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Top Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia

By Kanika Pruthi

Updated on Jul 04, 2025 | 1.84K+ views

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Saudi Arabia plans to increase its physician count from 86,756 in 2015 to over 1.5 lakh by 2030. To support this, medical colleges in Saudi Arabia now offer English-medium MBBS programs, modern clinical facilities, and government-backed medical scholarships.

For Indian and international students, these colleges provide strong MBBS clinical rotations, affordable tuition, and structured internship opportunities. We’ll help you explore the best Saudi medical colleges, their fees, admission criteria, MCI-approved status, and life as a medical student in the Kingdom.

Quick Stats Summary: MBBS in Saudi Arabia

Metric

Value

MBBS Duration

7 years (incl. 1-year internship)

Tuition Range

SAR 14,000–60,000/year (₹3.1L–₹13.4L)

Language of Instruction

English (major universities)

Entrance Requirements

NEET + SAAT/Interview + IELTS

Avg Junior Doctor Salary

SAR 10,000–15,000/month (₹2.2L–₹3.3L)

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Top Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia for International Students (2025)

Saudi Arabia has more than 25 medical colleges, including 6 universities ranked among the QS World Top 500. These institutions offer English medical programs aligned with global standards and are recognized by bodies like the NMC (India) and WHO. 

Most of these colleges require NEET qualification for Indian applicants and support direct admission for the 2025 intake. Faculty strength in Saudi medical colleges is typically 200–500 in top public universities.

Top Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia for International Students (2025)

University Name (City)

QS Ranking 2025

Avg Tuition Fees (SAR/year) (INR/year)

King Abdulaziz University (Jeddah)

=148

20,000–35,000 (₹4.46L–₹7.8L)

King Saud University (Riyadh)

=165

25,000–40,000 (₹5.6L–₹8.9L)

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University (Dammam)

401–450

18,000–30,000 (₹4L–₹6.7L)

King Abdullah Univ. of Science & Tech (Thuwal)

401–450

30,000–45,000 (₹6.7L–₹10L)

King Khalid University (Abha)

401–450

17,000–28,000 (₹3.8L–₹6.2L)

King Saud bin Abdulaziz Univ. for Health Sciences (Riyadh)

401–450

22,000–36,000 (₹4.9L–₹8L)

Umm Al-Qura University (Makkah)

501–550

16,000–26,000 (₹3.6L–₹5.8L)

King Faisal University (Hofuf)

551–600

15,000–25,000 (₹3.3L–₹5.6L)

Qassim University (Buraydah)

551–600

14,000–22,000 (₹3.1L–₹4.9L)

Alfaisal University (Riyadh)

601–650

40,000–60,000 (₹8.9L–₹13.4L)

Note: The average living cost for medical students in Saudi includes accommodation, food, insurance, and travel—totaling around SAR 20,000–30,000 per year (₹4.5L–₹6.7L).

Start with an Overview of Medical Study Abroad

MBBS Course Overview in Saudi Arabia

The MBBS program in Saudi Arabia runs for 7 years—6 academic years plus a 1-year compulsory internship. Courses are taught in English at leading universities like King Saud and King Abdulaziz. 

MBBS Course Structure in Saudi Arabia

Phase

Duration

Key Subjects & Training

Pre-clinical

Years 1–3

Anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, physiology. Classes mix theory with lab work.

Clinical

Years 4–6

Rotations in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, psychiatry, and more. Training takes place in teaching hospitals.

Internship

1 year

Hands-on hospital duties under supervision. This is mandatory for licensing in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi medical colleges follow an integrated teaching model, combining lectures with case-based learning and early hospital exposure. On successful completion, students earn an MBBS degree in Saudi Arabia, eligible for licensing via the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE) or equivalent exams abroad (like FMGE, USMLE, PLAB). MBBS clinical rotation in Saudi Arabia typically begins in Year 4 and includes surgery, pediatrics, and internal medicine.

New to Studying in Saudi Arabia?

