To inquire and receive more information or to email us Click Here

The mission of the International University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine is to provide the best possible education and training in the health sciences, preparing students from around the world to practice high quality and compassionate healthcare. The mission includes redefining medical education so that it is relevant to the needs of society today and in the future. Indeed, we continually ask, "How can we better educate and nurture a new generation of physicians and prepare them to deliver 21st century health care in a rapidly changing world?"

It is indeed ironic that while physician shortages are the source of many social problems, medical schools are turning away qualified candidates. The thousands of capable applicants denied entry to traditional medical schools might find an opportunity to study medicine at IUHS.

Understanding that innovation creates sustainable change, IUHS is unique in the field of medical education because the school combines:

• Problem Based Learning pedagogy (PBL)
• Interactive case study
• Online modality to create a rich learning environment
• Dynamic network learning environment

The result is a curriculum and experience that better reflect what doctors experience in the real world, and is more effective and more efficient.

The IUHS program is a good choice and fit for highly motivated individuals who are very organized and have a good sense of autonomy, or at least recognize these as essential attributes of a physician and aspire to achieve them as part of their professional development.

Successful students at IUHS:

• Are knowledgeable about the scientific basis of medicine
• Have excellent communication skills
• Possess the capacity for inquiry and are prepared to continue learning and teaching, throughout their careers.
• Show respect for their peers and colleagues at all times

The career path of being a physician has many benefits:

• Flexibility – Physicians have many career options.
• Independence – No matter what happens in the large policy space. One-on-one care, and the sanctity of the doctor-patient relationship is tremendously satisfying.
• Privilege and Value – Your work and contributions are an important part of your community.
• Variety – No two days are the same.
• Humility – Because new ideas in medicine are being discovered every day, there is a need to continually learn and challenge your understanding and knowledge.
• Teamwork – Physicians are not islands and it takes a group to provide great patient care.

IUHS Offers

Global academic community – Pre-Clinical curriculum leverages online modality and robust community tools. This allows for the IUHS student body to not be constrained by geography. Your incoming classmates may be from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Bay Area, or Sydney, Australia.

Diversified Student Body – Good doctors have equal parts emotional and intelligent quotients. Our student enrollment includes non-traditional students – career changers, existing healthcare providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants), and international students. There are many advantages to having a diverse student body but when combined with Problem Based Learning, which relies on the participation of fellow students, the IUHS learning is especially dynamic.

Admission FAQ

How do I request information about IUHS? Click HERE!

Application Checklist

To be considered for admission to IUHS School of Medicine, applicants must submit the following:

• A completed IUHS application.
• Official transcript(s) from each college and/or professional school attended (transcripts must include the required minimum of 90 credits, and all prerequisite courses must be either completed or in progress). Degree-granting transcripts must contain a graduation date.
• At least two official letters of recommendation (LOR), which become the property of IUHS.

• One must be an academic LOR from a pre-medical professor acquainted with the applicant’s academic ability or a recommendation from a college pre-health advisory committee; one must be from a physician acquainted with the applicant.
• Additional letters to serve as character references may come from any person knowing the applicant for at least two years or may repeat the first two formats. All letters must be on proper letterhead with contact information included, and sent directly from the recommender to the IUHS Admissions Office.
• Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores if requested.
• Official report of scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), if applicable.
• A passport sized-photo of yourself.
• $150.00 USD application fee (non-refundable).

Is the MCAT required?

The MCAT may be required if the applicant does not have recent premedical coursework or a related health care profession background with similar entry requirements.

What are my chances of being admitted?

The Admissions Committee, comprised of faculty members, gives serious consideration to all candidates showing the potential to meet the rigorous academic requirements of a highly structured medicine curriculum. 

The Committee considers each applicant for admission based on a combination of factors including academic preparedness as shown in their coursework and degree(s) (and medical college admission test (MCAT) scores if requested), letters of recommendation, the personal essay and interview. 

The interview provides the Admissions Committee with an opportunity to assess an applicant's background, maturity, ability to handle stress, adaptability, aptitude, and in particular, motivation for the study of medicine.

Lastly, work history and professional or volunteer experience provides further evidence of a student's motivation.

Can I transfer from another medical school to IUHS?

Yes. IUHS accepts transfer students from other IMED listed medical schools.

What tests will I need to take to become licensed in the United States? What about other countries?

To practice medicine in the US a physician must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examinations (Step 1, 2 CK & CS and 3). All but Step 3 are required to enter post-graduate training prior to filing a licensure application.

Most countries offer their own medical licensing exams. The essential difference between the US and the rest of the world is that the licensing exams in other countries are written after graduating medical school. The USMLE’s, with the exception of Step 3, may be written while a medical student. 

To license in Canada the Medical Council of Canada requires the MCCEE (Evaluating Examination), MCCQE1 (Qualifying Exam Part 1) and MCCQE2 (Qualifying Exam Part 2). 

