The 101 Guide To Study Psychology in Malaysia

It is a great program that gives significant insight into human behavior, feelings, and thoughts as it combines the concepts of Biology, Biomedical, Sociology, and Anthropology. Clinical psychology, counseling, and research courses are studied by students over three years with the assistance of such partners as UKM and Monash universities. Possible jobs that one can take after the course are to work in the mental health field, education, or organizational development.

A psychologist listens attentively to a patient during a therapy session.
Country

Malaysia

Duration

3 Years

Fees

$7,000+ Yearly

Field

Healthcare

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Program Overview

Study psychology in Malaysia because it is one of the fascinating branches of science that is concerned with comprehending the intricacies of human behavior, emotions, and ideas. This scientific subject integrates parts of biology, sociology, and anthropology to investigate the complexity of the human mind and how they affect the emotional well-being of humans and their surroundings. Psychology’s primary purpose is to provide students with knowledge and expertise that will enable them to comprehend the science behind human behaviors, disorders, diseases, signs and symptoms, and techniques to effectively build treatment plans for managing them. A degree in Psychology is profitable and in demand these days.

Psychology is a constantly growing field that utilizes current research and technological advances to encourage innovation and development. The field’s dynamic nature makes it an ideal career choice for people fascinated by the complexities of human behavior, problems, and treatment possibilities. It is one of the most challenging fields nowadays. Psychology graduates can work in various fields, including clinical practice and counseling, as well as research, education, and organizational development.
Some essential courses taught in psychology include Introduction and Development Psychology, which introduces students to the fundamental ideas and theories of psychology, followed by Abnormal and Cognitive Psychology, which teaches students about the science of human behavior. Their thought processes, cognitive development, social psychology, clinical psychology, and a variety of other engaging and exciting courses.
Psychology is becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia and worldwide as people become more conscious of the value of psychological well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that mental health issues will be the primary cause of disability worldwide by 2030. The average starting wage for psychology graduates in Malaysia is between RM 2,500 and RM 4,000 per month, with room for advancement through experience and specialization. In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health has identified a growing demand for qualified psychologists to handle the population’s mental health requirements.

Malaysia is home to several esteemed universities that offer comprehensive psychology programs. Some of the leading institutions providing degrees or diplomas in psychology are:

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

Why Study Psychology?

Medicine is a rewarding and honorable topic of study, and there are numerous reasons to study psychology in Malaysia. However, some significant reasons why you can select medicine as your field of education are listed below:

Growing Awareness of Mental Health:

Psychology is expanding at a rapid pace as people become more aware of mental health issues and concerns. With practically every other person experiencing some form of mental illness, the need for skilled psychologists is more significant than ever. According to recent projections, psychology will soon be one of the highest-paid careers in Malaysia and worldwide, with several chances for continued growth and development. It is a fantastic field for people who want to work and help humanity in the best way possible. With the rising frequency of mental health difficulties, the National Health and Morbidity Survey reveals that 29% of adults have some mental health condition.

Diverse Career Opportunities:

Pursuing Psychology as a degree brings many job opportunities. You can also work as a clinical psychologist in local hospitals, travel, and work with international clients. You can enter the field of study to learn about the complicated principles and ideas that underpin human behavior. You can even start your clinic and blog and work from the comfort of your own home. There are many more exciting and in-demand disciplines, such as school psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and forensic psychology. This diversity enables graduates to identify a specialty matching their interests and skills. And no matter what specialization you choose, all of them are equally gratifying and in demand, with attractive income packages.

Research and Innovation:

Psychology promotes research and innovation. There is a lot of research going on in psychology, and novel concerns and therapies are being introduced virtually every day. The field is expanding rapidly due to new research and technical improvements. Psychologists are at the forefront of learning new things about human behavior and finding effective interventions for mental health problems. This ongoing study and contribution to scientific knowledge keeps the profession intellectually engaging and stimulating.

Global Demand for Psychologists:

The demand for psychologists is not exclusive to Malaysia; it is a worldwide phenomenon. Many countries are facing a scarcity of mental health specialists, creating opportunities for psychologists to work worldwide. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is expected to expand by 14% between 2018 and 2028, substantially faster than the average for all occupations.

