pharmacy students to practice dispensing skills and patient communication
- Medical Library: Contains medical references and academic databases, though not the largest compared to public universities
- Student Accommodation: Available on-campus and off-campus; prices range from RM 300 for shared rooms to RM 2,500 for single rooms with air-conditioning
- Sports Facilities: Gym, basketball and tennis courts, indoor swimming pool
International Partnerships and Agreements
Mahsa University has limited partnerships with British universities, notably University of East London and Anglia Ruskin University. These partnerships offer Dual Award options for some business and health science programs, meaning students receive two degrees simultaneously.
Main Partnerships:
- University of East London: Business, accounting, and management programs offer Dual Award. Only Mahsa fees are paid for two degrees
- Anglia Ruskin University: Physiotherapy and biomedical science programs follow the same principle two degrees for the price of one
- De Montfort University: Collaboration in nursing and allied health sciences
- Student Exchange Programs: The university offers Global Mobility Services for students who want to study abroad for a semester; availability is limited and requires good academic standing
Note: The MBBS program does not have any Dual Award. The degree is solely from Mahsa University.