Faculty of Medicine in Al-Qunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University

- Al-Qunfudah, Saudi Arabia
Abroad

General Information

Established in 2012 (1433H) by royal decree, the College of Medicine in Al-Qunfudah is a specialized branch of the prestigious Umm Al-Qura University (UQU). Located on the Red Sea coast, it was founded to expand high-quality medical education to the Tihamah region. The college follows the rigorous integrated competency-based curriculum of the main UQU campus, which is aligned with the SaudiMEDs national framework, ensuring graduates meet the highest professional and ethical standards of the Kingdom.


General Info

  • Primary Location: Al-Qunfudah Campus, Coastal Road, Al-Qunfudah, Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia.
  • Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) – 6-year program + 1-year internship.
  • Language of Instruction: English.
  • Accreditation: Fully accredited by the NCAAA (Saudi Arabia) as part of Umm Al-Qura University; recognized by the WHO and ECFMG.
  • Admission Requirements:
  • Selection: Highly competitive; based on a weighted average of High School GPA, Qudrat (General Aptitude), and Tahseeli (Achievement Test) scores.
  • Joint First Year: Students must successfully complete the Medical Stream of the Joint First Year at UQU with a high GPA.
  • Indian Students: Non-Saudi applicants must apply through the "Study in Saudi" portal and be NEET qualified.
  • Intake: Primarily August/September.

Campus Facilities

The Al-Qunfudah campus provides a modern, dedicated environment for medical students, integrating advanced technology with clinical practice.

  • Medical Skills and Simulation Center: A specialized facility equipped with intermediate and high-fidelity simulators for training in clinical examinations and life-saving procedures.
  • Digital Anatomy Lab: Utilizes 3D virtual dissection tables and high-resolution anatomical models to supplement traditional learning.
  • Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Hubs: Small-group classrooms designed specifically for interactive, case-based discussion sessions.
  • Advanced Biochemistry & Physiology Labs: State-of-the-art laboratories supporting the practical components of the integrated basic science blocks.
  • E-Learning Unit: Provides a comprehensive digital platform for lecture recordings, virtual interactive cases, and electronic assessments.
  • Smart Lecture Halls: Fully integrated auditoriums with high-definition audio-visual systems for synchronized learning with the main Makkah campus.
  • Medical Library: Access to the extensive Saudi Digital Library (SDL) and a local collection of core medical textbooks and journals.
  • Student Research Unit: Mentorship and resources provided to encourage undergraduate participation in regional and national health research.
  • Female Medical Campus: A completely separate, fully equipped academic wing dedicated to female medical students.
  • Community Health Center: Serves as an introductory clinical site for students to engage in public health and community-based medicine early in their training.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

Students at the Al-Qunfudah branch rotate through a network of government-run hospitals and primary care centers.

  • Al-Qunfudah General Hospital: The primary clinical training site for major clerkships including Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics.
  • South Al-Qunfudah General Hospital: Provides additional clinical exposure and specialized rotations for senior students.
  • Primary Healthcare Centers (MOH): Used for community medicine and family medicine rotations across the Al-Qunfudah province.
  • UQU Medical Center: Access to specialized clinics and diagnostic services for training and student healthcare.

Fee Structure

State University Affordability

The following reflects the standard framework for international scholarship students and Saudi citizens.

Fee Category

Amount (Approx.)

Notes

Annual Tuition (Saudi)

Free

Fully government-subsidized for citizens.

Annual Tuition (Intl.)

Varies

Typically covered for those on External Scholarships.

Monthly Stipend (Saudi)

990 SAR

Paid to regular Saudi students during the academic year.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

15%

Applicable on services/fees for non-exempted international categories.

Medical Insurance

2,000 SAR

Mandatory annual cost for international residents.

Estimated Living Cost

2,500 – 4,000 SAR /mo

Generally lower than Riyadh/Jeddah due to the local cost of living.


Scholarships

  • External Government Scholarships: Available for outstanding international students, covering full tuition, housing, and an annual round-trip flight.
  • Academic Excellence Awards: Financial incentives provided by UQU for students maintaining a GPA above 4.5 out of 5.0.
  • Internal Scholarships: Targeted at non-Saudi residents already living in the Kingdom who demonstrate high academic potential.
  • Free Textbooks: The university provides essential medical textbooks and learning materials free of charge to regular students.

City Details

  • The Vibe: Known as the "Bride of the Coast," Al-Qunfudah is a historic port city offering a safe, quiet, and traditional lifestyle with beautiful Red Sea views.
  • Connectivity:
  • Air: Accessible via King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah (approx. 3.5 hours by road) or Abha Airport.
  • Transport: Well-connected by the coastal international highway; the university provides vetted transport services for students.

Hostel & Mess

  • Accommodation: Subsidized university housing is available for male and female students in separate residential complexes near the campus.
  • Dining: On-campus cafeterias provide healthy, affordable meals. The town of Al-Qunfudah also offers various local and international dining options.
  • Student Life: Highly active through the Medical Student Club, which organizes regional health awareness days and student-led symposiums.
  • Vibe: A close-knit, focused academic community located in a peaceful coastal setting, offering a less distracted environment for medical study.

Miscellaneous

  • Joint First Year (JFY): Admission is centralized through UQU’s main portal; students spend the first year focusing on English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Outcome-Based Learning: Graduates are trained specifically to excel in the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) for immediate entry into residency.

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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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