12 Best Medical Schools in UAE-Tuition & Requirements

Are you planning on attending any of the medical schools in UAE? This article is for you. The United Arab Emirates is an enchanting land located in the far southeast end Arabian Peninsula.

This magical country is situated in the lands of the Middle East, on the Persian Gulf. The capital city is Abu Dhabi, it’s the largest city is Dubai, a playground for international architects.

The city has too many amazing features, from being a mirage in the desert with huge shopping malls to its extravagant entertainment attractions, including the world’s highest skyscraper (Burj Khalifa), and palm-shaped artificial islands.

The UAE is known to come up with surprising world records every year. Be it the tallest, largest, biggest, best, one of its kind, you name it. UAE has about 190 world records to Its name. Now, this is a ‘record-breaking’ fact about UAE, isn’t it? Read on to find out about the medical schools in UAE.

Why You Should Attend a Medical School in UAE

Pursuing a career in medicine would be an excellent option in a country in Western Asia at the northeastern end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf, the United Arab Emirates has all the facilities for studying any medical course.

Being surrounded by Oman to the east and by Saudi Arabia to the south and west gives a safe environment to the students coming to study in UAE.

The country has a high literacy rate of about 93% and its two biggest and most famous cities  Abu Dhabi & Dubai have the best medical schools in UAE.

UAE currently has the sixth-largest economy in the world,  stands in the fourteenth position in the purchasing power capita, and has a high Human Development Index for the Asian continent which makes it economically strong. 

It is also categorized as a high-income developing economy by the IMF where the services of medical practitioners are in high demand.

Education is a national priority and students who study in the UAE get a lot of opportunities for career development and advancement.

Students studying in UAE are provided with a lot of placement offers and special scholarship facilities for international students.

The degrees granted are globally recognized and the students qualifying from medical schools in UAE are eligible to write the licensing examinations of various countries around the globe.

A variety of jobs are available at the clinics and hospitals to provide international exposure to medical students in UAE.

The country has a highly developed healthcare infrastructure with modern medical facilities for clinical practice which are easily accessible by students. International exposure for medical students along with learning about a new culture is an obvious advantage in UAE. Read on to see the list of medical schools in UAE.

The List of Top Medical Schools in UAE

  • University of Sharjah
  • Ajman University
  • Gulf Medical School
  • Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Science
  • Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University
  • United Arab Emirate University
  • Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • American University of Sharjah
  • Zayed University
  • Al Ain University of Science and Technology
  • Higher Colleges of Technology
  • Abu Dhabi University

University of Sharjah

Location: university city Rd- university city- Sharjah- United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 6 558 5000

Website: www.sharjah.ac.ae

History: the university of Sharjah is an Emirati private nonprofit national University located in University City, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

The school was established in October 1997 by the ruler of Sharjah sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al- Qasimi to meet the educational need of the emirate of Sharjah.

The goal of the university is to become a leading academic institute in the Middle East and around the world. The institution has hence won itself a place among the top Medical schools in the United Arab Emirates.

Ranking: the university of Sharjah has been ranked #15 in the Arab region university ranking in 2022. #12 in QS executive MBA ranking in 2021. #601 by QS World University ranking in 2022.

Career Outlook: the university of Sharjah offers an array of programs in the following majors; bachelor of medicine & bachelor of surgery (MBBS), doctor of philosophy in molecular medicine & translational research, master of science in molecular medicine and translational research, master of science in leadership in health profession education, master of science in diabetes management, doctor of philosophy in molecular medicine & translational research.

Academic requirements/ how to apply: to see all academic requirements and to begin processing your application, click here

Tuition: the tuition for medical majors in Sharjah is $25,196 per year.

Ajman University

Location: university street, Al jerf 1 Ajman- United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 6 748 2222

Website: www.ajman.ac.ae

History: Ajman University was established on 17 June 1988 as the first private university in the GCC. Ajman University (AU) was also the first university in the UAE to admit expatriate students under the institutional name “Ajman University College of Science and Technology,” which was subsequently renamed “Ajman University of Science and Technology”.

In 2018, it was again renamed “Ajman University”. Ajman University is located in the Al Jurf, area close to Khalifa Hospital in Ajman.

