Qatar has a small but established medical education sector. Qatar University College of Medicine was founded in October 2014 and admitted its first cohort in Fall 2015. Before that, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, founded in 2001 through a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation, was Qatar’s first medical school.
There are now two main medical-degree options for students in Qatar: Qatar University College of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar. Both schools list strong clinical, simulation, and educational technology resources for medical training. In this article, we will look at the top medical schools in Qatar.
How much does medical school cost in Qatar?
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar charges tuition at rates set for its curriculum. For the 2025–2026 academic year, tuition is listed at US$71,266 for students entering the pre-medical curriculum and US$71,505 for the medical curriculum. Financial aid and scholarships may be available through Qatar Foundation or the Qatari Ministry of Education and Higher Education, depending on citizenship and eligibility.
Qatar University lists approximate annual tuition for Medicine and Dental Medicine at QR46,800 in the first year, QR67,200 in the second year, QR78,000 in the third year, QR109,500 in the fourth year, QR133,400 in the fifth year, and QR131,100 in the sixth year. Using Qatar Central Bank’s fixed exchange rate of QR3.64 per US$1, this is approximately US$12,900 in the first year and up to approximately US$36,600 in the fifth year.
How long will it take to study medicine in Qatar?
For students entering after high school, the main medical programs in Qatar are six years long. Qatar University offers a six-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) program, while Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar offers a Six-Year Medical Program. Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar also offers a Four-Year Medical Curriculum for qualified college or university students.
Top Medical Schools in Qatar
1. Qatar University College of Medicine
Qatar University founded its College of Medicine in October 2014, and the college admitted its first students in Fall 2015. Its six-year MD program uses a competency-based, integrated, team-based, and problem-based curriculum. The first year focuses on basic medical sciences and Qatar University’s core curriculum, while later phases move into patient and population care, clinical skills, and hospital training.
Clinical skills are developed through clinical skills centers, standardized patients, medical training manikins, and clinical placements. Students train at affiliated clinical sites such as Hamad Medical Corporation, Primary Health Care Corporation centers, and Sidra Medicine.
To apply to this medical school in Qatar, applicants must complete 12 years of formal education. Current minimum admission requirements include a Science Track high school GPA of 85%, English proficiency of IELTS 6, TOEFL 520, or TOEFL iBT 68, and a mathematics score such as SAT 500, New SAT 530, ACT 21, or QU Math Placer 200. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission because entry is competitive and spaces are limited.
2. Weill Cornell Medical College
Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, part of Cornell University, was established in 2001 as a partnership between Cornell University and Qatar Foundation. Located in Qatar Foundation’s Education City in Doha, it offers an integrated program of pre-medical and medical studies leading to the Cornell University MD degree.
Students entering after high school can apply to the Six-Year Medical Program, which includes two years of pre-medical studies followed by a four-year medical curriculum. Qualified college or university students may apply to the Four-Year Medical Curriculum.
Admission is competitive. Applicants to the Six-Year Medical Program must submit official school records, standardized test results such as SAT or ACT scores, and proof of English proficiency through TOEFL or Academic IELTS. Applicants to the Four-Year Medical Curriculum are evaluated on premedical coursework, letters of recommendation, and MCAT scores, among other application materials.
I hope this article was helpful. For more scholarship opportunities, visit the Scholarships page and Available Courses for International Students!
