Purpose of the test

The purpose of the MBRU Admissions Test is specifically to provide an assessment of candidates’ potential to succeed in the MBBS program. It is not designed to assess the appropriateness of applicants’ high school qualifications. The test results are intended to be used to select the students who will then progress to the multiple mini-interview (MMI).

The test items draw upon basic science knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics that are usually taught in secondary education (High schools) and have an application to medicine. The test provides an objective basis for comparing candidates from different high school curricular backgrounds locally within the UAE and those from other countries.

Structure of the test

• The test will be a 90-minute single-best-answer multiple-choice test (60 questions).
• The test explores whether a candidate has the minimum level of core scientific knowledge and the ability to apply it. Questions will be restricted to material typically included in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics courses in secondary schools. Approximately two-thirds of the exam will focus on biology and chemistry.
• Questions will be in multiple-choice format. There are no penalties for incorrect responses, only marks for correct answers, so candidates should attempt all questions. Each question is worth one mark. Calculators are not permitted. Log table will be provided.
• The content specification is set out in the Guide shared with invited applicants.

Test format

The test will be conducted on the computer.

At MBRU we believe that to excel in your career, not only do we need to give you the best education in the classroom, but also outside of it, and to become an exceptional doctor requires the development of these “soft” skills.

To be accepted to our College of Medicine, we conduct a series of multiple mini-interviews. A process which is comprised of several short independent assessment interviews, typically arranged in a timed circuit.

The process results in an aggregate score of each candidate’s non-cognitive (“soft”) skills such as interpersonal skills, professionalism, and moral judgment. It’s been so successful that since its introduction in 2004, the MMI process has been adopted by medical, dental, and pharmacy schools around the world.

The interview scenarios are designed to test non-cognitive competencies which are key to medicine, such as:

• Communication Skills
• Problem-solving
• Empathy
• Moral/ethical reasoning
• Decision-making

Although participants must relate to the scenario posed at each station, it is important to note that the MMI is not intended to test specific knowledge in the field. Instead, the assessors evaluate each candidate’s thought process and the ability to think ‘on his or her feet’. As such, there are no right or wrong answers to the questions posed in an MMI, but each applicant should consider the question from a variety of perspectives.

The MMI process

At the start of each mini-interview rotation, a candidate receives a question/scenario and has a short period of time (typically one minute) to prepare an answer. Upon entering the interview room, the candidate has a short exchange with an assessor (usually about 5 minutes). In some cases, the assessor observes while an interaction takes place between a simulated patient (a role player) and the candidate.

At the end of each mini-interview, the assessor evaluates the candidate’s performance on the activity against set criteria, while the applicant moves to the next station. This pattern is repeated through a number of rotations (usually 10-15).  Some stations are designated as “rest stations” meaning that no interview takes place. The candidate is expected to sit quietly during that time. The duration of the entire interview is usually about 90 minutes (1 ½ hours).

• To be eligible for admission, applicants must have successfully completed 12 years of High School in the Science stream or its equivalent.
• Applicants from non-government UAE secondary schools will be required to submit an equivalency letter from the Ministry of Education.
• Applicants with degrees awarded outside the UAE will have to attest high school certificates and submit an equivalency letter from the Ministry of Education.
• Selection will be based on a range of performance measures including students’ academic performance and an interview using the multiple mini-interview (MMI) format.
• Wearing Niqab (face covers) for female MBBS students is not permitted. This includes the main campus, the simulation center, and the visiting hospitals.

All applicants for admission are required to obtain equivalency of their educational degree from the UAE Ministry of Education. The attestation process depends upon whether you completed your secondary schooling or undergraduate degree within the UAE or outside the UAE.

Applicants who completed secondary schooling or a Bachelor degree outside the UAE

must have their educational degree and transcripts/mark sheets certified by:

• The issuing educational institute and/or recognized authority for tertiary education in the host country in which you completed your education
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the host country
• The UAE Embassy in that host country
• The Ministry of Education in the UAE

Additionally, the UAE Ministry of Education must issue an Equivalency Certificate.

Equivalency requirements for high school degree attestation can be found on Ministry of Education website.

Equivalency requirements for Bachelor degree attestation can be found on Ministry of Education website.

Each year our tuition and fee schedule is published with the rates based on that academic year. The yearly tuition covers all educational expenses, recreational, library, insurance and lab activities.

Tuition charges are due and payable in full at the specified deadlines of each academic term, and the final responsibility for payment rests with the individual student and/or their sponsor. Students who have secured external scholarships covering their tuition must provide written confirmation before the initial payment deadline.

In the case of a withdrawal, a refund of 50% is possible within the first two weeks of the semester. No refunds will be processed or given after the second week of the academic semester. For more details, please refer to the Refund Policy below.

Students facing financial hardship can ask the Office of Student Services to reschedule payments on an exceptional basis over a longer period of time during the academic year.

Tuition Fee Refund Policy

All tuition charges and fees are non-refundable, except as specified and summarized below:

• In the event of a student formally withdrawing from the university in the first semester, the following refund schedule will apply:
  • 100% (excluding the seat reservation fees) if before the official beginning of the academic year.
  • 50% of the total semester fees if before the end of the second week of classes
  • No refund after the end of the second week of classes

• A full refund before the start of the term is possible in cases of
  • If an applicant / student does not meet the academic admission / progression requirement as per published criteria
  • Visa rejection
  • If a student is awarded a scholarship (refund will be according to the granted amount)
  • If a student does not meet the medical requirements

• For the continuing students (starting from semester 2 of the program):
  • If the application form for withdrawal/deferral/drop of course was formally initiated prior to the start of the semester then the student is eligible for 100% refund.

Special circumstances:

• The Director of DSSR will request the formation of a committee to decide on tuition refund should an unexpected scenario occur.
• If an applicant cannot take up their seat at MBRU as a result of a situation that is outside of their control, and was not publicly clear at the time of application or when fee commitments were made then the applicant may be entitled to a full refund of tuition fees, seat reservation, and any application charges.  Examples include:
  • State-wide resolution such as visa restrictions
  • Late University regulation such as suspension / cancellation of a program
  • Late progression decision

• The refund policy excludes the following:
  • Application fee
  • Seat holding fee
  • Tuition fee in the event of dismissal for disciplinary reasons

• A penalty of AED 500 may apply for:
  • Late payment
  • Bounced cheque