Ajman university prides itself on its innovative approach to education and on making success happen for its student hence ranking it among the top medical schools in UAE.

Ranking: AU is ranked #2 best in the UAE among private universities and #3 best among all UAE-based universities for this category.

The 2023 QSWUR lists AU as #4 in the world for international students and #7 for international faculty members. Being continually recognized as one of the world’s Top Ten most global institutions is a truly remarkable distinction.

Admission requirements: see all admission requirements here for both local and international students.

Career Outlook: Ajman university offers the following graduate programs in the medical field;  M. Sc. in Pharmacy (Clinical Pharmacy), M.Sc. in Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Technology), M. Sc. in restorative dentistry, master of science in pediatric dentistry,master of Science in endodontics

  • Tuition: tuition click here
  • How to apply: apply online through the website.

Gulf Medical School

  • Location: Al JURF -1 Rashid Al- khadar St Al jerf 1- Ajman – United Arab Emirates
  • Phone: +971 6 743 1333
  • Website: www.gmu.ac.ae

History: Gulf Medical University (GMU) was established in Ajman, UAE in 1998. It is one of the largest private medical universities in the Middle East region.

It has various programs in medicine and health sciences. GMU is one of the medical universities of its kind differentiating itself in the full spectrum of medical education with quality students, faculty and highly advanced curriculum.

It has evolved into one of the most popular medical universities in the region with students and faculty populations from 83 countries.

Located in Thumbay Medicity, Ajman, UAE, GMU has always been at the forefront of innovation in medical education, healthcare, and research.

It has its own growing network of world-class academic institutions, hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and a dynamic research division. GMU continues to strive to transform itself into an institute of eminence with a vibrant Academic Health System.

Ranking: Gulf Medical University has been ranked 401-600 worldwide in the 2021 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ranking. The ranking includes 1115 Universities from 98 countries all over the world.

Career Outlook: undergraduate programs; doctor of medicine MD program, bachelor of biomedical sciences(BBMS), a higher diploma in pre-clinical sciences (HDPCS). Graduate programs; master’s in public health (MPH), master’s in health profession education (MHPE). Doctoral program; doctor of philosophy in precision medicine (PhD- PM).

Admission requirements: see all admission requirements here

Tuition:

  • Local students over 20,000 US$(14,700 Euro)
  • International students   over 20,000 US$(14,700 Euro)

How to apply: You can easily apply for any of the programs by filling up a simple online form which can be completed in less than 15 minutes. Visit the school website to get started.

Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Science(MBRU)

Location: Al Razi St- Umir Hurair 2- Dubai Healthcare City – Dubai- United Arab Emirates.

Phone: +971 800 6278

Website: www.mbru.ac.ae

History: The Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) is Dubai Healthcare City’s first medical university. 

At the moment, the University is composed of two Colleges: The Hamdan Bin Mohammed College of Dental Medicine (HBMCDM) and the College of Medicine (COM). 

HBMCDM was the first college to be established at MBRU; this college offers a number of specialty dental postgraduate programs. 

The second college of the University is the COM which offers a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program.

MBRU strives to become a global hub for innovative and integrated healthcare education and research in the service of humanity.

Ranking: In the World #2468 of 5,830, in Asia #20 of 66, in the United Arab Emirates #8 of 36. See other rankings here

Career Outlook: MBRU offers an array of undergraduate and graduate programs, to see a comprehensive list of all programs click here

Admission requirements: MBRU admission is said to be very competitive as 1 in every 5 applicants is admitted. See all admission requirements here if you wish to pursue a career in MBRU.

Tuition: The annual tuition fee is AED 160,000 (for UAE and GCC nationals) and AED 185,000 (for international applicants), payable in two installments (by the beginning of each semester) either by cheque or bank transfer.

How to apply: The online application form is the official and only means to request to enroll as a student at Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences.

All fields must be carefully filled as per the guides provided. Inaccuracies may lead to disqualification of your application. To proceed to the application, click here and sign up.

RAS AL KHAIMAH Medical and Health Sciences University(RAKMHSU)

  • Location: Al Juwais. Al Qusaidat- Ras Al khaimah- United Arab Emirates.
  • Phone: +971 7 204 300
  • Website: www.rakmhsu.ac.ae

History: Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University (RAKMHSU) is a medical university in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

The university was established by the Ras Al Khaimah Human Development Foundation (RAK – HDF) under the leadership of Saud bin Saqr al Qasimi, Crown Prince & Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Chancellor of the University.

