University of Puthisastra Faculty of Medicine

- Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Abroad

General Information

The University of Puthisastra (UP) Faculty of Medicine is a prominent private health sciences institution in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. It is known for offering one of the few medical programs in Cambodia that incorporates extensive English-language instruction and is a popular choice for international students seeking education in Southeast Asia.

General Information

Core Institutional and Program Facts

FeatureDetail
Official NameUniversity of Puthisastra (UP) Faculty of Medicine
Founding YearEstablished in 2000 (University founding).
Institutional StatusPrivate University under the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Cambodia.
Degree AwardedDoctor of Medicine (MD) (equivalent to MBBS).
Program Duration7 Years Total (Includes 6 years of academic study + 1 year of housemanship/internship).
Instruction LanguageBilingual - Courses taught in English Medium and Khmer. Clinical training requires local language proficiency.
AccreditationAccredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS), Cambodia.
Global RecognitionRecognized by WHO World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
NMC/International ComplianceStudents must verify the full 7-year duration for compliance with foreign licensing body requirements (e.g., NExT exam rules in India).
Entry RequirementBased on high school transcript (Science background), entrance examination (often focusing on Biology and Chemistry), and a structured interview.
Academic FocusStrong international partnerships and a curriculum designed to meet international standards.

Campus Facilities

Admission Process

  1. Selection: Based on academic performance in high school (Science stream), and performance in the UP Entrance Exam and subsequent interview.

  2. NEET Qualification: Indian students must meet the NEET UG qualification cutoff for enrollment in any foreign medical institution.

  3. Language: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English, while committing to learn Khmer for clinical rotations, which is mandatory.

Curriculum Structure

  • Year 1-3: Pre-clinical sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, etc.) taught primarily in English.

  • Year 4-6: Clinical Sciences (Pathology, Pharmacology, and introduction to hospital rotations).

  • Year 7: Housemanship (Internship) - Mandatory for the MD degree.

Hospital & Medical Facilities

Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution

Clinical training is provided through partnerships with major public and private hospitals in Phnom Penh.

Clinical Facilities and Exposure

  1. Primary Teaching Hospitals: UP utilizes the National Hospital Network for clinical rotations, including:

    • Calmette Hospital (A major public hospital)

    • Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital

    • Other specialized public and private medical centres in Phnom Penh.

  2. Exposure: Exposure to a wide range of pathology, including tropical and infectious diseases, prevalent in Southeast Asia.

  3. Language Application: Khmer language skills are mandatory for direct communication with patients and non-English speaking hospital staff during clinical years.

Fee Structure

State University Affordability

As a private university, the fees are set to reflect the cost of the international curriculum and faculty.

Financial Commitments

  1. Annual Tuition Fee (MD Program): Approx. $8,000 – $10,000 USD per year.

  2. Total 7-Year Tuition: Approx. $56,000 – $70,000 USD (total academic fee).

  3. Mandatory Charges: Includes registration fees, laboratory fees, and medical insurance (to be confirmed).

  4. No Capitation Fee: No non-refundable development or capitation fees are typically charged.

City Details

Phnom Penh is Cambodia's largest and most vibrant city, sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Tonlé Sap rivers. It is the country's economic, administrative, and cultural hub.

General Atmosphere and Culture

FeatureDetail
VibeA bustling, fast-developing city that mixes French colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers and traditional Khmer pagodas. It is known for its youthful energy and constant activity.
HistoryThe city holds immense historical significance, with sites like the Royal Palace, Wat Phnom, and the solemn Choeung Ek Killing Fields, which provide crucial context for Cambodia's recent past.
People & LanguageThe people are generally welcoming and friendly. While Khmer is the official language and essential for clinical practice, English is widely understood in business, university, and tourist areas.
CuisineCambodian (Khmer) food is delicious, utilizing fresh herbs, non-spicy curries, and rice dishes. It is one of the cheapest places in Asia to eat out.

Climate and Environment

FeatureDetail
ClimateTropical Monsoon. The weather is hot and humid year-round.
SeasonsDry Season (Nov–Apr): Cooler and less rain. Wet Season (May–Oct): Hotter with heavy, but usually short, afternoon showers.
Average Temp25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F).
Dress CodeLight, breathable clothing is essential. Students should dress modestly and professionally when attending the university or affiliated hospitals.

