PHSU  Welcomes International Applicants

Each academic program has its own set of admissions requirements. International applicants will need to meet those requirements in addition to those outlined below.

PHSU defines an international applicant as an individual who is not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States.

If an international applicant is currently enrolled in a foreign medical college or other health professions programs, no part of that medical or health professions curriculum can be used to fulfill any part of the PHSU’s academic requirements for granting a PHSU Degree. Foreign medical graduates are not eligible to apply for advanced standing in the program.

Transcripts – Applicants who completed their studies at a foreign institution must provide original or certified copies of all credentials required for admissions, accompanied by an English translation (if in another language) and official degree evaluations from a NACES-approved evaluator, such as WES (World Education Services). All evaluations must be provided directly from the evaluation/translation service. NACES members can be found at https://www.naces.org/members.

Language Proficiency – Applicants to PHSU BVI must demonstrate English language proficiency. International students whose principal language is not English must submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The minimum scores accepted are:

• 600 on the paper-based test
• 250 on the computer-based test
• 100 on the internet-based test

For more details about the exam, visit ets.org/toefl.

Prior to acceptance of an offer of admission, international applicants are required to schedule a meeting with the Principal Designated Student Officer (PDSO) or Designated Student Officer (DSO) within five business days of notification. The PDSO or DSO must certify the student is eligible either for Initial Status Acceptance or for a Transfer into the PHSU Program through the SEVIS platform.

PDSO: Elisandra Rodríguez-Moreno, Vice President of Student Affairs
Email: Elirodriguez@psm.edu
Tel: 787-840-2575 Ext. 5723

The first two years of the MD program at PHSU School of Medicine BVI are conducted in Tortola. Accepted students must fulfill the following basic visa requirements:

Gather the Required Documents:

• Acceptance Letter: A letter of acceptance from PHSU School of Medicine.
• Passport: A valid passport with at least six months remaining before expiration.
• Visa Application Form: Completed visa application form.
• Photographs: Passport-sized photographs as specified by the BVI immigration authorities.
• Proof of Financial Support: Evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees and living expenses.
• Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage.
• Background Check or Police Clearance: A police clearance certificate from your home country.

Complete the Application Process:

• Download and fill out the Application: The latest form is available on the BVI Government website.
• Submit Application: Submit the visa application and required documents to bvivisas@gov.vg.
• Pay Related Fees: Follow the instructions emailed to you after submitting the application to complete the visa payment.
• Interview: You may be required to attend an interview at the consulate or embassy.
• Processing Time: Visa processing can take several weeks; apply at least 90 days prior to the needed entry date.

Upon Arrival in BVI:

• Immigration Check: Present your student visa and supporting documents to the immigration officer.
• Enrollment Verification: Ensure you have documents from PHSU to verify your enrollment status.

For detailed information, always check with the official BVI immigration website or contact the nearest BVI consulate.

During the third and fourth years, students have the opportunity to apply for clinical clerkships at teaching hospitals in the U.S. International students who attend PHSU-SOM-BVI must apply and qualify for an F-1 visa prior to being offered an internship in the U.S. Students must apply for an F-1 visa in advance at a U.S. consulate. Routine appointments in Tortola will be held at Maria’s by the Sea Hotel Conference Room, Road Town VG1110. The F-1 visa only applies to years 3 and 4. Students who are matched with residency opportunities in the U.S. will require a separate visa (usually a J-1 visa).

Students must apply for an F-1 visa in advance at a U.S. consulate. Routine appointments in Tortola will be held at Maria’s by the Sea Hotel Conference Room, Road Town VG1110.

Important Documents to Bring:

• Completed passport application (Find forms at http://travel.state.gov.)
• Two passport-size photos (2” x 2”)
• Original proof of U.S. citizenship and a social security card
• A prepaid air waybill for the return of your new passport
• Printed proof of payment or a money order/bank draft
• Originals and photocopies of all documents, including the current passport

Important: Applicants may not wear eyeglasses in passport photos. See travel.state.gov for photo requirements.

Housing: PHSU does not offer campus housing but can recommend communities and apartment complexes with established relationships.

Safety: PHSU ensures a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff with extensive safety and emergency preparedness plans.

Scholarship/Tuition/Finances: PHSU BVI offers flexible payment plans for international students. Click here for more details.

Prepare for your Arrival:

• Learn more about Tortola.
• Book your flight early to settle in and adjust before orientation. PHSU will host an orientation event to help international students establish a community.