Founded in 1991, the University of Traditional Medicine is a private medical university located in Yerevan, Armenia. Despite its name, it focuses on both traditional and modern medicine and offers programs that attract a number of international students.
Medical programs
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): A 6-year program, with five years of academic study and a one-year clinical internship.
- Medium of Instruction: For international students, classes are held in English.
Recognition and reputation
- International Recognition (Disputed): While some consultants claim UTM is recognized by international bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC), official sources and licensing exam pass rates suggest potential issues.
- FMGE Pass Rate: According to data from 2024, the pass rate for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) among UTM graduates was low, at 21.71%.
- Clinical Exposure: Concerns have been raised about the sufficiency of clinical exposure due to Armenia’s relatively small population.
- Accreditation: UTM received accreditation from the Armenian Ministry of Science and Education in 2001.
Admission requirements for Indian students
- Academics: Completion of 10+2 with a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (40% for reserved categories).
- NEET: A qualifying score on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is required.
- Age: Must be 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
Facilities
- Hostels: On-campus hostels with amenities like central heating, Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security have been mentioned in marketing materials.
- Indian Food: Some sources state that Indian mess facilities are available for international students.
Critical advice for prospective students
Given the conflicting information and reported issues regarding accreditation and quality in the private medical education sector in Armenia, prospective students should take the following steps:
- Verify Recognition: Confirm the university’s current recognition status with the NMC or other relevant medical authorities before applying.
- Contact Embassy: Check for any specific warnings or advisories from the Indian Embassy in Yerevan, Armenia.
- Research Outcomes: Look beyond marketing materials and search for independent data on academic standards and licensing exam performance.
- Prioritize Clinical Training: Weigh the importance of clinical exposure, as it may be limited at smaller universities.