Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB)

- Faro, Portugal
Abroad

General Information

The Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMCB) at the University of Algarve (UAlg), located in Faro, is unique in the Portuguese landscape. Unlike other public faculties that accept students directly from high school, UAlg focuses on a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model and is specifically designed for graduates.

General Info

  • Established: 2008.

  • Location: Gambelas Campus, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal.

  • Program: Integrated Master’s in Medicine. This is a 4-year program (240 ECTS) specifically for those who already hold a previous degree (typically in Health or Life Sciences).

  • Language: Portuguese. Fluency is required for patient interaction and selection exams. However, scientific literature and some research modules are in English.

  • Accreditation: Accredited by A3ES and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Graduates are eligible for global pathways such as the USMLE (USA) and PLAB/UKMLA (UK).

Campus Facilities

  • PBL Methodology: Instead of traditional lectures, teaching is based on resolving clinical cases in small groups. This fosters clinical reasoning and team-based decision-making from Day 1.

  • Student Profile: Since it is a graduate-entry program, the academic environment is mature, consisting of students seeking a second career or deeper medical specialization.

  • Research Hub: Integrated into the ABC - Algarve Biomedical Center, a consortium that unites academia and hospitals for translational research in areas like aging and chronic diseases.

    • Hospital & Medical Facilities

    Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

    FMCB is fully integrated with health units in the south of Portugal:

    • Algarve University Hospital Center (CHUA): With major hubs in Faro and Portimão, where students conduct most of their clinical training.

    • Primary Care Units: Strong community medicine component with rotations in health centers throughout the Algarve region.

    • Simulation: The campus features advanced medical simulation units for training clinical skills before direct contact with patients.

    Fee Structure

    State University Affordability

    • National/EU Students: Tuition is approximately €697 per year.

    • International Students: As a public university, fees for non-EU students are generally higher, ranging from €3,500 to €4,500 per year (subject to annual confirmation by the university board).

    • Selection Fees: The application process for graduates involves fees for knowledge exams and interviews (approx. €100 – €200).

    City Details

    • Vibe: Faro is the capital of the Algarve—a safe, sun-drenched city famous for the Ria Formosa Natural Park and its historic old town.

    • Climate: Excellent Mediterranean weather with mild winters and hot summers.

    • Transport: "Próximo" buses connect the campuses to the city and the airport. Students qualify for significant discounts on monthly passes.

    • Airport: Faro International Airport (FAO) offers extensive connections across Europe.

    Hostel & Mess

    • University Housing (SASUAlg): Located at Gambelas and in Faro city center.

      • Price: Roughly €150 – €250 per month for displaced students.

    • Private Accommodation: Faro is a tourist destination, which can affect prices, especially near summer.

      • Shared Apartment Room: €350 – €550 per month.

    • Mess/Dining:

      • UAlg Canteens: A full meal (soup, main, drink, dessert) costs between €2.80 and €4.50.

      • Cost of Living: The Algarve has a moderate cost of living, but personal entertainment and transportation can be higher during the peak tourist season.

    Miscellaneous

    Access is through a special contest for graduates:

    1. Qualifications: Must hold a completed degree (minimum 180 ECTS).

    2. Knowledge Exams: Written tests on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.

    3. Skills Tests (MMI): Multiple Mini-Interviews to assess ethics, communication, and empathy.

    4. English: Proficiency in understanding scientific texts in English is often required.

    5. NEET (For Indians): Mandatory for students who intend to return to India to practice.

    Collage Images Gallery

    Use College Predictor
    Best Learning

    Find Your Best-Fit Medical College Instantly

    Not sure which college you can get with your NEET rank?

    Use our College Predictor Tool , our experts will instantly suggest the best colleges where you stand a high chance of admission.


    Use College Predictor

    Facilities & Campus Life

    Well-equipped Library

    Experienced Faculty

    Computer Lab

    Sports Activities

    Heritage Campus

    ₹500/Per month

    Special monthly language

    package for everyone

    Get Started Now

    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.

    Why Consult With Us?

    • 15+ years of experience in medical education counseling
    • 5000+ students successfully guided
    • 50+ partner universities worldwide
    • Free initial consultation with no obligation

    Enquiry Now

    Know about your college