Welcome to DukeMed! Below find important information regarding the various onboarding processes that require your attention. Please note the deadlines associated with necessary documents and/or dates you are expected to receive additional information. We look forward to welcoming you to Durham soon!
Should you have any questions, please reach out to Andrea Liu at andrea.liu@duke.edu or medadm@duke.edu
Last updated: April 17, 2026
Key Deadlines - See subsections below for further details
April 30th
- Beginning April 30, accepted applicants will have two options to select in AMCAS: “Plan to Enroll” or “Commit to Enroll.” Selecting “Commit to Enroll” indicates that the applicant has made a final selection and withdrawn all other applications.
- When you are ready to commit to Duke, select Commit to Enroll
- Submit $100 non-refundable deposit via e-check by 11:59 PM EST
- Payment: https://www.dukeonline.duke.edu/bursar
- Required: Student ID (on your acceptance letter) and Last Name
- Admit Term: 1980 for Fall 2026
June 1st - Sept 15th
- Matriculating Survey
June 15th- Final deadline
- Select "Commit to Enroll" at Duke in AMCAS
- Withdraw from all other medical schools
July 1st
- Transcripts must be submitted
- Background Check completed
- Drug Screening Attestation completed
- Vehicle Attestation completed
- Technical Standards Attestation completed
July 15th
- Student Health Records and Immunizations submitted
July 29th-30th
- Mandatory Orientation for PCLT students
August 3rd
- Program starts with Introduction to Profession – attendance is mandatory.
August 7th
- White Coat Ceremony- The White Coat Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, for students and their families. The evening will begin with a light welcome reception at 4:30 PM on Duke University campus in the Bryan Center, followed by the ceremony at 6:00 PM in nearby Page Auditorium. Additional details will be shared by the Office of Student Affairs closer to the event date.
To Do Before Arriving
All incoming DukeMed students are required to complete both a criminal conviction and government sanctions background check. Matriculation is contingent upon providing authorization for the background check and permitting the release of the findings to DukeMed.
Students will receive detailed instructions after committing to enroll, including an email from Duke Hire Right Background Verification. The completed background check will be due by July 1, 2026.
The deadline is June 15, 2026. If you already know you are planning to matriculate to DukeMed, change your status in the Choose your Medical School tool located within the AMCAS application at any time before the deadline. After Committing to Enroll at DukeMed, more information will follow.
We wanted you to be aware of the Duke Medical Student Benefits Summary which can be found here.
Will I be able to enroll in my program this fall without a visa? To study in the United States, students must obtain an F-1 visa from an embassy or consulate in their home country. This nonimmigrant visa category is available only to full-time, enrolled students working toward a degree, certificate or specified course of study at a United States institution of higher education. The F-1 status is valid as long as the student is enrolled at the university or school that sponsors the F-1 status and is carrying a full course load.
I’ve received my I-20, but I cannot get a visa appointment due to current restrictions. How will I know if there are any changes for students from my country? The list of countries affected by U.S. travel bans may change as government policies are updated. While we cannot predict when or if these changes will occur, please be assured that Duke closely monitors all developments. We will promptly share any updates from the U.S. government with our current and incoming students so you have the latest information as soon as it becomes available.
Can I complete my program remotely until I obtain a visa? While most Duke programs require students to be in Durham for full-time enrollment, some departments may offer remote learning options on a temporary basis, such as online classes or asynchronous coursework. Availability and specifics of these options can differ by program. We strongly encourage you to contact your academic program directly to discuss the types of remote participation that may be possible in your specific situation, and to learn about the procedures for requesting remote access.
What are my deferral options? Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to defer your enrollment to a future semester. We encourage you to reach out to your program’s admissions team to discuss available deferral options and the process for requesting one.
Since it appears I can not study in the United States, can Duke refund my application fee? Application fees are generally non-refundable. However, we recommend reaching out to your program directly to inquire about any possible exceptions or special considerations due to current circumstances.
What is Duke doing to support students impacted by the travel ban policy? Academic programs and university partners collaborate closely with the Office of Government Relations to advocate for international students. We are actively engaged in efforts to address the challenges imposed by current travel restrictions and to ensure that the interests and needs of our international student community are represented at the highest levels.
I have a valid tourist visa to enter the US. Can I study on that? No, studying at Duke requires that you be in a visa status that allows for enrollment in a degree program. Tourist visas do not authorize study at Duke or other U.S. institutions. Please ensure you obtain the appropriate student visa before beginning your studies.
NC State Law requires all incoming students present a certificate of immunization. Duke Student Health will process your immunization records. DukeMed incoming students should have the form for Health Science Students completed by a doctor, clinic, or health department and uploaded to your Student Health Gateway portal by July 15, 2026.
All incoming students have 30 days after the first day of class to meet immunization compliance and TB requirements.
The Learning Environment & Well Being Office (LeWell) provide centralized services to support to SOM students and others involved in the healthcare learning environment. LeWell website is here.
The 2026 AAMC Matriculating Student Questionnaire (MSQ) is set to open on June 1 and close on September 15. Once we change your status to matriculate you will receive this survey from AAMC. We strongly encourage you to take the time to fill out the survey as it helps provide useful information for our team.
The program starts Monday, August 3, 2026 with Introduction to the Profession – attendance is mandatory. PCLT students have a mandatory orientation July 29-30, 2026.
Technical Standards - If you have questions about the Technical Standards, including clarification on how reasonable accommodations are defined, contact Dr. Melanie Bonner at melanie.bonner@duke.edu or Duke’s Student Disability Access Office (SDAO) at sdao@duke.edu or 919‐668‐1267.
Final transcripts must be sent from your undergraduate and/or graduate institution(s) with the degree(s) conferred on or before July 1, 2026. The electronic official transcript(s) should be sent to medadm@duke.edu. We will confirm receipt of your transcript(s) once they are received. Failure to provide a transcript that reflects work comparable in quality to what your admission offer was based on, may result in your admission being rescinded. If you attended a school that submits transcripts after this deadline, reach out to medadm@duke.edu. Please note: DukeMed does not have access to your transcript from your AMCAS application.
Students must have access to reliable personal transportation, such as a personal vehicle, in order to travel to clinical training sites located outside of Durham for MD2 year. With limited public transportation options in Durham, if you do not have a personal vehicle, you should be prepared to rely on alternate modes of transport such as Uber/Lyft or other personally-sourced modes of transportation. All students should expect to have clinical assignments outside of Durham during the MD2 year. Please note that training at clinical sites in the community is a fundamental part of our curriculum in preparing you to care for patients and families.
The White Coat Ceremony is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, for students and their families. The evening will begin with a light welcome reception at 4:30 PM on Duke University campus in the Bryan Center, followed by the ceremony at 6:00 PM in nearby Page Auditorium. Additional details will be shared by the Office of Student Affairs closer to the event date.