Specializations After MBBS in Saudi Arabia

After MBBS, students can pursue postgraduate medical training in Saudi Arabia or apply for exams to study abroad. Common specializations include:

Common Specializations After MBBS in Saudi Arabia

Specialization

Common Departments in Saudi PG Hospitals

Internal Medicine

King Saud Medical City, King Fahad Hospital

General Surgery

King Faisal Specialist Hospital, National Guard

Pediatrics

King Khalid University Hospital

Radiology

King Abdulaziz Medical City

Orthopedics

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal Teaching Hospital

Anesthesia

Security Forces Hospital, Ministry of Health centers

Emergency Medicine

Red Crescent-affiliated university centers

Dermatology

University of Hail Teaching Hospital

OB-GYN

King Khalid Hospital, regional women's health units

These PG programs are residency-based and usually last 4–5 years. Trainees receive monthly stipends, hands-on mentorship, and structured rotations. International students must clear SMLE and meet specialty cut-offs, but Saudi’s high patient volume and case diversity offer strong clinical exposure across departments.

Considering Broader Health Courses Too?

Who Can Apply for MBBS in Saudi Arabia (Eligibility 2025)

To apply to medical colleges in Saudi Arabia, international students must meet academic, language, and age-related criteria. Most colleges follow a centralized admissions system under the Saudi Ministry of Education. Saudi medical college eligibility for Indian students includes NEET qualification, science background, and English proficiency.

Basic Eligibility for Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia

  • Academic Qualification: Minimum 70–80% in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
  • NEET: Required for Indian students planning to return to India after MBBS.
  • Age Requirement: Minimum 17 years at the time of application.
  • English Proficiency: IELTS (6.0+) or TOEFL iBT (80+); some universities conduct their own language tests.
  • Additional: Medical fitness certificate and valid passport. Arabic is not mandatory but helpful for clinical training years.

These requirements apply to both public and private medical colleges in Saudi Arabia offering English medical programs to international students.

Compare Countries for Medical Education

How to Apply to Saudi Medical Colleges (2025 Guide)

Admission to MBBS in Saudi Arabia for international students is mostly online. Top public universities like King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University, and Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University open limited seats under international quotas.

Admission Process for Saudi Medical Colleges

Step

Description

1. Online Application

Visit the university portal (usually opens between March–July 2025)

2. Document Upload

Class 10 & 12 transcripts, passport, NEET score (if Indian), IELTS/TOEFL, medical fitness

3. Application Fee

Varies by university (SAR 300–500 approx.)

4. Screening & Interviews

Shortlisted candidates may attend online interviews or submit a statement of purpose

5. Final Admission

Receive offer letter, pay tuition, start visa process

Top institutions follow strict screening and deadlines. Early application improves chances, especially for MBBS clinical rotation opportunities and medical scholarships in Saudi Arabia.

Understand Cost Before You Apply

Top Scholarships for MBBS in Saudi Arabia (2025)

Many medical colleges in Saudi Arabia offer tuition-free MBBS programs to international students, especially at public universities. These scholarships typically cover:

  • Full or partial tuition waivers
  • Monthly living stipends (SAR 800–1,000 ≈ ₹17,000–₹21,000)
  • Free accommodation or housing allowance
  • Medical insurance and subsidized meals

Top Scholarships for MBBS in Saudi Arabia

Scholarship Name

Offered By

Coverage

King Saud University Scholarship

King Saud University

Tuition, stipend, housing, return ticket

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship

IsDB

Full academic funding for eligible students

Ministry of Education Scholarship

Government of Saudi Arabia

For select public universities

King Abdulaziz University Grant

King Abdulaziz University

Full waiver + monthly stipend

These MBBS scholarships in Saudi Arabia are highly competitive. Most require excellent academic records, Arabic/English proficiency, and recommendation letters. Application is typically done through the university portal or Saudi embassy channels.

Looking for Affordable MBBS Options?

Student Visa for MBBS in Saudi Arabia

To study at medical colleges in Saudi Arabia, international students—including Indian nationals—must obtain a Student Visa (Study/Iqama). This visa requires institutional sponsorship and must be initiated by the admitting university.

