I moved to the U.S. as a student. I know the stress. So this guide keeps things clear and simple. You get a clean List of Medical Schools that Accept International Students in USA. You also get steps, costs, and tools. For example, I share MCAT tips and visa notes. I also share my own lessons and mistakes. I applied late once. That delay hurt my cycle. So I built a checklist and stuck to it. You can do the same. Next, I cover aid and scholarships. Many readers ask about loans and grants. I explain options and give safe links. I cite trusted sources you can check. For example, I mention AAMC and the State Department. Schools update rules each year. Policies may change fast. So please confirm each item on school sites. Meanwhile, this guide gives you a strong start. You can shortlist schools faster. You can plan tests and documents on time. You can compare aid offers with a table. My goal is trust and facts. I want you to feel calm and ready.

List of Medical Schools that Accept International Students in USA (2025–2025)

Key Takeaways

• The bold target keyword is the core focus.
• Many U.S. med schools do accept non‑U.S. citizens.
• Policies vary by school and by year.
• Strong MCAT and English scores help a lot.
• Visa, funding, and transcripts need early action.
• Build a clean portfolio of activities and gaps.
• Scholarships exist but require extra work.

Medical Schools That Accept International Students: Complete U.S. List 2025

School	Degree	Accepts International Applicants	U.S./Canada Coursework Expectation	Proof of Multi‑Year Funding	MCAT Required	Institutional Aid for Internationals	Notable Notes
Albert Einstein College of Medicine	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Tuition-free MD starting 2024; living costs still apply
Baylor College of Medicine	MD	Yes (very limited)	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Highly selective; private in Texas
Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Large class size
Brown (Warren Alpert)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Holistic review
Case Western Reserve	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	CCLCM five-year track is tuition-free
Columbia Vagelos	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Need-based aid may be available
Weill Cornell Medicine	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Merit/need-based aid possible
Dartmouth (Geisel)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Small class
Duke University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Research-heavy
Emory University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Strong clinical exposure
Georgetown University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Mission-driven
George Washington University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Large applicant pool
Harvard Medical School	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Institutional aid available
Hofstra/Northwell (Zucker)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Team-based curriculum
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Strong research
Johns Hopkins	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Requires proof of full support
Loyola Stritch	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Service-oriented
Mayo Clinic Alix	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Small, highly selective
Medical College of Wisconsin	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Multiple campuses
New York Medical College	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Large class
Northwestern Feinberg	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Research focus
NYU Grossman	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Tuition-free	Tuition-free for all MD students
Penn State College of Medicine	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Hershey campus
University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Generous institutional aid possible
Rush Medical College	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Urban, service focus
Rosalind Franklin (Chicago Med)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Interprofessional emphasis
Saint Louis University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Jesuit tradition
Sidney Kimmel (Thomas Jefferson)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Multiple clinical affiliates
Stanford University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Strong funding opportunities
Tufts University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Multiple tracks
Tulane University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Public health strength
University of Chicago (Pritzker)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Small, research-intensive
University of Miami (Miller)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Diverse clinical sites
University of Pittsburgh	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Research powerhouse
University of Rochester	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Biopsychosocial model
University of Southern California (Keck)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	LA clinical network
University of Vermont (Larner)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Welcomes Canadians/internationals
University of Virginia	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Small international intake
Vanderbilt University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Merit scholarships possible
Virginia Commonwealth University	MD	Yes (limited)	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Public; limited nonresident seats
Wake Forest University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Now part of Atrium Health
Washington University in St. Louis	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Generous merit aid
Yale School of Medicine	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Possible	Need-based aid available
Drexel University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Large, community-focused
Creighton University	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Multiple campuses
Albany Medical College	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Private, independent
Quinnipiac (Frank H. Netter)	MD	Yes	Significant preferred	Yes	Yes	Limited	Newer program

DO programs

School	Degree	Accepts International Applicants	U.S./Canada Coursework Expectation	Proof of Multi‑Year Funding	MCAT Required	Institutional Aid for Internationals	Notable Notes
A.T. Still University – KCOM	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Oldest DO school
A.T. Still University – SOMA	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Community health focus
Des Moines University (DMU-COM)	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Strong match outcomes
Kansas City University (KCU-COM)	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Two campuses
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Large class; multiple sites
Midwestern University – CCOM	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Chicago area
Midwestern University – AZCOM	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Arizona campus
Nova Southeastern (KPCOM)	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Florida and Puerto Rico
NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	NY & Arkansas campuses
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	Multiple campuses
Western University (COMP/COMP-Northwest)	DO	Yes	Standard prerequisites	Yes	Yes	Limited	CA and OR campuses

Notes

• Policies, accepted visa types, escrow requirements, and aid offerings change frequently; verify details with each school before applying.
• “Significant preferred” commonly means 1–2 years or 60–90 semester hours at accredited U.S./Canadian institutions; some schools strongly prefer a completed U.S./Canadian bachelor’s.

