Medical Scholarships in USA for International Students -2023/2024

Medical education in the United States can be financially burdensome for international students, with an average cost of around $60,000 USD for a medical degree. In addition to tuition fees, international students also need to cover living expenses and other university-specific fees.

To alleviate these costs, medical scholarships in USA for international students are an excellent option for international students. This article explores various scholarship opportunities available for international students pursuing MBBS/MD and other medicine-related courses in the US. These scholarships can be categorized into university-specific scholarships, third-party scholarships, and government scholarships.

Overview of Medical Education in the USA

Obtaining an MBBS degree in the USA requires completing a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in a related field. The program typically spans 4 to 6 years and leads to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. According to the 2023 QS World Rankings for Medicine, top medical universities in the US include Harvard University, Stanford University, Johns Hopkins University, and more. However, admission criteria may vary depending on the applicant’s country of residence.

University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities offer scholarships primarily based on financial need, while some also consider merit. Harvard Medical School, for instance, provides scholarships based on financial need, taking into account the institutional expected family contribution. However, Stanford University offers scholarships such as the Knight-Hennessy Scholars and the Medical Scholars Research Program, which support innovative problem-solving in medicine.

On the other hand, Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons runs the Vagelos Scholarship Program, which provides financial aid covering 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for medical students.

Other Need-Based Funding

Although merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students studying MBBS in the USA are limited, some colleges do offer need-based funding. Institutions may require documentation such as proof of income, bank statements, and tax returns from the student’s home country. Additionally, the Yale School of Medicine and The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine provide assistance to students who cannot afford the MD program’s tuition fees.

Third-Party Scholarships

Various organizations, foundations, and institutions offer scholarships to support meritorious international students enrolled in MD programs.

• The American Medical Association’s Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship is open to all domestic and international students enrolled in a recognized MD program in the US. The scholarship amount is $10,000 USD.
• The JN Tata Endowment for the Higher Education of Indians provides scholarships for Indian students pursuing medical sciences and other fields.
• The Narotam Sekhsaria Postgraduate Scholarship offers a loan-based scholarship of up to INR 20 lakhs for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, including medicine.
• The Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi scholarship is aimed at helping SC/ST/Minority/BC/EBC candidates pursue higher education abroad, including medicine.

Government Scholarships

Ministries of Education in various countries offer bilateral scholarships to support higher education abroad. These scholarships aim to develop a community of forward-thinking students who can create positive change through an internationally-acclaimed education.

UAE nationals, for example, can apply for government scholarships offered by the Ministry of Education at the undergraduate and graduate levels to study MBBS in the USA.

Conclusion

For international students pursuing medicine in the USA, need-based funding is the primary source of financial aid at the institutional level. Those who are ineligible for such scholarships can explore external funding opportunities or consider student loans to cover educational expenses. It is important to submit the required documentation before the application deadlines to be considered for Medical Scholarships in USA for International Students. For more scholarship opportunities, click here