Top medical universities in the UAE: Where to study medicine

• List of Medical Universities in UAE
• FAQs

Are you considering a career as a surgeon, dentist, nurse or pharmacist? A medical degree from a coveted institute can open many opportunities for a career in medicine and related fields. Previously, limited options led students to leave the country to achieve their desired medical degree. That has changed in recent years and now there are plenty of options in the UAE, which the applicants may consider. What are the best medical universities in the UAE? Let’s find out!

LIST OF THE BEST MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES IN UAE

UAE is home to some of the best medical universities in the region. Let’s look at the top picks.

KHALIFA UNIVERSITY 

The College of Medicine and Health Sciences at Khalifa University is first on our list of top medical universities in the UAE.

Considered one of the prestigious medical universities in Abu Dhabi, the institute offers a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree programme which includes clinical experiences and problem-based learning to help students become competent physicians.

The institute is one of the best universities in Abu Dhabi. Seats are allotted after considering a variety of factors, including the MCAT scores. 

Entering residency section includes 13 Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) that medical students are expected to perform during their residency tenure.

• Location: Al Saadat Street, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi 
• Contact: +971-2-312-3888

MOHAMMED BIN RASHID UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND HEALTH SCIENCES (MBRU)

Are you looking for medical universities in Dubai? Head to MBRU. The Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences has graduate and undergraduate courses. Being one of the best medical universities in the UAE, it offers degrees in paediatrics, dental sciences, nursing and more.

Interested applicants can apply for the 6-year Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme.

Postgraduate programmes at MBRU include Masters of Science in cardiovascular nursing, biomedical sciences, prosthodontics, paediatric dentistry, orthodontics, endodontics and periodontology. It is without a doubt one of the top medical universities in Dubai for international students.

• Location: Building 14, Dubai Healthcare City
• Contact: 800-6278

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY (UAEU)

The United Arab Emirates University is second on our list of notable medical universities in the UAE.

The College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) of UAEU is the highest-ranked and one of the best medical schools in the UAE.

CMHS has 15 departments, including Anatomy, Institute of Public Health, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery and Radiology. It is listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and recognised by the General Medical Council (UK) and various American and Canadian health institutions. It is one of the best option for those who want to study medicine in the UAE.

Medical academic programs from the institute include undergraduate and graduate courses that include:

Undergraduate Courses

• Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Science
• Bachelor of Science in Dietetics
• Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology
• Doctor of Medicine

Graduate Courses

• Dual Award PhD Program in Nutritional Sciences with McGill University
• Dual Award PhD Program in Nutritional Sciences with Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven
• Master of Science in Human Nutrition
  Doctor of Philosophy in Nutritional Sciences
• Dual Award PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences with McGill University
• Dual Award PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences with Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven
• Master of Medical Sciences
• Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences
• Dual Award PhD Program in Public Health with McGill University
• Dual Award PhD Program in Public Health with Katholieke Universiteit (KU) Leuven
• Master of Public Health
• Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health
• Master of Genetic Counseling
• Master of Science in Genomic Medicine
• Master of Science in Clinical Psychology
  Doctor of Pharmacy

Higher Professional Training diplomas and Medical Elective Programme. The CMHS and UAEU also offer research in biomedical and clinical science.

• Location: Al Ain
• Contact: 800-8238

GULF MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (GMU)

Those looking for medical universities in Ajman may consider Gulf Medical University. Formerly known as Gulf Medical College, GMU offers a range of courses, including undergraduate studies in biomedical sciences, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, physiotherapy and more.

Two of the most popular masters programs are Masters in Physical Therapy and Human Reproduction Biology.

Notable programmes offered at GMU include:

• Doctor of Medicine Program (MD) – 6 Years
• Graduate Entry Doctor of Medicine Program (MD) – 4 Years
• Higher Diploma in Pre-Clinical Sciences (HDPCS)
• Bachelor of Biomedical Science (BBMS)
• Pathway to International Medicine Program – MD (6 Years)
• Master in Health Professions Education (MHPE)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Precision Medicine (PhD-PM)
• Masters in Public Health (MPH)
• Masters in Dental Surgery and Periodontics (MDS)
• Masters of Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)
• Executive Masters in Healthcare Management and Economics (EMHME)

All in all, when it comes to universities in Ajman, Gulf Medical University is an ideal option. 

