I'm currently in Form 5 and I wish to further my studies in biomedical science (or something similar, though I am quite set on this field in particular). However, I understand that the career prospects for this field in Malaysia are slim, especially research-wise, which is what I plan to focus on. There are few recognised universities in Malaysia (local private unis are a priority since they're cheaper) and I have read up on them quite a bit.

My main option is Newcastle University, followed by Monash and Nottingham. I understand that universities may oversell their course quality to students, so I would like honest opinions on which university I should apply for. Admissions-wise I am probably eligible to apply for most unis (trials GPA 0.78) with my lowest grade being an A-. Currently NUMed seems like the most appealing option since it's cost-efficient and is recognised by Malaysia and QS rankings. My parents prefer me doing foundation because it's much quicker and more specialised that A-Levels or IB, so it's necessary I choose a university now.

I am worried about after I finish my degree as well. I know the pay in Malaysia can be quite terrible for this field. What are my chances of obtaining a job with employers willing to sponsor my work visa outside of Malaysia (provided I graduate with reasonably good results)? Is it a smart move to study biomedical science if there's no guarantee of being able to work in a country where there is actually sufficient funding for research? I don't think there's anything else I would be truly content studying and doing for the rest of my life since I love and am good at Biology (and science in general) but lack the qualities and drive required to be a (good) doctor.

If anyone could help me out on this, I would really appreciate it.

So to sum up, here are my questions:

1. Which university would provide me with the best opportunities? (accreditation-wise, employability, etc)
2. Are there any alternatives to biomedical science that will generate more income once I graduate? Where can I take these alternatives?
3 If the answer to my 2nd question is no, what Master's degrees can I take afer BMS BSc to improve my prospects?
4. Is there any other way to improve my career prospects as a BMS graduate?

This post has been edited by Crucio: Sep 16 2017, 08:49 AM

Hi, thanks for the response. Does an accredited degree distinguish an applicant from the sea of biomed graduates? How about soft skills and grades? And yes, I have thought about working overseas, though it is difficult to do that. I doubt I will be able to continue with my Master's right away, as my family isn't exactly filthy rich. I would rather not depend on them to do my Master's. I am thinking of specialising in bioinformatics or pharmacology.

Do you have any suggestions on how I might be able to land a job as a fresh graduate? How are you faring in the field right now, if you don't mind me asking?

As I mentioned earlier, I doubt I will be able to jump straight into my postgraduate because I am depending on my parents for financial aid. Thank you for the response, though, it was very informative. What do you suggest I do in the short term, given I am still only in Form 5?

Also, if anyone has an answer on which educational path (university-wise, course-wise) would be my best bet, that would be tremendously helpful as well.

I talked to my parents about the finances and they are okay with 26k-ish for pre-u and already have a university in mind, but I would like a few backups should I not be qualified for the uni for various reasons. I would rather not do something that requires I take unnecessary subjects like STPM or public foundation (anything public basically). I've heard STPM can be rather terrible from the STPM students at my school.

Singapore polys are pretty expensive too, but I'll look into it again. I know the prospects would be excellent for me should I study in Singapore. Thank you for the idea!

And I actually have considered IB since there are quite a number of IB scholarships available, though people have said that it's mind-numbingly tiresome.

Thank you for the insight, that was very helpful!

Bump!