RAK-HDF is a joint venture of the Ras Al Khaimah Government, Al Ghurair Investments and ETA Ascon Group, Dubai. RAKMHSU is the First Comprehensive Health Science University in UAE under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Supreme Council Member, United Arab Emirates.

Ranking: #2 of 3 In Ras al-Khaimah, #25 of 66 In the United Arab Emirates, #7741 of 14,131 In the World, #3037 of 5,830 In Asia.

Career Outlook: RAKMHSU offers the following programs, doctor of medicine (MD), bachelor of dental surgery (BDS), bachelor of pharmacy, and bachelor of science in nursing (BSN), click here to see all.

Admission requirements: each program has a peculiar admission requirement which includes a curriculum equivalent for international students in various countries. Click here to see all.

Tuition: Tuition fees vary with different programs. Here is a comprehensive list of tuition and all expenses for all programs and also available financial aid and criteria.

How to apply: select a program of your choice and apply here.

United Arab Emirates University

  • Location: Sheik Khalifa Bin Zafed St- Asharij- Abu Dhabi- United Arab Emirates
  • Phone: +971 3 767 3333
  • Website: www.uaeu.ac.ae

History: United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) is a public research university located in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. It is the oldest university in the United Arab Emirates.

It was established in 1976 after independence from Britain by the founding father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Ranking: The United Arab Emirates University is continuously ranked as #2 top university in the United Arab Emirates after Khalifa university, and the #4 in the GCC.

The university is ranked #5 in the Arab region, #284 in the world in the 2021 QS World University Rankings. In 2021 QS Top 50 Under 50, i.e. the top 50 world universities that were founded within the past 50 years, UAEU was ranked #27.

Career Outlook: the College of Medicine and Health Sciences offers the following undergraduate and graduate courses; Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science, Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, Master of Public Health, Master of Medical Sciences, Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health, Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences, Doctor of Pharmacy, Master of Science in Human Nutrition, Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences, Master of Science in Clinical Psychology.

Admission requirements: Admission to the College of Medicine and Health Sciences (Bachelors of Medicine) is limited to UAE nationals and children of Emirati mothers only. See all requirements here

Tuition: see fees for all programs per credit hour here

How to apply: click here, then use which admission portal that applies to you either as a local or international student, and follows the promptings.

Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences

  • Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
  • Phone: +971 2 312 3333
  • Website: www.ku.ac.ae

History: Khalifa University is a public research university located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2007 by a decree issued by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Khalifa University was established in an effort to support a knowledge-based economy that will contribute to the state’s post-oil future.

As the first medical school in Abu Dhabi, and the first institution in the UAE to offer a four-year MD program modeled after the North American medical education system.

The College of Medicine and Health Sciences is dedicated to preparing future physicians with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to improve the health of the nation.

By employing innovative strategies in medical education, Khalifa University will leverage its position as a world-class science and technology institution.

Ranking: Khalifa University is one of the top public universities in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is ranked #181 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

Career Outlook: The College of Medicine and Health Sciences offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program. The College also offers a non-degree Pre-Medicine Bridge Program for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue the MD program.

Admission requirements: Applicants must satisfy all these requirements before they can apply; Proof of English language proficiency, which may take one of the following forms:

An academic IELTS minimum score of 6.0 out of 9.0; or

An EmSAT English minimum score of 1400; or

A TOEFL minimum score of 79 on the Internet Based Test (IBT). See all requirements here

Tuition: The undergraduate program costs 3,333 AED per credit hour. The Master’s program costs 5,000 AED per credit hour. The Doctorate programs cost 6,666 AED per credit hour.

How to apply: Click here to apply.

American University of Sharjah

  • Location: University City- Sharjah- United Arab Emirates
  • Phone: +971 6 515 5555
  • Website: www.aus.edu

History: American University of Sharjah ( AUS) is a private university in the United Arab Emirates. It was founded in 1997 by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Located in University City in Sharjah, it is a diverse university with more than 5,000 students from more than 94 countries and a full-time faculty of more than 3,600 students from 48 countries.