Why Study Psychology in Malaysia?

There are several reasons you should study Psychology 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 psychology 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 to meet global standards. The curriculum has been rigorously developed, considering the latest developments in the world’s economy and upcoming trends.

Affordable Tuition Fee :

Unlike most educational institutions, Malaysia offers affordable fees. While ensuring that the best quality education on the global standard is not compromised, universities offer low-cost study options, making them 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 from abroad and simultaneously experience an international perspective of psychology.

Vibrant Student Life:

Universities of Malaysia are known for offering vibrant campus lives for both local and international students. These all-inclusive educational centers 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

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

Clinical Psychologist:

Many psychologists worldwide prefer the most typical job paths. A clinical psychologist assesses, treats, and diagnoses mental health issues while developing individualized therapy for patients based on advanced knowledge and research. With the expanding mental health concerns, the demand for clinical psychologists is now more than ever, and there is a severe scarcity of qualified persons in the sector.

Counselling Psychologist:

Another expanding field in psychology offers numerous work opportunities with competitive salaries and incentives. A counseling psychologist works one-on-one with patients and persons experiencing emotional stress to help them overcome it and enhance their quality of life. They operate in various environments, including schools, hospitals, and private offices. The expanding emphasis on mental health has raised the demand for counseling services, guaranteeing that graduates have good work opportunities.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist:

Industrial psychology is currently gaining traction. It is a field of psychology focused on applying psychological principles to the workplace to increase productivity, employee satisfaction, and organizational success. This is a highly in-demand field in the corporate sector, and psychologists who work in this area are highly respected because their expertise is related to the enhanced business performance of corporate employees.

Forensic Psychologist:

Forensic psychologists practice at the interface of psychology and the legal system. They evaluate and treat people in the criminal justice system, give expert testimony in court, and undertake research on criminal behavior. This specialist field is expanding as the value of psychological insights in legal contexts becomes more widely recognized.

Program Duration

Undergraduate Programs

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

Postgraduate Programs

  1. 1. Master’s Degree in Psychology (1-2 years typically)
  2. 2. Doctorate (PhD) in Psychology (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. 1. A-Levels (at least two passes)
  2. 2. Matriculation/Foundation (at least 2.00 CGPA)
  3. 3. Diploma (a course-relevant diploma with at least a 2.00 CGPA)
  4. 4. Unified Examination Certificate (at least five Bs)
  5. 5. STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) ( at least 2.00 CGPA)

English Language Proficiency

  1. 1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
  2. 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 Qualification

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

English Language Proficiency

  1. 1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
  2. 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. 1. A relevant master’s degree with at least a 3.00 CGPA.
  2. 2. A well-crafted and subject-relevant research proposal is to be submitted.

English Language Proficiency

  1. 1. At least one credit in SPM English or equivalent for Malaysian Nationals.
  2. 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

Study psychology in Malaysia because it typically involves varying fees and costs depending on the institution and program, with expenses encompassing tuition, materials, and other related charges. 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 students in need. Many flexible payment plans are also provided to accommodate students without strong financial backgrounds who desire bright academic careers.

Affordable Course Fee

Malaysian universities’ accommodations are often excellent and versatile, suiting each student’s diverse needs and requirements. Finding affordable and comfortable accommodation near universities is essential for students planning to study psychology in Malaysia. 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. 1. Study desks
  2. 2. Beds
  3. 3. Attached bathrooms 
  4. 4. Fully functional kitchens or pantries include a microwave, electric kettle, stove, fridge, etc. 
  5. 5. Laundry rooms
  6. 6. Socializing areas
  7. 7. Recreational activities 
  8. 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 Studysteps education consultancy in Saudi Arabia 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. 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. 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. 
  3. 3. TJS Studysteps also has documentation experts onboard who can help you gather all the required documents, such as transcripts, personal statements, certificates, and so on. 
  4. 4. We also track your applications on your behalf and inform you of their progress in real-time. 
  5. 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. 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. 7. Last but not least, TJS Studysteps 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.
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