Frequently Asked Questions

Given the current state of affairs in the Middle East, is it safe to attend medical school in Israel?

Our students have consistently reported that they feel safe in Beer-Sheva and when traveling in Israel. We do caution students to be mindful of U.S. Department of State travel advisories. On rare periods of unrest, students have been apprised of the security situation and of the measures used to protect them. Ben-Gurion University follows all directives from the Home Front to the letter, to protect its students, and as well as advice coming from the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv.

Does Columbia University or Ben-Gurion University grant the medical degree?
The medical degree is granted by Ben-Gurion University.

Is it more difficult to obtain a residency in the U.S. if you are a Foreign Medical Graduate?
International medical graduates from countries whose system of medical education and accreditation are different from those of the United States may encounter difficulties securing residencies in the U.S. However, Israel's system of medical education and accreditation has been reviewed by the National Commission on Foreign Medical Education and Accreditation and was designated as comparable to that of the United States by the U.S. Department of Education. Israeli medical graduates generally compete quite successfully for residency programs throughout North America. Graduates of the Medical School for International Health have been very successful in securing residency placements at prestigious institutions throughout the U.S. Recent residency placement include Yale-New Haven Medical Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, which is affiliated with Harvard University. For a complete list of where our graduates are doing their residencies, see the Residency Placements portion of this site.

How can I gauge my chances of being accepted to this school?
Since our admissions process is highly individualized, we do not encourage to students to "calculate the odds" when deciding whether or not to apply to the Medical School for International Health. The student profile for the class entering in 2012 had an average MCAT score of 30, the average science GPA was 3.36, and the average overall GPA was a 3.54. However, these figures are only averages and are not meant to discourage or encourage applicants whose MCAT scores and GPA fall outside these ranges. A demonstrated interested in international health, commitment to the community through volunteer work or other service, and experience working with diverse populations, particularly in underserved areas, are all viewed positively by our Admissions Committee. We encourage all prospective applicants to take the time to familiarize themselves with the Medical School for International Health's curriculum, objectives and current student profile before making the decision to apply.

How do I ensure I will be granted a visa to study in Israel?

Travel to Israel is only possible for students with passports from countries that have diplomatic relations with Israel.  For a list of countries that currently have diplomatic relations, please contact the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Students who are accepted to the Medical School for International Health must submit passport information and personal data in order to receive appropriate documentation to obtain a student visa, which is granted by the Israeli Ministry of the Interior, and required for the duration of study inIsrael. Israeli nationals who have completed high school and pre-medical prerequisites must apply to the Israeli school of Ben-Gurion University's Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School and follow the regulations of the Israeli Council for Higher Education.

It is each student's responsibility to ensure they possess a valid passport and visa for the duration of the four years of study in Israel. The Medical School for International Health does not grant deferments to students who are unable to obtain the necessary documents to enter or study in Israel, nor can it reverse decisions taken by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 

I’m older than the average first-year medical student. Can I apply to the MSIH?
There is no age limit for students applying to the Medical School for International Health. In past years, the average age of students entering our school has been slightly higher than the average age of first-year students in American medical schools. Many of our students have pursued other careers or obtained graduate degrees before enrolling in the Medical School for International Health and have found their prior experiences and responsibilities have helped prepare them for the demands of a career in medicine. Men and women of all ages who have the necessary premedical requirements are encouraged to apply.

What is your policy on transfer students?
Transfer applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and can only be considered for transfer to the second year, regardless of the number of years of previous medical study.  Transfer students may be required to complete courses in Global Health or to repeat courses in order to fulfill the school's specific requirements.

What is the deadline for applications?
There is no formal deadline for applications. Admission is done on a rolling basis beginning June 1 for admission to the class entering in the Fall of the following calendar year. Please keep in mind that the first year is preceded by a one-month orientation period, beginning at the end of July. We do encourage applicants to get all materials to us as soon as possible.

Can graduates of this school practice medicine in Israel?
The Medical School for International Health offers a North American-style curriculum and is designed to prepare graduates to complete residency training and become licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. and Canada.  As the Israeli medical education system differs chronologically from the U.S. system, students who wish to become licensed to practice medicine in Israel are responsible for researching local licensing requirements and making their own arrangements for completing the additional year(s) of study this may entail.

 

I am an Israeli citizen. Can I apply for admission?
Israeli nationals may apply to the Israeli school of Ben-Gurion University's Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School at BGU and follow the regulations of the Israeli Council for Higher Education. If you are a dual citizen of Israel and another country, and have taken less than one-half of your high school education in Israel, you are eligible to apply to the Medical School for International Health.