The University Institute for Medical Sciences  is a private medical institute established in Dhamar City in 2004. It was formerly known as the University Institute for Medical and Technical Sciences. The institute was licensed by the Ministry of Public Health and Population as the first private educational institution in the central governorates. Its establishment in Dhamar Governorate was driven by the urgent need to meet the demand for qualified medical personnel in the governorate and neighboring areas to serve both public and private healthcare facilities.

As part of its strategic plan, the institute sought to expand its activities and services to other governorates. In 2006, a branch was established in the Capital Secretariat – Sana’a, and in 2008, another branch was opened in Taiz Governorate. As part of its strategic plan, the institute also seeks to introduce a number of new programs during 2026 that meet the needs of the labor market and contribute to achieving sustainable development.

The University Institute adopts the credit-hour system, under which the academic year is divided into two semesters, each consisting of sixteen (16) academic weeks. The duration of study in any department of the institute was two years for the first four cohorts. In 2008, the diploma program was extended to three academic years, after which students who successfully complete all course requirements are awarded the Higher Diploma degree. The institute also offers approximately 24 fully funded scholarships annually as a contribution to community service.

By the end of 2025, the University Institute had graduated 20 cohorts. The first cohort under the two-year system graduated in the academic year 2005/2006, while the first cohort under the three-year system graduated in 2010. Graduates of the University Institute for Medical Sciences currently hold many professional and administrative positions in both the public and private sectors.

The institute's contribution did not stop at awarding the Higher Diploma. It continued to expand and develop, becoming the cornerstone for the establishment of Al Hikma Educational Foundation, which includes the University Institute for Medical Sciences, Al Hikma College of Medical and Technical Sciences, and Al Hikma University.

Vision:

Leadership locally and excellence regionally in health education and training.

Mission:

To provide health education and training programs in accordance with quality and accreditation standards, to prepare scientifically and professionally qualified healthcare personnel who are committed to professional ethics, in order to meet the needs of the local and regional labor market, contribute to improving healthcare services, serve the community, and achieve sustainable development through a stimulating educational, training, and research environment and effective partnerships.

Objectives:

• Develop and offer high-quality health education and training programs that keep pace with scientific advancements in accordance with quality and academic accreditation standards.
• Prepare scientifically and professionally qualified healthcare personnel who are committed to professional ethics and meet the needs of the local and regional labor market.
• Develop and enhance the capacities of academic and administrative staff through continuous qualification and training programs, contributing to improved performance efficiency and better quality outcomes.
• Develop infrastructure, laboratories, and equipment to ensure a supportive educational, training, and research environment that promotes quality and excellence.
• Strengthen partnerships and cooperation with academic institutions, healthcare organizations, and relevant stakeholders to support education, training, scientific research, and the exchange of expertise.
• Contribute to community service through the implementation of training, consultancy, awareness programs, and health initiatives that support the achievement of sustainable health development.

Values:

• Professional Ethics
• Quality and Excellence
• Teamwork
• Leadership and Continuous Development
• Social Responsibility
• Transparency and Accountability

Academic Departments:

The University Institute for Medical Sciences, through its main campus in Dhamar and its branches in the Capital Secretariat (Sana’a) and Taiz Governorate, offers seven academic departments, as shown in the following table.

Study System:

The University Institute for Medical Sciences implements the curriculum approved by the Ministry of Public Health and Population, which has been adopted by all private health institutes in the Republic of Yemen. The Institute follows the academic system outlined below:

• Study System: Credit Hour System
• Academic Calendar: Two semesters per academic year
• Semester Duration: Sixteen (16) weeks
• Program Duration: Three academic years (six semesters)
• Award: Higher Diploma in the respective medical specialization