The Undergraduate Medicine programme at RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) is a five-year medical degree leading to the MB BCh BAO qualification, awarded by the National University of Ireland (NUI). The programme is transnational in structure, with students completing the first 2.5 years of pre-clinical training in Dublin, Ireland, and the remaining 2.5 years of clinical training in Penang, Malaysia. This unique setup provides students with a global perspective and a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.

Graduates of the RUMC medical degree have a wide range of career opportunities both in Malaysia and internationally. After completing housemanship or internship, they may work as Medical Officers or Senior House Officers before progressing to become General Physicians, General Surgeons, or Family Medicine Specialists. Other specialisations include Psychiatry, Pathology, and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. In addition to clinical practice, the degree opens doors to careers in academia, medical research, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare management. The degree’s recognition by global institutions such as ECFMG, FAIMER, and WDOMS allows graduates to apply for licensure in many countries around the world.

Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Possess a PASS in SPM or O-Level (or equivalent) with 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics, and one other subject
• Fulfil the entry requirements set by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)
• Malaysian students must pass Bahasa Melayu at the SPM level (for public sector housemanship eligibility)
• Provide English proficiency through a CEFR C1 grade in SPM or an IELTS score of at least 6.0
• Submit all required documents, including certified ID copies, academic transcripts, a CV, a reference letter (Confidential Statement), and a valid passport page (for international applicants)

Applicants from the USA and Canada may apply through RUMC’s partner, Atlantic Bridge. Those from the EU or Ireland are encouraged to check eligibility with the Admissions team directly.

The RUMC curriculum follows a modern, systems-based approach and is divided into two phases. During the pre-clinical years in Dublin, students study anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, genetics, microbiology, pharmacology, public health, psychology, sociology, and tropical medicine. These subjects build a strong foundation in the basic sciences and introduce students to evidence-based medicine and early clinical exposure. In the clinical years based in Penang, students rotate through key medical fields such as internal medicine, surgery, orthopaedics, paediatrics, psychiatry, family medicine, obstetrics and gynaecology, and emergency medicine. They develop practical skills in patient communication, physical examinations, and clinical decision-making. All students also complete MPU subjects as required by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education.

Yes, there are structured internship opportunities following graduation. All RUMC graduates must complete a one to two-year housemanship or internship period, typically in hospitals, where they gain supervised clinical experience. Graduates are eligible to apply for internships in Malaysia, Australia, and Ireland. While industry placements during the five-year study are not part of the formal curriculum, the clinical training provided in hospitals and healthcare centres serves as practical, hands-on industry exposure.

The total tuition fee for Malaysian students is RM620,000, while international students pay €155,000. Additional one-time charges include an immunisation fee of €380 for RCSI or €310 for UCD, and an RCSI NUI administrative fee of €135. Payment is typically made in instalments over the 50-week academic cycle. RUMC offers two main scholarships: a full 100% tuition fee scholarship and a 20% tuition fee scholarship. Both are automatically considered for applicants who meet the entry requirements, hold an offer letter, and are not receiving other financial aid. Malaysian students may also explore funding options such as PTPTN loans and EPF withdrawals to assist with tuition.

Note: Fees are accurate as of writing.