The purpose of the UCSF Sandwich Certificate Program is to provide students at international partner institutions the opportunity to access the world-class training and research opportunities at UCSF. These students are expected to become part of the next generation of science and healthcare leaders in their home country. Each partner institution adopts the basic certificate framework to fit local needs and objectives.

Students from partner institutions abroad undertake three months to one year of intensive didactic and experiential learning in one of two tracks: Basic Sciences or Clinical Epidemiology. Students successfully completing the program earn an official certificate from UCSF. Eligible students are enrolled in a formal graduate program in their home country, and the course of study at UCSF is typically sandwiched in between their first and third years.

The UCSF Sandwich Certificate Program is structured similarly to most such programs:

• Fields of study are determined by the partner institution and are aligned with that country's health priorities.
• Curriculum and admission criteria are developed jointly by UCSF and the partner institution.
• Trainees are selected by the partner institution, complete the initial part of their training at that school, come to UCSF for advanced training, and then return home to complete their project work and receive their degree.

Students in the sandwich programs are eligible to participate in the courses and seminars that are part of the medical and graduate Areas of Concentration in Global Health. Their presence enriches the global health sciences intellectual community at UCSF.

Please note that at this time the certificate program is available only to students at existing partner institutions. For information on other global health courses at UCSF, see the main education page. For details on partnering with GHS to establish a sandwich program at your institution, contact GHS Education Programs.