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FAQs for 4-Year MBBS degree for graduates
Q: What is the 4-Year MBBS Degree?
A: It is the 4-year graduate entry programme that is offered by the University of Nicosia in Cyprus in
partnership with St George’s, University of London.
It is an ideal 4-year medical degree for graduates and/or mature students who have a bachelor degree
with at least a 2nd class honours or equivalent or a higher degree (e.g., MSc, MPhil or PhD) in any
discipline.
You will earn an MBBS (Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery) awarded by the St George’s,
University of London.
Q: Who are St George’s, University of London and University of Nicosia?
A: St George’s, University of London is considered one of the top medical schools in the United Kingdom.
With a 250-year history, it is the UK’s only specialist medical and healthcare higher education institution,
offering quality education complemented by world-class research activity.
The University of Nicosia is the largest private university in Cyprus and a global education centre,
representing over 80 different countries in a dynamic learning environment.
More information about St George’s University of London, and the University of Nicosia can be found
here http://www.nicosia.sgul.ac.cy/.
Q: Why the St George's programme in Nicosia?
A: St George’s MBBS programme in Nicosia has the attractions of studying on a degree programme that
combines the strengths of University of Nicosia with St George’s, University of London’s long history of
delivering medical education. At the end of the programme, you would receive a medical degree from St
George’s – the same British medical degree earned by students in London - that is recognized by the UK
General Mediclal Council. Also, students benefit from the expertise of St George’s, its reputation and its
tradition of training doctors for over 250 years. The courses are informed by research, and close links with
healthcare providers ensure that the medical programme continue to meet the changing needs of public
health and healthcare professions.
Q: Is the Medical School listed with IMED (International Medical Education Directory)?
A: Yes. Our medical school is listed in the IMED.
(https://imed.faimer.org/details.asp?country=917&school=&currpage=1&cname=UNITED+KINGDOM&cit
y=&region=EU&rname=Europe&mcode=917140&psize=25)
Q: Is the Medical School certified by the US ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical
Graduates)?
A: Yes. Our Medical School is certified by ECFMG. This allows graduates to obtain residencies and
licensing to practice medicine worldwide.
Q: When does the course start?
A: It starts in September.
Q: Why should I choose this course?
A: Choosing this curse means you will benefit from the innovative curriculum and the teaching methods,
which include problem-based learning, traditional lectures, clinical experience and other learning
approaches.
Moreover, our students gain clinical experience from the outset, starting with community clinical
attachments in Cyprus during Year 1 and 2 of the curriculum. Clinical rotations in Year 3 and 4 are at
leading teaching hospitals in the US, Israel and Cyprus.
In addition, students could have an opportunity to study in one of the nicest European Union countries
(Cyprus), live a pleasant lifestyle in a Mediterranean climate, gain clinical experience at EU hospitals,
have an opportunity to travel to other EU countries, and come home with a recognised medical degree
from St George’s, one of the UK’s Top Medical Schools.
It is considered a British primary medical qualification by the UK’s General Medical Council and is the
exact same degree earned by students in London.
St George’s, University of London, has been ranked as one of the top 200 universities in the world in a
new authoritative survey by the Times Higher Education magazine.
(http://www.timeshighereducation.co.uk/world-university-rankings/2014-15/world-ranking)
Q: Will I be enrolled as a St George’s student?
A: Yes - Students accepted into the programme in Cyprus are enrolled as St George’s, University of
London students. They learn through the innovative curriculum developed by St George’s and enjoy full
access to the e-learning medical education resources available to students in London, while also enjoying
the full privileges and access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources available to all University of
Nicosia students.
Q: Are there any clinical placements during this programme?
A: In year 3 and 4 students will undertake clinical rotations in approved teaching hospitals in the United
States, Israel or Cyprus.
Q: How is the course assessed?
A: The format of the assessments will include single best answer multiple choice questions, short answer
questions, and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
Student learning during the course is assessed (usually at the end of each semester or module) in
examinations that determine whether students may progress to a next stage of the course, and which
count towards the award of the degrees of MBBS.
Throughout the course students also submit coursework, including SSC (Students Selected Components)
reports, which count towards their final mark for that part of the course.
Q: What happens if I failed a course?
A: In general, students are permitted one resit attempt at each assessment. Students who fail at
re-assessment are considered for a 3rd discretionary attempt by the Discretionary Panel. A student may
only be considered once by the Discretionary Panel during the MBBS-4 programme.
Q: In what language is the course taught?
A: In English
Q: Who does award the degree to the students?
A: The degree is awarded by St George’s, University of London.
The graduates will be awarded a certificate which is the same one issued in London, while the transcripts
will note the locations of study; e.g., Cyprus plus Chicago or Tel Aviv for clinical training if applicable.
Q: How do I get a visa?
