International Fellows

The application deadline is December 1 for induction in October 2026.

How to Become an International Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)

Becoming a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons is a significant milestone in your surgical career. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help surgeons from outside the United States and Canada through the application process.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

To apply for Fellowship, you must:

• Be in independent surgical practice for at least 3 years after completing formal training.
• Be currently board-certified in your country or via recognized international boards. Acceptable boards include:
  
  • Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
  • Royal Colleges in the UK and Ireland
  • South African College
  • Your country’s recognized surgical specialty board (see table below) 
• Hold your current surgical appointment for a minimum of 12 consecutive months in the same location.
• Hold a full, unrestricted medical license with no pending adverse actions in your country.

Step 2: Create or Log Into Your ACS Account

To apply, you’ll need an ACS account.

• Already have one? Log in.
• Don’t remember your login? Use:
• Forgot Username
• Forgot Password
• New user? Create an account.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Once submitted:

• You'll become an Associate Fellow (you may not use “FACS” yet)
• ACS will contact you to:
• Submit any missing documents
• Schedule a local committee interview (held between March and May)

Important: You cannot proceed to the interview if your documentation or references are incomplete.

Step 4: Application Timeline and Fees

Application Fee and Annual Dues

• Free for current dues-paying ACS members (e.g., Associate Fellows)
• Application fees and dues are based on the World Bank income categories for each country.
• High- and Upper-Middle-Income Countries
  Application Fee: $100
  Annual Dues: $252
• Lower-Middle-Income Countries
  Application Fee: $50
  Annual Dues: $126
• Low-Income Countries
  Application Fee: $25
  Annual Dues: $63

Initiate Fee

• $500 (charged once approved as an Initiate)

Approval and Induction

• Applicants are approved in July
• New Fellows are inducted at the Clinical Congress in October

If your Fellowship has lapsed and you want to reinstate, contact dues@facs.org.

Regulations Pertaining to Fellowship Dues and Fees

Have Questions or Need Help?

Email: intlapp@facs.org 
Call: 1-800-293-9623