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Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 6/13/24
Are you thinking of leaving your home country for medical school in the United States? Many international students have aspirations of traveling to study and practice medicine in the U.S. as it’s home to dozens of world-renowned medical schools.
Here, we’ll discuss how to get into medical schools that take international students, including their eligibility requirements, scholarships, financial aid, and special considerations. Read on to learn more.
At this point, you already know that international students can study medicine in the US.
But, as an international student, there are some requirements that you’ll need to adhere to that U.S. students do not. Here, we’ll cover everything you need to know as an international student applying to medical school in the U.S.
Admissions Consultant Chiamaka offers these insights as an international medical graduate:
"If you're applying to med school and you’ve faced significant challenges, don't shy away from discussing them if they’ve shaped your journey. However, focus on how you overcame these challenges and what you learned from them. Med schools are looking for resilient candidates who can handle the rigors of medical education and practice."
"Applying early doesn't only mean that you're submitting your application the day it opens; it means that you were working on your application months before. This includes getting your letters in, having your pre-med committee in your corner, setting up your MCAT date, and making sure you get your MCAT score before your verification goes out. You should be asking yourself these questions at least six months in advance. This proactive approach relieves a lot of headaches later on and gives you a competitive edge."
Before proceeding with your application, you must ensure that you are eligible. You can check your eligibility by researching your target school’s specific requirements.
For example, some foreign documentation (transcripts, courses, diplomas, etc.) may not be valid in the U.S. You may need to have your documents approved by an accredited institution.
If this is the case, your target school will have information on its or AMCAS’ website to direct you to validate your documentation. Your eligibility may depend on your documents being approved, so don’t skip this step.
Any U.S. medical school you apply to as an international student will require academic transcripts. AMCAS does not accept international transcripts or verify coursework that has not been accredited by a U.S., U.S. Territorial, or Canadian post-secondary institution.
If your transcripts are from an international school, you must follow the directions on the AMCAS website to enter coursework and request transcripts. For more information on how to do so, visit the AMCAS website.
You must identify your citizenship or visa status on your medical school application. If you are a non-U.S. citizen, a student visa is required to study in the U.S. Make sure that your target schools are approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) before applying.
For more information on how to acquire a student visa, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Student Visa page.
Almost all U.S. medical schools require a good understanding of English. If your first language is not English, you must indicate so on your AMCAS application. Most schools will request an English Language Proficiency Test as part of your application.
The most commonly accepted English Language Proficiency Tests in the U.S. include:
Be sure to research your target schools to find out which test(s) they accept.
For international students aiming for U.S. medical schools, navigating extracurriculars can be tricky due to visa restrictions. While shadowing opportunities might be limited, volunteering, research, joining student organizations, and community service are valuable alternatives.
Exploring clinical roles like a medical scribe or patient care assistant within visa regulations is also beneficial. Professional development through workshops and conferences is key.
Adhering to visa rules is crucial to maintaining immigration status. Strategically choosing activities showcases commitment to medicine and strengthens the medical school application.
For international students applying to U.S. medical schools, strong letters of recommendation are key. Choose recommenders who know you well and can write in English. Make sure they understand U.S. medical school expectations.
You may need to pay to translate and accredit your documents. Follow application guidelines closely. Keep in touch with your recommenders and show appreciation for their support. This approach boosts your chances of success.
Most U.S. medical schools require an MCAT score as a part of your application. Generally speaking, you should aim for a 509 or above. However, more competitive schools will be looking for an MCAT score closer to 518.
Almost every applicant must take the exam, so the MCAT will also be required for international students.
Every medical school has its own individual requirements. Make sure that you’ve read the international eligibility requirements for your target schools carefully. If you don’t, you may be required to provide additional documentation.
Inspira Advantage can be a game-changer for international medical graduates like Kian from Grenada, who faced tough odds and complex application processes in securing a U.S. residency.
With personalized guidance and strategic application support from Inspira, Kian not only overcame these challenges but also matched with his first-choice program at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center.
If you're an international student looking to navigate U.S. medical school admissions, get in touch with Inspira. We can help you, just like we helped Kian land his top-choice residency.
Federal financial aid may be available to you as an international student. You can visit the Federal Student Aid website to verify your eligibility for federal student aid. It is important to note the different eligibility criteria for non-U.S. citizens.
Institutional loans and scholarships may be available to you through your medical school. Most international students access funding through their school or private loans. Check your target school’s websites for news about their international student scholarships and funding opportunities.
To secure scholarships for studying in the USA as an international student, it's essential to follow these straightforward steps:
By following these straightforward steps and utilizing school resources effectively, you can increase your chances of securing scholarships to study in the USA as an international student.
A limited number of accredited medical schools in the U.S. accept international students into their programs:
It’s important to note that each school’s international admission requirements vary depending on where you’re applying from. If you aren’t sure about your target school’s international admissions requirements, check their website or speak to an admissions counselor.
Struggling to compare medical schools? Inspira's Compare Medical Schools Tool makes it simple. Just choose your top two med schools and access key data like acceptance rates, class sizes, MCAT scores, GPAs, and tuition fees. Click the green “Get Started” button to begin your comparison and make informed decisions easily.
Aside from additional documentation, there are other factors to consider. Here, we’ll discuss some special considerations for international medical students.
As previously stated, less than a third of U.S. medical schools accept international students. While there are still many schools to choose from, you may have fewer options than you would in your home country.
