Umm Al-Qura University Faculty of Medicine

Makkah - Saudi Arabia
Abroad

General Information

Established in 1995, the Faculty of Medicine at Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) is a premier medical institution located in the holy city of Mecca. It holds a unique position due to its proximity to the Grand Mosque and its critical role in providing medical services during the Hajj and Umrah seasons. The faculty has partnered with University College London (UCL) to reform its curriculum, ensuring it aligns with international standards while maintaining a strong foundation in local community health.

General Info

The main location is the Al-Abdia Campus in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The degree is a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) after six years of study and one year of internship.

The language of instruction is English.

Accreditation: The NCAAA fully accredits it, and the WHO, ECFMG, and the World Directory of Medical Schools all recognize it.

Requirements for Admission:

Selection: Based on a weighted score: 30% High School, 30% Qudrat (GAT), and 40% Tahseeli (SAAT).

The "Joint First Year" (Medical Stream) decides who gets into the medical major.

English Proficiency: You usually need a score of at least 60 on the Standardized Test of English Proficiency (STEP).

International Students: Non-Saudis can apply through the "Study in Saudi" scholarship portal. Indian applicants must have passed the NEET exam.

Intake: Mostly in August and September.

Campus Facilities

The Faculty of Medicine is housed in the expansive Al-Abdia campus, featuring cutting-edge architectural and educational technology.

  • London University College (UCL) Partnered Curriculum: A modern, integrated program that emphasizes clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice.
  • Clinical Skills and Simulation Center: One of the most advanced in the region, featuring high-fidelity manikins for emergency and surgical simulation.
  • King Abdullah University Library: A massive digital and physical resource hub providing access to global medical databases.
  • Hajj and Umrah Research Institute: A specialized center where students participate in research related to mass gatherings and infectious diseases.
  • Molecular Biology and Genetics Labs: Equipped with advanced sequencing and PCR technologies for specialized medical research.
  • Smart Lecture Halls: Integrated with 4K recording and live-streaming capabilities for synchronized learning.
  • Virtual Reality (VR) Anatomy Lab: Uses VR headsets and 3D tables to allow students to explore human anatomy in a fully immersive environment.
  • Digital Pathology Unit: Features high-resolution slide scanning for advanced diagnostic training.
  • Separate Male & Female Campuses: Both sections are provided with identical, high-standard laboratories, libraries, and student lounges.
  • Convention Center: A large-scale venue used for hosting international medical conferences and the university's graduation ceremonies.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

Students at UQU benefit from diverse clinical exposure across several major healthcare facilities in Mecca and Jeddah.

  • UQU Medical Center: An on-campus facility providing primary and specialized care to the university community and serving as an initial training site.
  • King Faisal Hospital (Mecca): A primary training hospital for rotations in internal medicine and surgery.
  • Al-Noor Specialist Hospital: A major referral center where students gain experience in trauma, emergency, and advanced sub-specialties.
  • King Abdulaziz Hospital (Mecca): Provides specialized rotations in pediatrics and obstetrics.
  • MOH Clinics (Grand Mosque): During Hajj, students often volunteer in clinics within and around the Haram, providing a unique global health experience.

Fee Structure

State University Affordability

Umm Al-Qura is a public university; fees apply only to non-scholarship international students or specific paid tracks.

Fee Category

Amount (Approx.)

Notes

Annual Tuition (Saudi)

Free

Fully government-subsidized for Saudi citizens.

Annual Tuition (Intl.)

50,000 SAR

Approximately $13,400 USD or ₹11,15,000.

Application Fee

Free

Most government-portal applications have no direct fee.

VAT (Value Added Tax)

15%

Applied to tuition and services for non-Saudi residents.

Medical Insurance

2,500 SAR

Mandatory annual cost for international residents.

Estimated Living Cost

3,000 – 5,000 SAR /mo

Reflects Mecca’s status as a major global city.

Scholarships

  • External Scholarships: Fully funded for international female and male students, covering tuition, housing, airfare, and a monthly stipend.
  • Internal Scholarships: For high-achieving non-Saudi residents already living in the Kingdom.
  • Monthly Stipend (Saudi): Eligible Saudi students receive 990 SAR per month.
  • Research Grants: Available for students whose research projects are accepted by the Deanship of Scientific Research.

City Details

  • The Vibe: Mecca is the holiest city in Islam; living here offers an unparalleled spiritual experience alongside a bustling, international atmosphere.
  • Connectivity:
  • Air: King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah is approximately 1 hour away.
  • Transport: Connected to Jeddah and Madinah via the Haramain High-Speed Railway.

Hostel & Mess

  • Accommodation: The university provides secure, furnished dormitories. Due to Mecca's terrain, these are often located in high-quality residential complexes near the campus.
  • Dining: Multiple cafeterias serve diverse cuisines (Arabic, Asian, and Western) to cater to the international student body.
  • Student Life: Very vibrant through the UQU Medical Club, which organizes the "Mecca Health Marathon" and various community outreach programs.
  • Vibe: A unique blend of deep spiritual significance and rigorous modern academic life.

Miscellaneous

  • Accreditation Status: The MBBS program recently achieved full program accreditation renewal from the NCAAA.
  • Volunteer Recognition: The college is frequently honored for its extensive volunteer work during the Hajj season.

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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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