The Institut Privé de Formation et de Recherches Médicales (IPFORMED) is a specialized private medical university in Dakar, Senegal. Founded in 2009 by the late Professor Samba Diallo, it was the first private medical school in Senegal to be recognized by the state. It serves as a major alternative for students who meet academic requirements but may not have secured a spot in public universities due to age limits or seat quotas.
Established: 2009.
Location: Résidence Léna Diallo, Sacré-Cœur III / VDN Ouest, Dakar, Senegal.
Degree Awarded: Diplôme d'État de Docteur en Médecine (Doctor of Medicine).
Duration: 8 Years (State-regulated medical cycle).
Language of Instruction: French.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (Senegal) and accredited by ANAQ-Sup. It is the first private medical school in Senegal to be listed in the EduRank rankings.
Academic Philosophy: IPFORMED was created to broaden the availability of medical training in Senegal, focusing on scientific excellence and medical ethics.
Facilities: The campus includes specialized labs for Biology, Parasitology, and Anatomy. It is well-regarded for its high-quality faculty, many of whom are retired or active professors from public universities (like UCAD).
Research Hub: True to its name, the institute places a high priority on medical research, particularly in tropical medicine and infectious diseases.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical Network: IPFORMED partners with major university hospitals (Centres Hospitaliers Universitaires) and clinics throughout Dakar for clinical rotations.
Diverse Exposure: Students gain hands-on experience in departments such as Gynecology-Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Endocrinology-Nutrition.
Career Readiness: The institute's graduates are trained to work in both public hospitals and the private sector, with many pursuing specializations in Senegal or abroad.
State University Affordability
Tuition at IPFORMED is structured similarly to other high-tier private institutions in Dakar.
| Fee Category | Amount in FCFA | Approx. USD |
| Registration Fee | 345,000 FCFA | $560 |
| Initial Payment (Oct/July) | 500,000 FCFA | $815 |
| Monthly Installment (8 months) | 250,000 FCFA | $410 |
| Total Annual Tuition | 2,845,000 FCFA | $4,635 |
Scholarships: Merit-based scholarships of up to $1,200/year are available for high-achieving local and international students.
Vibe: A bustling, cosmopolitan Atlantic port city. Sacré-Cœur III is a central location with excellent access to the VDN highway, making it easy to travel to partner hospitals.
Safety: Generally safe and residential.
Connectivity: The city is served by Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), located about 45–60 minutes away via the toll road.
Accommodation: The university is located in the Sacré-Cœur III / VDN area, a relatively upscale and safe residential district.
Private Rentals: Students usually rent studios in Sacré-Cœur or nearby areas like Liberté 6. Rent typically ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 FCFA/month (~$245 – $410).
Living Budget: Dakar is the most expensive city in Senegal. A student should budget $450 – $700 per month for housing, food, and local transport.
Academic: Scientific Baccalaureate (S1 or S2) or equivalent international secondary school certificate.
Required Documents:
Certified copy of the Baccalaureate certificate and transcripts.
High school report cards for the final year (Terminale).
Motivation Letter and Personal Statement.
Birth certificate and passport-size photos.
Age Advantage: One of IPFORMED's key missions is to allow students who may have missed age-related deadlines for public universities to still pursue their medical degree.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus