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University of Health Sciences Cambodia building in Phnom Penh

University Of Health Sciences – Cambodia

Phnom Penh, Cambodia

University of Health Sciences Cambodia: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

The University of Health Sciences (UHS) in Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s premier institution for medical and health sciences education, research, and clinical innovation. Since its inception in 1946, UHS has played a critical role in developing the country’s healthcare workforce and advancing medical research, while weathering periods of upheaval and emerging as a beacon of academic excellence in Southeast Asia (Wikipedia; AllUniversity.info).

Today, UHS offers a broad array of programs in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, nursing, public health, biomedical engineering, and allied health sciences. Its commitment to international standards is reflected in robust research output, global partnerships, and the recent establishment of Cambodia’s first national teaching hospital, inaugurated in December 2024 (Institut Pasteur du Cambodge; EduRank; Construction-Property; EAC News).

This guide offers visitors, students, and professionals practical information about UHS’s history, programs, campus facilities, visiting hours, travel tips, and the new teaching hospital. It also highlights the institution’s cultural and societal significance within Phnom Penh and Cambodia at large (University of Health Sciences official website).

Table of Contents

Historical Overview of UHS

Founding and Early Years (1946–1975)

UHS began as the School for Medical Officers in 1946, a milestone in Cambodia’s post-colonial development. Renamed the Cambodian Royal School for Medicine in 1953, the institution expanded to include a Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy by 1962. Specialization continued with the creation of a separate Faculty of Pharmacy in 1967 and the addition of dentistry in 1971, setting the stage for modern medical education in Cambodia (Wikipedia; AllUniversity.info; CCC Cambodia).

Khmer Rouge Era and Recovery (1975–1997)

The Khmer Rouge regime (1975–1979) devastated UHS, leading to the abandonment and destruction of the university and a tragic loss of faculty and students. After the regime’s fall, the institution was restored as the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Dentistry in 1980, marking the beginning of a challenging but determined recovery. International partnerships, especially with French institutions, were crucial in rebuilding academic programs and training new faculty (CCC Cambodia).

Expansion and Institutional Development (1997–2010)

Granted university status in 1997, UHS entered a period of significant growth. By 2001, it encompassed multiple faculties and technical schools, including Medicine, Pharmacy, Dentistry, Public Health, Nursing, and Allied Health Sciences. The university enhanced its research infrastructure and broadened its mission to train health professionals to national and international standards (AllUniversity.info).

Modernization and Internationalization (2010–2025)

UHS has modernized its curriculum and launched new programs in public health, biomedical engineering, and allied health sciences. International collaborations, scientific conferences, and faculty/student exchanges have enriched academic offerings and research capacity (LinkedIn). The construction and inauguration of Cambodia’s first national teaching hospital in 2024–2025 marks a new era of integrated clinical training, research, and healthcare delivery (Construction-Property; Phnom Penh Post; Cambodianess).


Modern Academic and Research Excellence

UHS offers comprehensive programs in:

  • Medicine
  • Dentistry
  • Pharmacy
  • Nursing
  • Public Health
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Allied Health Sciences
  • Medical Laboratory Technology
  • Midwifery
  • Biomedical Sciences

The university’s research profile is robust, with significant output in medicine, biology, psychology, and environmental sciences (EduRank). International partnerships, notably the Master’s in Infectiology: Biology of Infectious Diseases with Université Paris-Saclay and the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge, provide dual degrees and research internships for Cambodian and international students (Institut Pasteur du Cambodge).


Significance in Cambodian Society

UHS is at the heart of Cambodia’s healthcare and education systems. It trains the majority of the nation’s doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, and public health professionals, whose work has direct impact on healthcare access and quality nationwide (AllUniversity.info). The university’s research informs public health policy, and its alumni are leaders in government, hospitals, and international organizations (OpenGovCA).

UHS also champions inclusivity and social mobility through scholarships and community outreach, aligning its mission with Cambodia’s Sustainable Development Goals.


Visiting Hours and Visitor Information

  • Campus Visiting Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Entry/Tickets: No admission fee or ticket required
  • Guided Tours: Available upon advance arrangement with university administration
  • Accessibility: Ramps, accessible entrances, and facilities for visitors with disabilities

Visitors are encouraged to contact the university prior to arrival for guided tours, access to specific departments, or participation in public lectures and events. The campus is centrally located in Phnom Penh’s Doun Penh District, near prominent attractions like the Royal Palace and National Museum.


Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

  • Getting There: Easily reachable by tuk-tuk, taxi, or public transportation
  • Nearby Sites: Central Market, Wat Phnom, Olympic Stadium, and riverside promenade
  • What to Bring: Comfortable shoes, water, and a camera for campus and city exploration

Phnom Penh offers a vibrant mix of cultural, historical, and culinary experiences, making a visit to UHS an enriching addition to your travel itinerary.


The New UHS Hospital: Visitor Guide

Overview

The New University of Health Sciences Hospital, inaugurated in December 2024, is located in Sen Sok District on Phnom Penh-Hanoi Friendship Boulevard (EAC News). Designed as a state-of-the-art teaching and research hospital, it features 143 inpatient beds, advanced medical imaging, emergency and intensive care, maternity, pediatrics, and outpatient services.

Visiting Hours and Entry

  • Hospital Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (subject to updates; confirm before visiting)
  • Entry Fee: None; public access for patients, students, and visitors adhering to hospital rules
  • Guided Tours: Available for educational/professional groups upon request

Accessibility and Facilities

  • Ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms
  • Multilingual staff (Khmer, English, French, Korean)
  • On-site pharmacy and comprehensive medical services
  • Parking with designated spaces for visitors with disabilities

Visitor Etiquette

  • Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered)
  • Observe silence and privacy in patient areas
  • Limit visitor numbers per patient; gifts subject to hospital policy

Nearby Amenities and Attractions

  • AEON Mall Sen Sok City (shopping/entertainment)
  • Wat Phnom (historical temple)
  • Local markets and dining

Safety and Health Tips

  • Follow hygiene protocols (handwashing, mask-wearing if required)
  • Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended for international visitors (Lonely Planet)
  • The hospital provides 24-hour emergency care

Virtual Resources

High-resolution images, campus maps, and virtual tours are available on the UHS official website.


Academic Programs, Admissions, and Campus Guide

Key Academic Offerings

UHS provides undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in all major health sciences fields. Notable is the Master’s in Infectiology, delivered in English in partnership with French institutions, offering dual degrees and global research experience (Institut Pasteur du Cambodge).

Admission Process

  • Competitiveness: Acceptance rates average 30%, with entrance exams and academic merit required (EduRank)
  • Tuition and Scholarships: Fees vary for local/international students; scholarships available, especially for graduate research programs
  • Application Details: Visit the UHS admissions page for up-to-date requirements and deadlines

Research Strengths and International Collaboration

UHS is recognized for prolific research (5,000+ publications and 24,000+ citations), especially in infectious diseases, public health, and biomedical sciences (EduRank). Partnerships with Institut Pasteur and French universities provide unique opportunities for collaborative research and international study (AD Scientific Index).

Campus Environment and Accessibility

Modern laboratories, teaching hospitals, and research centers enrich the academic environment. The campus is designed for accessibility, supporting a diverse and inclusive community.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are the visiting hours for UHS and its hospital?
A1: UHS campus: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; UHS Hospital: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (confirm before visiting).

Q2: Is there an admission fee or ticket required?
A2: No, entry is free for both the campus and hospital.

Q3: Are guided tours available?
A3: Yes, with advance arrangement for groups or educational/professional visits.

Q4: Is the campus/hospital accessible to visitors with disabilities?
A4: Yes, both are equipped with ramps, elevators, and accessible facilities.

Q5: What languages are spoken?
A5: Khmer is primary; English, French, and Korean are also used, especially in the hospital.

Q6: What programs and scholarships are available for international students?
A6: Several graduate programs (including the Master’s in Infectiology) are taught in English, with scholarships for both Cambodian and international students (Institut Pasteur du Cambodge).


Summary and Final Tips

UHS Phnom Penh stands at the forefront of Cambodia’s efforts to advance medical education, research, and healthcare. Its comprehensive programs, modern facilities, and dynamic international collaborations make it a national and regional leader. The opening of the new teaching hospital further cements its role in clinical innovation and hands-on training (Phnom Penh Post; EAC News).

Whether you are a prospective student, researcher, patient, or visitor, UHS offers a welcoming environment rich with learning, cultural, and professional opportunities. For the latest updates, always consult the UHS official website and consider exploring the campus virtually before your visit.


References


For images, maps, and virtual tours, visit the UHS official website. Internal links to related articles and guides may be added for a more comprehensive exploration of medical education and Phnom Penh’s cultural sites.

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