Doctor of Philosophy

OVERVIEW

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the School of Medical Sciences is a research-intensive postgraduate program aimed at producing highly skilled researchers in various areas of medical sciences. The PhD program at USM is designed to cultivate expertise in a wide range of fields, including medical research, clinical sciences, health sciences, and biomedical sciences. It prepares graduates for leadership roles in academic, clinical, and research settings.

The School of Medical Sciences offers a range of research opportunities within various fields of medical and health sciences. Some of the potential areas for PhD research include, but are not limited to:

Medical Sciences (e.g., physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology)
Clinical Sciences (e.g., clinical medicine, surgery, immunology)
Biomedical Sciences (e.g., molecular biology, microbiology, genetics)
Health Sciences (e.g., public health, epidemiology, health policy)
Medical Imaging
Medical Psychology
Medical Parasitology
Neurosciences and Mental Health
Pharmacology and Toxicology
Nutrition and Dietetics
Medical Microbiology and Immunology
Medical Education

Expertise available in the following School:
School of Medical Sciences
https://medic.usm.my/

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants should possess the following:

A Master's degree in research mode; or
A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 3.00/4; or
A Master’s degree in related area with CGPA 2.50-2.99/4 with additional requirements; or
Bachelor’s degree in related area with minimum CGPA 3.67/4 (fast-track to PhD)

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

(Applicable for International Applicants Only)

A minimum of Band 5 for IELTS; or
A minimum score of 40 for TOEFL (Internet-based); or
A minimum of Band 7.5 for TOEFL Essentials (Online); or
A minimum score of 154 for Cambridge English: Advance (CAE)/Proficiency (CPE) /Preliminary (PET) /First (FCE)/ Linguaskill Online; or
A minimum score of 47 for Pearson Test of English (PTE); or
A minimum of Band 107 for CIEP Level (ELS); or
A minimum of Band 3.5 for Malaysian University English Test (MUET)

Exemption CAN BE CONSIDERED to candidate if:

English is the candidate’s mother tongue or National Language; or
Candidate graduated from an Institution of Higher Learning in which the medium of instruction at Bachelor and/or Master degree level is English (statement of proof required)

DURATION

Full-time: Min 4 semesters / Max 10 semesters
Part-time: Min 6 semesters / Max 15 semesters

FEES

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time	Part Time
Registration Fee : 310.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) :4,200.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee : 1000.00 Convocation Fee : 200.00 Research Methodology : 320.00	Registration Fee : 310.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,585.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee: 1000.00 Convocation Fee : 200.00 Research Methodology : 320.00

International (USD)
Full Time	Part Time
Registration Fee : 222.50 Personal Bond : 1000.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,575.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee: 375.00 Convocation Fee : 50.00 Research Methodology: 80.00	Registration Fee : 222.50 Personal Bond : 1000.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 1,425.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee : 375.00 Convocation Fee : 50.00 Research Methodology: 80.00

** Fees are subject to change

** New fees to be imposed starting from Academic Session 2025/2026 (October 2025 intake onward)

Malaysian (MYR)
Full Time	Part Time
Registration Fee : 330.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 4,200.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee : 800.00 Convocation Fee : 200.00	Registration Fee : 330.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 3,585.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee: 800.00 Convocation Fee : 200.00

International (USD)
Full Time	Part Time
Registration Fee : 225.00 Personal Bond : 1,000.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,500.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee: 250.00 Convocation Fee : 50.00	Registration Fee : 225.00 Personal Bond : 1,000.00 Tuition Fee (Semester) : 2,130.00 Thesis Evaluation Fee : 250.00 Convocation Fee : 50.00

** Fees are subject to change

Doctor of Philosophy

Postgraduate

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