International Higher School of Medicine

The International Higher School of Medicine (IHSM) in Bishkek is a private medical school that focuses on international students. Its General Medicine programme is popular with students from India and South Asia. Before applying for 2027-28, check carefully how the course duration and internship meet NMC rules.

Key facts for 2027-28

Location	Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Founded	2003
Type	Private medical school
Programme	560001 General Medicine
Duration (programme page)	5.5 years
Entry	Foreign applicants with 12 years of prior education
Intake	September – October 2027

Always check fees, dates and rules for your intake on the official university website before you apply or pay.

About IHSM

IHSM was founded in 2003 in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. It was set up mainly to train international students, and most of its students come from abroad. It works with hospitals in Bishkek for clinical training.

The General Medicine programme

IHSM describes General Medicine (code 560001) as a full-time course for foreign applicants with 12 years of prior education (Class 12 in India). The programme page reviewed gives a standard duration of 5.5 years. The curriculum combines biomedical study with clinical modules.

This duration needs careful checking. NMC rules require at least 54 months of study plus a 12-month internship at the same institution, and Kyrgyzstan has updated its rules for medical programmes in recent years. Ask IHSM to state in writing:

• the total length of the programme for the 2027-28 batch, including internship;
• where and how the 12-month internship is done;
• the teaching language for every year;
• whether graduates are eligible for a medical licence in Kyrgyzstan on the same terms as citizens.

Why students consider IHSM

• A school built around international students, with experience of Indian students.
• Life in Bishkek, the capital, with affordable living costs.
• Usually lower costs than private medical colleges in India.

Things to think about carefully

• Get the full course structure and internship plan in writing.
• Clinical training in the local language (Kyrgyz or Russian) needs language skills.
• Compare clinical exposure with state universities in Kyrgyzstan.

How admission works

Apply to IHSM with your Class 12 documents, passport and NEET scorecard. The university sends the invitation documents for the visa. Check the 2027-28 admission window, documents list and any entrance test or interview.

Fees and costs

Ask for the official 2027-28 tuition and hostel fees in writing. Living costs in Bishkek are low. Add food, insurance, visa and registration, books and travel.

Life in Bishkek

Bishkek is Kyrgyzstan's capital, set at the foot of the Tian Shan mountains. It has wide streets, parks and markets, and many students from India and Pakistan. Russian is widely spoken in the city. Winters are cold and summers are hot. Most flights from India connect through Delhi, Almaty, Tashkent, Istanbul or the Gulf.

Before you apply to International Higher School of Medicine

To practise in India later, you need a qualifying NEET-UG result before you join, and the course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same university, teaching in English and eligibility for a medical licence in Kyrgyzstan. NMC does not approve or list foreign universities, so ask International Higher School of Medicine to confirm these points in writing and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in. After graduating you will need to clear the licensing exam (currently FMGE) and a 12-month internship in India. Our MBBS abroad guide covers eligibility, documents, FMGE preparation and careers in detail.

2027-28 intake timeline

• October 2026 – January 2027: shortlist International Higher School of Medicine and other options, read the official 2027-28 admission rules and check that the course meets the NMC conditions.
• February – April 2027: register for NEET-UG 2027 and get your passport and documents ready.
• May 2027: appear for NEET-UG 2027 (NTA will announce the date; recent exams were on the first Sunday of May).
• June – August 2027: apply to International Higher School of Medicine through its official international admissions channel.
• September – October 2027: admission letter, visa, travel and joining.

Kyrgyz universities usually start classes for international students in September or October. Check the visa process with the university, which sends the invitation documents.

Related guides

For the bigger picture beyond International Higher School of Medicine, read these guides:

• MBBS abroad guide: eligibility, recognition in India, costs and choosing a country.
• Compare other universities by country, course and city.

How PSP Education can help

PSP Education has guided Indian students since 1992 and can help you decide whether International Higher School of Medicine suits you and apply before the 2027-28 deadlines. Book a free counselling session using the form on this page.

Summary and official sources

The International Higher School of Medicine describes General Medicine as a full-time course for foreign applicants with 12 years of prior education. The reviewed programme page gives a standard duration of 5.5 years.

Its curriculum combines biomedical study with clinical modules. Applicants should obtain the current internship structure, teaching language and licensing conditions in writing.

Courses and official information

• 560001 General Medicine — 5.5 years. Official programme information. Explore this course.

Visit the official university website for current admission rules, fees and application dates.

Indian medical applicants should check the current NMC requirements, NEET bulletin, internship structure and local licensing conditions before applying. Admission alone does not give permission to practise medicine in India.