The Australian Medical Council offers the AMC MCQ (Multiple Choice Question) Exam and Clinical Exam. Australia also has workplace based and competent authority pathways to licensure for already licensed physicians. 

The General Medical Council of the United Kingdom requires foreign-trained physicians to sit the Professional and Linguistics Assessments Board exams Part 1 and 2. Other European Union countries have similar systems of examination, however, once accepted to one EU member state for licensure the physician will be recognized for licensure in all EU member states.   

India requires a foreign-trained physician to pass the Medical Council of India Examination with the caveat that if the person is an Indian citizen they also need to pass the Medical Screening Examination. 

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) requires foreign-trained physicians to take their Board exam, which includes a written and practical component, unless exempted under the competent authorities model. Graduates applying for postgraduate training in South Africa must first be accepted to a training program as well as be credentialed by ECFMG.

What vacation/non-study time does IUHS have in the program or what leaves of absence does IUHS allow?

There are breaks between the Blocks of the IUHS Preclinical program and, if required due to scheduling, between the rotations of the Clinical Program.

If a student requires a leave to accommodate a personal issue, IUHS has a Leave of Absence policy that allows students the flexibility to interrupt their course of study, within reason. Details of the LOA policy are in the Student Handbook.

How long will it take to process my application?

The Admissions Department processes new applications daily.  The average length of time between receipt of an application and the admissions decision is approximately 2 weeks.

What is the deadline to apply for admission?

Since IUHS operates on rolling admissions, there are no application deadlines.   We accept applications until each class is full.  If the term for which you applied becomes filled before a decision has been made on your application, you will be notified and your application will be moved to the next semester for consideration.

Can I defer my admission once I am accepted?

Yes.  Students may defer enrollment for up to one year.  Deferral requests must be approved by the vice president for enrollment management, assistant dean of admissions, or director of admissions. To request a deferral, students must contact their new student coordinator or interviewer.  Deferrals are only granted into the September term if approved by either the vice president for enrollment management, assistant dean of admissions, or director of admissions.

Is there a preferred undergraduate major?

No, but a strong science background is preferred.

I haven’t taken Physics (or a different prereq)– will I need to take it?

The Admissions Committee reviews each application and determines the applicant’s preparedness for entrance to the medical program. If a student is deemed to need additional preparation for the medical program he or she will be admitted into the necessary IUHS premed courses from which they may proceed into the medical program upon successful completion.

Curriculum FAQ

How is the academic year structured?

The IUHS medical program has two academic year structures, one for the preclinical program and another for the clinical program.

The Preclinical program is offered in blocks. These are offered five per year with two matriculation (starting) dates, January and August. Thus, there are 40 active weeks of study per calendar year in the preclinical program.

The Clinical Program is a series of 80 weeks of rotations that are scheduled individually with the student, according to the clinical sites they choose.

How long does it take to complete the MD degree?

The IUHS medical program is 160 weeks of instruction, which are usually completed over four years. IUHS allows the student the flexibility to complete the program within seven years.

IUHS cannot and does not grant advanced standing nor can it give credit for previous work in non-MD programs, as the Educational Commission on Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) does not credential such credits.

What are some of the advantages of the PBL method of teaching for Pre-Clinical studies? 

Problem Based Learning is the learning assessment device of challenging the students’ understanding of all of the curriculum material at once, in an integrated format.

A significant benefit is that PBL offers students the opportunity to immediately integrate the medical knowledge they are acquiring in separate classes and exercises into a clinical context as it would be represented in the complete and dynamic profile of a real patient’s disease or problem. 

PBL supports students in successfully acquiring and appreciating the medical knowledge that is the foundation of clinical practice and developing the critical thinking needed to advance their clinical practice capabilities.

Are there any US states that do not recognize your degree?

Presently, only Indiana has listed IUHS as a non-approved school. California lists schools it has reviewed and found acceptable. IUHS has not yet asked California to review the school for consideration on its approved list.

Many other states review applicants from Caribbean medical schools on a case-by-case basis.

To date all IUHS graduates have been accepted for licensure in the 22 states to which they have applied.

Clinical Program and Residencies FAQ

What types of residencies do IUHS graduates pursue

IUHS graduates have completed residencies in many areas of medicine with the majority choosing internal medicine, family practice and primary care. IUHS graduates have also chosen anesthesia, surgery, psychiatry, and obstetrics. Most teaching hospitals and leading medical centers welcome the diversity of the IUHS student body.

Can I transfer directly into clinical rotations?

Students who have successfully completed all of their Pre-Clinical studies may be eligible to transfer into IUHS clinical rotations. 

Tuition & Fees

What is the cost of tuition?

Approximately $68,000

Are there financial aid options?

Since IUHS is not an American medical school, US Federal student loans are not available. Other countries such as Canada do allow Canadian citizens to take Canada Student Loans to attend IUHS.

Is there a transfer fee if I transfer from another medical school?

Yes, the transfer fee is $3,000.