​Neurology 2025: What You Really Need to Match as an IMG

Matching into Neurology as an international medical graduate (IMG) is possible—but it’s more competitive than other IMG-friendly specialties like Family Medicine or Psychiatry. With 932 positions offered in the 2025 Match, Neurology continues to attract academically strong candidates.
But what really helps IMGs stand out? Let’s explore the latest 2025 match data and take a deep look into what worked for successful U.S. and non-U.S. IMG applicants.

Overall Match Landscape for Neurology

• Total Neurology positions offered: 932
  
• Total applicants who applied Neurology: 1,776
  
• Total matched IMGs in PGY1 positions: 269
  
  • U.S. IMGs matched: 46 out of 1,335 applicants
    
  • Non-U.S. IMGs matched: 223 out of 627 applicants
    

 Bottom line: Neurology is competitive. Only 3.4% of U.S. IMGs and 35.6% of non-U.S. IMGs matched into Neurology in 2025. It’s not the most IMG-friendly specialty—but with the right profile, it's definitely possible.

​U.S. IMGs: Charting Outcomes from the 2024 Match Season

​Matched U.S. IMG Profile:

• Step 1 Score: 217
  
• Step 2 CK Score: 237
  
• Research Experiences: 4.2
  
• Publications/Presentations: 10.2
  
• Work Experiences: 3.5
  
• Volunteer Experiences: 3.7
  
• Contiguous Ranks: 7
  
• Specialties Ranked: 1.8
  
• PhD Holders: 4.5%
  

Other Grad Degrees: 25%

​ Analysis:

• Step Scores: Surprisingly, matched U.S. IMGs had slightly lower Step 1 scores than unmatched ones (217 vs. 218), but a significantly higher Step 2 CK score (237 vs. 229). This shows that CK is more impactful at the selection stage.
• Research Impact: Research made a clear difference—matched candidates had more research experiences (4.2 vs. 2.6) and significantly more publications (10.2 vs. 6.7). Neurology values academic productivity.
• Contiguous Ranks: The biggest difference lies here--matched IMGs ranked 7 programs, while unmatched applicants only ranked 2.6. This is crucial. If you don’t rank enough programs, you drastically lower your chances.
• Volunteer Work: Slightly higher volunteer activity (3.7 vs. 2.9) also contributed to a well-rounded profile.
• Graduate Degrees: Having another degree or a PhD wasn’t a guarantee. In fact, a higher percentage of unmatched applicants had one—suggesting that degrees alone don’t replace a well-balanced application.

​Key Takeaway – U.S. IMGs:

Matching into Neurology as a U.S. IMG requires more than just passing scores. A strong Step 2 CK, extensive research, and ranking enough programs are critical. The specialty favors applicants who show academic engagement, with many publications and focused interest in Neurology. Even if your Step 1 isn’t stellar, a strong CK and research-heavy profile can tip the balance in your favor.

Non-U.S. IMGs: Charting Outcomes from the 2024 Match Season

Matched Non-U.S. IMG Profile:

• Step 1 Score: 234
  
• Step 2 CK Score: 245
  
• Research Experiences: 4.7
  
• Publications/Presentations: 13.3
  
• Work Experiences: 3.7
  
• Volunteer Experiences: 2.6
  
• Contiguous Ranks: 7.5
  
• Specialties Ranked: 1.4
  
• PhD Holders: 4.1%
  
• Other Grad Degrees: 23.8%
  
  

 Analysis:

• Step Scores: Matched non-U.S. IMGs had very strong USMLE scores, especially Step 2 CK (245 avg). This indicates that program directors in Neurology place a premium on strong academic performance.
• Research Heavy: Neurology loves research. Matched applicants had almost 5 research experiences and more than 13 publications, compared to 8.8 in unmatched candidates. Research productivity here is often the deciding factor.
• Ranks = Results: Again, a huge contrast--7.5 vs. 2.5 contiguous ranks. Applicants who ranked more programs had a significantly higher match rate.
• Specialty Focus: Those who matched tended to stay focused on Neurology and ranked fewer other specialties. This shows dedication and alignment with the field, which programs appreciate.
  

Key Takeaway – Non-U.S. IMGs:

Neurology is one of the most competitive specialties for non-U.S. IMGs. Those who matched had high USMLE scores, strong research (often with double-digit publications), and a focused application strategy. Ranking more programs and showing commitment to Neurology made a huge difference. Even though volunteer or clinical work was similar between matched and unmatched applicants, academic strength and strategic ranking were the real differentiators.

How Neurology Compares to Other IMG-Friendly Specialties

U.S. IMGs (Matched Profiles)

Explanation​: Among all the IMG-friendly specialties, Neurology stands out as one of the most research-intensive for U.S. IMGs.

• Although the Step 1 and Step 2 scores for Neurology (217 and 237) are not the highest, they are on the higher side compared to FM, Psych, or Peds.
• ​What really separates Neurology is the heavy research load: on average, matched U.S. IMGs had over 4 research experiences and 10 publications, which is more than double what’s needed for Family Medicine or Pediatrics.​
• The only specialty with similar research demands is Pathology, making Neurology ideal for those with an academic and research-driven profile.

Non-U.S. IMGs (Matched Profiles)

Explanation: For non-U.S. IMGs, Neurology is clearly one of the most academically demanding specialties.

• It demands very high USMLE scores—average Step 1 of 234 and CK of 245, just slightly below Internal Medicine.
  
• But where Neurology truly stands apart is research: with 4.7 research experiences and a whopping 13.3 publications/presentations, it even surpasses Pathology and Psychiatry in scholarly output.
• This makes Neurology best suited for applicants with a strong academic background and a solid research portfolio. It’s less forgiving of weak scores or thin CVs, but great for research-driven applicants who can match the rigor.

​Final Summary (Simple and Clear)

Neurology is a competitive but achievable specialty for IMGs. Here's what you need to remember:

• ✔️ Scores Matter: U.S. IMGs should aim for Step 1 ≥ 215 and CK ≥ 235; non-U.S. IMGs should target Step 1 ≥ 230, CK ≥ 240+.
• ✔️ Research is Key: Most matched applicants had 4+ research experiences and 10+ publications.
• ✔️ Rank Enough Programs: At least 6–8 contiguous Neurology programs give you a solid shot.
• ✔️ Stay Focused: Most matched IMGs applied to Neurology only or 1 other specialty.
• ✔️ Work + Volunteer Count Too: Round out your profile with clinical and volunteer work, not just research.
  
  

If your profile is academically strong, with good scores and solid research, Neurology can be your path into the U.S. healthcare system.

Looking to enhance your Neurology application?

 Explore IMG-friendly research programs:

• Innovative Residency Research
  
• Concept To Publication – Neurology Track
  
• Research With the Program Director
  
• Affordable Clinical Research Projects for IMG