Set up in 1998 by the Thumbay Group, Gulf Medical University in Ajman teaches medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing and the health sciences. It's part of Thumbay Medicity, a health campus in Al Jurf with its own teaching hospitals. Students come from dozens of countries, with large groups from India, the Gulf and Africa. Fees are high, but Ajman living costs are lower than in Dubai.
Ajman, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Official website: gmu.ac.ae
1998
Private medical university
Thumbay Medicity, Al Jurf, Ajman
Commission for Academic Accreditation, UAE
AED 45,000 – AED 110,000
Per year, varies by programme
AED 30,000 – AED 45,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on gmu.ac.ae before you apply.
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
72 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0 or EmSAT
Doctor of Dental Medicine
Bachelors DegreeDuration
60 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0 or EmSAT
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Bachelors DegreeDuration
60 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0 or EmSAT
BSc Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0 or EmSAT
Master of Public Health
Masters DegreeDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5
Medical training linked to Thumbay teaching hospitals.
A health-only campus with medicine, dentistry and pharmacy.
Students from a large number of countries.
Medicine graduates take licensing exams for the UAE, their home country or abroad.
Pharmacy and nursing graduates work in Gulf hospitals and clinics.
Health management graduates move into hospital administration.
Undergrad
Main intake
Postgrad
Main intake
Undergrad
Selected programmes
Postgrad
Selected programmes
Thumbay Medicity is a self-contained health campus on the edge of Ajman, with hostels close to the hospital and classrooms.
Ajman is the smallest emirate, quieter and cheaper than its neighbours. Sharjah is next door and Dubai is about 40 minutes by road.
Offer letter from Gulf Medical University
Proof of tuition fee payment
Student residence visa sponsored by institution
UAE medical fitness test
Emirates ID registration
Passport valid at least six months
GMU usually accepts applications until spring or early summer for September. Medicine places are limited, so apply early and book any required entrance test.
September is the main intake. Some health sciences programmes also start in February.
A UAE student residence visa, which Gulf Medical University sponsors once you've accepted and paid. After you land there's a medical fitness test and Emirates ID registration.
Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing are the most popular programmes. Applicants need high school science grades in biology and chemistry, plus IELTS 6.0 or EmSAT English. Medicine includes an entrance exam and interview.
GMU offers merit-based fee discounts and some need-based support. Ask admissions about current scholarships for your programme.