Visa Requirements for Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia

  • Offer letter from a recognized Saudi medical college
  • Sponsorship certificate from the university
  • Medical fitness report from an authorized hospital
  • Proof of funds or scholarship award
  • Valid passport (min. 6 months)
  • Police clearance certificate (PCC)
  • Completed visa application via Saudi embassy or VFS Global

Visa Timeline for MBBS in Saudi Arabia
Processing usually takes 4–6 weeks post-acceptance. Students should begin paperwork immediately after receiving the admission offer.

Other Rules:

Aspect

Details

Visa Validity

1 year, renewable annually upon academic progress

Part-Time Work

Not permitted on student visa

Travel Restrictions

Students must seek clearance for vacations or travel during study

Health Insurance

Mandatory; typically provided by the university or added during registration

The visa for medical students in Saudi Arabia ensures access to all student benefits, including accommodation, insurance, and renewals for internship or further studies.

Career Scope After MBBS in Saudi Arabia

Graduates from medical colleges in Saudi Arabia can pursue careers locally or abroad, depending on their licensing and specialization plans. 

Career Options in Saudi Arabia After MBBS

After completing your MBBS internship in Saudi Arabia, you can apply for medical residency or junior doctor positions. All candidates must pass the Saudi Medical Licensing Exam (SMLE), administered by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). This exam is mandatory for both Saudi and international students to practice medicine in the country.

Top Job Roles After MBBS in Saudi Arabia

Role

Typical Monthly Salary

Junior Doctor

SAR 10,000–15,000 (₹2.2L–₹3.3L)

Resident Doctor (PG Trainee)

SAR 12,000–18,000 (₹2.6L–₹4L)

MOH/Public Health Hospitals

SAR 14,000–20,000 (₹3L–₹4.4L)

Many international students who study MBBS in Saudi Arabia also pursue postgraduate residency in Saudi teaching hospitals like King Faisal Specialist Hospital or King Abdulaziz Medical City, provided they meet SMLE score thresholds and specialty availability.

PG and Return Options for Indian Students After MBBS in Saudi Arabia:

Students from MCI-approved medical colleges in Saudi Arabia can return to India to write the FMGE (or NExT, from 2025). A qualifying score is required to register with the NMC and begin practice. Most Saudi med colleges hold WFME or LCME-equivalent accreditation, which makes their degrees valid for PG and licensing abroad.

Those interested in global medical careers can pursue exams like:

Graduates may also sit for exams like:

  • USMLE (United States)
  • PLAB (United Kingdom)
  • AMC (Australia)

These paths require separate preparation but are accessible with an MBBS degree from an accredited Saudi institution. Some universities in Saudi Arabia offer strong faculty mentorship and training support aligned with global medical standards.

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FAQs on Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia

Is MBBS from Saudi Arabia valid for FMGE or NExT in India?

Do Saudi medical colleges offer MBBS entirely in English for international students?

What is the average tuition fee for MBBS in Saudi Arabia in 2025?

Are Saudi MBBS programs better than those in Kazakhstan or Georgia?

Can Indian students practice in the UK or US after MBBS from Saudi Arabia?

Is MBBS in Saudi Arabia recognized globally for PG entrance exams?

Are Indian students required to take an entrance test to study MBBS in Saudi Arabia?

What type of health insurance is needed for Indian MBBS students in Saudi Arabia?

How competitive is the admission process for MBBS in Saudi Arabia for Indians?

Are female Indian students allowed to study MBBS in Saudi Arabia?

Do Saudi medical colleges offer on-campus coaching for NExT or USMLE?

What is the quality of clinical exposure during MBBS in Saudi Arabia?

How long is the internship or housemanship phase in Saudi MBBS courses?

What are the career options after completing MBBS from Saudi Arabia?

Can MBBS students in Saudi Arabia shift to PG courses within the country?

Is MBBS in Saudi Arabia better than China, Georgia, or Russia?

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Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert |110 articles published

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technolog...

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