Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia Requirements, Fees, Universities and Career Opportunities

The Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia is a 3-year program combining theoretical learning and clinical training. Malaysian and international candidates must meet academic, language, and health requirements. Graduates can work as registered nurses, community health nurses, or pursue specialized nursing roles. Top universities include UiTM, KPJ, MAHSA, IMU, and UCSI, with tuition ranging from RM30,000 to RM60,000.

authorImageSoumya Tiwari28 Oct, 2025
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Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia

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.

Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia Overview

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

Top Universities Offering Diploma in Nursing

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.

Duration and Structure of Diploma in Nursing

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 in Malaysia Fees

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

Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia Requirements

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.

For Malaysian Candidates

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

Career Opportunities After a Diploma in Nursing

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.

Diploma in Nursing in Malaysia FAQs

Q1: Can I complete the Diploma in Nursing program online?

Most Diploma in Nursing programs offer online modules or blended learning options. However, as clinical practice is an integral part of the curriculum, students are required to undergo on-site training in healthcare facilities. As a result, there is no fully online Diploma in Nursing program.

Q2: Is the Diploma in Nursing program internationally recognized?

The Diploma in Nursing programs offered by the accredited institutions in Malaysia are recognized by the Malaysian Nursing Board and meet the international standards. The graduates of the programs are eligible to apply for nursing jobs in other countries, subject to the requirements of the destination country.

Q3: How much does it cost to complete the Diploma in Nursing program?

The tuition fees for the Diploma in Nursing programs vary by institution, but they are generally between RM30,000 and RM60,000 for the entire program. The costs of uniforms, textbooks, and examination fees may also apply.

Q4: Are there any scholarships available for the Diploma in Nursing program?

Yes, there are several scholarships and financial aid options available for eligible students. Prospective applicants are advised to contact the financial aid office of their preferred institution to inquire about available scholarships.

Q5: What is the job outlook for nursing graduates in Malaysia?

The demand for qualified nurses in Malaysia is expected to remain high due to the increasing healthcare needs of the country. Graduates can expect a stable and rewarding career with ample opportunities for career advancement and specialization.
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