Virtual Medical Campus FAQ: Free Medical Education, USMLE, ECFMG and Match 2027

The Virtual Medical and Science Campus by Project IMG is a free, unlimited online medical education platform: a 3D world with a classroom, a teaching hospital, a silent study library, a virtual conference and 17 study tools. Below are clear answers about the campus and the whole USMLE path — Step 1, Step 2 CK, Step 3, ECFMG, OET, ERAS and the 2027 Match. Explore the campus at virtualmedicalcampus.com. Leer en español.

A new way to learn medicine

What makes the Virtual Medical Campus different?

Most medical education online is a list of videos or a question bank. The Virtual Medical and Science Campus is a place: a connected 3D world where you walk in with your own avatar, sit in a classroom, study next to doctors from other countries in a silent library, practice in a teaching hospital and attend a live conference — and every specialty tool opens from inside that world. It reimagines medical school, hospital and community as one free, open campus for anyone, anywhere.

What is the vision behind it?

The World Health Organization projects a large global shortfall of health workers by 2030, while many talented doctors trained abroad face expensive, lonely and confusing paths. Project IMG's vision is that where you were born should not decide how well you can learn medicine. The campus puts world-class practice, guidance and community in one free place, built by IMGs for IMGs and for every medical learner.

What does “one connected world” mean?

Instead of separate websites, the campus, the Teaching Hospital, the Online Library and The IMG Event are buildings in the same world. Your avatar and outfit travel with you from one to the next, so studying, practicing cases, meeting peers and attending talks feel like one continuous day on campus.

Who is the campus for?

Medical students in any year, international medical graduates preparing for the USMLE and the Match, residents reviewing a specialty, and anyone curious about medicine and science. Content is in English and Spanish, and everything is free.

Free medical education

Where can I study medicine for free online?

The Virtual Medical and Science Campus by Project IMG is a free, unlimited online medical education platform. It brings together 17 study tools — specialty labs (cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, infectious diseases), a Step 3 CCS simulator, clinical note practice, a free research course, medical language courses and a USMLE roadmap — in one connected 3D campus. Start at virtualmedicalcampus.com.

Are there free USMLE study resources?

Yes. The campus offers free board-style practice: 220 board-style questions in Infecto Lab, 1,400+ flashcards in Psych Atlas, quizzes and recall cards in Peds Atlas, ECG and murmur practice in CardioLab, and 200 CCS-style cases for Step 3 in the EMR + Step 3 CCS Simulator. The USMLE Guide explains every step of the pathway. Official free practice materials are also published at usmle.org.

Is the Virtual Medical Campus really free?

Yes. All campus tools are free and unlimited, with no subscription. Project IMG is a global movement of physicians supporting International Medical Graduates, and the campus is open to medical students, graduates and anyone curious about medicine and science.

What are the best free resources for international medical graduates (IMGs)?

For IMGs, the campus combines in one place: the USMLE Guide (pathway, ECFMG, Match), the Residency Program Finder (IMG-friendly programs), Interview Prep, the Personal Statement & LOR Lab, the free Research Academy and Medical Languages (medical English and OET). Official sources such as ECFMG, AAMC, NRMP and AMA FREIDA remain the reference for rules and deadlines.

Is there free medical content in Spanish?

Yes. Many campus tools are bilingual (English/Spanish), and Medical Languages teaches both medical English and medical Spanish for clinical communication. This Help Center is also fully bilingual — use the EN/ES switch at the top.

About the campus

What is the Virtual Medical and Science Campus?

It is a 3D virtual learning world created by Project IMG and Doctor Sebas. You create an avatar, meet your study community and explore four connected destinations: the Virtual Campus, the Teaching Hospital, the Online Library and The IMG Event. From the campus you can open every learning tool. Home: virtualmedicalcampus.com.

Who created the campus?

The campus is built by Project IMG, a global collective of physicians supporting International Medical Graduates, led by founder and CEO Dr. Victor Sebastian Arruarana (Doctor Sebas).

How do I enter the 3D campus?