Practical Logistics for Students

FeatureDetail
Cost of LivingVery Low. Compared to most other Asian capitals, Phnom Penh is highly affordable. A student can live comfortably on a moderate budget.
Local TransportExcellent and Cheap. The most common modes are: Tuk-tuks (motor-rickshaws) and Moto-taxis (motorbikes). Ride-hailing apps like Grab and PassApp are popular, easy to use, and very inexpensive.
ConnectivityHigh-speed mobile data and Wi-Fi are readily available and affordable.
SafetyGenerally safe, especially in the central areas. However, petty theft (bag/phone snatching from motorbikes) can be an issue, so vigilance is required, especially at night or when crossing the street.
Student LifeA wide variety of cafes, markets, parks, and cultural sites. The nightlife is active but generally centered around tourist areas. Student communities are close-knit, often centered around learning the Khmer language together.

Hostel & Mess

Accommodation is affordable and readily available in the private market, as university housing is usually not provided.

Accommodation (Hotel/Hostel) Details

FeatureDetail
University HousingNone or Extremely Limited. Students rely entirely on the private rental market.
Typical HousingSingle rooms, shared apartments, or studio apartments near the campus or along major tuk-tuk routes.
Annual Housing CostAffordable. Estimated annual cost for a single room/apartment: $1,800 – $3,600 USD.

Dining (Mess/Food) Details

FeatureDetail
Mess SystemNo Formal University Mess System.
Dining ModelSelf-Catering and Local Eateries. Students predominantly eat at highly affordable local food stalls or utilize self-catering facilities.
Monthly Food CostVery Low. Estimated monthly food expenditure: $150 – $250 USD (eating primarily local cuisine).
Indian Food AccessibilityHigh. Good access to Indian and international food options in Phnom Penh.

Miscellaneous

FeatureDetail
Visa/ResidencyStudent Visa (Type E/K). International students must obtain a multi-entry E-class visa upon arrival, renewable annually based on proof of enrollment.
Local Language TrainingMandatory. UP provides Khmer language classes as part of the curriculum, which is essential for successful clinical training and patient communication.
Cost of TransportVery Low. Local travel via tuk-tuk or ride-hailing apps (Grab/PassApp) is inexpensive.
Total Annual Cost (Excluding Tuition)Estimated total annual living costs (rent, food, local transport, utilities): $5,500 – $8,000 USD.
Part-Time WorkLegally Restricted. Student visas (E/K class) generally prohibit international students from engaging in formal paid employment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Students must typically have a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in the 12th standard (40% for reserved categories) and must have qualified NEET in the current or previous two years, as per NMC guidelines.

The duration is generally 6 years in total, which includes 5 years of academic study (54 months) and 1 year of compulsory internship (12 months), fully complying with the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) rules.

The process is simple: 1. Submit scanned documents (10th, 11th, and 12th mark sheets, NEET result, Passport scan, and a recent passport-size photograph with a white background). 2. Receive the Admission Letter from the University. 3. Process the Invitation Letter for Visa. 4. Complete the Visa application with our assistance.

Yes, all our partner universities are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Graduate doctors can also write major global licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), AMC (Australia), and the FMGE/NExT exam for India.

While most universities admit based on your 12th marks and NEET qualification, some may require a simple online entrance test or interview. We will guide you through any such requirement.

Fees typically cover the Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Medical Insurance, Visa Extension, and administrative charges. A detailed, transparent fee structure showing Tuition Fee, Hostel Fee, Mess Charges, Visa/Invitation Fee, and Medical Assurance Fee for each country and university will be provided upfront.

Payment schedules are determined by the individual university. Some universities allow semester-wise payments, while others require annual payments. We will provide clear guidance on the university's official payment schedule.

We are committed to transparency. All costs, including consultation charges and university expenses, are detailed in your offer letter. We strongly advise against any form of donation.

Yes, we coordinate group departures for students and assist with flight ticket booking. Our representative will meet the students at the destination airport and provide transport to the university hostel.

Hostels offer secure accommodation with separate facilities for boys and girls. Indian meals are generally cooked and served by Indian caterers within the hostel premises or mess hall to ensure a suitable diet for students.

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