Four-Year M.D. Program (.M.D)

עברית

What will you study, and why should you study at Bar-Ilan?

.M.D

Bar-Ilan University’s Four-Year M.D. Program offers a unique opportunity for candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher to pursue a career in modern medicine. The program integrates extensive scientific and medical knowledge, practical clinical skills, and professional values, while emphasizing the human dimensions and complexities of medical practice.

Alongside comprehensive medical training, the program fosters a holistic approach to healthcare that combines excellence in clinical care with advanced medical research. Students gain knowledge in key areas essential for the physician of the future, including medical informatics, public health, epidemiology, and healthcare systems management.

Application process

Admissions Process Overview

Graduates of the Four-Year M.D. Program pursue careers across a broad range of settings within the healthcare sector, including:

  • Clinical practice in hospitals, community clinics, and other healthcare settings.
  • Residency training programs in Israel and abroad.
  • Clinical and biomedical research, contributing to advances in medical knowledge and patient care.
  • Leadership and management positions within healthcare organizations and health systems.

The Four-Year M.D. Program spans four years and is divided into two main phases:

Pre-Clinical Phase (1.5 Years)

The pre-clinical phase provides students with a strong foundation in the basic medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, immunology, and pathology. During this stage, students also begin developing essential clinical skills, such as patient interviewing, physical examination, and medical communication.

Clinical Phase (2.5 Years)

During the clinical phase, students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in hospital departments across a wide range of medical specialties. Training takes place at the patient's bedside and in clinical settings, following the traditions and principles of modern Western medical education. Students participate in ward rounds, patient care activities, and supervised clinical practice, progressively developing the knowledge and skills required for medical practice.

Throughout the program, students acquire practical knowledge and essential skills for clinical practice. Hands-on learning experiences include:

  • Active participation in the daily work of physicians and healthcare professionals.
  • Conducting patient interviews.
  • Meetings and interactions with members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Involvement in community health promotion initiatives.

In addition, each student is paired with an experienced physician mentor who meets with them on a monthly basis. This mentorship includes longitudinal patient follow-up, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of continuity of care and the physician-patient relationship.

For additional information, please feel free to contact us at:
biu.medicine@biu.ac.il 

Four-Year M.D. Program FAQs

Who is eligible to apply to the program?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the academic year and must be Israeli citizens or permanent residents, including applicants who hold a foreign passport in addition to their Israeli status. Applicants must also hold a bachelor's degree from a recognized institution of higher education that awards degrees equivalent to those granted by Bar-Ilan University.
What degree is awarded upon completion of the program?
Graduates receive the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, equivalent to the medical degree awarded by six-year medical programs at all other Israeli medical schools.
What are the eligibility requirements for applying to the program?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an institution recognized by the Israeli Council for Higher Education, with a minimum GPA of 80 (grade averages are not rounded).
  2. Successfully complete the seven prerequisite courses at the required scope and grades, as detailed in the Admission Requirements section.
Which bachelor's degree is recommended for applicants planning to pursue medicine?

Degrees in the life sciences, natural sciences, or health sciences from institutions recognized by the Israeli Council for Higher Education are generally recommended. These programs typically include the prerequisite courses required for admission.

However, applicants with degrees from other academic disciplines may also apply, provided they complete all required prerequisite courses separately.

When does the application period open? Is late registration available?

Applications generally open during the month of January. Updated information and deadlines are published on the Faculty website.

Applicants are encouraged to apply on time, as late registration is not available.

How can I complete the prerequisite courses if they were not included in my bachelor's degree?

The prerequisite courses can be completed at most academic institutions through faculties of life sciences, natural sciences, or medicine.

Dedicated preparatory programs are also available at:

  • Bar-Ilan University
  • The Open University of Israel (Medicine Transfer Program)
  • Tel Aviv University
  • Ariel University
What are the stages of the admissions process? How long does it take?

The admissions process consists of three stages:

Stage 1: Eligibility Review and Knowledge Examination

  • Applicants must meet the minimum admission requirements, including bachelor's degree GPA and prerequisite course requirements.
  • Applicants must submit an application and complete the Faculty's Knowledge Examination.

Stage 2: MIRA Personality Assessment

  • Eligible applicants are invited to participate in the MIRA assessment, which includes both analytical and biographical components.

Stage 3: Personal Interviews

  • Applicants participate in personal interviews and complete the SHALEV questionnaire.

Following completion of all stages, the University calculates a final admission score. Applicants who achieve the required score and rank highly enough for available places receive an offer of admission.

The entire process typically takes approximately six months from application submission to the final admissions decision.

Can I apply before completing all prerequisite courses?

Yes. Applicants may submit their application when registration opens in January, provided that by August of the same year they submit:

  • An official and certified academic transcript.
  • Official documentation confirming completion of all required prerequisite courses.
How can I determine whether I meet the prerequisite course requirements?

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all prerequisite course requirements have been met.

Degree eligibility, academic transcripts, and prerequisite course requirements are reviewed only after admission to the program.

Who can assist me with the application process?
For assistance with any aspect of registration and admissions, please contact the Service and Recruitment Center at *9392.

Last Updated Date : 20/08/2026