Almaarefa University, College of Medicine
ar-Riyad -
Saudi Arabia
Abroad
General Information
Established in 2008 (formerly known as Almaarefa College for Science and Technology), Almaarefa University (UM) is a leading private institution in Riyadh. The College of Medicine is highly regarded for its commitment to high-tech, student-centered medical education. It was one of the first private colleges in the Kingdom to adopt an integrated system-based curriculum, moving away from traditional models to focus on clinical relevance from the earliest stages of training.
General Info
- Primary Location: King Khalid Road, Diriyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Exit 1).
- Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
- Language of Instruction: English.
- Accreditation:
- Institutional and Programmatic Accreditation by the NCAAA (Saudi Arabia).
- Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Recognized by the ECFMG and WHO.
- Admission Requirements:
- Selection: Based on High School GPA (Scientific track), the General Aptitude Test (Qudrat), and the Achievement Test (Tahseeli).
- English Proficiency: A score of 5.5 in IELTS or equivalent is mandatory for the Medicine program.
- Indian Students: Must be NEET qualified.
- Intake: Primarily August/September.
Campus Facilities
Almaarefa University's campus is designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and high-tech clinical practice.
- Advanced Medical Simulation Center: A cornerstone of the college, featuring high-fidelity manikins that simulate complex human physiological responses for risk-free clinical training.
- Integrated Labs: Specialized facilities for Biochemistry, Histology, and Microbiology, designed to support the "block" teaching system.
- Digital Anatomy & Virtual Labs: Uses 3D anatomical software alongside traditional models to provide a comprehensive understanding of human structure.
- Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Rooms: Small-group discussion hubs specifically designed to facilitate the university’s interactive curriculum.
- Centralized Digital Library: Seamless access to the Saudi Digital Library (SDL) and major medical databases like ClinicalKey.
- Learning Management System (LMS): A robust platform for e-learning, where students can access all lecture recordings, assignments, and digital exams.
- Female Student Campus: A separate, state-of-the-art wing for female students, ensuring a comfortable and specialized learning environment.
- Research Center: Provides resources for students to engage in scientific research under the mentorship of faculty, with a focus on evidence-based medicine.
- On-Campus Health Center: Provides medical services to the university community and serves as an introductory training site for students.
- Student Activity Center: Hub for the Capsule Student Club, which organizes widespread community health initiatives and blood donation drives.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
The clinical program (Phase 3) is conducted at top-tier healthcare facilities in the capital.
- Affiliated Hospitals: Training takes place at major Ministry of Health and private hospitals in Riyadh, including King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (via recent collaborative agreements).
- Internship Year: A 12-month mandatory clinical training period after the 6th year, where students rotate through various medical specialties in accredited training centers.
- Community Medicine: Early exposure to primary healthcare centers to understand the broader social determinants of health.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
The following estimates reflect the academic sessions.
Scholarships
- Merit-Based Scholarships: The university offers significant tuition discounts (ranging from 10% to 50%) for students with high high-school and standardized test scores.
- Excellence Grants: Continued discounts for students who maintain a cumulative GPA above 4.5 during their medical studies.
- Ministry of Education Grants: Available for eligible Saudi citizens through the internal scholarship program.
- Sibling Discounts: Specialized reductions for families with more than one student enrolled at the university.
- Installment Plans: Flexible payment options are available to help manage the cost of tuition throughout the semester.
City Details
- The Vibe: Diriyah/Riyadh is a major global hub for healthcare and innovation. It offers a very high standard of living and is extremely safe for international students.
- Connectivity:
- Air: King Khalid International Airport (RUH) is about 25 minutes away.
- Transport: Easily accessible via King Khalid Branch Road and the developing Riyadh Metro network.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: Almaarefa does not typically provide direct on-campus housing, but the Student Affairs office assists students in finding vetted apartments in the Diriyah and Al-Khalidiyah districts.
- Dining: Several on-campus cafes and a main cafeteria provide a variety of meals. Being in Riyadh, students have access to a massive range of global cuisines and grocery stores nearby.
- Student Life: The "Almaarefa Culture" is highly professional and research-oriented. Students are encouraged to join scientific clubs and participate in international medical competitions.
- Vibe: The campus is located in the historic Diriyah area (a UNESCO World Heritage site), offering a unique mix of heritage and modern academic life.
Miscellaneous
- Curriculum Structure:
- Phase 1: Pre-medical (1 Year)
- Phase 2: Basic Medical Sciences (2.5 Years) - Integrated system blocks.
- Phase 3: Clinical Medical Sciences (2.5 Years)
- Phase 4: Internship (1 Year)
- Total Credit Hours: 222 hours over 7 years.
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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