To ensure that you choose the right program for you, make sure that your target schools have plenty of resources for international students. Your schools of choice should also offer a program tailored to precisely what you’re looking for. Avoid settling for a school that doesn’t have every resource you’re looking for simply due to a lack of options.
Applying to medical school in the USA as an international student is even more competitive than the regular application process. You’ll be competing for limited spots against other qualified candidates from around the globe, so do your research.
Your school will want to know how passionate you are about their program and why it suits you. When writing your essays and personal statement, be sure to include specific things about the school that interest you and why. The more tailored your answers are to a particular program, the better.
Studying in another country will add expenses, some of which may be unexpected. Researching the average cost of living, rent, groceries, etc., in your new city will help you plan a realistic budget.
When considering your costs, you should factor in exchange rates. Currency can make a significant difference in the affordability of a new country. Your travel expenses, including visits home for holidays, should also be included in your budget.
Moving to a new country can be a social challenge. If you’re not someone who makes friends quickly, you may want to consider signing up for clubs, student council, or other extracurricular activities.
Medical school will keep you busy, but allocating some time to make friends is essential. Having a support system will help you feel welcome in your new home.
To get a better idea of how many international students get into US med schools, here’s a list of 10 of the top med schools, along with their international student admissions data from MSAR:
Here, we’ll discuss the best medical schools in the USA with the most international students. Applying to these schools may increase your chance of getting accepted as an international student.
Columbia University is located in New York City and is considered one of the state’s top universities.
To apply or find out more about Columbia University’s Vagelos School of Medicine, take a look at their website.
Harvard Medical School (HMS) is a top choice for international students seeking medical education in the USA. HMS welcomes applicants who have completed at least one year of study at accredited institutions in the US or Canada.
Fluency in English is required, but TOEFL is not necessary. While some courses taken outside North America may count, the majority should be completed within the US or Canada, with at least one year of full-time academic work there.
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is number three on our list. Icahn Med has a long history of medical research and a focus on diversity and inclusion. To learn more about this school’s medical school or to apply, check out its application process.
Johns Hopkins Medicine, ranked among the top medical schools in the USA for international students, has specific requirements for non-U.S. residents. Applicants need to complete standard prerequisites and, if educated abroad, supplement their qualifications with study in the U.S.
English proficiency is essential, demonstrated through the TOEFL exam for non-English undergraduate instruction. All students must hold an accredited undergraduate degree, emphasizing Johns Hopkins' dedication to academic excellence and diverse student representation.
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is one of the top medical schools in the USA for international students. It offers select programs that welcome international applicants with F-1 and other visa statuses.
Mayo values diverse perspectives in advancing medical education and research and seeks international students who are passionate about addressing global healthcare challenges through innovation, collaboration, and patient-centered care.
UPenn is a top destination for international students pursuing medical education in the US. Admissions standards are uniform, but international applicants must demonstrate four years of tuition in escrow and complete a year of BCPM coursework if their bachelor's degree is from outside the US or Canada.
A well-known contender for top-tier students, a small percentage of Stanford Medical School’s student body consists of international students. As a school that is consistently ranked highly nationally and internationally, Stanford is widely considered a top-tier medical school. To apply to Stanford, take a look at its application requirements.
Ranked among the top 10 best medical schools in the USA for international students, UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine emphasizes holistic development and lifelong learning.
With a flexible approach to prerequisite coursework, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate competency across various academic areas, preparing them for success in the medical field.
Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine is a top choice for international students pursuing medical education in the United States.
Their programs emphasize academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and inclusive training. International applicants are welcomed, particularly those with strong academic records and demonstrated commitment to advancing medical science. The school’s global outlook and support for diverse backgrounds reflect its dedication to cultivating future leaders in medicine.
Yale School of Medicine is a top choice for international students due to its need-blind admissions policy and financial aid equality, which mirror that of U.S. citizens. With a world-renowned faculty and cutting-edge research opportunities, it offers a straightforward pathway for international students to get ahead in their medical careers.
There are many other U.S. medical schools that take international students. If you’re curious about whether or not your dream schools accept international students, check their online admissions requirements. For more information on which schools accept international students, check the AAMC’s website.
Do you still have questions about medical schools for international students in the US? We’ve got you covered.
Yes, international students can study medicine in the USA. Some U.S. medical schools do accept international students. Before applying to a U.S. medical school as an international student, verify that it is SEVP-approved.
According to the AAMC, 64 out of 158 allopathic medical schools in the U.S. accept international students.
Around 1,800-2,000 international students apply to medical school every year, of which less than 20% are typically accepted.
The short answer is yes! Some medical schools will require the MCAT for international students, as they usually require it as part of the application.
It depends on your eligibility and the school(s) you apply to. But in general, there are fewer spots available for international students. So, getting into medical school as an international applicant is more challenging.
You may be eligible for federal student aid as an international student, depending on your status. For more information, check the basic eligibility requirements for U.S. Federal Student Aid.
To attend medical school in the U.S., you must have a student visa. A visitor or temporary visa will not be valid for medical school.
Attending medical school as an international student can be an enriching and exciting experience. However, as an international student, you will face some challenges. It’s essential to get informed on every aspect of your journey.
Make sure to check your SEVP-approved school’s international admissions requirements thoroughly. You can always speak with an academic advisor or international liaison at your school if you have questions. Additionally, Inspira offers complete med school application support for international students, simplifying the entire process!
Safe travels!
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