Whether you opt for a career as a surgeon, dentist, nurse or pharmacist, a medical degree from a coveted institute can open a slew of opportunities for a career in medicine. If the United States and the United Kingdom are too far, there are plenty of homegrown options in the UAE applicants may consider. Which medical universities in the UAE are worth considering? Let’s find out!
MOHAMMED BIN RASHID UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES (MBRU)
Are you looking for medical universities in Dubai? Head to MBRU. The Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences offers graduate and undergraduate courses in a range of medical fields for both expats and local UAE residents. These include paediatrics, dental sciences, nursing and more.
Interested applicants may apply for the 6-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, the application deadline of which is January 15th with an annual tuition fee of AED 160,000. Postgraduate programmes at MBRU include Masters of Science in Cardiovascular Nursing, Biomedical Sciences, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Orthodontics, Endodontics and Periodontology.
- Location: Building 14, Dubai Healthcare City
- Contact: 800 MBRU (6278)
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY (UAEU)
With a Times Higher Education (THE) ranking of 301-350th, the United Arab Emirates University leads the list of our picks for notable medical universities in the UAE. In this case, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) of UAEU is the highest-ranked and best medical school in the country. Apart from UAE nationals, seats are also allotted to students from other Arab countries, Asian And African countries and International Students for undergraduate courses.
CMHS consists of 15 departments including Anatomy, Institute of Public Health, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery and Radiology. Furthermore, it is also listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is recognised by the General Medical Council (UK) as well as the American and Canadian health institutions.
Medical academic programmes from the institute include Undergraduate and Graduate courses in addition to a Higher Professional Training Diploma and Medical Elective Programme. The CMHS and UAEU also offer research in biomedical and clinical science.
- Location: Al Ain – Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-3-713-7300 | +971-3-713-7130 (Undergraduate programme) | +971-3-713-7115 (Graduate programme)
KHALIFA UNIVERSITY
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University is next on our list for top medical universities in the UAE. Considered one of the more famous medical universities in Abu Dhabi, the college offers a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree programme which includes clinical experiences and problem-based learning to prepare students in becoming competent physicians. The institute itself is also considered one of the best universities in Abu Dhabi. Seats are allotted after considering a variety of details including the MCAT scores.
Additionally, the course also emphasises on technological practices in healthcare. Also worth noting is the Entering Residency section which includes 13 Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) that medical students are expected to perform upon entering residency. The activities include “Gather a history and perform a physical examination,” and others. Admissions for Fall 2020 for the Doctor of Medicine programme are currently open at Khalifa University with applications to be submitted online.
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Contact: +971-2-501-8550
GULF MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (GMU)
Those looking for medical universities in Ajman may consider Gulf Medical University. Formerly known as Gulf Medical College, GMU offers a range of courses including undergraduate studies in biomedical sciences, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy and other courses. The institute welcomes students of all nationalities and is the first in the region to launch programmes like Masters in Physical Therapy and Human Reproduction Biology.
Notable graduate programmes from GMU include Masters in Public Health (MPH), Master in Dental Surgery and Periodontics (MDS), Master of Clinical Pharmacy (MCP), Executive Master in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME).
Admissions at GMU are currently open for 2020 to 2021 and are subject to conditions. For example, those interested in applying for the university’s MBBS programme must have completed a minimum of 12 years of education. All in all, when it comes to universities in Ajman, Gulf Medical University is an ideal option. Subscribe toSUBSCRIBE
- Location: Ajman – UAE
- Contact: +971-6-743-1333
AJMAN UNIVERSITY (AU)
Ajman University or AU ranks in the 2020 QS World University Rankings lists and is one of 11 non-American universities to receive certification by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in 2018.
AU has 9 colleges, three of which are dedicated to medical sciences. These include the College of Dentistry, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the College of Medicine. In addition to an MBBS programme in the College of Medicine, other courses worth noting is the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPharm) offered in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
RAK MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY (RAKMHSU)
The next entry on our list of best medical universities in UAE is in Ras al Khaimah — the RAK Medical and Health Sciences University. An institute dedicated solely to health sciences, RAKMHSU was launched under the patronage of the ruler of Ras al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi. Notable courses here include a two-year Masters programme in Nursing and Pharmacy in addition to MS in Adult Health Nursing (MSN). The university’s constituent colleges include the RAK College of Medical Sciences (RAKCOMS), RAK College of Dental Sciences, RAK College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (RAKCOPS) and the RAK College of Nursing.
The MBBS programme from RAKCOMS includes 2 years of pre-clerkship courses and three years of clinical clerkship courses. RAKCOPS, on the other hand, offers a B.Pharm programme as well as a Master of Science (MS) in the specialisations of Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry with the first year dedicated to course work and the second for dissertations.
- Location: Al Juwais, Al Qusaidat – Ras al Khaimah
- Contact: +971-7-204-3200
UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH (UOS)
The University of Sharjah features 14 colleges offering courses at the bachelor, diploma, masters and doctorate levels. In terms of medical academics, these include courses in Health Sciences, Medicine, Dental Medicine and Pharmacy.
Degree programmes at UoS are globally recognised and considering the comprehensive courses offered, this isn’t surprising. For example, the College of Health Sciences (CHS) offers seven accredited undergraduate bachelor programmes in Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (CN&D), Environmental Health Sciences (EHS), Health Services Administration (HAS), Medical Diagnostic Imaging (MDI), Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS), Nursing (Nsg) and Physiotherapy (PT).
