


Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia is a professional course that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to have a successful career in the healthcare industry. The course provides nursing students with a strong foundation of nursing theory, practical skills, and clinical experience to deliver quality patient care. Graduates of this course have job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, and other healthcare facilities.
Course duration is normally around 3 years for program participants to complete the program. Coursework includes classroom and laboratory work, hospital and healthcare centre clinical postings. A few Malaysian Universities offer online modules for Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia for the theoretical portion of the program however, practical classes will still require attendance. A comprehensive & easy to read Overview Table of the Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia section is presented below:
| Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia Overview | |
| Feature | Details |
| Program Name | Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia |
| Program Duration | 3 years (6 semesters) |
| Mode of Study | Full-time, Part-time (select universities), Blended learning for some modules |
| Eligibility | Malaysian: SPM/SPMV/STAM/O-Level with required credits; International: Equivalent qualification + English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) |
| Language of Instruction | Malay (primary), English (some modules in select universities) |
| Clinical Training | Hands-on practical training in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers |
| Top Universities | Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), KPJ Healthcare University, MAHSA University, International Medical University (IMU), UCSI University |
| Career Opportunities | Registered Nurse, Community Health Nurse, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Specialized Nurse |
| Professional Registration | Malaysian Nursing Board |
| Tuition Fees | RM30,000 – RM60,000 (varies by university) |
| Program Focus | Patient care, nursing ethics, clinical skills, pharmacology, anatomy and physiology |
There are a few universities in Malaysia that provide nursing diploma. These are some of the top universities with good standard, new facilities and placement for clinical practice :
| Top Universities Offering Diploma in Nursing | |||
| University Name | Location | Program Type | Intake Period |
| Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) | Shah Alam, Selangor | Full-time | January, May, September |
| KPJ Healthcare University | Nilai, Negeri Sembilan | Full-time / Part-time | March, July, September |
| MAHSA University | Bandar Saujana Putra, Selangor | Full-time | January, May, September |
| International Medical University (IMU) | Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur | Full-time | January, May, September |
| UCSI University | Kuala Lumpur | Full-time | January, May, September |
Students can choose to enroll in Diploma in Nursing UITM, Diploma in Nursing KPJ, or even check out Diploma in Nursing Part Time for those who could not take the full time study.
The Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia is usually a full-time course and takes approximately 3 years to complete, covering six semesters. Both theoretical (classroom lectures) and practical clinical training (at hospital and community health clinics) are integral parts of the programme. The courses typically covered include basic nursing theory, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, mental health and management, as well as clinical practice to develop skills.
| Duration and Structure of Diploma in Nursing | ||
| Year | Semester | Key Subjects and Activities |
| 1 | 1 | Anatomy and Physiology I, Fundamentals of Nursing I, Psychology, Communication, Clinical Practice I |
| 2 | Anatomy and Physiology II, Pharmacology, Fundamentals of Nursing II, Microbiology, Clinical Practice II | |
| 2 | 3 | Medical-Surgical Nursing, Pediatric Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Clinical Practice III, IV |
| 4 | Obstetrics and Gynecology Nursing, Mental Health Nursing, Clinical Practice V, VI | |
| 3 | 5 | Nursing Management, Emergency and Critical Care Nursing, Clinical Practice VII, VIII |
| 6 | Nursing Research, Professional Development, Final Clinical Practice | |
Diploma in Nursing fees in Malaysia generally range between RM 30,000 to RM 70,000 for the entire 3-year program, depending on the university. Here are some specific examples of fees at different institutions:
Diploma in Nursing fees in Malaysia generally range between RM 30,000 to RM 70,000 for the entire 3-year program, depending on the university. Here are some specific examples of fees at different institutions:
| Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia Fees | |||
| University/College | Duration | Total Fees (RM) | Notes |
| University Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) | 3 years | 42,000 | Intake Jan & July |
| University of Wollongong (UoW) | 3 years | 57,275 | 1st Semester: RM 4,800 |
| Lincoln University | 3 years | 27,000 - 32,400 | Multiple intakes Mar, Jul, Nov |
| Mahsa University | 3 years | 48,700 - 70,500 | After scholarship |
| UCSI University | 2 years | 54,140 | Initial + 1st year payment |
| International Medical College (IMC) | 3 years | 40,000 - 60,000 | |
| University of Cyberjaya (UoC) | 3 years | 60,200 | Including EMGS & resource fees |
| AIMST University | 3 years | 47,750 | |
| Nilai University | 3 years | 45,732 | Calculated per credit |
| Management and Science University (MSU) | 3 years | 114,504 | |
| City University | 3 years | 50,950 | Year-wise fee breakup available |
The requirements for a Diploma of Nursing in Malaysia involve certain academic, language, and health standards. These conditions are to ensure that the students are prepared for the program and practical work.
Academic Requirements (SPM/SPMV/STAM/O-Level):
Minimum 3 credits, including Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics, and one Science subject (Biology / Physics / Chemistry / General Science / Applied Science)
Pass in 2 additional subjects, including English
Other qualifications equivalent to SPM may be considered, as approved by the Faculty
Health Requirements:
Must be medically certified fit by a registered medical practitioner within one month of program commencement
Cannot have serious physical or mental illnesses, serious communicable diseases, or disabilities that hinder nursing skills
A Diploma in Nursing holder may pursue their career opportunities in the public and private healthcare sectors in Malaysia. In the healthcare setting, they may be employed as a registered nurse in hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and other health care facilities and institutions. Career growth and specialisation can also be obtained by taking up further higher education or through post-basic nursing qualifications. There is also a high demand for qualified nurses to meet the increasing needs in Malaysia.
| Career Opportunities After a Diploma in Nursing | |
| Career Role | Description |
| Registered Nurse | Provide general nursing care in hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. |
| Staff Nurse | Support medical teams in patient care and treatment. |
| Clinical Assistant | Assist in clinical procedures and health services. |
| Nursing Supervisor | Oversee nursing staff and operations in healthcare facilities. |
| Public Health Nurse | Work in community health promotion and preventive care. |
| Specialized Nurse | After further education, work in fields like ICU, pediatrics, or oncology. |
| Healthcare Educator | Train and educate patients or nursing students. |
| Industrial Nurse | Provide healthcare services in workplace settings. |
