DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PHD) IN NURSING

MAHSA University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is a complex, highest-level postgraduate degree aimed at qualified nurses who want to go into advanced or specialized nursing practice and healthcare delivery.

Because this is a research-based, multidisciplinary programme, it will broaden the horizon for students in particular and the nursing profession in general, creating previously-unavailable opportunities in the field of advanced healthcare and interdisciplinary collaboration, and launching successful careers for individuals who will go on to change the landscape of nursing, pioneer the way to avant garde techniques, facilitate change, assume leadership roles in nursing, and create better healthcare for individuals, communities and the world at large.

By the time they graduate, MAHSA University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing students will have earned the capacity to create new knowledge in the understanding of anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, nursing, and numerous other branches of medicine and healthcare, and to exhibit expertise in various areas of nursing, making advanced healthcare accessible to all within their spheres.

 

Programme Structure

Advantages

Quality

The PhD in Nursing is designed in consultation with Nursing Board Malaysia and a panel of local and international academics.

Affordable

Tuition fees for the PhD in Nursing are kept at an affordable level, to ensure there are little barriers to a pursuing a PhD.

Recognition

The PhD in Nursing is accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency and Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia and recognized by the Midwifery Board Malaysia and Ministry of Health, Malaysia.

Awarded by
MAHSA University

The PhD in Nursing is awarded by MAHSA University, a leader in Medical and Health Science Education in Malaysia

Entry Requirement

Master degree in Nursing/equivalent from related field with minimum CGPA of 3.00

Master degree in Nursing/ equivalent from related field with CGPA above 2.00 but below 3.00/equivalent and with at least 3 years work experience in related field

Registered with Nursing Board of Malaysia/ country of origin

Possess current Annual Practicing Certificate/ Temporary Practicing Certificate for International candidates pursuing a clinical based programme

 

Able to converse in Bahasa Melayu

Health requirements:

All candidates must be certified medically fit by a registered medical practitioner within one month from commencement of the nursing programme

Students must not have any physical disabilities or impaired senses that hinders nursing dexterity

Students with medical conditions such as HIV, AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, epilepsy, mental health disorders and color blindness cannot be admitted into the programme.

Pregnancy is not allowed throughout the course
 

STUDENT PASS / VISA REQUIREMENTS (INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS)

All international students who plan to study full-time in Malaysia are required to obtain a Student Pass (Student Visa) before starting their studies.

• You must receive an official Offer Letter from the university before applying for a student pass

• The university will submit your Student Pass application through Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS) on your behalf

• A Visa Approval Letter (VAL / eVAL) is required before travelling to Malaysia

• Studying on a tourist or social visit visa is not permitted

• Your passport must be valid for at least 18 months from your intended intake date

• Visa processing time depends on EMGS and Malaysian Immigration approval

• After arriving in Malaysia, all students must complete a medical check-up at an EMGS-registered clinic

• Your Student Pass will be issued only after medical clearance and document verification

• Continuing students must renew their Student Pass before it expires

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR STUDENT PASS APPLICATION

The following documents are commonly required for all international students:

• Valid passport (clear scanned copy of all pages, including blank pages)

• Passport-size photograph with a white background

• Official Offer Letter from the university

• Academic certificates and transcripts related to your programme

• English language proficiency certificate (IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent), if required

• Proof of acceptance or tuition fee payment (if requested by the university)

• Student Pass / Visa processing fee as determined by EMGS

• Completed EMGS Health Declaration Form (if applicable)

Please note: All documents not originally in English must be submitted together with certified English translations.

ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS (IF APPLICABLE)

Some students may be asked to provide extra documents depending on their situation:

• Release Letter and Visa Cancellation Letter (for students transferring from another institution in Malaysia)

• School Leaving Certificate (for foundation or diploma applicants)

• Sponsorship or Scholarship Letter (if your studies are funded)

• Proof of financial support to cover tuition fees and living expenses

• Statutory Declaration (if there are name differences across documents)

• Resume or Character Reference Letter (commonly required for applicants above 23 years old)

• Police Clearance Certificate (if requested by EMGS or embassy authorities)

• Copy of previous Malaysian visa or Resident Pass (if applicable)

AFTER ARRIVING IN MALAYSIA

Once you arrive in Malaysia, you will need to:

• Complete a medical examination at an EMGS-approved clinic

• Submit your passport for Student Pass Endorsement

• Receive a temporary Special Pass (if applicable) while your Student Pass is being processed

• Collect your Student Pass and complete university registration

IMPORTANT REMINDERS

• Student Pass requirements are set by Malaysian Immigration and EMGS and may vary by nationality
• The university’s International Office will guide you through each step of the process
• Students are strongly advised to prepare documents at least 2–3 months before intake
• Requirements may change, so always follow the latest instructions provided by the university