RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus
Established in
1996Famous For
Clinical Training in Medicine
- Overview
- Services
- Rankings
- Accommodation
- Location
- Courses
- Scholarships
Overview
RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) is a highly respected private medical university located in Penang, Malaysia. Established in 1996 as Penang Medical College, it is a branch campus owned by two leading health sciences institutions in Ireland: the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD). RUMC holds the distinction of being Malaysia's first accredited private medical school and remains the only Irish university branch campus in the region.
The university offers a unique transnational medical programme. Students spend their first two and a half years completing pre-clinical studies in Dublin, Ireland, at either the RCSI or UCD campus. This provides international students with a rich European academic experience and access to world-class learning facilities. Following this period, students return to Penang to finish their remaining two and a half years of intensive clinical training.
RUMC provides high-quality learning environments across both locations. In Penang, students train within an exclusive network of university teaching hospitals, including the Penang General Hospital. This ensures an excellent patient-to-student ratio and early, direct interaction with patients. Upon completion, successful graduates receive a globally recognised medical degree (MB BCh BAO) from the National University of Ireland (NUI).
The degree is fully accredited by both the Malaysian Medical Council and the Irish Medical Council, allowing graduates to pursue medical careers and further training worldwide.
Services
RUMC provides dedicated support services to help international students adapt to living and studying in two different countries. The Student Affairs team coordinates pre-arrival briefings and a comprehensive International Student Orientation to welcome new arrivals.
Because students split their time between Europe and Southeast Asia, the university offers tailored guidance for both environments. In Dublin, dedicated campus support teams assist with local student housing, visa administration, and integration into Irish student life.
In Malaysia, the Student Affairs department offers ongoing guidance regarding healthcare, student visas, and personal well-being. Additionally, students can participate in numerous student clubs, societies, and recreational events in both locations, ensuring a balanced lifestyle alongside their demanding medical studies.
Rankings
As a specialised foreign branch campus, RUMC shares the global academic reputation of its parent institutions in Ireland.
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RCSI (Dublin): Consistently ranks among the top 250 universities globally in the Times Higher Education World Rankings, placing it in the top 2% worldwide.
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UCD (Dublin): Ranked within the top 1% of higher education institutions globally in major international league tables.
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Global Recognition: The medical degrees awarded are recognised by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) and the Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), permitting graduates to practice internationally.
Accommodation
RUMC ensures that comfortable, well-located housing options are available to students in both Dublin and Penang. While studying in Ireland, students have access to a variety of university-managed halls of residence and approved off-campus student apartments.
In Penang, the university provides exclusively furnished student accommodations situated less than seven kilometres from the main campus. These secure units feature multi-room layouts equipped with wireless internet, shared kitchens, and laundry facilities. To make travel easy, RUMC operates a scheduled daily shuttle bus service connecting these student residences directly to the campus, aligning with the daily timetable of classes.
Location
The Malaysian campus is located in the heart of George Town, the historic capital city of Penang. The campus sits close to primary healthcare locations, including the Penang General Hospital, allowing for easy travel between lectures and clinical training sites.
George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique culture, historic buildings, and famous local food scene. Students can easily visit nearby recreational spaces like the Penang Botanic Gardens or explore local markets and seaside areas. The campus is well connected by public transport, with regular Rapid Penang bus routes stopping nearby. The central Komtar Bus Terminal is a short drive away, and Penang International Airport is approximately 30 minutes from the campus by car.
Courses offered at RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus
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