Medical students around the world dream of pursuing MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in the United States, seeing the extensive research opportunities, advanced clinical exposure, and vast academic expertise.
MBBS program in USA for international students
MBBS program in United States of America is one of the most prestigious and oldest medical schooling structure in the world which offers healthcare knowledge using a advanced modern strategies and approaches.
International students who wish to pursue MBBS in the USA can expect a comprehensive curriculum that provides hands-on training in clinical settings, conducted under the supervision of expert faculty members and specialist.
The admission requirements for international students seeking MBBS program in the USA would be discussed below.
The admission process might be difficult, but if accepted, you can expect to get a world-class training, exposure to groundbreaking studies, and access to a variety of healthcare equipment.
In the United States, the MBBS program typically consists of four years of education followed by a residency program that can last virtually from 2-7 years depending on the fields of study chosen.
The curriculum comprises human anatomy, biochemistry, pathology, pharmaceuticals, and microbiological sciences, in addition to a complete study of basic and clinical sciences.
The clinical rotations, in particular, are highly sought after by international students intending to pursue MBBS in the USA.
This is because these rotations expose students to unique healthcare facilities, ranging from large metropolitan hospitals to rural and underprivileged settings, which can broaden students’ perspectives, giving them a comprehensive and realistic view of healthcare delivery.
The USA MBBS program’s cost can be relatively high compared to other countries, but the return on investment is undoubtedly worth it.
The program’s intensity and extensive research and training opportunities prepare students to become medical professionals who are highly respected, so they can secure lucrative placements.
Requirements for admission into MBBS program in USA for international students
Admission requirements for international students seeking to pursue MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in the USA may vary slightly among universities. Nonetheless, some of the general admission requirements to pursue an MBBS degree in the USA for international students include the following:
1. Educational Qualification: Applicants must present an educational qualification equivalent to the high school diploma in the USA. Besides, international students must have completed their secondary school education or equivalent to 12 years of education.
2. Standardized Tests: Most universities and colleges in USA request for either SAT or ACT examination results from prospective international student. There could also be demand for MCAT test result during the application.
3. English Language competency: International students must submit their TOEFL or IELTS results to certify their proficiency in the use of English language.
4.Reference Letters: Applicants must provide reference letters from instructors, professors, or other respected professionals who have firsthand experience with the students’ work ethic, character, and academic competence.
5.Statement of Purpose/Personal Essay: International candidates must submit a personal essay or statement of purpose outlining why they wish to study MBBS in the United States, including their academic and professional objectives, motivation, and relevant experience.
6.Application costs: International students must pay application costs, which vary from university to university.
It is essential to note that international students seeking to pursue MBBS in the USA must also meet the university’s specific admission requirements. Some universities may require additional documents or tests, while others may require students to attend an interview or submit a portfolio of their work.
Therefore, it is crucial to review the admission requirements of the universities of interest and gather all necessary documents before applying.
Cost of completing MBBS program in USA for international students
The cost of completing MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) in the USA for international students can be relatively high compared to other countries. However, the cost depends on the university, the course duration, and living expenses in the city.
International students who intend to complete MBBS in the USA should budget for tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, textbooks, and living expenses for the duration of their study.
From our consultation with Association of American Medical College recently, it was reported that the average tuition fee resident students paid was around $60,000 in 2020/2021 academic session in private colleges, while public universities take up to $38,000 at same period.
For international students, the fee was about $70,000 for private colleges, while public universities charged lesser amount. These fees doesn’t include feeding, housing and study projects.
It is also essential to note that while pursuing MBBS in the USA, international students may not be eligible for federal financial aid. However, some of the universities offer financial assistance to their high performing students in the form of scholarships and student loans based on academic merit and financial needs.
Moreover, some students take up part time jobs in order to offset a portion of their expenses. Although, international students’ employment opportunities may be limited by visa regulations.
These students may also have to leave the country upon completing their studies or pursue additional training and residency in the United States to practice medicine, which could also add to their expenses.
International students intending to pursue MBBS in the USA should be aware of the financial commitment required to complete the program. However, the level of education, research opportunities, hands-on training, and experience gained in the USA make an MBBS degree highly lucrative.
Nevertheless, international students should explore all available financial aid options and plan a budget that will cover their costs while studying in the USA
How international students can Apply for MBBS program in USA
International students who wish to apply for MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) programs in the USA must follow a few steps that include:
1. Research and Identify Schools: International students must research and identify universities in the USA that offer MBBS programs. Applicants should identify universities that match their preferences, including location, academic requirements, and costs.
2. Meet Admission Requirements: International students must meet the admission requirements of the schools they are interested in.
3. Submit Applications: International students must submit an application form to the universities they have identified. These application forms may typically be found on the respective institution’s official website where MBBS courses are offered.
4. Pay Application Fees: International students are required to pay an application fee to the university they applied to.
