Kumar Bahukhandi
Delegates pose with a framed certificate at the Lifelong Learning Forum celebrating Ajman’s excellence in higher education.
Photo: Gulf Medical University
Ajman-based institution makes its debut at 125th overall, adding to recognition for its international outlook in the Times Higher Education rankings
Key Highlights
- GMU ranks first for international student ratio in the QS Arab Region Rankings 2027.
- The university enters the regional rankings at 125th overall.
- GMU reports a world-leading International Outlook score of 99.4 in THE World University Rankings 2027.
- Students represent more than 116 nationalities, with faculty drawn from 56 countries.
- Admissions are open for the Spring 2027 intake.
Ajman: Gulf Medical University (GMU), the flagship academic institution of Thumbay Group, has secured first place for international student ratio in the QS World University Rankings: Arab Region 2027, according to a university announcement issued on Monday, October 19, 2026. Making its debut in the rankings, the university placed 125th overall.
Recognition for International Outlook
The QS result follows GMU’s reported first-place ranking worldwide for International Outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2027.
According to the university, its score of 99.4 was the highest among 2,297 universities assessed across 118 countries and territories. GMU entered the overall THE rankings in the 1,001–1,200 band on its debut.
The university said it was the only specialised medical and health sciences university in the UAE featured in that edition. The results recognise different aspects of internationalisation through the separate methodologies used by QS and THE.
Clinical Training in a Multicultural Environment
GMU combines classroom teaching with clinical experience through its integrated academic health system.
Students undertake training at Thumbay University Hospital and other facilities within the Thumbay Healthcare Network, gaining exposure to multicultural healthcare teams and patients from diverse backgrounds.
The university said this approach enables students to connect academic learning with practical experience in working healthcare environments.
Performance Across Other Rankings
GMU also reported placements across regional, sustainability and subject rankings.
It ranked in the 101–125 band among 268 institutions in the THE Arab University Rankings 2026 and in the 301–400 band among 1,646 institutions in the THE Impact Rankings 2026.
In individual Sustainable Development Goal categories, the university placed 23rd globally for Reduced Inequalities, 60th for Quality Education and 64th for Good Health and Well-being.
Its College of Pharmacy ranked in the 351–400 band for Pharmacy and Pharmacology in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026.
Programmes and International Community
Founded in 1998, GMU offers more than 50 programmes spanning foundation courses, diplomas, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees, alongside internships and residencies.
Its disciplines include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, healthcare management and artificial intelligence in healthcare.
The university’s students represent more than 116 nationalities, while faculty members come from 56 countries. More than 5,000 graduates serve healthcare systems worldwide, according to GMU.
Accreditation and Institutional Recognition
GMU said it earned institutional accreditation from the UK’s Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education in June 2026.
The announcement also cited recognition associated with the World Federation for Medical Education, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education in the United States, World Physiotherapy, the Australian Dental Council and the UK’s Institute of Biomedical Science.
All programmes are accredited by the UAE’s Commission for Academic Accreditation, the university said. GMU also reported receiving the International Inclusion Award 2026 and the Diversity Champion Award 2026.