• Location: Rashid Al-Khadar Street, Al Jurf 1, Ajman
• Contact: +971-6-743-1333 

AJMAN UNIVERSITY (AU)

Ajman University (AU) was one of the highest-ranked UAE medical universities in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. Fortune 500 Arabia ranks it as 3rd most prestigious university in the UAE.

It is one of the few non-American universities to receive certification by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in 2018. 

AU has 9 colleges, three of which are dedicated to medical sciences. These include the College of Dentistry, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and the College of Medicine.

Along with the MBBS programme in the College of Medicine, other courses worth noting are the Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and Master of Science in Pharmacy (MScPharm) offered by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 

• Location: University Street, Al Jurf 1, Ajman
• Contact: +971-6-748-2222

RAK MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES UNIVERSITY (RAKMHSU)

The next entry on our list of best medical universities in UAE is the RAK Medical and Health Sciences University.

An institute dedicated solely to health sciences, RAKMHSU was launched under the patronage of the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi. The university’s constituent colleges include:

• RAK College of Medical Sciences (RAKCOMS)
• RAK College of Dental Sciences
• RAK College of Pharmaceutical Sciences (RAKCOPS)
• RAK College of Nursing

Notable courses here include a two-year Masters programme in nursing and pharmacy in addition to MS in Adult Health Nursing (MSN). It is one of the best universities in RAK.

RAKCOPS offers programmes in:

• B.Pharm
• Master of Science (MS)
• Clinical Pharmacy
• Pharmaceutics
• Pharmaceutical Chemistry

The MBBS programme from RAKCOMS includes 2 years of pre-clerkship courses and three years of clinical clerkship courses. 

• Location: Al Qusaidat, Ras al Khaimah
• Contact: +971-7-204-3200

UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH (UOS)

The University of Sharjah features 14 colleges offering courses at the bachelor, diploma, master and doctorate levels. In terms of medical academics, these include courses in health sciences, medicine, dental medicine and pharmacy. 

UoS Degree is globally recognised. The College of Health Sciences (CHS) offers seven accredited undergraduate bachelor programmes, including:  

• Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics (CN&D)
• Environmental Health Sciences (EHS)
• Health Services Administration (HAS)
• Medical Diagnostic Imaging (MDI)
• Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS)
• Nursing (Nsg)
• Physiotherapy (PT)

The chief goal of CHS is to encourage students to engage in health research with a special focus on local and regional needs. This will have a long-term benefit for the country.

As one of the top universities in Sharjah, the ultimate aim is to prepare qualified and skilled healthcare professionals capable enough to assume different positions in the medical care system within and outside the UAE. 

• Location: University City Road, Sharjah
• Contact: +971-6-558-5000

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CAN I FIND OTHER MEDICAL UNIVERSITIES IN THE UAE?

Other medical universities in Dubai that merit a special mention include:

• Dubai Medical College
• Dubai Pharmacy College
• Dubai School of Dental Medicine

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO STUDY MEDICINE IN UAE?

Medical universities fees in the UAE start from AED 31k per year and may go well above AED 140k annually depending on the institute and course you select.

DO THESE UNIVERSITIES OFFER A LIVE-IN OPTION?

Some medical universities in UAE for international students do offer live-in options. You can check out their official websites for further details.

DO UNIVERSITIES IN THE UAE OFFER SCHOLARSHIPS?

Yes, you can read more about the scholarship programmes in UAE and see if you are eligible for one.

That’s all for our picks for the top medical universities in the UAE. Other than medical programs, universities in the UAE offer degrees in various fields. For instance, if you are interested in learning about business management, consider our recommendations for the top business schools with MBA programmes in Dubai. You can also look at the various institutes in the University City in Sharjah.

When applying for a residence permit, you will have to undertake a medical fitness test. Here is how you can Dubai medical report for visa check online.

For more information on academic institutes for higher learning in the UAE, stay tuned to MyBayut.