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

Beer-Sheva, where the MSIH is located, is a relatively safe, quiet city, outside traditional areas of conflict. While an individual student’s safety can never be guaranteed, since the school began admitting students in 1998, none of our students have been involved in any terrorism-related incidents.

The New York and Beer-Sheva offices are in frequent contact with one another to assess the safety situation. Our students report that they feel very safe in Beer-Sheva and are not affected by isolated incidents in other parts of the country.

- For More information, visit BGU Security Precautions.


2) Does Columbia University or Ben-Gurion University grant the medical degree?

The medical degree is granted by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev.

- For More information, visit Ben-Gurion University.


3) Is it more difficult to obtain a residency in the U.S. if you are an International 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 More information, visit Residency Placements.

1) 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. For the class entering in 2007, the average MCAT score was a 29, the average science GPA was 3.5, and the average overall GPA was a 3.5. 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.

- For more information, visit Prospective Students.

2) 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.

- For more information, visit Application Instructions.


3) I’m older than the average first-year medical student. Can/should 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.

- For more information, visit Admissions Statistics.

4) What are estimated annual expenses, including tuition and fees, books, supplies, study materials, housing, food, travel and other living costs?

Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $28,560. For a complete breakdown of all supplimental expenses, visit Financing Your MSIH Education.

5) I am an Israeli citizen. Can I apply for admission?

Israeli nationals may apply to the Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School at Ben-Gurion University and follow the regulations of the Israeli Council for Higher Education.

- For more information, visit Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School.


6) What is your policy on transfer students?

All transfer applications are evaluated on an individual basis. Along with a completed application, transfer applicants must submit MCAT scores, recommendations, and complete official transcripts for all medical school coursework completed to date. Please be aware that due to our school’s unique International Health and Medicine curriculum, second and third-year transfer students may be required to make up coursework from the first two years or repeat courses in order to fulfill our school’s specific requirements.

- For more information, visit Prospective Students.


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

International students seeking to study in Israel require a valid student visa for the duration of study. Students who are accepted to the Medical School for International Health must submit passport information and personal data in oder to receive appropriate documentation to apply for a student visa, which is granted by the Israeli Ministry of the Interior.

While students from countries that do not have diplomatic relations with Israel may apply and be admitted to the MSIH, the decision to grant the student visa is made by the Ministry of Interior.

It is the student's responsibility to ensure they possess a valid visa for the duration of the four years of study in Israel. The school 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.

- For more information, visit Prospective Students.