Top 10 Hardest Courses to Study in Malaysia

Choosing a university course is an important decision, and while some programs are relatively straightforward, others are known to be tough.

 If you’re wondering about the hardest courses in Malaysia, this article will give you insights into what makes a course difficult and the top 10 most challenging degrees to pursue.

What Makes a Course Hard?

Some courses are considered difficult because they demand more time, effort, and brainpower. Here are some key factors:

🧠 Complexity of Subjects – Some courses require deep technical knowledge or advanced problem-solving skills.

📚 Heavy Workload – Assignments, research papers, and long study hours make certain degrees overwhelming.

âš ï¸�High Failure/Dropout Rates – Courses with low pass rates often indicate high difficulty levels.

🔬 Demanding Practical Training – Some fields require hands-on experience, internships, or clinical practice.

â�³ Extensive Time Commitment – Degrees that take years to complete, along with rigorous exams, can be exhausting.

ðŸ“�It’s important to know that the difficulty of a course is highly subjective. Some people find complex calculations enjoyable, while others prefer research-heavy subjects. 

😓 What seems hard for one person might be manageable—or even exciting—for another. 

�� Ultimately, passion and interest play a huge role in how difficult a course feels.

List of the top 10 hardest courses in Malaysia

1. Medicine (MBBS)

Why it’s hard:

Becoming a doctor isn’t easy. Medical students spend at least 5 years studying complex subjects like anatomy, pathology, and pharmacology.

 Plus, they must complete clinical training, long hospital shifts, and challenging exams.

What makes it worth it?

A career in medicine is highly respected, offers great job opportunities, and has excellent earning potential.

2. Engineering

Engineering is math-heavy and requires a strong understanding of physics, problem-solving, and technical skills. 

Fields like Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering are particularly tough due to complex calculations, projects, and practical applications.

What makes it worth it?

Engineering graduates are in high demand and have excellent career prospects worldwide.

3. Architecture

Architecture students face long hours of design work, projects, and technical drawings.

 It’s a mix of creativity and science, requiring knowledge of construction, materials, and environmental sustainability.

What makes it worth it?

A degree in architecture can lead to fulfilling careers in design, urban planning, and construction.

4. Law

Law students must memorize complex legal terms, study cases, and develop critical thinking skills.

The workload is heavy, with constant reading, writing, and analysis.

What makes it worth it?

 A career in law can be financially rewarding, with opportunities in corporate law, criminal law, and government sectors.

5. Pharmacy

Pharmacy students need a strong understanding of chemistry, biology, and medicine.

They study how drugs interact with the human body, which requires precision and attention to detail.

What makes it worth it?

Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare, and the profession offers stable career opportunities.

6. Actuarial Science

This course is all about numbers, statistics, and risk assessment. Actuarial students need advanced math skills to analyze financial risks in insurance, investments, and pensions.

Why is it worth it?

Actuaries are among the highest-paid professionals, with excellent job security.

7. Dentistry

Like medicine, dentistry requires years of study, medical training, and practical skills. 

Students learn about oral health, surgery, and patient care, which can be mentally and physically demanding.

What makes it worth it?

Dentists enjoy high earning potential and job stability, making it a rewarding career choice.

8. Accounting & Finance

Accounting students must be detail-oriented and good with numbers. The course includes financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and business laws—subjects that require precision and analytical skills.

What makes it worth it?

Qualified accountants have global job opportunities, especially with certifications like ACCA or CPA.

9. Aviation 

Becoming a pilot is expensive and requires a high level of technical knowledge, physics, and concentration. 

Aviation students must complete hundreds of flying hours and pass multiple exams to qualify.

What makes it worth it?

Pilots have exciting careers, travel the world, and enjoy high salaries.

10. Psychology

Why it’s hard:

Psychology is not just about understanding emotions—it involves research, data analysis, and scientific theories about human behavior. 

The course requires deep critical thinking and the ability to conduct psychological assessments.

What makes it worth it?

Psychologists can work in healthcare, business, education, and research, making it a versatile career.

Ready to Study any of the hardest courses in Malaysia?

If you’re considering one of these fields, Our experienced team at YourUni Educational Consultancy is here to make the  process seamless for you. 

We provide personalized support every step of the way, from helping you choose a suitable course, to preparing your documents, submitting your application, securing your visa, arranging accommodation, and even welcoming you at the airport upon arrival.

Contact us today for a free consultation and expert guidance!