Université des Sciences de la Santé Faculté de Médecine
General Information
The University of Health Sciences (UHS) is the national institution responsible for training health professionals in Cambodia. The Faculty of Medicine is the oldest and most prominent component, playing a central role in the country's public health system.
General Information
Core Institutional and Program Facts
| Feature | Detail |
| Official Name | University of Health Sciences (UHS) Faculty of Medicine |
| Founding Year | Medical teaching has roots back to the 1940s; the modern institution was formalized in 1996 and renamed in 2001. |
| Institutional Status | State University under the Ministry of Health, Cambodia. |
| Degree Awarded | Doctor of Medicine (MD) (equivalent to MBBS). |
| Program Duration | 8 Years Total (Includes 6 years of academic study + 2 years of housemanship/internship). This is a longer duration than most Asian medical schools. |
| Instruction Language | The primary language of instruction is Khmer (Cambodian). |
| 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 should confirm the 8-year duration (including housemanship) for compliance with foreign licensing body requirements (e.g., NExT exam rules in India). |
| Entry Requirement | Extremely competitive for local students via a national entrance exam. Admission for international students is highly limited and managed on a case-by-case basis through the Ministry of Health/Ministry of Education. |
| Academic Focus | Strong focus on tropical diseases, public health, and primary care relevant to the Cambodian national healthcare system. |
Campus Facilities
Admission Process
Local Students: Admission is based on the highly competitive National Examination (High School Diploma) and subsequent competitive entrance tests administered by the university.
International Students: Admission for non-Cambodian citizens is generally not straightforward and requires specific bilateral agreements or high-level government permission. International students usually require advanced Khmer language proficiency.
Language: Fluent Khmer is essential as the entire curriculum, including all patient interaction, is conducted in the local language.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1-3: Pre-clinical sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, etc.).
Year 4-6: Clinical Sciences (Pathology, Pharmacology, and introduction to clinical rotations).
Year 7-8: Housemanship (Internship) - Mandatory for the full MD degree.
Hospital & Medical Facilities
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical training is provided through the largest and most important public hospitals in Phnom Penh.
Clinical Facilities and Exposure
Primary Teaching Hospitals:
Calmette Hospital: A major, internationally supported hospital in Phnom Penh.
Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital: Another key clinical training site.
National Paediatric Hospital and other specialized national centers.
Patient Load: Exposure to a wide range of pathology, including high loads of tropical and infectious diseases.
Language Application: Khmer language skills are mandatory for direct communication with patients and staff.
Fee Structure
State University Affordability
As a public national institution, fees for local students are very low. Fees for the few international students admitted are often negotiated or set higher.
Financial Commitments
Annual Tuition Fee (International): While official published fees for international students are generally not transparent or widely available, they are typically low to moderate compared to Western standards.
Estimate: Could range from $3,000 – $6,000 USD per year, but must be confirmed directly with the Cambodian Ministry of Health or UHS for any international quota.
Cost of Living (Annual): Low. Phnom Penh offers a very low cost of living.
Estimate: Approx. $4,000 – $7,000 USD per year (excluding tuition).
Accommodation (Annual): Affordable private rental.
Estimate: Approx. $1,500 – $3,000 USD per year for housing.
City Details
Phnom Penh is the capital and largest city of Cambodia, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers.
Life in Phnom Penh
General Atmosphere: A dynamic, rapidly developing Southeast Asian city blending French colonial architecture with modern development.
Safety Profile: Generally safe, but vigilance is required, particularly against petty theft (snatching).
Student Life: Vibrant and active, centered around the university districts and bustling markets.
Climate: Tropical monsoon climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round.
Transportation: Dominated by motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and ride-hailing services (like Grab).
Famous Food: Cambodian (Khmer) cuisine, including Amok (fish curry) and Kuy Teav (noodle soup).
Indian Food Accessibility: High. The city has a good range of restaurants and amenities catering to the large expatriate and tourist communities.
Language in Daily Life: Khmer is dominant. English is widely understood in the tourist/business sectors.
Cost of Living: Very Low.
Hostel & Mess
Due to the nature of public universities in Cambodia, on-campus accommodation and meal plan systems are often limited or non-existent, especially for international students. The cost of living, however, is very affordable.
Accommodation (Hotel/Hostel) Details
| Feature | Detail |
| University Housing | Very Limited/Not Guaranteed. UHS may have a small number of dormitory rooms, but these are primarily reserved for students from rural Cambodian provinces. International students are highly unlikely to secure on-campus housing. |
| Accommodation Model | Students predominantly use the private rental market in Phnom Penh. This offers the best value and flexibility. |
| Typical Housing | Single rooms or shared apartments/houses are available in areas surrounding the university. |
| Annual Housing Cost | Very Affordable. Estimated annual cost for a single room/small apartment: $1,500 – $3,000 USD (This ranges from basic, shared housing to a private, decent studio apartment). |
| Proximity | Rental areas in Daun Penh or Tuol Kork districts are popular and offer reasonable commutes via tuk-tuk or moto. |
| Security | Private accommodation is generally safe, but students should prioritize secured buildings. |
Dining (Mess/Food) Details
| Feature | Detail |
| Mess System | No Formal University Mess System. The university does not typically operate a subsidized dining hall or mess for all students. |
| Dining Model | Self-Catering and Local Eateries. Students rely on cooking their own food or, more commonly, eating at the abundant and highly affordable local street food stalls and markets. |
| Cost of Meals | Extremely Low. A simple, prepared meal (e.g., rice and curry, noodle soup) at a local vendor or student cafeteria costs: $1.50 – $3.00 USD. |
| Monthly Food Cost | Estimated monthly expenditure for food: $150 – $250 USD. |
| Indian Food Accessibility | High. Due to a significant expatriate and tourist presence, Phnom Penh has a good selection of high-quality Indian restaurants and access to South Asian ingredients in international markets. |
Miscellaneous
This section covers vital non-academic requirements, administrative costs, and general living context for an international medical student in Phnom Penh.
| Feature | Detail |
| Visa/Residency | Student Visa (Type E/K). International students must obtain a multi-entry E-class visa upon arrival, which is renewable for one year at a time based on proof of enrollment at UHS. This process is managed locally. |
| Mandatory Charges | Administrative/Registration Fees: Typically low for public institutions, but exact figures for international students must be confirmed by the Ministry of Health. |
| Medical Insurance | Students must arrange for private health insurance covering their stay in Cambodia, as the local public health system may require out-of-pocket payments. |
| Local Language Training | Mandatory. Due to the program being conducted entirely in Khmer, students must commit to intensive Khmer language training for both classroom comprehension and clinical interaction. |
| Part-Time Work | Legally Restricted. Student visas (E/K class) generally prohibit international students from engaging in formal paid employment. |
| Cost of Transport | Very Low. Local travel via tuk-tuk or ride-hailing apps (Grab/PassApp) is inexpensive and efficient. |
| Total Annual Cost (Excluding Tuition) | Estimated total annual living costs (rent, food, local transport, utilities): $5,500 – $8,000 USD. |
| Student Support | UHS has an administration office; however, dedicated support services for non-Khmer speaking international students may be basic compared to Western universities. |
Summary of Key Takeaways for International Students:
Instruction: The 8-year MD program is taught entirely in Khmer. Without C1-level fluency, successful study is not feasible.
Accommodation: You must rely on affordable private rentals near the university.
Cost: The cost of living in Phnom Penh is very low, making it highly economical if the tuition fee is also low.
Admissions: Admission is highly restricted and usually requires direct government/ministry approval.
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Facilities & Campus Life
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus
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