Dear current and prospective members of Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS) and healthcare ecosystem partners,
I am delighted to address you and share my enthusiasm in welcoming you to CMHS, that is filled with tremendous opportunities and possibilities.
I am glad to share an important development regarding the future trajectory of KU-CMHS and the strategic direction we are embarking upon.
In response to evolving demands and opportunities, we have received a directive to reshape the focus of our institution. Specifically, there is a plan to gradually phase out the MD program within our College of Medicine. This transition is geared towards placing a significantly greater emphasis on basic sciences, public health, and translational research through establishment of new PhD and Masters programs in the area of health and life sciences. In terms of education and training, our focus will be in specialist programs for physicians and other health professions. This strategic shift is driven by the government’s vision to foster a synergistic partnership between academia and the thriving hospital ecosystem in Abu Dhabi.
This transformation is undoubtedly a pivotal moment in the history of KU-CMHS. As we pivot our focus, there will be substantial investments directed towards this initiative. Commencing from the academic year 2026/2027, the plan is for our institution to be recognized as the College of Health and Life Sciences, with this change taking effect once our current MD program students have graduated.
It is worth highlighting our continued success in the medical education program that is demonstrated by student performances in the US NBME IFOM exam performances that surpasses regional and international cohorts and first-time pass rates in the USMLE exams that are comparable to the US medical schools. Our students have made us proud by securing competitive residency matches in the US and the UAE. We continue to invest in each of our current medical students to ensure that we maintain superior outcomes.
We are delighted to have a steady stream of interest from top notch clinical and basic science researchers, and we are recruiting such exceptional talents. I look forward to discussing your interest in joining our vibrant and expanding team.
Senthil Kumar Rajasekaran MD., MMHPE., FCP., FAcadMed
Acting Dean of College of Medicine and Health Sciences
As the first medical school in Abu Dhabi, and the first institution in the UAE to offer a four-year MD program modeled after the North American medical education system, The College of Medicine and Health Sciences is dedicated to preparing future physicians with the knowledge, skills, and competencies to improve the health of the nation. By employing innovative strategies in medical educational, Khalifa University will leverage its position as a world-class science and technology institution.
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences is responding to the challenge of developing world-class healthcare in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, and the region. It strives to deliver first-rate education to provide opportunities for a diversified and competitive knowledge-based economy.
In the coming years, Khalifa University College of Medicine and Health Sciences will roll out a range of degree programs in medicine and health sciences. By strengthening the university’s faculty base in these disciplines, Khalifa University will also expand its research portfolio, which currently includes medical genetics, genome sciences, biomaterials for Nano medicine, cellular biomechanics, bio-robotics, tissue regeneration, and bioinformatics.
To enhance the healthcare ecosystem of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates through outstanding education, research, and healthcare services for the community.
To be a leader in transforming the UAE healthcare ecosystem for a healthier nation.
The college aims to accomplish its mission through commitment to the following core values:
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences offers a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree program. The College also offers a non-degree Pre-Medicine Bridge Program for students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree and wish to pursue the MD program.
The College of Medicine and Health Sciences comprises the following 20 academic departments:
Khalifa University’s research portfolio currently includes medical genetics, biomaterials for nanomedicine, cellular biomechanics, bio-robotics, tissue regeneration, and bioinformatics. The university also has, and will continue to further develop, research capabilities and expertise with competencies in systems engineering, biomedical engineering, genome sciences and artificial intelligence (AI). Rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are expected to play a significant role in the healthcare and medical sector in the next 10 years and remain a focus of the CMHS.
In consultation with external stakeholders and industry partners, the College of Medicine and Health Sciences ensures that its research and development programs are relevant to the biomedical, health and pharmaceutical sectors of the UAE and region. There are three established research centers that serve as hubs for a steady increase in research participation and productivity of CMHS faculty. These centers are 1) the Healthcare Engineering Innovation Center, 2) the Center for Autonomous Robotics Systems, and 3) the Center for Biotechnology.
The scholarship is applied automatically to all students who have been successfully admitted and enrolled in the medical school; there is no need to fill a separate form or application.
No, the program is open to all Nationalities.
The program is instructed in English. As such, you provide IELTS/TOEFL scores above 6.5 or 91 respectively to show adequate proficiency in English.
Subject to review and approval, the English test score requirement (TOEFL, IELTS or EmSAT) may be waived for an applicant who is a native English speaker who has completed his/her Bachelor’s/Master’s degree qualification in an English-medium institution.
