School Information

The Facultad de Medicina at the Universidad de la República (UDELAR) is Uruguay’s largest and most prestigious medical school. Established in 1875, it provides high-quality medical education and plays a crucial role in healthcare, research, and public policy in Uruguay.

• Location: Montevideo, Uruguay’s capital and largest city.
• Language of instruction: Spanish.
• Public University: Tuition is free for Uruguayan citizens, making it highly accessible.
• International Recognition: Degrees are recognized in Latin America, Spain, and select international institutions.
• Strong Research Focus: The university is known for its contributions to biomedical research and public health initiatives.

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Admission Procedure

Admission to the Facultad de Medicina at UDELAR follows an open-access model, but students must complete a preparatory cycle before progressing into the medical program.

Eligibility Criteria

• High school diploma (Bachillerato Diversificado in Uruguay).
• Proficiency in Spanish.
• No entrance exam is required, but students must complete introductory courses in sciences.

Application Process

1. Online registration via the UDELAR admissions portal.
2. Submission of documents (ID, transcripts, proof of high school completion).
3. Completion of basic science courses in the first year.
4. Progression into the main medical curriculum.

Tuition Fees

• Uruguayan students: Tuition is free.
• International students: Small administrative fees may apply.

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Courses Taught

The General Medicine program at UDELAR follows a six-year curriculum leading to the Doctor en Medicina (MD) degree.

Preclinical Years (Years 1-2)

• Human Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Histology
• Public Health

Clinical Years (Years 3-6)

• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Neurology
• Psychiatry
• Emergency Medicine

Internship (Final Year)

The sixth year consists of a mandatory clinical internship in hospitals across Uruguay, providing hands-on experience in patient care.

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Prospects After Graduation

Graduates of the Facultad de Medicina at UDELAR have strong career opportunities within Uruguay and abroad.

Recognition & Licensing

• The medical degree is recognized in Uruguay, Argentina, Brazil, and other Latin American countries.
• Graduates looking to work in Spain or the US must complete equivalency exams such as MIR (Spain) or USMLE (USA).

Career Paths

• Residency Training: Graduates must complete a residency program in their chosen specialty.
• Public Health & Research: Many UDELAR graduates work in epidemiology, research, and health policy.
• International Opportunities: With additional certification, graduates can work in Europe, the US, and other regions.

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Life as a Doctor in Uruguay

Uruguay has a well-developed healthcare system with universal health coverage. Physicians have good job security and decent salaries, though pay is higher in the private sector.

Medical Residency in Uruguay

• Residency programs are required for specialization.
• Competitive entry, but positions are publicly funded.

Salary Expectations

• Public sector doctors: Earn approximately $2,500 – USD 4,000/month.
• Private-sector doctors: Can earn significantly more, especially in specialized fields.

Work-Life Balance

• Uruguay offers a high quality of life, low crime rates, and a stable economy.
• Many doctors work in both public and private hospitals for higher earnings.

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