Note:

• Applicants with university degree obtained outside the UAE, are required to submit an Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) – General with Grade Average evaluation in US institutions when applying to evaluate the transcripts and have a standard GPA (http://www.ece.org).

Notes:
• Applicants who are both native English speakers and have completed their most recent degree in an English-medium institution or a Master’s degree taught in English that required an IELTS (Academic) with overall 6 and no skill less than 5.5 or equivalent may be exempted from the English proficiency requirement subject to approval of the relevant Admissions Committee
• Applicants who are graduates from MBRU’s Master programs within the last two years shall be exempted from the English requirement.

We exclusively accept applications through our online application form on the website. All fields must be carefully filled as per the instructions on the application. Inaccuracies may lead to disqualifying your application.

Applicants are advised to:

• Read the entire application form before filling in any details.
• Some fields have specific instructions, please follow them carefully.
• Have the following documents scanned and ready to upload in colored PDF format:
  • Recent photo (high resolution with white background)
  • Valid passport copy
  • Emirates ID Card – front (if applicable)
  • Emirates ID Card – back (if applicable)
  • Family Book (UAE Nationals only) / Mother’s Family Book (UAE mother nationals only)
  • Residency Permit (if applicable)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Official undergraduate Degree Certificate
  • Official undergraduate Academic Transcript(s)
  • Official postgraduate Degree Certificate
  • Official postgraduate Academic Transcript(s)

• Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)* – General with Grade Average (if applicable)
• Two Recommendation letters from the Postgraduate Academic Institution

• • Results of English Proficiency Test (e.g., IELTS – Academic or TOEFL)

* For applicants with a degree awarded outside the UAE, Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) – General with Grade Average evaluation in U.S. institutions is required to evaluate the transcripts and have a standard GPA (http://www.ece.org).

You will receive an application number when you create a login account. Please save your application number and use it in all communication with the admissions team. It is the formal unique identifier of your application to MBRU. Shortlisted applicants will receive an email communication for the next stage of admission process.

The entrance exam will be conducted onsite for candidates residing within the UAE, and online simultaneously for those located outside the UAE, ensuring accessibility while maintaining fairness and consistency across all applicants.

The PhD entrance exam in Biomedical Sciences evaluates foundational knowledge and advanced reasoning skills essential for success in a doctoral program. The exam consists of Part A (Biomedical Sciences Knowledge) and Part B (Aptitude, Critical Thinking & Scientific Reasoning).

Part A

Assesses whether the candidate has attained a Master’s-level understanding of core biomedical disciplines, including molecular biology, cell biology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacology, research methodology, and laboratory techniques. This section comprises multiple-choice questions (MCQs) focused on key concepts, mechanisms, and applied knowledge.

Part B

Focuses on evaluating the candidate’s scientific aptitude, reasoning ability, and critical thinking. Scenario-based MCQs will be presented in short paragraphs, figures, tables, or research reports. Candidates will be required to read, interpret, and analyze each scenario—identifying facts, assumptions, and logical conclusions—to select the most appropriate answer. This section emphasizes skills such as data interpretation, problem-solving, and understanding of scientific ethics and experimental design.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a personal interview.

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

Requirements for Equivalency/Recognition of certificate obtained outside UAE can be found on Ministry of Education website.

• MBRU’s PhD in Biomedical Sciences program does not accept transfer of admissions, transfer credit, nor recognition of prior learning, due to the uniqueness and integrated nature of the curriculum offered.