University of Sharjah (College of Medicine)
By The Education Insider
Becoming a doctor in the UAE is a prestigious dream, but it comes with a heavy price tag and fierce competition. For students and parents, the University of Sharjah (UoS) College of Medicine represents a critical crossroads: Is the investment of time and money worth the medical degree?
If you are weighing the University of Sharjah against other medical schools in the UAE (like Mohammed Bin Rashid University or Ajman University), you need more than just a brochure. You need the cold, hard financial facts.
This guide breaks down the real cost of tuition, the strict admission criteria (EmSAT/IELTS), and the career Return on Investment (ROI) for graduates entering the healthcare workforce in 2026.
At A Glance: UoS Medicine Profile (2025-2026)
| Feature | Details |
| Program | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) |
| Annual Tuition (Est.) | AED 100,000 – AED 120,000 ($27,000 – $32,000) |
| Cost Per Credit Hour | AED 3,045 |
| Duration | 6 Years (Foundation + Medical Sciences + Clinical) |
| Global Ranking | Top 201–250 Globally (Medicine & Health Sciences)* |
| Admission Rate | Highly Competitive (< 10% for non-nationals) |
1. The Financial Reality: Total Cost Breakdown
Medical school is an investment. At UoS, the pricing structure is based on credit hours, which allows for some flexibility but can result in surprising bills if you aren’t prepared.
Tuition Fees Explained
Unlike some universities that charge a flat annual fee, UoS charges AED 3,045 per credit hour for the College of Medicine.1
- Foundation Year: Approx. 30–33 credits (~AED 95,000)
- Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-3): Heavier course loads, often reaching AED 110,000+ per year.
- Clinical Years: fees vary based on hospital rotation credits.
Hidden Costs to Watch For:
- Admission/File Opening Fee: AED 360 (Non-refundable).
- Seat Reservation Fee: AED 3,000 – AED 5,000 (deducted from tuition later).
- Medical Insurance: Mandatory for all students. AED 2,400 per year if sponsored by the university.
- Lab & Technology Fees: ~AED 1,500 per semester.
Housing: Dorms vs. Luxury
- On-Campus Dorms: Budget-friendly. A shared room starts at approx. AED 3,500 per semester, while a private “Deluxe” single room can cost up to AED 9,780 per semester.
- Off-Campus (The Nest/Aljada): Premium student housing nearby costs significantly more, ranging from AED 25,000 to AED 45,000 per year, but offers gym access, swimming pools, and high-speed internet.
Financial Tip: Many expat families use education loans or high-yield savings accounts to manage these payments. Check if your bank offers 0% interest installment plans for UoS tuition.
2. The “95% Club”: Admission Requirements
Getting into UoS Medicine is arguably harder than paying for it. The university maintains an elite standard to ensure high rankings.
High School Grades
- Elite/Advanced Track (UAE): Minimum 90% average, though competitive acceptance often starts at 95%.
- British Curriculum (IGCSE/A-Levels): You typically need minimum ‘A’ or ‘B’ grades in Biology and Chemistry at A-Level or AS-Level.
- American Curriculum: High School Diploma with a GPA of 3.5+ and strong SAT Math scores (450+).
The Standardized Testing Barrier
You cannot enter without passing these specific benchmarks. There are no exceptions.
- English Proficiency:
- IELTS Academic: Minimum 6.0
- EmSAT English: Minimum 14002
- TOEFL iBT: Minimum 80
- Science Proficiency (EmSAT):
- EmSAT Math: 900+
- EmSAT Physics, Chemistry, or Biology: 1100+ in two subjects (usually Chem/Bio).
3. Career ROI: Is it Worth the Money?
When you spend AED 600,000+ on a degree, you need to know if it leads to a job.
The “DHA” Advantage
Graduating from UoS (a UAE Ministry of Education accredited institution) streamlines your path to licensure.
- Internship: Graduates are eligible for the 1-year internship required by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) or Ministry of Health (MOHAP).
- Residency: UoS graduates have a strong track record of matching into residency programs at top UAE hospitals (Rashid Hospital, Mediclinic) and even abroad in the US or UK, provided they pass the USMLE or PLAB exams.
Salary Expectations:
A General Practitioner (GP) in the UAE starts with a salary ranging from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 per month. Specialists and Consultants earn significantly more (AED 45,000 – AED 80,000+), making the long-term ROI positive for those who specialize.
4. Pros & Cons Summary
| Pros | Cons |
| Top-Tier Facilities: Access to the University Hospital Sharjah for clinical training. | High Cost: One of the more expensive options in the region compared to RAK MHSU or public unis. |
| Global Recognition: Ranked #1 in UAE for several subjects; degrees are accepted globally. | Competitive Entry: Rejection rates are high for students with grades below 90%. |
| Campus Life: Massive campus in University City with segregated and mixed facilities. | Strict Rules: Attendance and academic probation policies are very strict. |
5. How to Apply (2026 Intake)
If you are ready to commit, follow these steps strictly to avoid rejection due to technicalities.
- Apply Early: The “Early Admission” window usually opens in April/May. Seats fill up fast.
- Prepare Documents: Have your attested high school transcripts, EmSAT scores, and passport copy ready as PDFs.
- Pay the Fee: Submit the AED 360 application fee online to process your file.
- Monitor Status: UoS communicates via their online portal. Watch for the “Conditional Offer” and pay the reservation fee immediately to lock your seat.
The Verdict: Investment or Expense?
The University of Sharjah College of Medicine is not just an expense; it is a premium investment in a secure career. While the AED 100k+ annual tuition is steep, the university’s rising global rank (Top 250) and strong hospital connections provide a safety net for your future career.
For students who have the grades (95%+) and the financial backing, UoS remains one of the safest and most prestigious bets in the region.