The International University (IU) Faculty of Health Sciences is a private, multi-disciplinary higher education institution in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is one of the institutions offering medical and health science programs, which often cater to both local and a limited number of international students.
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | International University Faculty of Health Sciences (IU FHS) |
| Founding Year | Established in 2002 (University founding). |
| Institutional Status | Private University under the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Cambodia. |
| Degree Awarded | Doctor of Medicine (MD) (equivalent to MBBS). |
| Program Duration | 7 Years Total (Typically includes 6 years of academic study + 1 year of housemanship/internship). |
| Instruction Language | Bilingual - Courses are often taught in English Medium and Khmer. Clinical training is conducted in the local language. |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Cambodia. |
| Global Recognition | Recognized by WHO World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). |
| NMC/International Compliance | International students must verify the 7-year duration for compliance with foreign licensing body requirements (e.g., NExT exam rules in India). |
| Entry Requirement | Based on high school transcript (Science background), often an entrance test in science subjects, and an interview. |
| Academic Focus | Offers a variety of health science programs alongside medicine, including nursing and dentistry. |
Selection: Based on academic performance in high school (Science stream) and successful completion of the IU Entrance Exam and/or interview.
NEET Qualification: Indian students must meet the NEET UG qualification cutoff for enrollment in any foreign medical institution.
Language: English proficiency is required for the academic curriculum, with a commitment to learn Khmer for essential clinical rotations.
Year 1-6: Integrated preclinical and clinical sciences.
Year 7: Housemanship (Internship) - Mandatory for the MD degree.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical exposure is gained through partnerships with local public and private healthcare facilities.
Primary Teaching Hospitals: IU maintains affiliations with several major hospitals in Phnom Penh and other provinces for clinical training, including:
National Hospital Network (e.g., certain departments in Calmette Hospital or other major public hospitals).
Private Clinics and Hospitals associated with the university.
Language Application: Khmer language skills are crucial for direct communication with the majority of patients and hospital staff during clinical years.
State University Affordability
Annual Tuition Fee (MD Program): Approx. $6,000 – $8,000 USD per year.
Total 7-Year Tuition: Approx. $42,000 – $56,000 USD (total academic fee).
Mandatory Charges: Includes registration fees, laboratory fees, and medical insurance (to be confirmed).
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia. It is a major hub of commerce, politics, and, critically for you, advanced medical education.
| Feature | Detail |
| Vibe | A dynamic and rapidly evolving urban center. It blends traditional Khmer culture with visible influences from its French colonial past and recent modernization. The student and expatriate community is sizable, creating an international feel. |
| Historical Importance | Home to key national landmarks like the Royal Palace, the ornate Silver Pagoda, and Wat Phnom. It also contains important historical sites such as the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and the Choeung Ek Killing Fields, which are essential for understanding the national context. |
| People & Language | Cambodians are known for their hospitality and warmth. The local language is Khmer. While the university coursework is bilingual (English/Khmer), proficiency in Khmer is non-negotiable for effective interaction with patients and most staff during clinical rotations. |
| Cuisine | Khmer Cuisine is the local staple—flavorful, often featuring freshwater fish and rice, and less spicy than Thai or Indian food. Street food is abundant, hygienic, and incredibly cheap. |
| Feature | Detail |
| Climate | Tropical Monsoon. The climate is hot and humid throughout the year. |
| Seasons | The year is divided into the Dry Season (November to April), which is the slightly cooler period, and the Wet Season (May to October), characterized by higher heat and intense, but usually brief, daily rainfalls. |
| Health Considerations | Be aware of the risks of heat exhaustion and tropical diseases (Dengue fever). Access to good water filtration or bottled water is a daily necessity. |
| Feature | Detail |
| University Housing | Not typically provided. Students must rely entirely on the private rental market. |
| Annual Housing Cost | Affordable. Estimated annual cost for housing: $1,800 – $3,600 USD. |
| Mess System | No Formal Mess System. Students use self-catering or local, affordable eateries. |
| Monthly Food Cost | Very Low. Estimated monthly food expenditure: $150 – $250 USD. |
| Feature | Detail |
| Visa/Residency | Student Visa (Type E/K). International students require an annually renewable student visa based on enrollment. |
| Local Language | Mandatory Khmer Language Classes are usually included in the curriculum to facilitate clinical communication. |
| Total Annual Cost (Excluding Tuition) | Estimated total annual living costs: $5,500 – $8,000 USD. |
| Part-Time Work | Legally Restricted on a student visa. |
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus