The Program for Advanced Standing Students (PASS) is designed for graduates of foreign dental schools who want to practice dentistry in the United States. Most states require a degree from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) before granting licensure. To prepare non-U.S. trained dentists, Penn Dental Medicine offers a two-and-a-half year program which leads to a DMD degree. Successful completion of the program allows foreign-trained dentists to take licensing exams in any state. PASS students are expected to successfully complete all competencies required in the 4-year program.

University of Pennsylvania offers the PhD of Program for Advanced Standing Students as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for program for advanced standing students and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on May 22, 2027.
About PhD in Program for Advanced Standing Students
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for PhD in Program for Advanced Standing Students at University of Pennsylvania
Entry Requirements
Our admission decisions are made prior to the announcement of results for many national examinations (such as the A Levels or French Baccalaureate), but applicants are expected to be enrolled in programs that prepare them for these examinations. If you are enrolled in a program that will not release external examination results prior to our application deadlines, you must request that your school send us predictions of external examination results along with your grades.
Where national examinations are required for admission to a pre-university program (such as the IGCSE or the SPM), you should have received high marks on these examinations and should present certified copies of the results with your Penn application.
Students in our diverse global community have a wide range of passions, perspectives, and talents. Beyond academics, we would like to learn about your non-scholarly interests, extracurricular activities, and community service (though we recognize that patterns for non-academic involvement vary from country to country).
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 7
- TOEFLMin 100
Tuition and Fee Information for PhD in Program for Advanced Standing Students at University of Pennsylvania
How to Apply for PhD in Program for Advanced Standing Students at University of Pennsylvania
Offline Recommendation
Penn strongly prefers that recommenders submit letters of recommendation online through the admissions system. If, however, your recommender is unable to submit an online recommendation, please follow these instructions:
1) Select the “Recommendation Form PDF Download” and download the form.
2) Complete the first section. Be sure to include the address of the appropriate admissions office — refer to the "Contact Graduate Admissions" list below.
3) Print out the form and provide it to your recommender.
Please note:
- If you are applying to a program in Nursing, print out and provide your recommender with these special instructions for completing your letter of recommendation.
- If you are applying to a program in the School of Social Policy & Practice, print out and provide your recommender with these special instructions for completing your letter of recommendation.
4) Your recommender should send the form directly to the admissions office you designate, along with the letter of recommendation.

United States of America, Philadelphia