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The U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics predicts a 3% growth in the overall employment of physicians and surgeons from 2022 to 2032. They also state this profession to be one of the highest-paying occupations with an average annual salary equal to or greater than $239,200.
Now pursuing an MD in the USA seems like an attractive opportunity, doesn’t it? Moreover, the USA has some of the best medical schools in the world! If you are interested in knowing more about the cost of studying MD in the USA for international students, scholarship opportunities or course duration, keep reading!
Overview of MD in the USA for International Students
A Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a postgraduate degree that provides students with advanced medical knowledge and abilities. It is a challenging and comprehensive curriculum aimed to prepare students for a career in many medical specialisations. Pursuing an MD in the USA is a rigorous yet rewarding path, offering significant career benefits, including high salaries, job security, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the medical field.
Studying in USA provides exceptional benefits. The United States is well-known for its top-tier medical institutions which offer advanced types of equipment and access to pioneering research. A medical degree in the USA is internationally recognised and leads to great employment prospects in both clinical and academic settings. Also, US medical schools provide broad clinical experiences, exposure to the most recent medical developments, and the opportunity to collaborate with prominent specialists in a variety of medical specialities.
MD in USA: Overview
Parameter |
MD in USA Course Details |
Type of Degree |
Postgraduate |
Duration |
4-6 years |
Entrance Exams |
MCAT, USMLE |
Average Tuition Fees for International Students |
50,000 USD to 70,000 USD per annum |
Intakes |
Varies by university (usually Fall intake) |
Top Universities to Study MD in the USA
If you want to pursue a medical degree in USA you must be aiming for the best in terms of learning opportunities and career possibilities. Here is a list of the top MD colleges in the United States, together with their QS World Rankings.
MD in USA University |
QS World Ranking 2024 |
Harvard University |
4 |
Stanford University |
5 |
Johns Hopkins University |
28 |
University of Pennsylvania |
12 |
New York University |
=38 |
Yale University |
16 |
Columbia University |
23 |
University of California |
10 |
57 |
Explore more universities in the USA with aecc Search
Eligibility and Documents Required for MD in the USA
To pursue an MD in USA, you must complete particular eligibility requirements and submit a variety of documentation. Here's a full look at what's needed. Meeting these standards and properly preparing your materials will boost your chances of admission to a top MD programme in the United States. Please contact AECC specialists for more extensive information and support.
Educational Qualification
International students normally require a bachelor's degree to apply to MD programmes in the United States. For Indian students, this entails holding an MBBS degree. Along with your degree, you must provide complete academic transcripts from both high school and your bachelor's programme. This highlights your educational background and qualifications.
Language requirements
International students must have strong English skills. You must provide scores from English proficiency examinations such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. Most colleges demand an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0. These results demonstrate that you can successfully communicate in English, which is necessary for your studies and interactions while pursuing a Master's in USA.
Entrance Exam
To begin a medical degree in the USA, you must first take the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination). The MCAT has four portions, and the median average score is about 511. Students planning to pursue residency in the United States frequently choose the USMLE.
Additional requirements
Aside from the essential credentials and examinations, you will have to provide:
- Letters of Recommendation (LORs): These should come from academics or experts who can attest to your academic and personal abilities.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): In this essay, you should explain why you want to pursue an MD in USA, what your professional ambitions are, and how this programme fits into those plans.
- Work Experience: Relevant clinical or research experience can greatly improve your application.
- Resume: Update your resume to include any relevant employment or volunteer experience.
These materials help the admissions committee understand your history, motivations, and preparation for the demanding MD programme.
Cost of Studying MD in The US
When tuition and living expenses are included, the total cost of studying for an MD in the United States can vary between $70,000 and $110,000 per year. Studying for an MD in the United States can be a major financial commitment. Tuition fees and other living expenses account for the majority of the cost. Here's an in-depth look at what to expect:
Cost of Studying MD in USA for International Students:
Tuition prices for MD programmes in the United States vary greatly per university. On average, international students should expect to pay between $50,000 and $75,000 per year. Here are the tuition prices for some of the leading medical schools:
University |
Approx. First-Year Tuition Fee (USD) |
Harvard University |
69,300 |
Stanford University |
84,996 |
Johns Hopkins University |
62,850 |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) |
84,125 |
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) |
57,369 |
Yale University |
64,990 |
Columbia University |
45,520 |
University of Pennsylvania |
71,935 |
Duke University |
62,000 |
Aside from tuition, there are additional expenses to consider, such as accommodation, which may cost anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000 per year depending on location and kind. Meals often cost between $3,000 and $5,000 per year. Transportation expenditures vary by region, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per year. Books and materials should be budgeted between $1,000 and $3,000 each year. International students must have health insurance, which can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 per year. Personal costs such as clothing, entertainment, and other incidentals might cost an additional $2,000 to $4,000 each year.
MD in the USA Duration
An MD duration in USA is typically four years. After receiving the MD degree, students must attend a residency programme that normally lasts three to seven years, depending on the selected specialisation. This residency is an essential component of medical training in the United States, offering hands-on experience in a clinical setting. During the MD programme, students might choose to specialise in a certain medical discipline. Those who desire to become Osteopathic Doctors (DO) must complete an extra 200 hours of study in osteopathic manipulative medicine. Alternatively, students can choose to become allopathic doctors, which needs only the MD degree and no further osteopathic training.
Scholarships to Study MD in USA
Though the cost of studying MD in USA for international students is high, thanks to a variety of scholarships and incentives, you can pursue your dreams without facing much financial stress. Here are some prominent financial help alternatives available to pursue an MD in the USA:
Scholarship MD in US |
University |
Award |
BoardVitals Medical School Scholarship |
University of Pennsylvania |
Tuition fees + other expenses |
Physicians of Tomorrow Awards |
Stanford University |
Full expenses |
USA Medical and Surgical Scholarship Program |
Johns Hopkins University |
Tuition fees |
Herbert W. Nickens Medical Student Scholarship |
Harvard University |
Tuition fee waiver |
Yale International Medical Student Scholarship |
Yale University |
Tuition fees + living expenses |
Columbia Medical Scholarship |
Columbia University |
Tuition fees + educational expenses |
Career Opportunities after Pursuing MD in the USA
After finishing your MD in the USA, you will have access to a wide range of professional prospects. These occupations provide high pay, employment stability, and the opportunity to have a big effect in the field of medicine. Below are some of the top employment prospects for MD graduates, along with their typical salaries:
Job Profile |
Average Salary (in USD) |
Family Physician |
192,000 |
Surgeon |
247,000 |
Paediatrician |
183,000 |
Cardiology Specialist |
430,000 |
Dermatologist |
230,000 |
Plastic Surgery Specialist |
471,000 |
Urology Specialist |
407,000 |
Clinical Psychologist |
292,000 |
Anesthesiologist |
428,700 |
Neurologist |
213,180 |
Oncologist |
234,350 |
Medical practitioners in the United States are among the highest-paid, with specialities such as plastic surgery and cardiology earning very attractive pay. The continual need for medical professionals provides job security and stability.