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Medical Colleges in Saudi Arabia for International Students

By Kanika Pruthi

Updated on Feb 12, 2024 | 1.4K+ views

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With a strong economy and a $1.11 trillion GDP, Saudi Arabia is one of the world's top 20 economies. But what about its education system? Becoming a skilled medical professional has never been more promising than in Saudi Arabia. The benefits of studying in Saudi Arabia include its advancing healthcare system and commitment to excellence. With 14 universities that rank among the top 1000 in the world, it is the best fit to pursue a medical degree. 

How do I Choose the Right Medical College in Saudi Arabia?

Choosing among the medical colleges in Saudi Arabia is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your education and future career as a healthcare professional. To ensure you make an informed choice, follow these steps:

  • Research accreditation and recognition.
  • Explore specializations offered.
  • Check faculty and facilities.
  • Assess clinical exposure.
  • Consider student support services.
  • Review research opportunities.
  • Check affordability and scholarships.
  • Assess location and cultural fit.
  • Review alumni success.
  • Seek reviews and recommendations.

Top Medical Universities in Saudi Arabia:

Here is a list of medical colleges in Saudi Arabia:

King Abdulaziz University (KAU)

King Abdulaziz University (KAU), ranked 143 in the world as per QS World University Rankings 2024, is a prestigious public research university in Jeddah and one of the best medical colleges in Saudi Arabia for Indian students. It offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including the renowned faculty of medicine. KAU prioritizes research and innovation, evident through its state-of-the-art research centers and global collaborations.

Types of Programs Offered
  • Bachelor’s
  • Master’s
  • Fellowship
Duration of Programs
  • Bachelor’s - 6 Years
  • Master’s - 2 Years
Credits Required 261
Disciplines in which courses are offered
  • Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pathology
  • Clinical Biochemistry
  • Genetic Medicine
  • Pediatrics
  • Otolaryngology
  • Family and community medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  • Hematology
  • Radiology
  • Orthopedics
  • Anesthesia and intensive care
  • Urology
  • Emergency
  • Internal Medicine
  • Obstetrics Gynecology
  • Surgery
  • Medical Education
  • Dermatology

Jazan University

Jazan University, ranked 640 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine, offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various disciplines, including medicine, engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, with the College of medicine being particularly noteworthy for its contributions to medical education and healthcare research. 

Types of Programs Offered
  • Bachelor’s
Duration of Programs 6 Years
Disciplines in which courses are offered
  • Anatomy
  • Pathology
  • Human Anatomy
  • Obstetrics & Gynecology
  • Pediatrics
  • Internal Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Human Physiology
  • Microbiology & Medical Parasitology
  • Family & Community Medicine

King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences

King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, ranked 400 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine, is a premier public university and among the best medical colleges in Saudi Arabia dedicated to advancing healthcare education and research. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various healthcare fields, including medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, applied medical sciences, and public health.

Types of Programs Offered
  • Bachelor’s
  • Master’s
  • Fellowship
  • Residency
Duration of Programs
  • 7 Years for MBBS
  • 7 Years for Dentistry
  • 6 Years for Pharmacy
  • 5 Years for Nursing
Disciplines in which courses are offered
  • Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of surgery
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Health Informatics
  • Respiratory Therapy
  • Emergency Medical Services
  • Clinical Laboratory Sciences
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Anesthesia Technology
  • Radiology Sciences
  • Pathology
  • Clinical Nutrition
  • Cardiovascular Technology
  • Audiology
  • Speech Therapy
  • Nursing
  • Health Systems Management
  • Epidemiology and Biostatistics
  • Community and Environmental Health

Alfaisal University

Alfaisal University, ranked between 731-740 in the world, is a distinguished private university in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, founded in 2002. Alfaisal offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, including medicine, engineering, business, humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Alfaisal's College of Medicine, in particular, stands out as a center of excellence for medical education and research. 

Types of Programs Offered
  • Bachelor’s
  • Master’s
Duration of Programs
  • 6 Years for MBBS
  • 6 Years for Pharmacy
Disciplines in which Courses are Offered
  • Anatomy & Genetics
  • Family & Community Medicine
  • Biostatistics & Epidemiology
  • Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine
  • Microbiology & immunology
  • Pediatrics
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiological Sciences
  • Surgery, Obstetrics & Radiology
  • Clinical Skills

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University

Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, ranked 595 in the world, is a renowned public university in Dammam, established in 1975. The university offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs, emphasizing research and innovation. IAU provides students with a high-quality education and practical training opportunities through its contributions to research and the development of skilled professionals.

Types of Programs Offered
  • Bachelor’s
  • Master’s
  • Fellowship
  • PhD
Duration of Programs
  • 6 Years for MBBS
  • 6 Years for Dentistry
  • 6 Years for Pharmacy
Disciplines in which Courses are Offered
  • Physiology
  • Psychology
  • Human Morphology
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Histopathology
  • Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Radiology
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Family Medicine
  • Endodontics
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontist

Eligibility of Different Types of Medical Programs

PG diploma
  • GPA should not be less than 3.50 out of 5.00.
  • Applicants (Dentistry, Applied Medical Sciences), GPA should not be less than 3.75 out of 5.00.
  • English language test IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 86.
  • Passing the personal interview and college admission test.
MBBS
  • Achieving a GPA of 3.2 or higher on a 4.00 scale is required.
  • Minimum TOEFL score of 60 or IELTS score of 6.0.
  • Pass the written admission test of the Faculty of Medicine.
  • Pass a personal interview.
  • Class 12th Certificates.
  • Certificate evaluation by the Saudi Ministry of Education.
MD
  • GPA should not be less than 3.50 out of 5.00.
  • For other health specialties, a GPA of 3.75 or above on a 5.00 scale is necessary.
  • English language test IELTS 6.5, TOEFL 86.
  • Passing the personal interview and college admission test.
BDS
  • Recent graduates within the last 3 years.
  • Cumulative GPA not less than 90%.
  • Applicant's vision, communication skills, and psychological and physical ability to join the field.

In conclusion, as Saudi Arabia continues to invest in its healthcare infrastructure, these medical colleges in Saudi Arabia play a vital role in producing graduates who will contribute to the nation's health and well-being. Even though there are no MCI-approved medical colleges in Saudi Arabia, yet with locally-recognized medical colleges, the country has become a top destination for Indian students to study medicine. 

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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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