Tuition Fees for MBBS/MD in UAE for International Students
The healthcare and life sciences sector of the UAE has been on an upward trajectory. The pandemic has highlighted the need to hire skilled professionals in various medical careers. Consequently, salaries in the health sector have grown by 4.5% since 2020. With such a positive outlook, studying medicine in UAE can be a brilliant opportunity for medical aspirants. The UAE offers excellent quality education, at par with medical studies in the US. Moreover, the cost of medical study (MBBS/MD) in UAE is considerably lower than in the US.
Read more about what the tuition fees are at the best universities in UAE and what would be the cost of medical studies for international students.
Cost of Medical Study (MBBS/MD) in UAE for International Students
The UAE has seven prominent medical universities. The medicine degree is offered at both undergraduate and graduate levels. MBBS is a five to six-year program and requires students to have completed high school, whereas the four-year MD requires a bachelor’s degree.
Not all universities accept international applications. Foreign students can apply to the following universities:
- Khalifa University
- University of Sharjah
- Ajman University
- Gulf Medical University
- Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Ras al-Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University
| University | Program Offered | Annual Tuition Cost in AED |
| Khalifa University | MD | 120,000 |
| University of Sharjah | MBBS | 118,300 |
| Ajman University | MBBS | 121,000 |
| Gulf Medical University | MD | 147,000 |
| MBR University of Medicine and Health Sciences | MBBS | 160,000 |
| RAK Medical and Health Sciences University | MBBS | 121,000 |
The average cost of an MBBS/MD degree in UAE is AED 133,460 or USD 36,334*
*Average cost has been converted from AED to USD at the current exchange rate of 1 AED=0.27 USD. Exchange rates change periodically.
Cost of Medicine-related Programs in UAE
Medical universities in UAE offer programs in medicine-related fields
- Dentistry
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Health Sciences
International students can enroll in these programs at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels.
The following table provides an overview of the cost of bachelor’s and master’s programs in medicine-related studies.
Khalifa University does not provide any other medical programs besides MD. Ajman University does not offer courses in Nursing.
Cost of Dentistry Studies in UAE
Dental studies in UAE is available as Bachelor’s in Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS). Some dental studies specializations include endodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, etc.
The average tuition fees for undergraduate programs in dentistry are AED 109,990. The average tuition fees for graduate programs are AED 162,337.
Only graduate-level courses are available at MBRU, and only undergraduate programs are offered at RAK Medical and Health Sciences University.
| University | Undergraduate Annual Tuition in AED | Graduate Annual Tuition in AED |
| University of Sharjah | 114,973 | 170,000 |
| Ajman University | 106,722 | 140,000 |
| Gulf Medical University | 126,000 | 154,350 |
| MBR University of Medicine and Health Sciences | – | 185,000 |
| RAK Medical and Health Sciences University | 89,000 | – |
Cost of Nursing Programs in UAE
Nursing studies in UAE are available as standard degree programs like BSN and MSN. Students can also enroll in specialized two-year programs to become registered nurses. Master’s courses in nursing are limited, with only three universities currently offering them.
The average cost of undergraduate nursing courses is AED 48,700. Graduate nursing courses start at AED 60,000 and go up to AED 140,000.
| University | Undergraduate Annual Tuition in AED | Graduate Annual Tuition in AED |
| University of Sharjah | 56,692 | 54,810 |
| Gulf Medical University | 44,400 | – |
| MBR University of Medicine and Health Sciences | – | 140,000 |
| RAK Medical and Health Sciences University | 45,000 | 60,000 |
Cost of Pharmacy Programs in UAE
Forecasts reveal that UAE’s pharmaceutical sector will grow by 27% by 2025. This expansion can lead to several job openings and an increase in salaries. Training for a career in pharmacy can prove to be a profitable decision. Universities in UAE present excellent education opportunities in Pharmacy.
Pharmacy studies are available as undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The average cost of a bachelor’s in pharmacy is AED 59,800. For master’s programs, the cost is AED 68,880.
| University | Undergraduate Annual Tuition in AED | Graduate Annual Tuition IN AED |
| University of Sharjah | 61,379 | 65,000 |
| Ajman University | 58,292 | 84,375 |
| Gulf Medical University | 63,000 | 66,150 |
| RAK Medical and Health Sciences University | 55,000 | 60,000 |
Cost of Health Sciences Studies in UAE
Health Science studies in UAE cover disciplines like Physiotherapy, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Anesthesia Techniques, etc. Tuition fees for undergraduate programs range between AED 44,400 and 56,700. Graduate programs cost AED 47,250-66150 for one academic year.
Do note that MBRU, Ajman, and RAK universities do not offer any programs in Health Sciences
| University | Undergraduate Annual Tuition IN AED | Graduate Annual Tuition IN AED |
| University of Sharjah | 56,692 | 54,810 |
| Gulf Medical University | 44,400-53,000 | 47,250-66,150 |
Cost of Living in UAE for International Students
UAE is moderately expensive compared to other prominent Asian countries. The cost of living can depend on several factors, such as accommodation type, city of residence, and personal expense habits.
Some universities provide accommodation to international students, significantly decreasing rent expenses. According to a recent 2021 report by Mercer, Dubai and Abu Dhabi ranked as the 42nd and 56th most expensive cities in the world.
An international student in UAE can expect to incur the following expenses.
| Particulars | Monthly Expense in AED |
| Accommodation | 1,500-2,500 |
| Food and Transport | 3,000 |
| Utilities | 900 |
| Total | 5,400-6,400 |
The total annual living expenditure will range between AED 64,800 and 76,800.
The annual cost of attendance for MBBS/MD programs is AED 183,100-236,800.
Conclusion
The cost of medical study (MBBS/MD) in UAE is quite affordable in comparison to other countries, especially the US and UK. Thus many international students prefer UAE for MBBS and other related degrees like dentistry, pharmacy, etc., as it has some of the best universities. The average cost of medical study (MBBS/MD) in UAE is AED 133,460 and the annual cost of attendance for MBBS/MD programs is AED 183,100-236,800.