Open the Virtual Campus on a computer or phone. You start inside the main classroom with a menu asking what you want to do today. Choose your avatar and outfit — your look carries over to the hospital, library and The IMG Event.

What is the Teaching Hospital?

The Project IMG Teaching Hospital is a virtual hospital where you explore clinical spaces and work through interactive patient cases, connecting what you study with clinical decision-making. All patients are fictional.

What is the Online Library?

The Online Library is a shared silent study room. Pick your country flag (or the Project IMG flag), take a seat and study alongside learners from around the world. An optional HY Librarian shares high-yield Step 1 and Step 2 CK facts at intervals you choose, in English or Spanish.

What is The IMG Event?

The IMG Event is a free online medical conference inside the virtual world: keynote speakers, specialty talks, research, virtual stages and networking with the IMG community.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. The campus and all tools work in a modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. No download or installation is needed. For the 3D spaces, a recent phone or a computer gives the smoothest experience.

How do I become a Project IMG member?

You can join the global Project IMG community at projectimg.com/membership. Membership connects you with medical students and doctors to learn, serve and grow together. The campus tools stay free either way.

The 17 tools

What is the EMR + Step 3 CCS Simulator?

A free simulator with 200 CCS-style cases for USMLE Step 3, a Practice mode with optional help, an Exam mode and detailed case feedback, plus EMR charting practice similar to the electronic records used in US hospitals. Open the CCS Simulator.

What is Note Lab?

Note Lab lets you practice writing clinical documentation — H&P, SOAP notes, consults and discharge summaries — in a US hospital style, with cases and feedback.

What is Interview Prep?

Interview Prep simulates residency and fellowship interviews with a virtual interviewer, specialty-specific questions and structured feedback. Project IMG also runs a Discord where you can practice live with a study buddy.

What is the USMLE Guide?

The USMLE Guide is an interactive roadmap of the whole pathway: Step 1, Step 2 CK, ECFMG certification and Pathways, the Match, Step 3 and alternative licensure pathways — based on official and nonprofit sources.

What is the Residency Program Finder?

The Residency Program Finder helps you explore US residency programs, compare specialties, browse an interactive map and build your shortlist, with a focus on IMG-friendly programs. Always confirm each program's current requirements on its own website or in AMA FREIDA.

What is the Project IMG Research Academy?

A free research course: study design, biostatistics, critical appraisal, systematic reviews, scientific writing and interactive workshops. Open the Research Academy.

What is the Personal Statement & LOR Lab?

Guided writing tools to find your story, develop your residency personal statement and prepare letters of recommendation. Open the PS & LOR Lab.

What is the ICD & CPT Finder?

A quick lookup for diagnosis (ICD) and procedure (CPT) codes, useful for clinical documentation and EMR practice. Open the ICD & CPT Finder.

What is Infecto Lab?

Infecto Lab covers every bug and every drug: 247 microorganisms with real images, an endemic world map, an antibiotics course with certificate, key-topic guides (penicillin allergy, syphilis, HIV, TB, congenital infections) and 220 board-style questions.

What is Psych Atlas?

Psych Atlas teaches psychiatry with 107 medicines explained, all 841 DSM-5-TR codes, 1,400+ flashcards and clinical cases.

What is Peds Atlas?

Peds Atlas offers pediatric microguides, clinical cases, quizzes, recall cards and age-specific reference tables.

What is CardioLab?

CardioLab is for ECG interpretation, heart murmurs, ACLS and cardiovascular learning.

What is EndoLab?

EndoLab covers endocrine physiology, disorders and clinical reasoning, with illustrated lessons (insulin, thyroid, lipids and more).

What is NeuroLab?

NeuroLab builds neurology knowledge with interactive learning resources.

What is the Medical Image Atlas?

The Medical Image Atlas lets you explore clinical images and practice visual recognition across specialties.

What is Medical Languages?

Medical Languages teaches English or Spanish for clinical communication and helps you prepare for OET Medicine, the English test ECFMG requires for its Pathways.

What is Culture Atlas?

