Background & aim: University students worldwide are found to make up a considerable portion of the IBS affected population. There is a paucity of data from Saudi Arabia regarding prevalence of IBS among medical students and interns. Material & methods: We conducted a cross sectional study to estimate the number of medical students and interns from different cities in Saudi Arabia who have irritable bowel syndrome and described the potential risk factors. Data was collected using a designed questionnaire while weight and height were measured to calculate the Body mass index (BMI). Diagnosis of IBS was made according to ROME IV criteria. Results: A total of 856 medical students and interns from different cities in Saudi Arabia took part in this national survey and were included in the statistical analysis. Prevalence of IBS in the studied sample was estimated to be 17.5% (95% CI; 15.0% - 20.1%).It was revealed that stress (p=0.027), NSAIDs usage (p=0.002), alcohol consumption (p=0.049) and family history of IBS were significantly associated with a higher risk of developing IBS (p<0.001). History of appendectomy in the past, antibiotic usage were found to have no significant association with IBS. Conclusion: The current study revealed that a considerable proportion of medical students & interns in Saudi Arabia suffer from IBS. A higher prevalence of IBS was observed among medical students who were under constant stress, consumed alcohol or used NSAIDs frequently and among those who had family history of IBS.