Understanding public health is essential in today’s society. In Malaysia, the population grew from 27.5 million in 2010 to 32.4 million in 2020, and the 2020 census reported that 75.1% of residents lived in urban areas. Public health initiatives can help communities address population-level health needs through prevention, health promotion, research, and policy.
Malaysia is home to several universities offering postgraduate programs in public health. Because their curricula, durations, delivery modes, and admissions requirements differ, prospective students should review each university’s official program page before applying.
This article highlights some of the top Malaysian universities offering public health programs.
Top Schools Offering Public Health Programs in Malaysia
1. Universiti Sains Malaysia
Founded in 1969, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) was initially known as Universiti Pulau Pinang. It is tied for 134th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. USM’s International Office reports more than 150 active partner institutions for exchange programs worldwide, including Kyoto University and National Taiwan University.
Its School of Medical Sciences offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) program and several Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programs, including specializations in epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, family health, and health system management. The MPH is a two-semester program conducted fully in English. Its coursework includes environmental health and the prevention and control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, alongside analytical training, research methodology, and community field experience.
2. Perdana University
Established in 2011, Perdana University offers public health-related master’s options, including an MSc in Public Health and an MBA in Public Health Management. According to its official profile, the university received a Top Tier: Competitive rating in SETARA 2022 from the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education.
The MSc curriculum includes health promotion, biostatistics, epidemiology, environmental and occupational health, and health policy and management. The MBA blends business principles with public health expertise and focuses on leadership, healthcare management, and global health perspectives.
3. International Medical University
Located in Kuala Lumpur, International Medical University (IMU) offers an MSc in Public Health. IMU states that it received the highest accolade in SETARA 2022 from the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education for the third consecutive year and has a five-star QS Rating System result.
The MSc in Public Health requires a minimum of 40 graduating credits and is available in conventional and open and distance learning (ODL) modes, with full-time and part-time options. Its curriculum includes core and elective modules and compulsory research components. IMU states that the degree is recognized by the Malaysian Public Service Department and the Ministry of Health.
4. University of Putra Malaysia
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) began as the School of Agriculture in 1931. It became Universiti Pertanian Malaysia in 1971 and adopted its current name in 1997. The university is based in Serdang, Selangor.
Its Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences offers a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). The MPH covers epidemiology, medical statistics, health services management, health promotion, family health, environmental medicine, and occupational medicine. Students complete 45 credits over 12 months. The DrPH is a three-year program requiring a minimum of 96 credits and includes coursework, public health clinical training, research, and dissertation writing.
5. University of Malaya
Universiti Malaya (UM) is Malaysia’s oldest university. Its official history traces its roots to the King Edward VII College of Medicine, founded in Singapore in 1905, and states that it became Universiti Malaya in 1949 following a merger with Raffles College. UM is tied for 58th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Its Department of Social and Preventive Medicine offers a Master of Public Health (MPH), a professional Doctor of Public Health (DrPH), and a research-focused Ph.D. in Public Health. The MPH comprises 42 credits, including a research project. The DrPH has a minimum duration of three years and includes coursework, a professional internship, and thesis research. The Ph.D. is thesis-based and has a minimum duration of three years.
With all this in mind, several university options are available for students who want to study public health in Malaysia. Each institution discussed above offers different opportunities to help students develop their skills and pursue their academic goals. We hope this article will help you decide which Malaysian university suits you best.
We hope this article on universities offering public health programs in Malaysia was informative. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to explore the Malaysia Page and check out the Available Programs for International Students!
