Pharmacists are in high demand in Malaysia, with the pharmacist-to-population ratio of roughly 1:1,700, slightly below the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio of 1:2,000 for developed countries.

The career itself sounds promising, but the study journey can be challenging. Some students may find it smooth, while others need more guidance. That’s where Afterschool comes in! We help you navigate the pathways to study pharmacy in Malaysia and make the choice that aligns with your goals.

👉 If you want to know more about the basics of studying Pharmacy in Malaysia, navigating your academic journey, career paths and more, check out our Pharmacy Course Guide!  

Pharmacy vs. Pharmaceutical Science. 

Pharmacy focuses on preparing and dispensing medications, patient care and clinical practice. Graduates become licensed pharmacists after completing the pre-registration internship and passing the Pharmacy Board exam.

Pharmaceutical Science focuses on the research, development, and production of drugs. Graduates usually work in laboratories, research institutions, or the pharmaceutical industry, but they do not become licensed pharmacists. Make sure to take the right course according to your career goals. 

There are also different types of specialisation that you can choose from after graduation. Check it out here.

Understanding the three pathways

Is it important to know the differences between these pathways? Yes, because they will affect your education experience, career opportunities, cost and licensing processes. By understanding these pathways, you can choose the one that best aligns with your academic goals, budget and career aspirations as a future pharmacist.

Local Private Universities

These universities provide a complete pharmacy education and degree, recognised by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. After graduation, students must complete a 1-year pre-registration internship and pass the Pharmacy Board Examination to become a licensed pharmacist.

Recognition by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia

When you pursue a pharmacy programme, it’s crucial that it’s accredited and recognised by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia. This ensures that the curriculum meets the local educational and professional standards necessary for licensing and practice in Malaysia. A recognised programme ensures that your degree meets the national standards and allows you to practice legally.

"What if I study at a place that's not recognised?" You may face challenges when applying for a license to practice as a pharmacist, which could delay your career.

The 1-year Pre-registration Internship

This compulsory practice training is a mandatory requirement so that you can gain practical experience and be prepared for registration as a practising pharmacist. 

Usually, students will look for opportunities at public and private hospitals, approved community pharmacies or other pharmaceutical industry settings that the Pharmacy Board accredits for training.

Typically, local private university students’ journey for their 1-year pre-registration internship is smoother for a few reasons: 

• Structured Placement Support: Many local private universities have partnerships with hospitals, community pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies, helping you secure your internship placement.
  
  
• Industry Connections: You get access to professional networks through your university, including alumni and lecturers, which can open doors to better internship opportunities.
  
  
• Guidance and Mentorship: Universities often guide students on how to navigate the internship, understand expectations, and prepare for the Pharmacy Board Examination.

Pharmacy Board Examination

Passing the Pharmacy Board Examination is your key to practising as a licensed pharmacist in Malaysia. Without it, you cannot legally dispense medications, counsel patients, or manage drug therapies. The examination tests your knowledge in various areas, including pharmacology, drug therapy management, and pharmaceutical law.

Employers, especially hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, require this certification, making it the essential stamp of credibility that opens the door to a professional pharmacy career.

So, in Malaysia, these universities offer programmes for those pursuing a career as a pharmacist:

• Management and Science University | Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons)
• Taylor’s University | Bachelor of Pharmacy
• International Medical University (IMU) | BPharm (Hons)

👉 Click here to check the details (e.g. fees, requirements and location). 

Twinning or credit-transfer programmes

When enrolling with these programmes, students typically study for 2 years in Malaysia (with a local partner university) and then transfer to a university abroad to complete their final 2 years. 

So what is so special about these programmes? You will be able to graduate with a UK or Australian pharmacy degree that is globally recognised (oh, and the experience of studying abroad as well!).

For the twinning programmes to be valid, you need to ensure that the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia recognises them. There are specific conditions that must be met to ensure students can return to Malaysia and become certified pharmacists. 

In Malaysia, only a few universities offer these twinning programmes, including the International Medical University (IMU).

Recognition of the Partner University

Typically, universities in the UK, Australia, and Ireland offer pharmacy programmes that the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia recognises. However, the specific course structure and curriculum must align with the certification requirements in Malaysia.

Accredited Pharmacy Degree

The degree awarded by the foreign university after completing the twinning programme must be an accredited pharmacy degree that meets the standards set by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia.

The degree must be comparable to the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or equivalent programmes recognised in Malaysia.

Internship and Training Requirements

Even if a foreign university awards the degree, students must complete a 1-year pre-registration internship in Malaysia. This internship is essential for gaining practical experience in the Malaysian healthcare system.

Pharmacy Board approval is needed for the internship placement. Local private universities offering twinning programmes typically help connect students with local internship opportunities.

Pharmacy Board Examination

After completing the twinning programme and the required internship, students must pass the Pharmacy Board Examination to become licensed pharmacists in Malaysia, allowing them to register with the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia and practice legally as pharmacists.

Verification Process

Oh, and if you are looking into enrolling for the twinning programmes, this is SUPER IMPORTANT! Students from twinning programmes must apply to the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia to have their foreign degree and internship verified before they can sit for the licensing examination.

The Pharmacy Board will assess whether the foreign programme aligns with the professional and academic standards required in Malaysia.

Foreign branch campuses in Malaysia

This pathway allows students to study in Malaysia while earning a degree from an international university. It provides access to a globally recognised education locally, often at a lower cost than studying abroad.

Similar to the twinning programmes, you need to always check the latest accreditation status on the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia website before applying.
You also need to ensure that the programme offers a pre-registration internship placement in Malaysia, which is required for licensure.

Below are some examples of foreign branch campuses in Malaysia that offer accredited pharmacy programmes recognised by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia:

• Monash University
• University of Nottingham

👉 Click here to check the details (e.g. fees, requirements and location). 

These institutions provide students with the opportunity to earn a globally recognised degree locally, ensuring they meet the requirements for licensure and practice in Malaysia.

Selecting the right pathway to become a pharmacist sets the stage for your healthcare career. Local private universities, twinning programmes, and foreign branch campuses each offer unique advantages, from international exposure and lower costs to high-quality education and local licensure.

Your choice should align with your career goals, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you prefer the stability of a full local programme or the global experience of a twinning programme, the skills and knowledge you gain will shape your journey.

Explore your options, ask the right questions, and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a pharmacist.