Al Baha University School of Medicine
al-Bahah -
Saudi Arabia
Abroad
General Information
Established in 2008, the Faculty of Medicine at Al Baha University is a prominent public medical institution in the southwestern region of Saudi Arabia. Located in the Al-Aqiq province within the University City, it was designed to address the growing need for highly qualified medical professionals in the Kingdom. The college is recognized for its adoption of a modern, integrated system-based curriculum, which was a pioneering move among Saudi medical schools to move away from traditional lecture-heavy teaching toward more student-centered, clinical-oriented education.
General Info
- Primary Location: University City, Al-Aqiq, Al Baha Province, Saudi Arabia.
- Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) 6-year program + 1-year compulsory internship.
- Language of Instruction: English (though clinical interactions with patients are in Arabic).
- Accreditation: Fully accredited by the National Commission for Academic Accreditation and Assessment (NCAAA); listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Admission Requirements:
- Selection: Highly competitive; based on a weighted average of high school GPA, the General Aptitude Test (Qudrat), and the Standardized Achievement Test (Tahseeli).
- Indian Students: Must be NEET qualified.
- Preparatory Year: Students typically must complete a scientific "Preparatory Year" at the university before formal entry into the medical program.
- Intake: Primarily August/September for the start of the academic year.
Campus Facilities
The Al Baha University Faculty of Medicine is characterized by its purpose-built campus in the mountainous Al Baha region, offering advanced scientific environments.
- Integrated Learning Facilities: The campus is designed for Problem-Based Learning (PBL), with numerous small-group tutorial rooms.
- Modern Laboratories: Specialized labs for Anatomy, Biochemistry, and Microbiology, equipped with the latest diagnostic and imaging equipment.
- Advanced Simulation Center: Includes high-fidelity manikins and simulated clinical environments (ER, ICU) for practicing procedures without patient risk.
- Digital Library (Bahith): Provides medical students with 24/7 access to the Saudi Digital Library (SDL) and global databases like PubMed and ClinicalKey.
- Rafid LMS: A sophisticated Learning Management System where all lectures, resources, and assessments are managed digitally.
- Telemedicine Units: Integration of digital health technologies into the clinical training curriculum to reflect modern Saudi healthcare trends.
- Student Activity Center: Hub for the Future Doctors Club, where students organize scientific conferences and community health awareness campaigns.
- On-Campus Housing: Secure, modernized dormitories for both male and female students (separated sections), provided within the university city.
- Sports Complex: Features fitness centers, swimming pools, and courts for various sports to ensure student physical well-being.
- E-Services Portal (myBU): A centralized digital gateway for students to manage registration, grades, and administrative requests.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
The university relies on a network of major governmental hospitals while its own university hospital is under development.
- King Fahad Hospital (Al Baha): The primary training site for senior medical students, offering a wide range of clinical specialties.
- Prince Mashari bin Saud Hospital (Baljurashi): A key clinical base for rotations in surgery, internal medicine, and emergency care.
- Primary Healthcare Centers: Students undergo early longitudinal clinical exposure at local community health centers.
- University Hospital (Under Construction): A major upcoming project designed to be a tertiary care center and the primary research hub for the faculty.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
The following estimates reflect the academic sessions.
Scholarships
- Saudi Government Scholarships: Full funding (tuition + housing + stipend) for outstanding international students from Islamic and neighboring countries.
- Merit Scholarships: Awarded by the university to students maintaining a GPA above 4.5.
- Scientific Research Grants: Financial support for students participating in faculty-led research projects through the Medical and Health Research Center.
- External Sponsorships: Many local students are sponsored by the Ministry of Health or military health services.
City Details
- The Vibe: A peaceful, high-altitude city known for its greenery, heritage villages, and mild summers a stark contrast to the desert heat of other Saudi regions.
- Connectivity:
- Air: Al-Baha Domestic Airport (ABT) has daily flights to Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam.
- Road: Well-connected via the scenic mountain highways to Makkah and Taif.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: The university city provides separate dormitory wings for male and female students. Rooms are typically shared (double occupancy) and fully furnished.
- Dining: Several canteens and cafes are available on campus. There is no mandatory "mess" plan; students buy meals individually or cook in shared facilities.
- Vibe: Al Baha is known as the "Garden of the Hejaz" due to its cooler climate and scenic mountains. Student life is academically rigorous but balanced by local tourism and cultural festivals.
- Community Service: A core value of the faculty; students frequently participate in medical convoys to rural villages in the Al Baha region.
Miscellaneous
- Integrated Curriculum: The program is divided into three phases: Basic Sciences, Integrated Basic/Clinical Sciences, and Clinical Clerkships.
- Ethics & Values: The curriculum includes dedicated modules on Islamic medical ethics and professionalism.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.
The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.
The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.
Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.
While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.
Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.
Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.
We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.
Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.
Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.
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