Qassim University

What you'll study

The MBBS at Qassim University is delivered as a progressive programme that moves from foundational biomedical sciences to clinical medicine and patient care. Early-stage study covers subjects such as human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and medical genetics. These are taught alongside early clinical skills, medical ethics and communication.

In the intermediate phase students study pathology, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and clinical epidemiology, with problem-based learning and simulated-patient sessions to develop diagnostic reasoning. Community medicine and public health are introduced to provide population-level perspectives.

The clinical phase comprises core rotations in internal medicine, general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, family medicine, emergency medicine, and a range of surgical and medical specialties. Students undertake supervised clinical clerkships in affiliated hospitals and primary-care centres, participate in multidisciplinary team work, and complete a clinical skills portfolio. The programme also includes opportunities for elective placements, a research project or dissertation, and training in professionalism, patient safety and clinical governance.

Entry requirements

• Secondary-school completion with a strong science background (biology, chemistry and physics are typical), demonstrated by high academic achievement in the national secondary certificate or equivalent.
• Successful performance in the university's admission process, which may include standardised entrance tests and an interview or assessment of motivation and communication skills.
• Competence in the language of instruction. Arabic is frequently used in clinical settings in the region, and competence in English is also expected because much of the scientific teaching and literature is in English; applicants may be asked to demonstrate proficiency.
• Health and fitness to undertake clinical training, including clearance for clinical placements and immunisations as required by affiliated hospitals.
• For international applicants, submission of certified academic transcripts and documents translated into the required language, together with any additional checks specified by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates receive the academic qualification required to enter a supervised internship or foundation-year training and to register with the national medical regulatory authority. Common career pathways include hospital-based clinical practice, general practice/family medicine, specialist training (residency) across medical and surgical fields, emergency medicine and intensive care, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, psychiatry and public health.

Beyond clinical roles, MBBS graduates also move into academic medicine, clinical research, healthcare management, medical education and global health roles. The degree provides the basis for further postgraduate training or research degrees, and many graduates pursue specialty training locally through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties or internationally.

Why study at Qassim University

• Qassim University’s College of Medicine provides an integrated curriculum designed to meet regional healthcare needs, combining classroom teaching with practical clinical experience in affiliated hospitals across the Al-Qassim region.
• Students benefit from dedicated clinical skills and simulation laboratories, structured clerkships, and exposure to a diverse patient population that supports competence in a wide range of common and complex conditions.
• The programme emphasises community-oriented medicine and primary-care exposure, preparing graduates to serve both urban and rural communities in the region.
• Opportunities exist to engage in supervised research projects and quality-improvement initiatives, and to learn within a medical education environment aligned with national training standards and accreditation frameworks.