Choosing to study Dentistry in Malaysia is a strategic option for students who aspire to a prestigious profession that combines precise science, art, and manual skill. Malaysia has established itself as a leading regional hub for medical education, with its dental schools offering world-class programs that blend modern curricula, intensive clinical training, and state-of-the-art facilities.
Studying oral and dental health in this environment ensures the preparation of competent dentists capable of competing and succeeding anywhere in the world.
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth look at everything related to pursuing a dentistry degree in malaysia for the 2025-2026 academic year. We will cover in detail the duration of study, language of instruction, strict admission requirements, and the top universities offering this esteemed specialization.
We will also highlight average tuition fees, living costs, postgraduate dental specializations, and answer the important question: "Does dentistry have a future?", to give you a clear roadmap to start your journey toward a career in dentistry with confidence and success.
Dentistry is one of the most important and challenging branches of medicine. It focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases and disorders of the mouth, teeth, jaws, and surrounding tissues.
A dentist's role is not limited to treating cavities but extends to specialized fields such as orthodontics, oral surgery, cosmetic dentistry, and dental implants, directly contributing to an individual's overall health and quality of life.
Malaysian universities focus on providing standardized education that meets international criteria, with early exposure for students to the clinical environment from the very first years.
Students are trained by highly qualified academics and professionals in world-class facilities, ensuring they acquire the necessary clinical and diagnostic skills to become successful dentists qualified to provide the best possible patient care.
The study period for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at all accredited Malaysian universities is five full academic years. This period is designed to cover two main phases: the first phase (two years) focuses on basic medical sciences, and the second phase (three years) concentrates intensively on hands-on clinical training with patients.
English is the official and fully accredited language of instruction for all dentistry programs in Malaysian universities that accept international students. This is essential to ensure students understand complex global medical curricula, communicate effectively in the clinical setting, and prepare for professional practice at an international level.
The admission requirements for studying Dentistry in Malaysia are among the strictest, given the competitive and sensitive nature of the field. Basic requirements include:
Academic Qualification: Obtaining a high school certificate or its equivalent (such as A-Levels, IB Diploma, or a Foundation in Science) with very high grades.
Core Subject Requirements: Achieving excellent grades (usually a B or higher) in three key science subjects: Chemistry, Biology, and either Physics or Mathematics.
English Language Requirements: A high score on an English proficiency test, typically ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 in IELTS or its equivalent.
Personal Interview: Passing a personal interview is a fundamental requirement at most universities. It assesses the student's personality, communication skills, and motivation for studying dentistry.
Foundation Year: Students who do not meet the direct entry requirements can enroll in a one-year Foundation in Science program, but they must achieve very high grades to compete for a place in a dental school.
Malaysia is a primary and preferred destination for students from Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt who seek high-quality medical education.
This is due to the international recognition of Malaysian dental degrees, more competitive tuition and living costs compared to Europe and North America, and a safe, Islamic environment that facilitates adaptation for Arab students.
Malaysia is home to a selection of prestigious and internationally recognized dental schools. Here is a list of the most prominent universities offering a dental course in malaysia:
UKM is one of the top public research universities in Malaysia, ranked among the best 150 universities globally. Its Faculty of Dentistry is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country, known for its strong academic and research programs.
Average Annual Fees: Approximately $26,000 USD.
Admission Requirements: Very high academic requirements (85-90% in Arab high school certificates), AAB/BBB grades in A-Levels, and an IELTS score of 6.0.
University Link: UKM Universty
IMU is the first and most established private medical university in Malaysia, with an excellent global reputation. The university offers a strong dentistry program with unique transfer pathways to prestigious partner universities in Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. The IMU dentistry fees reflect its high standing.
Average Annual Fees: Approximately $30,500 USD.
Admission Requirements: BBB/ABC grades in A-Levels, an 80% average in foundation programs, and an IELTS score of 6.5.
University Link: IMU Universty
MAHSA University dentistry program is a leading choice for students. The university specializes in health and medical sciences in Malaysia. Its Faculty of Dentistry features modern facilities and fully equipped clinics, with a strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training. The mahsa dentistry fees are competitive for a private institution.
Average Annual Fees: Approximately $21,000 USD.
Admission Requirements: BBB/ABC grades in A-Levels, a GPA of 3.0 in a foundation year, and an IELTS score of 6.0.
University Link: MAHSA Universty
SEGi University is one of the largest and oldest private universities in Malaysia. Its Faculty of Dentistry offers a comprehensive program that combines theoretical knowledge with clinical skills, focusing on preparing dentists who are ready for practice immediately after graduation. The segi university dentistry fees offer great value.
Average Annual Fees: Approximately $17,000 USD.
Admission Requirements: BBB/ABC grades in A-Levels, a GPA of 3.0 in a foundation year, and an IELTS score of 6.0.
Lincoln University College offers a dentistry program with highly competitive fees, making it an attractive option for many international students and often considered the cheapest dentistry course in malaysia. The university focuses on providing accessible, quality medical education.
Average Annual Fees: Approximately $16,650 USD (with scholarships available).
Admission Requirements: BBB/ABC grades in A-Levels, a GPA of 3.0 in a foundation year, and an IELTS score of 5.0.
University Link: Lincoln Universty
The University of Malaya is the number one university in Malaysia and one of the top 100 in the world. Its Faculty of Dentistry is the oldest and most renowned in the country, and admission is extremely competitive.
Average Annual Fees: Relatively high for international students.
Admission Requirements: Extremely strict academic requirements, with very intense competition.
University Link: UM Universty
📞 Book your free consultation now with Pioneer and start your academic journey in Malaysia safely and confidently!