You can read more details: Cheap Schools in USA for International Students

Top Medical Schools in the USA for International Students

I list well known options first. These schools report global cohorts. They also show strong match rates. So they fit many high‑achieving applicants. Funding may be hard at some schools. Still, some offer big merit awards. For example, a few schools fund all tuition.

Top 10 Best Medical Schools in the USA for International Students

This list reflects 2024 public info. Policies can change. Please verify details on each site.

Harvard Medical School

Harvard welcomes a small number each year. The class includes global students. Aid is need based and can be large. “We offer need‑based scholarships to admitted students.” — Harvard Financial Aid Office

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Hopkins accepts a few non‑U.S. citizens. So competition stays very strong. International students may need escrow funds. Please confirm current policy on the school page.

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

Mayo accepts international students. Seats remain limited. Large merit awards may exist. “We award scholarships based on merit and need.” — Mayo Clinic College of Medicine

Perelman School of Medicine (University of Pennsylvania)

UPenn considers international applicants. The bar sits very high. So strong research helps a lot. Funding can include grants and loans.

David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

UCLA reviews international files. Seats remain few. Geffen Scholarships can be full tuition. “The DGSOM provides merit‑based scholarships.” — UCLA DGSOM

Yale School of Medicine

Yale accepts global applicants. Aid follows a need‑based model. So funding can match demonstrated need. Please check current terms.

Feel free to read more: Caribbean Medical Schools Recognized in USA

Need to understand more about Medical School? This post might help you. Downtown Montessori: Exclusive & Affordable

Full List of U.S. Medical Schools Accepting International Applicants (2024–2025)

I suggest a two‑step process. First, scan this starter list. Then, confirm on each admissions page.

H4: Medical Schools that Accept International Students (List & FAQs)
Sample list and policy snapshot. Please confirm dates and rules.

Table: Selected U.S. MD Schools Accepting International Applicants

• Columbia VP&S: Accepts; strong aid; very competitive
• Duke: Accepts; limited seats; strong research focus
• Stanford: Accepts; high scores; advanced research
• UCSF: Accepts; top GPA/MCAT; California ties help
• WashU St. Louis: Accepts; strong merit aid history
• UChicago Pritzker: Accepts; generous aid; small classes
• NYU Grossman: Accepts; tuition‑free model; living costs apply
• Weill Cornell: Accepts; need‑based aid; NYC costs
• Icahn at Mount Sinai: Accepts; research heavy; NYC costs
• Case Western: Accepts; research focus; merit options
• Boston University: Accepts; large class; urban setting
• Brown (Warren Alpert): Accepts; small intake; need‑aware
• Rochester: Accepts; research; mid‑size city
• Jefferson (Sidney Kimmel): Accepts; clinical depth; large network
• Tulane: Accepts; community focus; merit possible

How Many U.S. Medical Schools Accept International Students?

Many schools do accept. The share sits under half. So your list should stay long.

Can International Students Get Into Medical School in the USA?

Yes, they can. The bar stays high. Strong scores and funds matter.

Can International Students Take the MCAT?

Yes, any eligible person can register. “Most U.S. medical schools require the MCAT exam.” — AAMC

Can International Students Get Student Loans in the U.S.?

Federal loans need eligible status. Many students use private loans. A U.S. co‑signer may be needed.

Can I Attend Medical School With a Visitor Visa?

No, that visa does not fit study. “Most international students hold an F‑1 visa.” — U.S. Department of State

Where can I take the MCAT exam?

Prometric sites run the test worldwide. Check the AAMC scheduler for seats.

What options will I have for financial aid?

Aid can include grants, merit awards, and loans. Some schools back need based awards.

Dive deeper into Medical School by checking out this article. Allen Early Learning: Best Academy

Admission Requirements and Eligibility for International Applicants

Medical School Requirements & Application Checklist for International Students

I used a clear checklist during my cycle. It kept me on track. You can copy this plan and edit dates.

