UNITED STATES · WINSTON-SALEM
Wake Forest Baptist Health
non-profit · Founded 1902 · Languages: en, es
In short
Wake Forest Baptist Health offers a prominent academic health system and medical school in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, recognized for experiential education and research. As part of Advocate Health, students benefit from a large clinical network and affordable living costs.
Key facts
- Type
- Non-profit
- Founded
- 1902
- Students
- 1,200
- International students
- 150
- Tuition (intl)
- €50–60k/yr
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Location
- Winston-Salem, United States
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a prominent academic health system based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, anchored by Wake Forest School of Medicine (founded 1902). The institution combines a 933-bed tertiary-care teaching hospital, over 300 primary and specialty care locations, and more than 2,700 physicians with graduate medical education programs spanning MD, PhD, and combined degrees. As part of Advocate Health — one of the US's largest non-profit health systems — students gain access to an exceptionally broad clinical and research network. The school is recognised for experiential medical education and strong research output in cancer, aging, regenerative medicine, and health equity.
Why study here
- Recognised leader in experiential medical education, integrating simulation and real clinical exposure from the first year of the MD program.
- Access to one of the largest non-profit health networks in the US (Advocate Health), providing diverse and high-volume clinical training opportunities.
- Strong research environment with significant NIH funding in cancer biology, aging, regenerative medicine, and health equity.
- History of medical firsts, including the first hand reimplantation in the US and pioneering use of ultrasound for prostate cancer detection.
- Winston-Salem offers an affordable cost of living compared to major US metro areas, an important consideration for multi-year medical training.
Student life
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist fosters an award-winning culture built on caring and inclusion. The medical school environment emphasises patient and family-centred care, values individuals holistically, and offers active student organisations, wellness programmes, and community engagement initiatives. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge clinical technology and a deeply connected faculty committed to mentorship.
Fees
InternationalApprox. USD 56,000–62,000 per year for international MD students (tuition and fees); combined degree programmes vary.
HomeSimilar tuition applies for US students; financial aid and scholarships are available.
LivingWinston-Salem living costs approximately USD 18,000–22,000 per year, significantly below major US cities.
Costs vary by programme level (MD, PhD, graduate certificates). Consult the Wake Forest School of Medicine financial aid office for current figures.
Admissions
MD ProgrammeBachelor's degree, competitive MCAT score, AMCAS application, letters of recommendation, clinical and research experience.
PhD / Graduate ProgrammesBachelor's or master's degree in relevant science, GRE (programme-specific), letters of recommendation, research statement.
Administrative FellowshipRecent master's graduate in healthcare administration, business, or public health from an accredited programme.
TOEFL iBT100+ recommended for non-native English speakers
IELTS7.0+ recommended
Rankings
US News Best Medical Schools (Research) 202440
NIH Funding Rank (US Medical Schools)35
University scholarships
Wake Forest School of Medicine Merit ScholarshipsPartial to full tuition for high-achieving MD applicants
Graduate Research AssistantshipsFull tuition + stipend for PhD students
Diversity ScholarshipsVaries; awarded to students from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine
Accreditation
Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME); SACSCOC
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionWake Forest Baptist Health · United States
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology PhD
The Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, offered by Wake Forest University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences in conjunction with the Wake Forest School of Medicine Department of Biochemistry, is designed for highly motivated students seeking careers in biomedical sciences. The program focuses on fundamental biological questions through research and training in four key technological areas: Structural Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics/Genomics, and Proteomics/Metabolomics. Faculty research interests are concentrated in signal transduction in cancer and inflammation, nucleic acid metabolism in cancer, inflammation, and degenerative disease, redox biology, and metabolic diseases. The program emphasizes collaborative research facilitated by participation in various research centers and the availability of state-of-the-art facilities and core resources.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
60 mo
Duration
Wake Forest Baptist Health · United States
Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology
The Integrative Physiology & Pharmacology (IPP) PhD program offers comprehensive training in research techniques, spanning from molecular to human studies. Students gain a strong foundation in physiology and pharmacology, engaging in innovative research projects within a collaborative environment equipped with modern resources. The curriculum integrates molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, behavioral, and clinical information to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic responses.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated annual costs for international students at Wake Forest Baptist Health?
+
International MD students can expect tuition and fees to range from approximately USD 56,000 to USD 62,000 per year. Costs for combined degree programs will vary. It is recommended to consult the Wake Forest School of Medicine financial aid office for the most current figures.
What are the living costs in Winston-Salem for students?
+
Living costs in Winston-Salem are estimated at USD 18,000–22,000 per year. This is significantly more affordable compared to major US cities.
What are the academic rankings of Wake Forest School of Medicine?
+
Wake Forest School of Medicine is ranked 40th among US News Best Medical Schools for Research in 2024. It also holds a strong position in the NIH Funding Rank for US Medical Schools.
What kind of research strengths does Wake Forest Baptist Health have?
+
The institution is recognized for its strong research output, particularly in cancer, aging, regenerative medicine, and health equity. They also have significant NIH funding in these areas.
What are the English proficiency requirements for international students?
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International students who are non-native English speakers are recommended to achieve a TOEFL iBT score of 100+ or an IELTS score of 7.0+.
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