International Medical Student: Research Application

This application is for students from affiliated institutions only.

VISA INFORMATION

We are advised by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) at the University of Pennsylvania that medical students pursuing a medical degree at a foreign institution, who are coming to engage in a short-term (unpaid) research training opportunity may enter the US with a B-1 (visitors for business) category or, if citizens of participating countries, a visa waiver. Details on participating countries and how to apply for the visa waiver are found on the US Department of State website.  The use of the B-1 or the visa waiver program for this purpose is limited to medical students and does not extend to alien physicians who have already completed medical school. 

ENGLISH LANGUAGE FLUENCY

For students from schools where English is not the language of instruction an acceptable score on a recognized standardized English language test is required.Currently recognized tests and acceptable scores include the following:

  • TOEFL Internet Based Test: (scores must be less than 2 years old), 80 cumulative, min 18 speaking 
  • IELTS: 6 cumulative, min 6 speaking
  • Cambridge B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency: 169
  • ACTFL OPI: Intermediate High 
  • TOEIC: Listening 400, Reading 385, Speaking 160, Writing 150

If you do not have one of these tests, you can alternatively have an Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) conducted by the UPenn English Language Program (ELP). For detailed information about the interview, please visit ELP’s website.

Also please note: The English Language Fluency requirements are different for clinical elective opportunities. 

Research Application Part 1