The Complete Guide to Study Biotechnology in Malaysia

This program provides intensified training in biotechnology, integration of biology, and applied technologies in the development of medical care, agriculture, and environmental conservation. The course is spread over three years where students learn genetics, molecular biology, and bioprocess engineering from universities such as UKM and Monash. Graduates can work in the fields such as Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology research, environmental science, and management.

Country

Malaysia

Duration

3 Years

Fees

$9,000+ Yearly

Field

Healthcare

Program Overview

Biotechnology is one of the fastest-growing fields today. It is a domain that spans numerous topics, such as using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to generate commodities or techniques for specific uses.

Biotechnology is a field that combines expertise in biology and technology to make discoveries that benefit humanity. Biotechnology promotes the development of novel products and processes that significantly improve human life by leveraging the inherent capabilities of living organisms, from the cellular level to complete organisms.

It includes genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology. Biotechnologists use these disciplines to create and improve existing technologies such as medical care, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and environmental conservation.

The biotechnology coursework is comprehensive and includes courses like fundamental ones such as cell biology, which allows students to learn about the basic structure and function of cells, genetics, and genomics and educates students on the pattern of genetic inheritance and genetic analysis. Microbial biotech educates students on the use of microorganisms in biotechnological applications. Then, it also includes specific advanced courses, such as Bioprocess Engineering, that promote learning approaches for large-scale production of biological products and research subjects that allow students to learn about the field of study in biotechnology.

Biotechnology is the future wherein biological processes fuse with technological advancements to provide medical breakthroughs and advantages for society. Biotechnology’s ramifications have resulted in many ground-breaking innovations. Biotechnology is a field that is not only highly respected in Malaysia but also in demand globally.

The initial wage package for biotechnology graduates is also attractive, and the salary increases with experience and expertise. Entry-level biotechnologists in Malaysia earn between RM 3,000 and RM 5,000 per month, with experienced specialists earning more depending on knowledge and industry demand.
Several Malaysian universities offer comprehensive biotechnology programs. Here are some of the top institutions:

1. UKM
⁠2. UOC
⁠3. IMU
4. ⁠Monash
⁠5. USM

Why Study Biotechnology?

Biotechnology is a rewarding and honourable topic of study, and there are numerous reasons to pursue it. However, some significant reasons why you can select biotechnology as your field of education are listed below:

Innovation and Research: Biotechnology is not revolutionizing one field but rather driving innovation in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sciences. Advances such as CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and mRNA vaccines highlight biotechnology’s profound impact on society, and this is only the beginning. Biotechnology has a lot of potential, and many discoveries are yet to be made that will be beneficial, especially in health care, to encourage early recovery and early prevention from hereditary diseases.

Global Health Impact: Biotechnology contributes to the early diagnosis of hereditary illnesses that might otherwise be fatal. Biotechnology is making a global impact and giving hope to those suffering from genetic illnesses by providing gene replacement treatment. Only through biotechnology are genetic diseases not diagnosed early but manageable and curable. Biotechnologists help improve global health outcomes by developing vaccines, diagnostics, and cures for deadly infectious diseases and genetic abnormalities.

Environmental Sustainability: Environmental sustainability is a massive cause of concern globally because the pesticides used to harvest the crops are not only costly but have some deadly side effects on the human body, but it is now only through biotechnology that we have biodegradable fuels that are highly beneficial for the crops and impose no harm to humanity. The crops harvested using them are also sound. Biotechnology improves crop yields, reduces pesticide use, and creates drought-resistant crops, addressing global food security challenges. Biotechnological solutions such as bioremediation and biofuels help to improve environmental sustainability by reducing pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.

Personalized Medicine: Biotechnology has driven medical innovation. Thanks to advances in biotechnology, treatment strategies can now be tailored based on the genetic mutation existing in the individual. Many genetic illnesses are now controllable as a result of this, which involves the damaged gene being replaced by a normal gene, and the body begins to function normally. Biotechnological breakthroughs offer customized medical approaches, which tailor therapies to individuals’ genetic profiles for greater efficacy and fewer adverse effects.

Why Study Biotechnology in Malaysia?

There are several reasons you should study biotechnology in Malaysia; the best among them include the following

Quality Education: Malaysia is known for being home to all the highly accredited and globally renowned universities that offer the best biotechnology courses. Each of these courses and programs is accredited by professional global bodies such as the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA), which ensures that quality education is offered to students who meet international standards. The curriculum has been rigorously developed with the latest developments in the world’s economy and upcoming trends in mind.

Affordable Tuition Fee: Unlike most educational institutions, Malaysia offers affordable fees. While ensuring the best quality education is provided and that global standards are not compromised, Malaysian universities offer low-cost study options, making themselves an attractive destination for students with high-end academic dreams.

Strategic Location & International Exposure: Located in the very central heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia offers strategic access to almost every economically growing state. It is an easy-to-access study destination for students aiming to get a quality education abroad and experience an international perspective of biotechnology at the same time.

Vibrant Student Life: Universities of Malaysia are known for offering vibrant campus lives for both local and international students. These all-inclusive educational centres welcome students from varying cultures, allowing them to engage with each other, enjoy multicultural festivities, and experience a fun-loving study environment where their academics are always complemented with the best extracurricular activities to ensure a balanced life.

Career Prospects: Biotechnology graduates have various job options, each with its obligations and benefits. The following are some of the most prevalent employment options for biotechnology graduates:

Biomedical Research Scientist: Biomedical graduates passionate about research can pursue this profession, combining biotechnology skills and expertise to develop new pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical treatments to battle various diseases. Biomedical research is highly appreciated and frequently necessary in research institutions. Many worldwide corporations regularly recruit researchers, enhancing the chances of employment for biomedical graduates at appealing salaries.