Note: Many other universities offer a dentistry degree in malaysia. You can contact the Pioneer team for full details. The prices mentioned are approximate. For precise details, get your free consultation with Pioneer now!
Studying dentistry is a significant investment, and fees vary greatly between universities. At prestigious private universities like MAHSA, SEGi, and Lincoln, annual fees range between $16,000 and $22,000 USD.
At higher-ranked universities like UKM and IMU, tuition fees are higher, ranging from $25,000 to $32,000 USD annually. These costs reflect the quality of education, the university's international reputation, and the level of facilities and clinical training provided.
Note: The prices mentioned are approximate. For precise, up-to-date details, get your free consultation with Pioneer and start your academic journey in Malaysia with confidence!
In addition to the high tuition fees, students must plan for living expenses. Malaysia is an affordable destination. A student can expect to spend between $150 to $400 USD per month on accommodation.
Expenses for food, transportation, books, and study materials can range from $300 to $500 USD per month. Overall, a dental student can live comfortably on a total monthly budget of $450 to $900 USD.
Note: These figures are estimates. To get a more detailed and personalized cost breakdown, book your free consultation with Pioneer today!
After graduating with a bachelor's degree, dentists can pursue postgraduate studies to specialize in one of the following sub-fields:
This specialty focuses on diagnosing and correcting the alignment of teeth and malocclusions using various orthodontic appliances.
This surgical branch deals with treating diseases, injuries, and defects in the head, neck, face, and jaw region, including wisdom tooth extraction, dental implants, and corrective jaw surgery.
This specialty is dedicated to providing comprehensive oral healthcare for children from infancy through adolescence, including the psychological and behavioral aspects of treating children.
This is an advanced specialty that focuses on replacing missing teeth using titanium implants that integrate with the jawbone. It is one of the most in-demand specializations.
Does dentistry have a future? The answer is a resounding yes—a secure and bright future. Studying it in Malaysia gives you unique advantages:
A Prestigious and Rewarding Profession Dentists enjoy high social status and great respect, in addition to a high and stable income, ensuring a dignified life.
Diverse Job Opportunities A dentistry graduate can work in their own private clinic, in public and private hospitals, health centers, or join academia and research at universities.
The Ability to Help People Dentistry offers a unique opportunity to relieve patients' pain, improve their health, and bring a smile to their faces, which brings a great sense of personal satisfaction.
Flexibility in Working Hours Dentists, especially those who own their own clinics, have great flexibility in setting their working hours, allowing for a better work-life balance.
This prestigious profession comes with a set of challenges to be prepared for:
Long and Difficult Studies: The specialization requires 5 years of intensive study and continuous effort and is considered one of the most difficult academic paths.
High Tuition Costs: Studying dentistry is one of the most expensive university specializations and requires significant financial planning.
Psychological and Physical Stress: The profession demands high manual dexterity, the ability to concentrate for long hours, and dealing with work pressure and patient anxiety.
To overcome these challenges, it is crucial to have a genuine passion for the profession and resilience. The Pioneer team can help you choose the university that provides the best supportive learning environment through a free consultation.
The dentistry curriculum covers a wide range of medical and clinical subjects. Here is a table outlining the main courses:
Academic Year
Key Subjects
Years 1 & 2 (Pre-clinical)
Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Dental Materials.
Years 3, 4 & 5 (Clinical)
Restorative Dentistry (Fillings), Endodontics (Root Canals), Periodontics, Minor Oral Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Radiology, Intensive Clinical Practice.
To apply for a bachelor's degree, you will need to prepare the following documents:
A complete copy of your passport (valid for at least 18 months).
A recent passport-sized photograph with a white background.
An attested copy of your high school certificate and academic transcripts, translated into English.
An English language proficiency certificate (IELTS or TOEFL).
Letters of recommendation (may be required by some universities).
Certificates for extracurricular activities (if any).
Note: These are general requirements and may vary slightly. For precise details, get your free consultation with Pioneer.
For postgraduate studies (clinical or research Master's), in addition to some of the documents listed above, you will need:
An attested copy of your bachelor's degree in dentistry (BDS/DDS).
A copy of your registration as a dentist in your home country.
Proof of clinical work experience (usually at least two years).
A Statement of Purpose.
An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Letters of recommendation.
A research proposal (for research-based programs).
Note: Details may differ. To understand the exact requirements, get your free consultation with Pioneer.
Applying for a PhD requires a strong research profile and includes:
Attested copies of your bachelor's and master's degree certificates.
A detailed and innovative Research Proposal.
An academic CV with a list of research and scientific publications.
Strong letters of recommendation from academic supervisors.
Proof of English language proficiency.
Note: Requirements can be very specific. To navigate the PhD application process successfully, get your free, expert consultation with Pioneer.
Are you ready to bring smiles to people's faces? Don't let complex application procedures and strict requirements stand in the way of your dream. The Pioneer team is here to be your guide every step of the way.
We offer a free, comprehensive consultation to help you choose the right university, prepare your application, prepare for the interview, and secure admission, right through to arranging your visa and settling in Malaysia. Our goal is to empower you to achieve your dream of becoming a successful dentist.
In conclusion, studying Dentistry in Malaysia is a valuable investment in a promising and stable professional future. It is a profession that combines scientific precision, artistic skill, and a human touch, offering its practitioners high social standing and immeasurable personal satisfaction.
The answer to the question, "Does dentistry have a future?" is a resounding yes. The need for oral healthcare is a fundamental and ongoing need in all societies. Whether you dream of opening your own clinic, becoming a skilled surgeon, or specializing in cosmetic dentistry, a dentistry degree from Malaysia will be your solid foundation for taking off.
The Pioneer team is ready to be your partner on this journey, providing the support you need to ensure your success.
