Faculty of Medicine in Al-Qunfudah, Umm Al-Qura University
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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.
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.
Collage Images Gallery
Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
Frequently Asked Questions
Answer: Yes. AMW coordinates group departure assistance and helps with flight planning. Our local representative in Uzbekistan meets students at Tashkent airport and provides transport to the university hostel. Support continues throughout the first month of your stay.
Answer: Yes. Direct flights between Delhi and Tashkent operate regularly and take under 3 hours. Most universities have structured semester breaks that allow students to visit home at least once or twice a year. AMW advises students on the academic calendar and the best travel windows.
Answer: The process is straightforward and well-defined. AMW handles the complete visa application, document preparation, attestation, and apostille. Visa approval typically takes 10–20 working days from the date of submission.
(1) Free counselling, share your score and goals. <br />
(2) We handle all documentation, applications, and visa processing. <br />
(3) You arrive at college; we provide ongoing support for all 6 years.
Our pass rate is approximately 78% compared to the national average of ~45%, because we begin structured FMGE preparation from Year 4, not after graduation.
No. Every university we recommend offers MBBS fully in English. Basic Russian is helpful for patient interaction during clinical rotations, but the degree is completed entirely in English. Basic Russian can be learned at the University campus for free.
Answer: All AMW partner universities in Uzbekistan offer English-medium MBBS programmes. A basic Uzbek and/or Russian language module is included in the first year to help students communicate with patients during clinical rotations — no prior knowledge of either language is required for admission.
Total cost for MBBS in Russia (tuition + living) is approximately ₹22–38 Lakhs over 6 years, which is much cheaper than private medical colleges in India (₹65–110 Lakhs). Exact fees vary by university
Yes, an MBBS from an NMC-approved foreign university is fully valid in India. You must clear FMGE (transitioning to NExT) to practice.
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