Study in USA

Study MBBS In USA For International Students

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Blog Summary Pursuing an MBBS in USA offers top-notch education and excellent career prospects. With over 100 top medical schools, the USA requires applicants to have completed 12th grade with science subjects and high TOEFL or IELTS scores. Some universities prefer pre-medical courses or a Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates receive respected degrees and job opportunities in various medical fields. Key benefits include advanced research facilities, extensive clinical rotations, and competitive salaries. Top universities like MIT, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins have tuition fees ranging from $50,000 to $65,000 annually. For more details, explore AECC for guidance and support.

Pursuing an MBBS in USA is an excellent choice, as the USA offers top-notch education and fantastic career prospects. According to the QS World Rankings, the United States is home to 112 of the world's top medical schools, with five ranking among the global top ten. 

To study MBBS in USA, applicants should have completed 12th grade with science subjects like Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. Some universities prefer a pre-medical course or a Bachelor of Science degree. Additionally, high TOEFL or IELTS scores are necessary.

Graduates receive a highly respected degree and enjoy great job opportunities in various medical fields such as surgery, paediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, and medical research. This guide covers MBBS eligibility, top universities, and scholarships for international students. 

Discover your exciting journey in medicine in the USA! For more medical courses, check out AECC for further options.

Why Study MBBS in USA

Choosing to study MBBS in the USA is a dream for many aspiring doctors around the world. Here are some reasons why this could be the perfect path for you:

  • US universities offer top-tier education and advanced research facilities, with several schools consistently ranking among the best globally.
  • US medical students complete over 2,000 hours of clinical rotations, ensuring they graduate practice-ready.

  • A US medical degree is highly respected worldwide, with over 20,000 international graduates seeking certification to practice in the USA or other countries in 2023.
  • Medical professionals in the USA enjoy competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $239,200 in 2023. Employment in this field is projected to grow by 3 percent from 2022 to 2032. 

Top Universities to Study MBBS in USA

For international students looking to study MBBS in USA, the country offers some of the best medical programmes worldwide. The following list highlights the top universities to study MBBS in USA, including their 2024 QS World University Rankings and tuition fees.

Universities to Study MBBS in USA 

QS World University Rankings 2024

Average Annual Tuition Fees (USD)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

1

$51,520

Harvard University

4

$65,203

Stanford University

5

$63,747

Johns Hopkins University

28

$58,000

University of California, San Francisco

N/A

$40,000

Yale University

16

$64,024

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

29

$52,899

Columbia University

23

$64,065

University of Pennsylvania

12

$65,497

Duke University

57

$59,000

Cost of Studying in MBBS in USA

Many international students dream of MBBS in the USA due to its high-quality education, innovative research opportunities, and excellent career prospects. However, it's essential to understand the financial investment required. Here’s a detailed look at the costs, including tuition fees and  living expenses

Tuition Fees

On average, the annual tuition fees for top medical schools in the USA range from $50,000 to $65,000. This cost can vary significantly based on the university and its location.

Living Expenses

Living expenses in the USA can vary depending on the location of the university. On average, students can expect the following annual costs:

Expense

Cost (USD)

Accommodation

$12,000 - $20,000

Food

$3,000 - $5,000

Transportation

$1,200 - $2,500

Books and Supplies

$1,000 - $1,500

Health Insurance

$2,000 - $4,000

Personal Expenses

$2,000 - $3,000

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements for MBBS in USA

If you’re interested in pursuing an MBBS (Doctor of Medicine) programme in the USA as an international student, here are the key eligibility criteria and admission requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: You need a bachelor’s degree in medicine or an equivalent field. Typically, this is a 4-year Bachelor of Science in biology, chemistry, or another pre-med programme.
  • MCAT Score: You must clear the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with a score of 510 or above. The MCAT assesses your knowledge of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • English Proficiency: International students need to demonstrate English proficiency. Accepted tests include:

                                                IELTS: A score of 6.5 – 7.0 or higher.

                                               TOEFL: A score of 90 – 100 or higher.

  • GPA: Maintain a strong academic record with a GPA of 3.7 (on a 4.0 scale).
  • NEET Exam Score: If you’re from India, you’ll need to submit your NEET exam score, which should be above the 50th percentile.
  • Application Process: Apply to medical colleges through the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) portal. The admission process typically begins in September.

