Study Dentistry in Malaysia : All Scholarships & Universities You Need to Know

Dentistry is one of the most sought-after health science degrees in Malaysia—but it’s also one of the most expensive. For many students, a scholarship is the key to making this dream possible. Whether you enter Dentistry through the Matriculation Program (KPM) or choose an alternative pathway like Foundation, A-Levels, or private university entry, there are scholarships available for both Bumiputera and Non-Bumiputera students.

PATHWAY 1: WITH MATRICULATION (PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES/IPTA)

If you complete the Matriculation Program (KPM), you can apply to public universities (IPTA) through UPU. Dentistry is extremely competitive, requiring CGPA near 4.00, strong MUET results, co-curricular marks, and sometimes interviews.

Bumiputera Students

• ✅ JPA (Public Service Department) – Full sponsorship, strong priority given.

• ✅ MARA – Not applicable here (MARA is for IPTS/overseas), but Bumi have wide JPA coverage.

• ✅ Yayasan Negeri (State Foundations) – Generous support for Bumi students.

• ✅ PTPTN – Open to all, can convert partially to scholarship for excellent results.

• ✅ UiTM Internal Aid – Bumiputera only (since UiTM is Bumi-only).

Non-Bumiputera Students

• 🟡 JPA (Merit Quota) – Open, but extremely limited places.

• 🟡 Yayasan Negeri – Some state foundations (like Selangor, Penang) open to all, but most prioritize Bumiputera.

• ✅ PTPTN Loan – Open equally.

• 🟡 University Awards – Some IPTA offer bursaries (Vice Chancellor’s, faculty prizes), but limited.

Public Universities Offering Dentistry – https://upu.mohe.gov.my

1. Universiti Malaya (UM) – Kuala Lumpur

   • Open to Bumiputera & Non-Bumiputera (highly competitive, limited non-Bumi seats).

2. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – Bangi, Selangor

   • Open to both, but quota favors Bumiputera.

3. Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – Kubang Kerian, Kelantan

   • Open to both, but limited seats for non-Bumi.

4. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) – Sungai Buloh, Selangor

   • Bumiputera only.

5. International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) – Kuantan, Pahang

   • Open to both Bumiputera & Non-Bumiputera students. Intake for non-Bumi is very small.

6. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) – Nilai, Negeri Sembilan

   • Muslim students only (includes Bumiputera and Non-Bumiputera Muslims).

✅ Bumiputera students: Eligible for all 6 IPTAs.
✅ Non-Bumiputera Muslim students: Eligible for UM, UKM, USM, IIUM, and USIM.
✅ Non-Bumiputera non-Muslim students: Eligible for UM, UKM, USM, IIUM only.
❌ UiTM: Strictly Bumiputera-only.

PATHWAY 2: WITHOUT MATRICULATION (PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES/IPTS)

If you don’t take Matriculation you can still study Dentistry using:

• STPM, A-Levels, or Foundation in Science (from private universities).

• Direct entry into private universities.

If you took Matriculation, however didn’t get Dentistry placement in public universities, you can still study Dentistry using Private Universities. 

Bumiputera Students

• ✅ MARA Convertible Loans/Sponsorships – Available in selected IPTS (e.g., AIMST, MSU).

• ✅ Yayasan Negeri (State Foundations) – State-based scholarships widely support Bumi at IPTS.

• ✅ PTPTN Loan – Open equally.

• ✅ Private University Merit Scholarships – All IPTS (IMU, MAHSA, AIMST, MSU, MUCM, SEGi, PIDC, Lincoln) offer merit, sports, and leadership awards.

Non-Bumiputera Students

• 🟡 JPA (Merit Quota) – Possible for IPTS, but rare and highly competitive.

• 🟡 Yayasan Negeri – Some states open to all (Selangor, Penang, Negeri Sembilan), but usually limited.

• ✅ PTPTN Loan – Open equally.

• ✅ Private University Scholarships – IMU’s need-based full scholarships, MAHSA HABES Awards, SEGi rebates, PIDC merit awards, AIMST/MSU/MUCM/Lincoln merit scholarships — all open to Non-Bumi.

Private Universities Offering Dentistry

Here’s the complete list of 8 private universities in Malaysia offering accredited Dentistry programs:

1. AIMST University – Kedah  https://aimst.edu.my/scholarships/

2. Manipal University College Malaysia (MUCM) – Melaka  https://manipal.edu.my/domestic-students/#

3. Management & Science University (MSU) – Shah Alam  https://www.msu.edu.my/financial-assistance-aid

4. International Medical University (IMU) – Kuala Lumpur https://imu.edu.my/admissions/scholarship-bursary/

5. MAHSA University – Selangor https://mahsa.edu.my/scholarship.php

6. SEGi University – Selangor  https://university.segi.edu.my/scholarships-and-rebates-hub/

7. Penang International Dental College (PIDC) – Penang https://www.pidc.edu.my/

8. Lincoln University College (LUC) – Petaling Jaya https://online.lincoln.edu.my/applyonline/frmscholarship.aspx 

✅ All open to both Bumiputera and Non-Bumiputera students.

Dentistry in Malaysia is tough — the long hours, the costs, the competition. But there’s always a pathway forward, whether it’s through Matriculation into IPTA or Foundation/A-Levels into IPTS. Scholarships like JPA, MARA, PTPTN, and private awards are there to help, but the real key is your perseverance and passion.

If this is your dream, don’t be discouraged. Keep pushing, apply for every opportunity, and trust that every challenge you face now is shaping you into the dentist you want to become. One day, all the sacrifices will be worth it — when you see your patients smile because of you.

Need advice on scholarships or which university suits you best? Drop a comment — I’ll be happy to share more.