Culture Atlas goes beyond medicine: art, history and geography through a visual learning experience.

USMLE basics

What is the USMLE?

The United States Medical Licensing Examination is the three-step exam required for medical licensure in the US. It is sponsored by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The steps are Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 3.

In what order do IMGs take the steps?

Most IMGs: Step 1 → Step 2 CK → ECFMG Certification (including a Pathway + OET Medicine) → ERAS/Match → Step 3 (often during or before residency). Step 1 and Step 2 CK can technically be taken in either order, but Step 1 first is the usual path. Step 3 requires passing Step 1 and Step 2 CK and, for IMGs, ECFMG Certification.

How do IMGs register for USMLE in 2026?

IMGs first apply to Intealth/ECFMG (through MyIntealth) to confirm eligibility and their medical school credentials. Since January 2026, USMLE exam services for IMGs are handled through the FSMB USMLE portal. You choose a 3-month eligibility period and then book your date at a Prometric test center. Check ecfmg.org and usmle.org for the current steps before you apply.

Can I take the USMLE outside the United States?

Yes for Step 1 and Step 2 CK: they are offered at Prometric centers in many countries (an international test delivery surcharge applies). Step 3 is only offered in the United States and its territories.

How much does the USMLE cost?

Fees change every year and differ by country (an international surcharge applies outside the US and Canada). Besides each exam, budget for the ECFMG Certification application, the Pathway application, OET Medicine, ERAS and NRMP fees. Always check the current fee pages on ecfmg.org and usmle.org before you plan.

Is there a time limit to finish the exams?

For ECFMG Certification, the exam requirements must be completed within a time limit (generally a seven-year window starting from the first exam you pass). Many state medical boards also set their own limits for completing all three steps. Check the current ECFMG Information Booklet and the board of the state where you plan to practice.

Step 1 · Step 2 CK · Step 3

Is Step 1 still pass/fail?

Yes. Step 1 has been reported as pass/fail since January 26, 2022. It tests the foundational sciences (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, behavioral science and more) applied to clinical scenarios. It is a one-day, computer-based exam.

What is the Step 2 CK passing score?

218, for exams taken on or after July 1, 2025 (it was 214 before). Step 2 CK is scored on a 1–300 scale and is now the main numeric score residency programs see, because Step 1 is pass/fail. Passing and being competitive are different — check the matched averages for your target specialty in NRMP data.

What does Step 2 CK test?

Clinical knowledge for supervised patient care: diagnosis, next best step in management, prevention, and ethics and patient safety across internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, OB/GYN, psychiatry, neurology and more. It is a one-day computer-based exam.

What is Step 3 and when do IMGs take it?

Step 3 is a two-day exam: Day 1 is Foundations of Independent Practice (multiple choice); Day 2 is Advanced Clinical Medicine, with multiple choice and computer-based case simulations (CCS). Many IMGs take it before or early in residency. Practice CCS cases for free in the CCS Simulator.

Why do some IMGs take Step 3 before residency?

Passing Step 3 before residency can be required by programs that sponsor the H-1B visa, and it may strengthen an application. It is not required to apply to the Match. Requirements vary by program, so check each program's visa policy.

Does Step 2 CS still exist?

No. Step 2 Clinical Skills was permanently discontinued in 2021. ECFMG now verifies clinical and communication skills through its Pathways plus OET Medicine.

ECFMG, Pathways & OET

What is ECFMG Certification?

It is the certification IMGs need to enter US residency (GME). Core requirements: a medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools with an ECFMG note, verified diploma and credentials, passing Step 1 and Step 2 CK, and meeting the clinical and communication skills requirements through a Pathway (which includes OET Medicine). ECFMG is part of Intealth.

What are the ECFMG Pathways?

Pathways are how IMGs meet the clinical and communication skills requirement since Step 2 CS ended. ECFMG has offered six Pathways (for example, based on prior licensure, your school's accreditation, or an observed clinical encounter evaluation). Pathways open in seasons tied to each Match year, have deadlines and can expire — read ECFMG's current Pathways requirements before applying.

Do I need OET Medicine?

