RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)
Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaKuala Lumpur, MalaysiaGMC RecognisedRCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)
RUMC is a joint venture between Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and University College Dublin, offering the same Irish MB BCh BAO degree in Kuala Lumpur at lower cost. The GMC-recognised programme is identical to the Dublin curriculum.
Annual Tuition
£19,000/year
Did You Know?
About RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)
RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) in Penang offers an Irish medical degree — the MB BCh BAO awarded jointly by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD) — in a Malaysian setting. This is the only Irish medical degree available in Asia, and it carries full GMC recognition identical to degrees from the parent institutions in Dublin. The five-year programme follows the same curriculum as RCSI and UCD Ireland, with clinical rotations at Penang General Hospital (one of Malaysia's largest and oldest teaching hospitals), Hospital Seberang Jaya, and Hospital Bukit Mertajam.
Penang is a UNESCO World Heritage island known for its extraordinary food culture, colonial architecture, and multicultural society. The RUMC campus in the George Town heritage zone provides a unique study environment. For UK students, RUMC offers a directly GMC-recognised Irish medical degree at Malaysian tuition rates (approximately £12,000-14,000/year), with tropical medicine exposure, lower living costs than Ireland, and the prestige of RCSI and UCD qualifications.
This is one of very few routes to a UK-recognised medical degree in Southeast Asia.
Programmes Offered
Key Highlights
Joint RCSI and UCD degree
Identical Irish curriculum
GMC-recognised
Kuala Lumpur cosmopolitan city
Entry Requirements
Academic Requirements
A-levels (Biology, Chemistry), interview
Student Accommodation
RUMC managed housing in Kuala Lumpur
Scholarships Available
RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC) offers scholarship opportunities for international students. Contact Medicine Clearing to learn about current funding options for your intake year.
RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC) vs UK Medical Schools
| Factor | RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC) | UK Medical Schools |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (Annual) | £19,000/year | £9,250/year |
| Duration | 5 years | 5 years |
| UCAT Required | Yes / Equivalent | Yes (33 schools) |
| Teaching Language | English | English |
| Acceptance Rate | Higher — focused entrance criteria | ~8% average |
| GMC Pathway | PLAB/UKMLA → Full Registration | Direct Registration |
| Gap Year Risk | None — rolling admissions | High — 12-month UCAS cycle |
| NHS Eligibility | Yes — after UKMLA | Yes — direct |
Application Timeline — RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)
| Step | Phase | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free Strategy Consultation | Week 1 |
| 2 | Eligibility Assessment & University Match | Week 1 |
| 3 | Document Preparation & Personal Statement | Weeks 1-2 |
| 4 | Application Submission to RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC) | Weeks 2-3 |
| 5 | Entrance Exam / Interview Preparation | Weeks 3-4 |
| 6 | Offer Confirmation | Weeks 4-5 |
| 7 | Visa Processing & Accommodation | Weeks 5-7 |
| 8 | Pre-departure Briefing & Arrival Support | Weeks 7-8 |
Quick Reference — RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)
Frequently Asked Questions — RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)
Student Reviews
Write a Community Review
Studied at RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)? Your insight helps thousands of UK students make informed decisions. All reviews are moderated before publication.
Ready to Apply to RCSI & UCD Malaysia (RUMC)?
Our admissions team has placed 107+ UK students in top medical schools worldwide. We will guide your application from document preparation to enrolment.