5. Submit Supporting Documents: International students are required to submit all supporting documents as evidence of their qualifications, coursework, and achievements.
6. Wait for Response: The university will review the application and notify the applicant of its decision.
7. Obtain Student Visa: Once the applicant has received an acceptance letter, they must apply for a student visa. This will permit the student to stay in the USA for the duration of their study.
International students should research and identify potential universities, meet admission requirements, submit applications, pay application fees, submit supporting documents, wait for the response, and obtain a student visa to pursue an MBBS program in the USA.
It is important that international students review the procedure of each university that they are interested in so that they don’t miss out on any steps.
Pitfalls to avoid when applying for MBBS program in USA as an international student
When applying for MBBS programs in the United States as an international student, you should avoid certain mistakes to guarantee a smooth application process and maximize the chances of getting admission. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
1. Lack of Research: International students should research the universities and their respective MBBS programs before they apply. Failure to research may result in applying to schools that do not offer MBBS, not fulfilling the admission requirements, or not meeting the student’s expectations.
2. Missing Deadlines: The application deadlines set by universities for MBBS programs may vary between institutions. International students must adhere to these deadlines to avoid being late and possibly missing out on an admission opportunity.
3. Incomplete Applications: International students must submit complete applications that include all supporting documents and requested information. Failure to do this can result in rejection or delays in the application process.
4. Poorly Written Personal Statement/Essay: The personal statement/essay submitted during the application process is essential in providing additional information that complements the student’s application.
International students must carefully write their personal statements/essays and ensure they are grammatically correct, well-structured, and convey their motivation, experiences, and goals related to the MBBS program.
5. Lack of English Proficiency: International students must adequately demonstrate their English language proficiency according to the requirements of universities. Poor English proficiency may harm the applicant’s application.
6. Not Seeking Help When Needed: Applying to MBBS programs in the USA can be tedious and complex for an international student. The students are advised to seek help from renowned education consultants or councilors who are familiar with the application process.
7. Submitting False Information: International students who submit false information in their application risk being caught and losing their admission opportunities. This can include lying about the student’s qualifications, experiences, or identity. The consequences of submitting false information may also lead to revocation of admission or legal action.
International students applying for MBBS programs in the USA must take great care to avoid common pitfalls. Taking their time to research, reading instructions carefully, submitting complete applications, providing accurate information, and seeking appropriate help when needed can increase their chances of being admitted.
30 top institutions that accept international students for MBBS programs in the USA
Here are 30 top institutions that accept international students for MBBS programs in the USA:
1. Harvard Medical School
2. Stanford School of Medicine
3. Yale School of Medicine
4. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
5. Duke University School of Medicine
6. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
7. Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
8. University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
9. Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
10. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
11. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
12. University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
13. Baylor College of Medicine
14. University of Michigan Medical School
15. University of Washington School of Medicine
16. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
17. Emory University School of Medicine
18. Cornell University Weill Cornell Medicine
19. University of North Carolina School of Medicine
20. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
21. New York University School of Medicine
22. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
23. University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine
24. Ohio State University College of Medicine
25. University of Virginia School of Medicine
26. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
27. University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine
28. University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
29. Indiana University School of Medicine
30. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Top 10 cheap medical schools in USA offering international students study program
Here are some medical schools in the USA that offer affordable tuition fees for international students:
1. Texas A&M College of Medicine
2. University of Central Florida College of Medicine
3. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
4. East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine
5. University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
6. University of South Alabama College of Medicine
7. University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine
8. University of Kansas School of Medicine
9. University of Louisville School of Medicine
10. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine
20 medical institutions in USA that offer study/work admission to international students
Here are 20 medical institutions in the USA that offer study/work admission to international students:
1. Harvard Medical School
2. Stanford School of Medicine
3. Yale School of Medicine
4. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
5. Duke University School of Medicine
6. University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
7. Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
8. University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
9. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
10. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
11. University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine
12. Baylor College of Medicine
13. University of Michigan Medical School
14. University of Washington School of Medicine
15. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
16. Emory University School of Medicine
17. Cornell University Weill Cornell Medicine
18. New York University School of Medicine
19. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
20. University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Please note that admission policies for international students may differ between institutions and programs, and work opportunities may vary as well. International students are also subjected to meet visa requirements and restrictions.
Hence, it is important to speak with the admissions office of the targeted university for particular information about international student admissions and job prospects.
Summary
Pursuing MBBS in the USA for international students is a golden opportunity to acquire advanced medical education from one of the oldest and most prestigious academic healthcare programs globally.
The admission process is competitive, but the curriculum focuses on providing extensive clinical training, research opportunities, and comprehensive classroom education to create qualified healthcare professionals who are highly respected.
A degree in MBBS from an American university is indisputably a significant investment, given the quality of healthcare facilities and the extensive job opportunities available in the country.
1 Comment
I love this. It’s highly informative. Thank you