Yes, if you use a Pathway: ECFMG requires a satisfactory OET Medicine score to meet the communication skills (English proficiency) requirement, with all sub-tests meeting the required score and test dates within the window ECFMG sets for each Pathways season. Prepare medical English free in Medical Languages.

Do I need to be ECFMG certified to apply to the Match?

You can apply through ERAS and register for the Match before certification, but you must meet ECFMG's exam and Pathway requirements by the deadlines ECFMG and NRMP set to be eligible to rank, and you need ECFMG Certification to start residency on July 1.

ERAS & the Match 2027

What is the difference between ERAS and the NRMP Match?

ERAS (run by the AAMC) is where you apply to programs; IMGs get their ERAS token through ECFMG. The NRMP runs the Match: registration, rank order lists, SOAP and results. They are two separate systems with separate accounts and fees — you need both. Emergency Medicine and OB/GYN use ResidencyCAS instead of ERAS.

What are the key dates for the 2027 Match?

• June 4, 2026 – 2027 ERAS season opens

• Sept 2, 2026 – submit MyERAS applications

• Sept 15, 2026 – NRMP registration opens

• Sept 23, 2026 – programs start reviewing applications

• Jan 29, 2027 – NRMP standard registration deadline

• Feb 1, 2027 – rank order list opens

• Mar 3, 2027 – rank order list deadline

• Mar 15–19, 2027 – Match Week and SOAP

• Mar 19, 2027 – Match Day

Verify on aamc.org and nrmp.org, as dates can change.

What is SOAP?

The Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program runs during Match Week. Eligible applicants who did not match, or partially matched, can apply to unfilled positions and receive offers in structured rounds. Follow NRMP's communication rules carefully during SOAP.

How do I find IMG-friendly residency programs?

Look at each program's percentage of IMGs, visa sponsorship (J-1 / H-1B), year-of-graduation cutoffs, minimum scores and US clinical experience requirements. Use the Residency Program Finder to build a shortlist, and confirm details on AMA FREIDA, the AAMC Residency Explorer and each program's website.

What is US clinical experience (USCE) and do I need it?

USCE is hands-on clinical work in the US healthcare system (electives or clerkships as a student, externships, sub-internships). Many programs prefer or require it for IMGs, along with US letters of recommendation. Observerships are helpful but usually count as less hands-on. Check each program's stated requirements.

What visas do IMGs use for residency?

Most IMGs train on a J-1 visa sponsored by ECFMG, which usually carries a two-year home-country requirement afterward (waivers exist). Some programs sponsor the H-1B, which often requires passing Step 3 beforehand. Visa rules change — confirm with ECFMG and each program.

Can IMGs get a US license without a US residency?

Several states have created alternative licensure pathways for internationally trained physicians, usually with a provisional license under supervision first. Rules differ by state and are evolving quickly. The USMLE Guide has a section on these pathways; check the FSMB and the state medical board for current rules.

How to study

How should I plan my USMLE study?

Start from the official content outline on usmle.org, take a baseline assessment, then mix active recall (flashcards, Anki), question practice and review of weak areas. Use the campus tools by subject — CardioLab, EndoLab, NeuroLab, Psych Atlas, Peds Atlas, Infecto Lab — and study alongside others in the Online Library to keep a routine.

I feel alone studying for the USMLE. What can I do?

You are not alone. Join the Online Library to study next to learners from many countries, attend The IMG Event, and connect with the Project IMG community and its peer mentors. If stress or mood are affecting you, please reach out to someone you trust or a mental health professional.

Which official sources should I trust?

For rules, fees and dates: usmle.org (exams), ecfmg.org / Intealth (certification, Pathways, OET requirement, J-1), aamc.org (ERAS), nrmp.org (Match), fsmb.org and state medical boards (licensure), and AMA FREIDA (program database). The campus tools are for learning; official sites decide.

Educational information only; not medical, legal or immigration advice. Rules, fees and dates change — always confirm on usmle.org, ecfmg.org, aamc.org and nrmp.org. Last reviewed October 2026.