Some of the goals of CHS is to encourage students to engage in health research with a special focus on local and regional needs. The ultimate aim is to prepare qualified and skilled healthcare professionals capable enough to assume different positions in the medical care system.
- Location: University City Road, Sharjah
- Contact: +971-6-558-5000
In addition to the aforementioned medical universities in the UAE, a special shout-out goes to the Dubai Medical College, Dubai Pharmacy College and the Dubai School of Dental Medicine.
That’s all for our picks for the top medical universities in the UAE. For other courses, check out the best universities on University Road in Sharjah. Is it a career in business admiration you are looking for? Consider our recommendations for the top business schools with MBA programmes in Dubai.
For more information on academic institutes for higher learning in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.
How much does medical school cost in the United Arab Emirates?
In Dubai, the cost of medical school is c. $ 44,000 per year. Costs vary largely however, and should be checked with your university of preference. There are ways that you can study medicine in UAE for free. Check out this article to find out more!
How long will it take to study medicine in the UAE?
In order to graduate from medical school, you will need to study for five years full-time if you have the required foundation in science topics before you enroll. Otherwise, you should count an additional foundation year. At graduation, the degree conferred is an MBBS.
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- How to Study in UAE for Free
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- Best Universities in UAE for International Students
Best Medical Schools in the UAE
1. Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU)
The College of Medicine within the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) is one of the top medical schools in UAE. The program to obtain an MBBS lasts six years and is fully taught on campus. Its innovative curriculum is focused on keeping up with the latest needs and developments in the field of medicine.
The program is split into 3 phases: one academic year, then a 2-year block, and a final 3-year block which includes practical skills development. There are specific admissions requirements based on which country of origin you’re coming from, with high averages for high school marks and specifically in science subjects. You should also be able to demonstrate fluency in English, through a variety of language tests.
2. United Arab Emirates University – College of Medicine and Health Sciences
First opened in 1984, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at the UAE University is the highest ranked medical school in the UAE currently, also being the first one. It is located in Abu Dhabi. They offer a four-year MD program once you have completed a pre-requisite two-year Pre-Medical program offered by the College – all in all, a six-year program to achieve the doctor qualification.
The College’s program focuses equally on medical knowledge and on interpersonal and communication skills, recognizing the importance of how doctors interact with their patients. Patient care is a priority, as is practice-based learning and development.
3. Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences
Khalifa University is based in Abu Dhabi and is aiming to develop world-class healthcare in Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the region. They offer a 4-year MD program preparing students for working in the medical services or continuing on to postgraduate study.
Khalifa University also boasts a great research capability including in medical genetics, biomaterials for nanomedicine, cellular biomechanics, bio-robotics, tissue regeneration, and bioinformatics.
Please note: unlike other medical schools, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University requires applicants to have completed an undergraduate degree / Bachelor’s degree. You also need to be proficient in English.
4. Gulf Medical University – College of Medicine
Based in Ajman, the GMU is one of the largest private medical universities in the United Arab Emirates. It started operating in 1998 and offers a medical degree through its College of Medicine.
The university is based on a big compound called Thumbay Medicity with a state-of-the-art research center and multiple laboratories and buildings. The Tumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine is also on site: a cancer and diabetes research program.
The College of Medicine offers the MBBS degree taught over 5 years, designed to develop a culture of teamwork, scientific enquiry and lifelong learning. It includes ambulatory and in-patient care scenarios to develop practical skills, as well as in emergency settings. In order to obtain the degree at the end of your studies, you will need to pass a comprehensive Exit Examination.
5. Ajman University – College of Medicine
Ajman University opened in 1988 in the Ajman emirate. It is very close to Khalifa Hospital which enables students to get medical experience within a hospital environment.
The university offers multiple programs of study in its various colleges. The College of Medicine offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, taught over 6 years (including one year of foundation study which may be waved depending on your level).
To gain admission, you will need to either have completed a high school degree with a minimum of 90% GPA, provide proof of English proficiency and pass certain exams depending on your country of origin, or you could benefit from direct entry depending on your high school curriculum.
6. RAK Medical & Health Sciences University
RAK Medical & Health Sciences University is based in Ras Al Khaimah and is a joint venture of the Ras Al Khaimah government, Al Ghurair Investments and ETA Ascon Group, Dubai.
Within the College of Medical Sciences, this medical school in UAE offers the MBBS degree program split into two years of applied basic science courses and three years of clinical clerkship courses. Once you graduate, you need to spend a year doing an internship before you can begin to fully practice medicine.
The admissions requirements depend on your high school education and the level of science knowledge before you apply.
7. University of Sharjah – College of Medicine
The final school in our list of top medical schools in UAE is the University of Sharjah, which is based in University City, Sharjah, and was established in 1997. They are very involved in the development of the emirate and have expanded to build campuses throughout Sharjah emirate in order to provide training programs directly to several communities.
The College of Medicine teaches the MBBS program across 6 years: one foundation year, 5 regular, and an additional year of clinical practice at the end of the study period. The course is taught in English and therefore requires proof that you are fluent in the language. For admission, you also need to present your high school results.