Nursing is a healthcare profession centered on patient care, health promotion, and support for individuals, families, and communities. For students who want to enter this field, Malaysia offers several nursing programs at diploma, bachelor’s, and postgraduate levels.
Malaysia is also home to universities that combine classroom learning with clinical practice, simulation facilities, and professional preparation. These programs can help students build the knowledge, practical skills, and professional values needed for nursing careers.
Because nursing programs are regulated and may have specific admission, health, clinical, and registration requirements, students should always check the latest program page before applying.
This article introduces nursing schools in Malaysia and provides key information about their nursing programs to help international students begin their research.
Top Schools Offering Nursing Programs in Malaysia
1. Sunway University
- Study Program
- Program Level/s Offered: Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., Post Basic programs
Sunway University’s School of Nursing, under the Faculty of Medical and Life Sciences, offers nursing programs that include the Diploma in Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing (Honours), Master in Nursing, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, and Post Basic specializations. The school focuses on preparing safe, confident, and compassionate healthcare practitioners through academic learning, clinical experience, and skills-based training.
Sunway University’s Diploma in Nursing is a three-year full-time program. Its curriculum includes nursing sciences, anatomy and physiology, communication, counseling, clinical care, and practical assessments. Students also use simulation facilities, including a patient simulation laboratory and simulated wards, to practice clinical decision-making and nursing skills in a safe environment.
2. UCSI University
- Study Program
- Program Level/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Post-Basic programs
UCSI University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers nursing programs through its School of Nursing, including the Bachelor of Nursing (Hons), Diploma in Nursing, Advanced Diploma in Midwifery, and post-basic nursing programs. The Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) is a four-year full-time program offered at the Springhill campus.
The Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) focuses on basic sciences, theoretical and clinical modules, guided inquiry, reflection, critical thinking, nursing theories, and evidence-based practice. UCSI’s Diploma in Nursing is a three-year, six-semester full-time program that combines academic and clinical preparation in nursing and prepares graduates for first-level practice roles in hospital and community health settings.
3. Nilai University
Nilai University’s nursing offerings include the Diploma in Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) ODL, and Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nursing. The Diploma in Nursing takes three years or nine semesters and covers health, behavioral, and nursing sciences, with hands-on training at public and private healthcare institutions.
The Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Nursing takes four years or 12 semesters. This program equips students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in health, behavioral, and nursing sciences, while also focusing on management and leadership skills. Nilai University also offers a Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) ODL program for registered nurses who already hold a nursing diploma and want to upgrade their qualifications.
4. Mahsa University
- Study Program
- Program Level/s Offered: Diploma, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D., Advanced Diploma, Post Basic Certificate
MAHSA University offers a broad range of nursing-related programs, including the Diploma in Nursing, Bachelor of Science (Hons) Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Sciences (Hons) (ODLM), Bachelor of Nursing (Hons) Public Health, Master of Nursing, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Nursing. It also offers advanced diploma and post-basic certificate programs for registered nurses who want to specialize further.
The Diploma in Nursing is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to become competent and compassionate registered nurses. The bachelor’s programs cover nursing skills, practical training, and, in the case of public health nursing, public health preparation. At the postgraduate level, the Master of Nursing emphasizes clinical practice, leadership, research, and education, while the Ph.D. in Nursing focuses on research, scholarship, and leadership in the nursing profession.
5. University of Malaya
The University of Malaya is one of Malaysia’s major public universities offering nursing education through the Faculty of Medicine. Its Department of Nursing Science offers the Bachelor of Nursing Science, which the university describes as part of Malaysia’s transition from diploma-level nursing education to graduate-level nursing education.
The Bachelor of Nursing Science takes four years, with a minimum of eight semesters and a maximum of 12 semesters. The program covers health science, behavioral science, and nursing science, and it is open to Malaysian and international applicants. The university also offers a Master of Nursing Science by coursework, with a full-time duration of two semesters plus one special semester and a part-time duration of four semesters.
Nursing can be a rewarding path for students who want to work in patient care, community health, education, management, or research. Students interested in nursing in Malaysia should compare program levels, duration, clinical training, entry requirements, and professional registration requirements before choosing a school.
We hope this article on the top nursing schools in Malaysia was helpful. To learn more information on studying abroad, feel free to check out the Malaysia Page and Available Programs for International Students.
