Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences

- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Abroad

General Information

The College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) at Khalifa University (KU) in Abu Dhabi is a premier, research-led institution. It is relatively new but has rapidly become the #1 ranked university in the UAE (QS 2025). It is modeled after North American medical education standards and is deeply integrated into the UAE's high-tech research ecosystem.

General Info

  • Established: 2018 (as the first 4-year MD program in Abu Dhabi).

  • MD Program: A 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, designed for students who already hold a Bachelor’s degree (Graduate Entry).

  • Curriculum: Modeled on the American system, emphasizing clinical reasoning, simulation, and research.

  • Language: Instruction is 100% in English.

  • Global Ranking: Khalifa University is ranked 202nd globally (QS 2025) and is consistently #1 in the UAE for research citations.

Campus Facilities

  • Main Campus: Located on Al Saada Street, Abu Dhabi. The CMHS building is a high-tech facility within the main university grounds.

  • Specialized Centers: * CELS (Center for Experiential Learning & Clinical Simulation): A massive simulation hub where students practice procedures on high-fidelity mannequins.

    • Research Animal Facility: One of the most advanced in the region for biological research.

  • Environment: The campus is known for being ultra-modern, featuring 24/7 library access, advanced imaging labs (MRI/CT for research), and collaborative learning spaces.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

Khalifa University does not own a single hospital but has strategic partnerships with all major healthcare providers in Abu Dhabi.

  • Primary Affiliates: * Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi: A world-renowned facility for advanced surgery and heart care.

    • SEHA Hospitals (Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City): One of the UAE's largest hospitals.

    • Mubadala Health & PureHealth: Extensive networks for outpatient and specialized care.

  • Clinical Training: Students gain experience in diverse settings, from government-run SEHA facilities to luxury private clinics, ensuring a broad patient demographic.

Fee Structure

State University Affordability

  • MD Program Tuition: Approximately AED 2,500 per credit hour.

  • Annual Cost: Typically ranges between AED 120,000 to 150,000 per year for the MD program.

  • Seat Holding Fee: AED 10,000 (Applied toward tuition).

  • International Scholarship: KU is unique in offering a "Full Ride" Scholarship for exceptionally qualified international students (especially those from North American universities), which covers 100% of tuition and provides a monthly stipend.

City Details

  • Safety: Consistently ranked as the safest city in the world.

  • Lifestyle: A blend of traditional culture (Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque) and high-tech living (Yas Island, Masdar City).

  • Climate: Hot summers; however, all campus facilities and transportation are fully climate-controlled.

  • Transport: KU provides weekend return shuttle buses for students traveling to other emirates (AED 2,000 per semester).

Hostel & Mess

  • Accommodation: Provided to international students and those living outside Abu Dhabi.

    • Undergraduate/Pre-med: Al Rawda (Males) and KU Residence/Umm Al Lulu (Females).

    • Postgraduate/MD: Often housed in Masdar City Residences—modern, single-occupancy studio apartments with private kitchens.

    • Cost: Roughly AED 10,000 – 20,000 per semester (or AED 2,000 – 3,000/month for postgraduates).

  • Mess/Dining: * Canteens: Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with international and Arabic menus.

    • Self-Catering: All residences include modern kitchens. Masdar City specifically offers a range of organic stores and cafes nearby.

    • Miscellaneous

  • NRI Seats: There is no NRI/Management quota. Admission is strictly based on academic merit and test scores.

  • Admission Requirements (2026):

    • Degree: A Bachelor's in Science or a related field with a CGPA of 3.0/4.0.

    • MCAT: A competitive score (usually 500+) is mandatory for the MD program.

    • English: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 91.

    • Interviews: Shortlisted candidates must pass an MMI (Multiple Mini Interview) or a panel interview.

  • Application Timeline: Applications for the 2026 cycle typically open in November 2025 and close in March 2026.

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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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