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Admissions Requirements

Calling all aspiring physicians and future healthcare leaders!

At St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine, we firmly believe that any student who possesses a genuine passion for medicine, a dedication to serving others and a strong work ethic should have the chance to pursue a medical education. We encourage students and graduates from accredited colleges and universities around the world to apply to join our inclusive community and become the exceptional doctors that our world needs.

MD Program Prerequisite Courses

  • General Biology: One academic year with a laboratory component; applicants can substitute a biology-related course for ½ year of general biology. Students who pursue additional courses in the biological sciences should consider genetics, embryology, cell and molecular biology, or comparative anatomy.
  • General Chemistry: One academic year with a laboratory component.
  • Organic Chemistry: One academic year with a laboratory component.*
  • English: One year of college-level English literature or composition. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in writing, reading and oral communication.

    * An applicant may substitute ½ year of Biochemistry for ½ year of Organic Chemistry.

Exceptions and substitutions to prerequisite courses will be considered on an individual basis.

Are you missing any prerequisite courses? Please consider the Pre-Medical Master’s Program, which is an accelerated medical education program for career changers with an undergraduate-level degree and some foundational science coursework. The program is delivered through Medical University of the Americas (MUA), our fellow GUS Med & Vet institution. Students who successfully complete this 8-month program receive an MSc in Biological Science from MUA and become eligible to apply for St. Matthew’s University’s 4-Year MD Program.

Required Application Support Documents

After submitting your application, you must upload the following documentation as it becomes available. As part of the process, applicants are required to complete an interview with a member of our admissions team, either in-person or via video-call.

  • MCAT scores
  • Official transcript(s) from each College, University and/or professional school attended
  • Two Letters of Recommendation
  • Personal statement (500 words or less).

*For recent graduates, it is highly recommended that at least one letter is from a professional acquaintance and the other is academic related.

MCAT (For U.S. Students)

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required for all applicants who are citizens, nationals or permanent residents of the United States. Canadian and international students are not required to submit MCAT score, although they are encouraged to do so, if possible. More information about the MCAT is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

English Proficiency

Since English is the language of instruction at SMUSOM, it is important that applicants be prepared to engage with the curriculum and able to communicate effectively. Applicants whose principal language is not English may be required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). This requirement is not universal for all applicants.

Transfer Students

St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine welcomes applications from eligible transfer students who have attended medical schools recognized in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Acceptance of transfer credits is at the discretion of the university.

Technical Standards

A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Medicine program must have abilities and skills in the five broad areas of observation, communication, motor function, intellectual-conceptual, and behavioral and social skills. Learn more here.