Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University College of Medicine
-
Dammam,
Saudi Arabia
Abroad
General Information
Established in 1975 (formerly known as the University of Dammam), the College of Medicine at Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (IAU) is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical institutions in Saudi Arabia. Located in the coastal city of Dammam, the college is a pioneer in medical education, being among the first to admit both male and female students. It is globally recognized for its research output and its flagship teaching hospital, which serves as a major tertiary care hub for the Eastern Province.
General Info
- Primary Location: Al-Rakah District (Main Campus), King Faisal Road, Dammam, 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); recognized by the WHO, ECFMG, and NMC (India).
- Admission Requirements:
- Selection: Based on a competitive weighted average: 30% High School GPA + 30% Qudrat + 40% Tahseeli.
- Health Track: Students must first enter the "Health Track" preparatory year and compete for a seat in the College of Medicine based on their first-year GPA.
- Indian Students: Must apply through the "Study in Saudi" portal and be NEET qualified.
- Intake: Primarily August/September.
Campus Facilities
The IAU campus is a sprawling, modern facility that serves as a center for excellence in the Eastern Province.
- Clinical Skills and Simulation Center (CSSC): One of the region's most advanced centers, featuring high-fidelity human patient simulators (SimMan 3G) and virtual reality surgical trainers.
- King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU): A massive on-campus teaching hospital providing students with immediate access to 500+ beds and specialized units.
- Advanced Anatomy & Histopathology Labs: Equipped with digital cadaver tables and high-resolution microscopy for detailed structural study.
- PBL Discussion Hubs: Dedicated rooms specifically designed for the "Problem-Based Learning" sessions that form the core of the clinical curriculum.
- Prince Nayef Health Research Center: A world-class research facility where students engage in cutting-edge genomic and clinical studies.
- Central Medical Library: One of the largest in the Kingdom, providing 24/7 access to the Saudi Digital Library (SDL) and major global databases.
- Smart Lecture Auditoriums: Large-scale venues with integrated video-conferencing for international seminars and tele-medicine sessions.
- Comprehensive E-Learning Infrastructure: A robust platform for digital assessments, virtual patient cases, and 24/7 access to educational resources.
- Separate Male & Female Campuses: Identical, high-standard academic facilities and student lounges for both sections.
- Sports & Olympic Complex: Features indoor swimming pools, gymnasiums, and stadiums to promote physical wellness among health students.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
IAU is integrated with some of the most advanced healthcare facilities in the Arabian Gulf.
- King Fahd Hospital of the University (KFHU): The primary training site, renowned for neurosurgery, organ transplantation, and advanced oncology.
- Security Forces Hospital (Dammam): A major clinical site for internal medicine and surgical clerkships.
- Dammam Medical Complex: Provides exposure to high-volume emergency medicine and diverse clinical cases.
- King Abdulaziz Naval Base Hospital: Used for specialized rotations and community-based clinical training.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
The following estimates reflect the current academic sessions for international and scholarship students.
Scholarships
- External Government Scholarships: Fully funded for international students, covering tuition, housing, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
- Preparation Allowance: A two-month stipend given to international scholarship students upon their initial arrival.
- Graduation Allowance: A three-month stipend provided for the shipment of books and personal belongings upon completion.
- Academic Excellence Incentives: Financial rewards for students who maintain a GPA above 4.5 out of 5.0.
City Details
- The Vibe: Dammam is a major coastal city and a key economic hub, offering a blend of modern skyscrapers, beautiful "Corniche" waterfronts, and a multicultural lifestyle.
- Connectivity:
- Air: King Fahd International Airport (DMM) the world's largest airport by area is 30 minutes away.
- Transport: Connected by the SAPTCO bus network and the high-speed railway to Riyadh.
Hostel & Mess
- Accommodation: The university provides free or highly subsidized housing for international students within the Rakah campus, featuring fully furnished units.
- Dining: Multiple on-campus cafeterias provide discounted meals. The campus is also minutes away from the international dining hubs of Al Khobar.
- Student Life: Highly vibrant culture with over 30 student clubs; the Medical Student Association (MSA) is known for organizing the annual "Health Awareness Day."
- Vibe: Academically rigorous and research-focused, but with a strong community feel due to its coastal location.
Miscellaneous
- Preparatory Year: All students must pass the Health Track preparatory year with a minimum GPA (usually 3.0/5.0) to be eligible for the College of Medicine.
- Global Recognition: IAU graduates are highly successful in matching into residency programs in the USA (USMLE) and Canada.
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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