DOHA: Qatar University (QU) said yesterday it would start enrolling students for the first batch of its new College of Medicine on February 22 next year.
Admission to the Fall 2015 batch will continue until July 9.
A minimum high school GPA (grade point average) of 85 percent will be required for the candidates as well as passing at least two of science subjects in high-school — biology, chemistry, and physics.
“Admission criteria will be applicable to students applying for Fall 2015 and focus on high school GPA, completing science courses, and English language and maths skills.
“English will be the primary medium of instruction in the college,” said a statement issued by QU’s Admission Department.
Application for admission should also include a well-written description on the candidate’s interest and motivation to study medicine.
In addition to college-specific requirements, all students applying to QU are expected to possess minimum basic skills to be eligible for enrolment in their desired academic programmes.
To be considered for undergraduate admission to programmes which use English as the primary medium of instruction, including the college, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English and maths by meeting QU’s minimum competency requirements, or completing the foundation programme at the university.
QU announced earlier that the college is ready to receive 50 students in the first year.
“Meeting the criteria does not guarantee admission and the college will select candidates with the best credentials, with priority for Qataris,” said the statement.
QU clarified that admission criteria may be modified in future years according to the strength of the applicant pool and the available capacity in the college.
Ghada Al Kuwari, Assistant Dean, Student Affairs, said: “We aim to attract as many Qatari students as possible while promoting diversity and a high standard of quality. For this reason, the criteria were designed with the aim of prioritising Qatari students of both genders, as well as highly qualified residents.”
He clarified that regional best practices were considered in the process but the final decision was based on the averages of Qatari high school graduates and the specific needs of the Qatari healthcare system.
“As with all programmes, admission criteria will be continuously reviewed to ensure a suitable balance between the growing capacities of the college, requirements of the labour market, abilities and interests of high school graduates and other factors,” she said. Details on admission criteria is now available on the College of Medicine’s new website www.qu.edu.qa/medicine
The Peninsula
