Top Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia

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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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References:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8394872/#:~:text=Accordingly%2C%20the%20demand%20for%20physicians,as%20shown%20in%20Table%201.  https://www.topuniversities.com/university-subject-rankings/medicine?countries=sa