Ranking: the American University of Sharjah was placed at #151-200 bracket in THE Young University Rankings as well as at #201-250 bracket in THE Asia University Rankings 2019.

For two years in a row, in 2017 and 2018, the American University of Sharjah topped the Times Higher Education (THE) list of universities with the highest percentage of international students globally. Forbes Middle East has ranked the American University of Sharjah as the best private university in the Persian Gulf region offering an MBA degree.

Career Outlook: AUS offers pre-medical studies (pre-med) courses that conform to the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) requirements. While AUS does not have a medical college,  graduates who have completed the pre-med track requirements can apply to any medical college that follows the North American medical education system. For more information visit the school’s website

Zayed University

  • Location: Academic City- Dubai- United Arab Emirates
  • Phone: +971 4 402 1111
  • Website: www.zu.ac.ae

History: Zayed University (ZU) is a public university based in the United Arab Emirates. It was established in 1998.

It is one of the three government-sponsored higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates. It is named in honor of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country’s first president.

With a Bachelor in Health Science at Zayed University (ZU) you will have received a solid grounding in such areas as environmental health, health promotion, nutrition, health and safety, food science and technology, epidemiology, biostatistics and public health.

Bachelors student’s employment opportunities include medical and health services manager, health services administration, long-term care administration, health sciences, public health, public administration, or business administration.

For more information, visit the school’s website

AL AIN University of Science and Technology

  • Location: Al Jimi, Near Al Ain Municipality, Al Ain Abu Dhabi- United Arab Emirates
  • Phone: +971 3 702 4888
  • Website: www.aau.ac.ae

History: Al Ain University (AAU) is a private university located in the city of Al Ain, within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It was established in 2004.

Al Ain University is one of the top private universities in Al Ain,, United Arab Emirates. It is ranked #601-650 in QS World University Rankings 2023.

Career Outlook: Al Ain University offers only pharmacy in its medical program in the following undergraduate and graduate majors; Bachelor of science in pharmacy, nutrition & dietetics, Master of science in pharmaceutical science, and clinical pharmacy.

If you wish to pursue any of these careers in pharmacy, click here

Higher Colleges of Technology

  • Location: 133 Al Khuwayral Al Janubyah St Muscat, Oman
  • Phone: +971 2 681 4600
  • Website: www.hct.ac.ae

History: The Higher Colleges of Technology was established in 1988 and is the largest applied higher education institution in the United Arab Emirates.

This institution also has branch campuses in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Fujairah, Madinat Zayed, Ras Al Khaimah, Ruwais, Sharjah. Officially licensed by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates.

Ranking: Higher Colleges of Technology is one of the top public universities in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is ranked #51-60 in Arab Region Rankings 2019. Higher Colleges of Technology ranked #6 in the United Arab Emirates and #3030 in the World 2022 overall rankings.

Career Outlook: Higher college of technology offers the following medical programs; emergency medical services, health information management, medical imaging science, medical laboratory science, nursing, pharmacy, social work, and veterinary science.

See all requirements documents for application, tuition and also apply here

ABU DHABI University

  • Location: Zayed city- Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates
  • Phone: +971 2 501 3555
  • Website: www.adu.ac.ae

History: Abu Dhabi University is a university in the United Arab Emirates with campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai. It is the largest private university in the United Arab Emirates and was established in 2003, after three years of planning by Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other citizens of the United Arab Emirates.

According to the University, its founders envisioned an institution that would be among the best in the UAE and throughout the world.

It offers undergraduate and postgraduate degrees based upon the American model of higher education. Its founder and current Chairman are Ali Saeed Bin Harmal Al Dhaheri.

Ranking: The QS World Universities ranked Abu Dhabi University as one of the top 750 best universities in the world and #6 in the United Arab Emirates in 2018.

Career Outlook: Abu Dhabi University  College of Health Sciences is home to undergraduate programs in Public Health and Environmental Health and Safety, Biomedical Sciences (Laboratory Medicine), Molecular & Medical Genetics, and Human Nutrition & Dietetics.

Admission requirements: see all admission requirements and each country’s curriculum equivalent here

Tuition: see tuition and other fees here

How to apply:  begin your application here by creating a new user account. Follow the directions afterward.

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