USM is among eight new foreign medical schools recognised by Singapore, allowing its graduates to apply for medical practice from February 1.
KUALA LUMPUR: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is now officially recognised by Singapore’s Ministry of Health.
The republic has added eight new foreign medical schools to its list of registrable qualifications, with USM being the sole Malaysian institution included.
This recognition allows USM medical graduates to apply to practise in Singapore starting February 1. The move is part of Singapore’s strategy to bolster its healthcare workforce amid rising demand from an ageing population.
The Singapore Medical Council (SMC) regularly reviews the list of overseas qualifications. It ensures foreign-trained doctors receive education comparable to Singapore’s standards, considering factors like international rankings and English as the medium of instruction.
“The additions will allow Singapore to better meet the growing demand for doctors,” the ministry said in a statement.
It noted the annual local medical school intake has increased from around 440 students in 2014 to 555 in 2025. The latest update increases the total number of recognised overseas medical schools from 112 to 120.
Other newly recognised schools are from Australia, India, Ireland, Pakistan, China and the United Kingdom. These include the University of Galway, The Aga Khan University Medical College, and Tsinghua University.
All graduates from these institutions, regardless of nationality or graduation year, may seek registration in Singapore subject to prevailing requirements. Foreign-trained doctors will be under a supervisory framework during their initial years of practice.
The full updated list takes effect under the Second Schedule of Singapore’s Medical Registration Act 1997 from February 1, 2026.