Documents Required

To apply for MBBS in USA, international students must submit the following documents:

  • Passport Copy: A valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining.
  • Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of all academic transcripts, translated into English if necessary.
  • MCAT Scores: Official scores from the MCAT exam.
  • English Proficiency Test Scores: TOEFL or IELTS scores, if applicable.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Usually three to five letters from academic or professional references.
  • Personal Statement: A detailed essay outlining your motivations and aspirations.
  • Resume/CV: An updated resume or CV detailing your academic and extracurricular achievements.
  • Application Fee: Payment of the application fee as required by the medical school.
  • Proof of Financial Support: Documents demonstrating the ability to cover tuition and living expenses, such as bank statements or sponsor letters.

How to Apply for MBBS in USA

Applying for MBBS in the USA involves several essential steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:

Step 1: Research and Select Universities

  • Identify the MBBS universities in USA that match your interests and career goals.
  • Check each university's specific eligibility criteria and admission requirements.

Step 2: Prepare for and Take the MCAT

  • Study for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
  • Register and take the MCAT, aiming for a competitive score.

Step 3: Complete Prerequisite Courses

  • Ensure you have completed necessary undergraduate courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

  • Obtain official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
  • Secure letters of recommendation.
  • Write a personal statement detailing your motivation for pursuing an MBBS in USA and your career aspirations.

Step 5: Submit Applications Through AMCAS

  • Use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) to apply to multiple medical schools.
  • Pay the application fees and submit your application before deadline.

Step 6: Send MCAT Scores

  • Have your official MCAT scores sent to the medical schools you are applying to.

Step 7: Attend Interviews

  • Prepare for and attend interviews if invited by the medical schools.

Step 8: Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

  • Explore and apply for scholarships for international students.

Step 9: Obtain a Student Visa

  • Apply for an F-1 student visa and provide proof of financial support.

Step 10: Plan Your Move to the USA

  • Arrange housing and logistics, and attend any pre-departure orientations.

By following these steps, you can successfully apply for and gain admission to MBBS in USA programmes.

Scholarship for MBBS in the USA 

Securing financial aid can significantly ease the burden of MBBS fees in USA. Here is a list of scholarships available for international students pursuing MBBS in USA:

Scholarship Name 

Description 

Stipend (approx.)

University-based Scholarships

Many medical schools in the USA offer their own merit-based or need-based scholarships. These can cover a significant portion of tuition fees and may even include living expenses.

$5,000 - $50,000 per year

Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship by the AMA

Awarded by the AMA, this scholarship covers full tuition and fees for four years for students from diverse backgrounds committed to serving underserved communities.

Full tuition and fees (equivalent to ~$250,000 over four years)

National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholarship

Offered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this scholarship covers tuition, fees, a stipend, and books for students who commit to practising primary care in underserved communities. (For US citizens and permanent residents only

$24,000 - $48,000 per year

Howard G. Lapsley Memorial Scholarship Fund for Medical Education

Provides scholarships to underrepresented minorities pursuing an MD degree at certain medical schools.

$5,000 - $25,000 per year

The AAMC Scholarships

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers scholarships such as the Carole Hooberman Educational Trust and Joaquin Garcia Memorial for diverse students.

$5,000 - $20,000 per year

Career Scope After MBBS in USA

Graduating with an MBBS in USA opens up a wide array of career opportunities in the medical field. The median salary of a doctor in the USA was $239,200 in 2023, and the demand for physicians is expected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032.

Here are some prominent job roles available to MBBS graduates, along with their average salaries:

MBBS in USA Job Opportunity

Average Salary (USD)

Benefits

Physician

$208,000

High demand, job security, opportunities for specialisation

Surgeon

$409,665

High earning potential, job satisfaction from critical patient care

Paediatrician

$184,570

Rewarding work with children, job security

Anesthesiologist

$261,730

High earning potential, a critical role in surgical procedures

Psychiatrist

$220,380

Growing demand, diverse work settings, job satisfaction

Medical Researcher

$104,810

Contribution to medical advancements, varied career paths

Hospital Administrator

$118,800

Leadership role, high earning potential, job security

Medical Professor

$112,000

Academic environment, the opportunity to influence future medical professionals

Explore more career outcomes with aecc 

Choosing to study MBBS in the USA offers world-class education, extensive clinical experience, and excellent career prospects. Although fees can be high, scholarships are available for international students. Graduating from top US universities opens doors to a successful and rewarding medical career.

For more guidance on studying MBBS in the USA, including tips on eligibility, top universities, scholarships, and more, check out AECC. They offer all the support you need to start your exciting journey in the field of medicine.