The study of medicine is a field of endless discovery and a matter of great importance to human beings since the very ancient times. In the present day, education in Medicine is through courses MBBS, BDS, Bachelor in Nursing, in Homoeopathy, in Ayurveda, and the Veterinary sciences. Throughout this blog, our prime focus is on the degree of MBBS, BDS, and Nursing.
Dubai has one of the best education infrastructures in the world. It offers the finest educational and career opportunities to the students. Dubai is the world’s 5th fastest-growing economy in the world and that in itself provides multiple potential opportunities for students in the future. This, in turn, indicates that there will never be a scarcity of employment opportunities in Dubai.
Recently, Dubai has started gaining popularity for its medical education. An advantage of studying medicine in Dubai is its modern infrastructure and availability of highly developed healthcare facilities. Follow along to find out the eligibility criteria, the admission process recognized universities and much more.
In this blog, we will be covering
- The eligibility criteria
- The Process of Admission
- Prominent Medical Universities
- Tuition and cost of living
- Scholarships
- Visa
- Eligibility Criteria:
To pursue an MBBS in Dubai, you must first complete high school with a minimum of 75% marks in physics, chemistry, and biology as compulsory subjects from an officially recognized institution. You are required to appear for the EmSAT or University entrance exam. The age criteria expect the student to be a minimum of 17 years old with at least 12 years of schooling. You must also submit a language proficiency score of a minimum of 5.0 bands for IELTS and 61 for TOEFL.
The eligibility criteria checklist is as follows:
● 75% and above marks in high school exams.
● Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
● Clearance of EmSAT or University entrance.
● Minimum age 17 years.
● 12 years of minimum schooling.
● Within the cutoff range for English language proficiency tests.
- Admission Process:
The process usually starts in November, while an academic year begins in August.
- Appear for the entrance exam. In the case of Indian students, NEET is the mandatory exam for applying for an MBBS course in Dubai. Don’t forget to appear for the language proficiency exam!
- Shortlist your course. Apply to those universities that provide that course.
- The next step is to collect and organize all your documents like SOP, essays, certificates and LOR and test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, ACT, etc.
- After submitting your application and all the required documents, start the application process for accommodation, student visa, scholarship or student loan.
- Now is the time to wait for your offer letter, which can take 4-6 weeks or more. After accepting your offer letter, it is time to pay your semester fee.
3. Medical Universities:
Certain universities in and around Dubai that you can consider are:
On a side note, the abbreviations used in the following table are as follows:
● MBBS/MBBCh: Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery
● MD: Doctor of Medicine
● BDS: Bachelor of Dental Science
| University | Location | Brief Overview | Curriculum/Specializations |
| Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) | Located in Dubai | Research-focused university with a strong emphasis on innovation. | MBBS, MD, and PhD programs. Specializations: Internal medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics. |
| Gulf Medical University (GMU) | Located in Ajman, around 50 KM from Dubai | A private university with a focus on clinical training and research. | MBBS, MD, and postgraduate programs. Specializations: Internal medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Dentistry, Pharmacy. |
| University of Sharjah (UoS), Sharjah, UAE | Located in Sharjah, around 30KM from Dubai | A comprehensive university with a solid academic reputation. | MBBS, MD, and postgraduate programs. Specializations: Internal medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics. |
| Ajman University, Ajman, UAE | Located in Ajman, around 50KM from Dubai | Private university with a focus on practical learning and industry collaboration. | MBBS and postgraduate programs Specializations: Internal medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Nursing. |
| Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE | Around 140 KM from Dubai | A research-intensive university with a focus on science and technology | MD and PhD programs Strong emphasis on research and innovation. |
| Dubai Medical College | Located in Dubai | Provides a comprehensive nursing program, especially for women. | Specializations: General Nursing, Surgical Nursing, Paediatric Nursing. |
| Dubai Dental College | Located in Dubai | First dental school in UAE | Specializations: General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics. |
| Dubai Veterinary College | Located in Dubai | First veterinary college in UAE. Offers a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program that covers all aspects of animal health and care. | Specializations: General Veterinary, Medicine Animal Surgery, Veterinary Pathology, Animal Nutrition. |
- Cost of Studying Medicine:
● Tuition Fees
Tuition fees to study in Dubai vary depending on the institution and the program. On average, medical students can expect to pay between United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED) 120,000 to AED 180,000 per year, approximately 27 lakhs to 41 lakhs INR. Renowned universities such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) and Gulf Medical University (GMU) have competitive tuition rates. It is essential to check with the specific institution for the most accurate and up-to-date fee structure.
● Living Expenses
- Accommodation: Depending on the type of accommodation, costs can vary. On-campus housing typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 30,000 per year (3.5 lakhs to 7 lakhs INR). Off-campus options, such as renting an apartment, can be more expensive, ranging from AED 40,000 to AED 80,000 per year (9 lakhs to 18 lakhs INR).
- Food: Monthly food expenses can range from AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 (34,000 to 57,000 INR), depending on lifestyle and eating habits. Eating out frequently will increase costs compared to cooking at home.
- Transportation: Public transportation in Dubai is efficient and affordable. A monthly public transport pass costs around AED 300 (approx. 7000 INR). Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem are also widely available but more expensive.
5. Scholarship Opportunities:
Many universities in Dubai offer scholarships and financial aid to international students. These scholarships can be based on academic merit, financial need, or specific talents and skills. Institutions such as MBRU and GMU provide various scholarship programs, so it is advisable to visit their websites and contact their admissions offices for detailed information. Additionally, some external organizations and the UAE government offer scholarships to support international students.
To learn more about the top scholarships in Dubai, read our blog scholarships in Dubai for Indian students.
- Student Visa Requirements
To study in Dubai, international students must obtain a student visa. The visa application process can be initiated by the university, which often assists students in obtaining the necessary documentation.
● The requirements typically include:
● Acceptance letter from a recognized Dubai university.
● Valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
● Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
● Medical fitness test results.
● Visa application form and relevant fees.
● Passport-sized photographs.
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, offering a unique cultural experience for international students. The city is known for its modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, and diverse culinary scene. Students will have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and experience different cultural festivals and events.
Dubai is also one of the safest cities in the world, with a low crime rate and strict law enforcement. The city is well-regulated, and students can feel secure in their daily activities. Universities also have safety protocols in place to ensure the well-being of their students.
Eventually, it is crucial to conduct in-depth research on individual preferences in terms of university and course specialization. Investing in a medicine course is expensive and it is vital to consider the return on this investment. We hope you find the right course in your dream college. All the best!
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