Environmental Biotechnologist: Environmental biotechnologists create long-term solutions to environmental issues such as waste management, pollution control, and bioremediation. They work for ecological consultancies, government agencies, and biotech startups. As the world’s focus changes to more sustainable methods, they are in higher demand. According to a recent study, they will soon be among the highest-paying occupations.

Entrepreneur in Biotechnology: Although it is a relatively young area, there is a lot of potential and opportunity for people who want to build their businesses. Initially, growth may be gradual, but with time and experience, the figure will expand tremendously. An entrepreneur in biotechnology creates and runs biotech firms to commercialize new biotechnological products or services. This includes business planning, fundraising, and negotiating regulatory restrictions.

Bioprocess Engineer: A bioprocess engineer is a biotech graduate specializing in promoting manufacturing processes. A bioprocess engineer designs and optimizes manufacturing procedures for biological goods such as vaccines, enzymes, and biofuels. They can work for biopharmaceutical corporations, biotech startups, and industrial biotechnology firms. This is another appealing career prospect for biotech graduates that offers attractive salaries and incentives.

Program Duration

Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelors in Biotechnology (3-4 years typically)

Postgraduate Programs

1. Master’s Degree in Biotechnology (1-2 years typically)
2. Doctorate (PhD) in Biotechnology (3-5 years typically)

Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements set by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) are implied and followed by every professional university in Malaysia. They can be described as follows:

Undergraduate Programs

Academic Qualifications

1. A-Levels (at least two passes)
2. Matriculation/Foundation (at least 2.00 CGPA)
3. Diploma (a course-relevant diploma with at least a 2.00 CGPA)
4. Unified Examination Certificate (at least five Bs)
5. STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) ( at least 2.00 CGPA)

English Language Proficiency

1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
2. A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Post Graduate Programs (Masters' Degree)

Academic Qualifications

1. A relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.00 CGPA

English Language Proficiency

1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
2. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Postgraduate Programs (Doctorate – PhD)

Academic Qualifications

1. A relevant master’s degree with at least a 3.00 CGPA.
2. A well-crafted and subject-relevant research proposal is to be submitted.

English Language Proficiency

1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
2. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based) and 80 (internet-based) for international students.

Fee and Costing

The fee structures for both undergraduate and postgraduate degree and diploma programs in Malaysia vary based on the program you’ve chosen, the institution you might be looking for, the duration of study, etc. However, the generic cost of a bachelor’s degree in Malaysia may be between 20,000 MYR and 70,000 MYR (an estimated 5,000 USD to 17,500 USD) a year.

Postgraduate programs, however, may cost a bit higher, ranging from 25,000 MYR to 80,000 MYR (an estimated 6,250 USD to 20,000 USD) a year. The range is often similar for both master’s and doctorate programs. However, the total expense of doctorate programs might vary based on the nature and duration of the research involved.

But the good news is that most Malaysian Universities offer scholarships and financial aid to needy students. Many flexible payment plans are also offered to help accommodate students without strong financial backgrounds but a desire for bright academic careers.

Accommodation

Malaysian universities offer excellent, versatile accommodation facilities that suit each student’s diverse needs and requirements. As a foreign student landing in an entirely new destination for studies, accommodation could be a significant issue for you. But you need not worry because most Malaysian Universities offer a wide range of options, including hostels, dormitories, and even spacious apartment residences. You can pick what suits your needs and comes under your budget, and boom – enjoy all the excellent facilities they offer along with the comfortable and budget-friendly accommodation.

The shared facilities and amenities usually include :

1. Study desks
2. Beds
3. Attached bathrooms
4. Fully functional kitchens or pantries include a microwave, electric kettle, stove, fridge, etc.
5. Laundry rooms
6. Socializing areas
7. Recreational activities
8. 24/7 security surveillance

Admission Procedure

The admission process for getting into Malaysian Universities typically comprises multiple steps, including submission of an application, verification of the documents, eligibility assessment, and, in some cases, entrance exams or interviews etc. While it can be overwhelming and tedious to handle all that pressure while preparing for your entrance exams and interviews, TJS Study Steps can be your savior and simplify the admission process like never before. Here’s how the experts from TJS Study Steps can help during each stage of the admission procedure and ease you from the hassle!

1. We have added featured university and program guides on our website that experts from the industry have prepared. These guides can help you pick the finest universities and programs from a widespread palate as per your academic goals and aspirations.
2. Filling out the lengthy application forms can be exhausting; our team’s experts know how to ease you from that hassle. They offer professional assistance to the students in filling out correct information and attaching the required documents with their applications without any error to ensure the admission process goes smoothly.
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4. We also track your applications on your behalf and inform you of their progress in real-time.
5. If a university invites you to an interview or entrance exam, TJS can also assist you in your preparation and ensure you perform well and get selected.
6. Once you’ve secured admission at a university in Malaysia, the next step is to get a student Visa, and we also provide total guidance for the Visa application process.
7. Last but not least, TJS Study Steps ensures your well-being abroad. From booking the best flights at affordable rates to assisting you with a city tour, we help you adjust to the city.

The Complete Guide to Study Biotechnology in Malaysia

Country

Duration

Fees

Field

Navigation

Program Overview

Why Study Biotechnology?

Why Study Biotechnology in Malaysia?

Program Duration

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate Programs

Post Graduate Programs (Masters' Degree)

Postgraduate Programs (Doctorate – PhD)

Fee and Costing

Accommodation

Admission Procedure

Navigation