Frequently Asked Questions

What are the GPA/Average and MCAT Scores Required for Medical School Admission?

Admission to medical school is highly competitive. The higher your GPA and MCAT scores the more competitive your application will be. Typically, the MCAT is required for admission (see the MCAT notice below). Only two MCAT attempts are allowed, and we will consider the highest total score. If you have taken the MCAT more than twice, only the first two sittings will be considered.

MCAT Notice:

Due to the cancellation of the MCAT in Lebanon by the administering organization in 2024, the Admissions Committee has waived the MCAT requirement for students from Lebanese universities applying for the 2025-2026 admission cycle. However, for those who have taken the MCAT or plan to take it, a strong performance will be considered an advantage. The MCAT is still required for students from universities outside Lebanon.

What is the MCAT?

MCAT stands for the Medical College Admission Test. It is an entrance exam required for medical school admission. The test has four sections:

For more information on registration and test dates, refer to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website.

Where will clinical practice take place?

During their clinical years, students primarily train at the LAU Medical Center-Rizk Hospital and LAU Medical Center Saint John Hospital, which are the teaching and research facilities of the Lebanese American University (LAU). Additionally, students have the opportunity to complete specific core clerkships and elective rotations at various LAU-affiliated clinical sites, such as the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Sacred Heart Hospital, Clemenceau Medical Center (CMC), Rafic Hariri University Hospital, the Military Hospital in Lebanon, and other medical centers abroad and in the USA. These include:

How long is the M.D. program?

The M.D. program is a four-year post-bachelor’s program, after which the student receives a Doctor of Medicine degree.

When should I apply?

Students must apply to the medical school by December 31, 2024 (for early acceptance), or by March 31, 2025 (for regular acceptance).

How do I schedule an interview?

You do not need to schedule an interview yourself. Interviews are granted by the Admissions Committee after reviewing all completed applications. Based on the review results, an applicant may be invited for an interview.

If I hold a B.S. from a university other than LAU (local or abroad), can I still apply to the School of Medicine?

Yes, you can apply provided that you have met all LAU pre-medical requirements or their LAU-approved equivalents.

If I am accepted the first year when I applied and did not enroll, or if I am not accepted the first year, can I apply another year?

Admission is valid only for the academic year for which a student applies. If an applicant is accepted and does not register, the admission is forfeited. To join the School of Medicine at a later time, the student (whether previously accepted or not) will need to reapply, submit complete documents, and compete as part of the new applicant pool.

How much is the tuition fee and does it increase yearly?

Refer to this page for a complete listing of tuition and fees. Note that students enrolled in a particular academic year will pay the same yearly tuition fee for all four years of medical studies.

Do you offer any financial aid or scholarships?

Yes, a financial aid program is available for students, including scholarships and loans. For more information, please contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office - Byblos Campus.

Merit scholarships are offered to top-ranking accepted students who applied for early acceptance.

Important Dates

Application Deadlines:

Financial Aid Application Deadline: March 31, 2025

First Day of Classes for the Class Beginning in 2025: August 25, 2025