The Weill-Cornell Medical College of Qatar (WCMC-Q) is the Middle Eastern extension of the Weill-Cornell Medical College in New York City. The school offers a program identical to its New York counterpart, but with the added benefit of being located in Qatar.

What programs of study are offered?

WCMC-Q offers two programs: a two-year Pre-Medical Program, and a four-year Medical Program. Most WCMC-Q students take the two programs consecutively, for a total of six years.

Where are the students from?

Since WCMC-Q is a private institution, the college accepts applicants from all over the world. However, the requirements are such that those with an American secondary school education are preferred. Generous funding from the Qatari government ensures about a quarter of the class are Qatari.

Where is the faculty from?

The entire teaching staff at WCMC-Q is Cornell University faculty. All Teaching Assistants are recent graduates of universities in the United States.

What are the requirements and minimum GPA or MCAT scores?

Due to Qatar's geographical situation, WCMC-Q receives many applicants from throughout the region. As such, admission to WCMC-Q's Pre-Medical Program is not based solely on a high GPA or SAT score. Instead, admission is decided by a series of personal interviews and references. WCMC-Q believes this admission system makes room for applicants who may have lacked access to proper educational resources in their childhood. That being said, a high GPA or SAT score certainly helps!

The system of admission to WCMC-Q's Medical Program is similar to that of its Pre-Medical Program, but with the added requirement of MCAT scores. Although the school does not publish a specific cut-off score for MCAT results, the average score of the entering class of 2010 was 34.8.

Will my degree read "Weill-Cornell Medical College of Qatar" or "Weill-Cornell Medical College"?

Since the Medical Program at the Weill-Cornell Medical College New York City is identical to that of WCMC-Q, the degree does not include "Qatar" in the title.

Once I receive an MD from WCMC-Q, am I immediately eligible to write the USMLE in the USA or the LMCC in Canada or must my credentials be assessed first?

Since the WCMC-Q degree is classified as "American," you are eligible to write either the USMLE or LMCC

Where will I do my clinical training?

During medical school, clinical rotations will be at hospitals in Qatar.

When each year do the programs start?

WCMC-Q's academic year is divided into two semesters: the first semester begins in early August and runs through to December; the second semester begins in January and runs through to May.

What are the annual tuition costs for international students?

Tuition for the 2009-10 school year was US$49,955. For four years this equates to approximately US$188,000. International students who are not permanent residents or citizens of Canada or the United States must pay the full price of their program up front.

Is there financial aid for international students?

Applicants who are either citizens or permanent residents of the United States are eligible for financial aid. All international students are eligible for Qatar Foundation Financial Aid, which acts as a loan for the duration of their studies.

Is there health insurance for international students?

All residents of Qatar are provided with national health coverage by the State. International students who have received their Residence Permit are eligible to obtain a National Health Card and receive free medical care.

Where do students live? What is student life like?

At WCMC-Q, men and women live in separate dormitories located close to campus within the Education City area of Doha. According to WCMC-Q student blogs, students have access to modern sports facilities where cricket, soccer, and basketball are played. Off-campus activities include walking or biking along the Corniche (oceanfront walkways of Doha), exploring the souqs (traditional open-air markets), or relaxing with friends at one of the many cafes in Doha.

How do I apply?

The rules for applying to WCMC-Q are the same as applying to medical school in the United States. First, you apply directly through the American Medical College Application Service (AMLAS); second, when asked to do so, you must fill out a WCMC-Q application; third, you must submit your MCAT scores; and finally, successful applicants are required to attend an interview in Doha. For more information, visit WCMC-Q's website.

Note:

Information is subject to change. Always check with the school for the most up-to-date information about requirements, programs, and costs.