Admissions FAQs

RCSI offers undergraduate programmes in medicine and nursing.

RCSI Bahrain confers undergraduate degrees in medicine and nursing, as well as master's degrees in nursing. Graduates are awarded degrees from both RCSI Bahrain and the National University of Ireland (NUI). In addition, graduates in medicine also receive licentiates from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI). The degrees awarded by RCSI Bahrain are recognised and attested by the Higher Education Council in Bahrain.

All programmes follow an academic calendar from September - May/June each year. The exception to this is the BSc in Nursing - Bridging Programme, which may have an additional intake in January. Academic calendars and a schedule of orientation will be available in the Student Life section on our website and circulated to new students in the weeks prior to the commencement date.

RCSI Bahrain's main teaching hospitals are the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) Hospital, Cadiac Centre (CC) King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH), Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) and some private hospitals. We also use a number of local health centres. 

Yes, the medicine programme has received accreditation from the Irish Medical Council, based on the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME) standards, which are the highest available in medical education.  

Applicants apply to the undergraduate medicine programme and the Admissions Committee will then make an offer to the candidates for the entry point for which they are eligible.

The undergraduate medicine programmes operated by RCSI Bahrain and RCSI in Dublin run to the same curriculum, assessments and standards. Graduates of both institutions will receive degrees from the National University of Ireland, which facilitates international mobility. Mobility is dependent on the labour laws and licensing requirements of any given country.

No, students cannot transfer between campuses but they can take part in the Student Exchange Programme at the JC3 and IC2 stages of the medicine programme. The exchange programme offers the opportunity for students to spend a full semester at the alternate RCSI campus and is extremely popular and competitive.

RCSI Bahrain graduates are awarded degrees of the National University of Ireland (NUI) and RCSI Bahrain. The degrees are internationally recognised but, as with other degrees, there may be a need for graduates wishing to practice in some countries to sit local licensing examinations and meet other country-specific requirements.

For example, graduates wishing to practice in the USA or Canada are required to sit the USMLE or Canadian Board examinations respectively. Similarly, it is advisable to check with the Medical Council of the country you intend to practice in to familiarise yourself with the local license requirements.

If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact our Admissions department on medicinebahrain@rcsi-mub.com or nursingbahrain@rcsi-mub.com and attach a screenshot if possible.

No, all applicants applying directly to RCSI Bahrain must complete the online application.

Yes, students are interviewed as part of the Admissions process

No, RCSI Bahrain does not offer English language courses however, the Centre for Student Success and the Language and Cultural Unit can offer support. 

Tours are available by appointment and can be arranged through the student recruitment department at any time. Please e-mail futurestudents@rcsi-mub.com to arrange a tour.

RCSI Bahrain has been designated as an ‘eligible institution for student financial assistance purposes’ in Canada, which means eligible students may apply for provincial and federal funding to help them with the cost of their education.