Applicants must have completed a Bachelor’s degree from a reputable university, fulfill all the prerequisite courses, have a GPA of 3 or above, have completed the MCAT with a score of 500 or above, and prove proficiency in English. Please refer to the Admissions page for the full list of requirements
Yes
You should have 6 credits of each required pre-requisite course in total.
Applicants are required to have a minimum CGPA of 3.00 to apply. Acceptance into the program is highly competitive, so please note this is just the minimum CGPA and does not guarantee entry. GPA is not the only criteria taken into consideration for entry to the program, however, the higher your GPA the more competitive your application will be.
No, the MCAT is a mandatory prerequisite that cannot be waived, and cannot be substituted by any other exam. For more information on the MCAT, including test centers and preparatory resources, please refer to https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam/
Currently, there are no test centers in the UAE. However, there are many test centers located in multiple cities worldwide. For a list of test centers, and more information on the program, please refer to the AAMC website to sign up https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam/
Yes, you will be interviewed via an online platform.
We do not accept transfer students.
Applicants are required to have a minimum test score of 500 to apply. Acceptance into the program is highly competitive, so please note this is just the minimum score and does not guarantee entry. MCAT test results are not the only criteria taken into consideration for entry to the program, however, the higher your test scores, the more competitive your application will be.
Registration for the MCAT is done directly through the AAMC website. Please visit https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam/ for more information and preparatory resources.
A certificate of Equivalency is required if you completed your undergraduate degree at a university outside of the UAE. For information on how to complete the process, please refer to the Ministry of Education’s website at
The MD Program at Khalifa University is currently offered on a full scholarship basis. The scholarship is applied automatically to all applicants who have been successfully accepted into the program, regardless of their nationality. The university covers the cost of tuition, textbooks, any mandatory traveling, as well as accommodations (subject to availability).
Admitted students automatically receive a full merit-based scholarship to the MD Program. However, you must pay a fee of 2000 AED due by Orientation day and to use university accommodations you must pay a security deposit of 2000 AED Additionally, application costs, exam fees, travel or relocation expense, before starting the program, will need to be covered by the applicant.
Subject to availability, complimentary accommodation and transportation to the main campus will be provided. Please note a security deposit of 2000 AED must be paid to secure your accommodation once it has been allocated to you.
PG Female Residences:
PG Male Residences:
The program is taught on the main Abu Dhabi campus. For more information on the campus such as maps and photos, please refer to our website at https://www.ku.ac.ae/campus/
Yes, the University can provide visa sponsorship to international students.
No, the MD degree program is a 4-year post-graduate degree, not a 5-year undergraduate course like the MBBS. Applicants must already have an undergraduate degree to apply for the MD program.
Yes, it is accredited by the United Arab Emirates accrediting body, The Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA). CAA is a recognized accrediting agency by both the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME) and The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER).
No, due to the nature and content of the program, applicants must attend all scheduled lectures and lessons on campus. Please note Khalifa University has a strict attendance policy.
Yes, the timeline is the same as students applying for Match during Period 4.
The program duration is 4 years.
Click here to view a copy of our curriculum map
The CMHS is currently negotiating with several programs in Canada and the USA to establish partnerships for further residency training. Further, our primary teaching hospital, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, is operated by the Mayo Clinic. However students will need to be as competitive for entry to those programs.
Most clinical rotations will be at our primary teaching hospital, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, that is operated by the Mayo Clinic. Some rotations and electives can be performed at other sites in the city eg SKMC, Healthpoint, Cleveland Clinic. Fourth year electives can be performed outside the city or outside the country.
Yes, medical students are encouraged to apply for such away rotations if they are planning on residency training in North America.
Yes, medical students will take both tests during period 3 (MS3)
Only medical schools located in the USA and Canada can earn an LCME accreditation. However, the program is modeled and developed to be LCME compatible.
Our MD program curriculum is designed to prepare medical students to take the USMLE Step 1 & 2.
KU CMHS will assist in obtaining ERAS tokens for students as well as cover the fee and accommodations to take the USMLE Step 1 & 2
In medical school you will be exposed to different specialties through lectures, research, clinical skills, and clerkships. Additionally, our career guidance advisors will help prepare you to make an informed decision regarding the specialty of your choice.
Before practicing medicine and after graduation, you have to match at a residency training program that will prepare you for board certification. Where you are ultimately eligible to practice is determined by each individual country.
