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Latin American Medical School

How to Apply

The Latin American Medical School (ELAM) is a six-year, full-scholarship program, with the first two years spent at the ELAM campus, located 22 miles (35km) west of Havana. The remaining four years, including a one-year internship, are spent at one of 21 medical schools around the country. All courses and materials are in Spanish; a pre-medical course and intensive Spanish language instruction are offered to those needing them (determined by a placement exam). This additional coursework can add up to a year to the six-year program. For more details on the curriculum, scholarship and school life, please see our ELAM FAQ page here. Please see our ELAM FAQ page.      

Students interested in applying must be:

1. From a low-income family;
2. Between 18 and 25 years of age when they apply (US students may apply until age 30);
3. High school graduates or hold a bachelor’s (BS or BA) degree from their country of origin;
4. Without a criminal record and free from substance abuse or addiction;
5. Willing to abide by ELAM rules and regulations; and
6. Able to pass admission tests

Additionally, students accepted into the program are asked to return to work in underserved communities (their own or similar anywhere in the world), upon graduation.

Students from 29 countries, including the United States, are now enrolled at ELAM; the application process differs for US applicants. See below if you are from the USA.

Application Process – Non-US Students

Applications are offered through Cuban diplomatic missions located in participating countries. Click here for a list of Cuban embassies around the world. At present, participant countries include:

Non-governmental organizations, political parties and Cuban Friendship Societies also offer information on how to apply.

Applying consists of filling out an application and submitting related paperwork (undergraduate transcripts and any pre-medical coursework for example) and doing an interview. Depending on where you live, the process can take three months or more.

Application Process – US Students

Applications for US students are administered by the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO/Pastors for Peace) in New York City. Their very good FAQ page supplies many answers to questions posed by prospective students.

While US students must also fill out an application, supply supporting paperwork and do an interview, there are some differences from the general application process outlined above. These include:

• Submitting letters of reference; a personal essay; and medical history;
• Minimum one-year, college-level coursework in biology, physics, and organic and inorganic chemistry (both with lab);
• Participating in a two-day orientation workshop; and
• Applicants may be up to 30 years of age when they apply.

MCAT standardized test scores are not required.

Contact IFCO for application or additional information:
418 West 145th Street, New York, NY 10031
Tel:  212-926-5757, Fax:  212-926-5842
Email:  lasm@igc.org
           ifco@igc.org
www.ifconews.org

©MEDICC, 2007