A: The University’s Student Affairs team will provide any help you need to arrange your visa.
Q: How much are the tuition fees?
A: Annual tuition is €27,500.
Q: Is it expensive to live in Cyprus?
A: The cost of living in Cyprus is much lower than in most European countries. On average, staying in
Nicosia for the whole year will cost at least €9,000. For the accommodation, students in Nicosia can
choose from a variety of very affordable housing options, many of which are a short walk to our campus.
Our Student Affairs team will assist you in finding suitable accommodation for your needs and budget.
Q: Does the University provide any financial assistance?
A: The University offers two types of scholarships:
Financial Need-Based Scholarships
The St George's, University of London medical programme at the University of Nicosia offers financial
need-based scholarships to assist students in partially funding their studies. These scholarships can
cover up to 30% of tuition costs per year. An applicant must first meet our admissions requirements,
successfully complete the interview, and be offered a place, before they can apply for such a scholarship.
Academic Scholarships
Five scholarships are offered each year to students entering the St George's, University of London
medical programme at the University of Nicosia in recognition of their academic excellence. Students
selected for these awards are granted a 30% reduction in tuition for the full four years of their medical
studies regardless of financial need.
Academic scholarships are open to candidates who have 3.7 GPA, a First Class Honours degree or
equivalent, as well as an overall 28 on the MCAT or an overall 60 on the GAMSAT.
Candidates who are eligible for these scholarships will be invited to apply after they receive an offer of
admission by submitting a personal essay.
Please note that students who are awarded a scholarship based on academic excellence are not
permitted to apply for a financial need-based award.
Q: Are the tuition fee subject to change after starting the programme?
A: If this happens, it would be a small amount linked to inflation – such as 2-3% - and would not be an
annual occurrence. There has been only one such increase for enrolled students in the past 4 years (2
years ago) and it was 2.8%.
Q: What are the admissions requirements?
A:
1. A Bachelors degree with at least a 2.2 honours or equivalent (3.0 GPA in the US) or a higher
degree (e.g., MSc, MPhil or PhD) in any discipline.
2. You must have attained a satisfactory score in the Graduate Australian Medical School
Admission Test (GAMSAT) or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or GRE Biochemistry.
3. If English was not the primary language during your degree, you must also take the IELTS
(International English Language Testing System) or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL). An IELTS score of
7.0 overall (with a score of 7.0 in the written element and no less than 6.5 in any other element)
or equivalent is required.
4. A person interview either in person or by Skype
Q: I have been working in a non-medical field but I always wanted to be a doctor. Where do I start?
A: There have been many mature students like you enrolling onto the St George’s MBBS. Your work and
life experience will be valuable in your studies and in building your career as a medical doctor.
If you don’t know if you are eligible to apply, please contact the admission team of Access Education at
+852 21574071 or email [email protected] for further enquiries.
Q: I have been working as a nurse at a clinic. Can I study to be a doctor?
A: It’s important for the applicants to be able to demonstrate a broad awareness of the scope of medicine.
Your experience in medical field will absolutely valuable in building your career as a doctor.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Please contact the admission team of Access Education at +852 21574071 or email
[email protected] for further details.
Q: Upon completion of the MBBS programme, will I be able to apply for foundation programme in
the UK?
A: All graduates of the MBBS programme are eligible to apply to the Foundation Programme and the
programme has the same status as the programme delivered in London. However, non-EU students
would need to secure a work permit for the UK, under prevailing UK immigration rules. Full details may be
found on the UKFPO website www.foundationprogramme.nhs.uk.
Q: Am I able to obtain a Visa to do the foundation programme in the UK if I am not an EU resident?
A: We are unable to provide the details of how many Foundation Programme places will be available at
the time of application to the UKFPO. Non-EU residents would need to apply through the UK Foundation
Programme’s Eligibility Office and be able to provide evidence of their ‘right to work’ in the UK. This would
be subject to prevailing immigration rules at the time of visa application. However, holders of a British
National (Overseas) passport may also have an advantage in applying to the Foundation Programme.
Q: What alternatives do I have if I do not obtain a Visa to do the Foundation Programme in the
UK?
A: We are in the processing of establishing a UK-approved Foundation Programme in Cyprus, in
cooperation with the UK and Cyprus authorities.
Moreover, the School offers graduate advice and would help you in your application to another
Foundation/residency/internship programme. For example, one of our student graduating in May 2015
has been accepted into the Foundation programme in Malta. You are able to plan for such a case as part
of the career advice process, which commences from the first year of study.
Q: Is there any Foundation Programme in Hong Kong? If yes, can I do it in Hong Kong after I
graduated from St George’s MBBS?
A: No there is not.
Q: Can I transfer credits from this MBBS programme to the one offered in the UK campus?
A: No. This is because we no longer accept the international students to study at the MBBS programme
in the UK campus.