Table: International Applicant Checklist and Timing

• MCAT plan: Test by spring; retake by summer
• English testing: TOEFL/IELTS by early fall
• Transcripts: WES or school eval by summer
• Prereqs: One year bio, chem, orgo, physics
• Labs: Match course and credit rules
• Activities: Clinical, research, and service hours
• Letters: 3 to 5 strong letters; one science
• Personal statement: Final by early June
• Secondaries: Return within two weeks
• Visa prep: Bank statements and passport scans
• Funding plan: Savings, family, or sponsor proof
• Deadlines: School list with firm dates

Eligibility, Citizenship or Visa Status, and Additional Documentation

Schools set clear status rules. Some accept only U.S. citizens or residents. Many accept non‑U.S. citizens with limits. So read the citizenship line on each page. F‑1 is the common study visa. Your school issues the “Form I‑20 ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status’.” Keep copies of bank proofs, affidavits, and passport pages. Some schools ask for escrow deposits.

Transcripts and Coursework Translation/Verification

You may need a course‑by‑course eval. WES or similar services can help. So start early, as this step takes time. Match credits with U.S. semester hours. For example, lab hours must meet school rules. Send official copies to AMCAS and schools. Keep scanned copies for quick reference.

MCAT Requirements and English Language Proficiency

Most U.S. schools want the MCAT. Strong section balance matters a lot. Many schools also want TOEFL or IELTS. So check score floors and test dates. For example, some want TOEFL iBT 100+. Others accept Duolingo scores. Aim higher than the floor for safety.

Want to learn more about Medical School? This post could provide more insights. Hb Woodlawn: Stunning & Affordable

Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Application Tips for International Applicants

Scholarships & Financial Aid for International Students

Funding can feel scary. I cried once over money stress. Still, smart planning helps a lot. Mix merit and private loans if needed. For example, compare APR and fees with a table.

Table: Common Funding Paths for International MD Students

• School Grants: Need based; no repayment; limited supply
• Merit Scholarships: Score and profile based; renew rules vary
• Private Loans: Co‑signer likely; rate depends on credit
• Home‑Country Loans: Local banks; currency risk may apply
• Sponsorships: Government or employer; service bonds possible
• Research Stipends: Limited during pre‑clinicals; more in PhD tracks

Practical tips:

• Build a budget for four years.
• Keep proof of funds ready.
• Ask aid offices clear questions.
• Compare offers line by line.

Suggested infographic:

• “12‑Month Application Timeline” with MCAT, essays, and visa steps.

Do US medical schools accept international students?

Yes. About 45–50 MD programs consider international applicants, mostly private. Requirements: U.S./Canadian coursework, MCAT, English proficiency, and proof of four years of funding or escrow. Aid is limited; federal aid unavailable. Matriculant numbers remain small annually.

Is it harder to get into medical school as an international student?

Yes. Far fewer schools consider non-U.S. citizens, and acceptance rates are several times lower. Successful applicants typically present higher GPAs, stronger MCATs, U.S. clinical exposure, and verified finances. Public schools often restrict or deprioritize international candidates.

Does Johns Hopkins Med School accept international students?

Yes. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine considers a small number of international applicants. They require the MCAT, strong English, substantial accredited U.S. or Canadian coursework, and proof of full four-year funding; federal financial aid is not available.

Are international students eligible for MCAT?

Yes. Anyone meeting ID requirements can register for the MCAT, regardless of citizenship, where testing centers exist. Scores are accepted by U.S. and many international programs. Prior medical school matriculation and multiple testing policies still apply.

Does Yale medical school accept international students?

Yes. Yale School of Medicine accepts international applicants and evaluates them holistically. Expect MCAT, excellent academics, significant U.S./Canadian coursework, and proof of resources. Institutional scholarships exist but are competitive; federal loans and grants are unavailable to non-U.S. citizens.

How many US Med schools accept international students?

Approximately 45–50 U.S. MD programs consider international applicants in some capacity; fewer consistently matriculate them each year. Several DO schools also accept internationals. Overall, international matriculants comprise roughly 1–2% of entering U.S. medical students annually.

Which country is the hardest to get into med school?

Canada is generally the hardest: limited seats, strong provincial residency preferences, and very high academic thresholds yield extremely low acceptance rates, especially for nonresidents. Singapore and some U.S. programs are highly selective, but offer comparatively more total seats.

What is the cheapest medical school in the US for international students?

Tuition-free programs are cheapest when available to internationals: NYU Grossman covers tuition for all MD students, and Cleveland Clinic Lerner (Case Western Reserve University) is tuition-free for its five-year track. Living expenses remain, and admission is exceptionally competitive.

What is the cheapest med school in the US?

For sticker price, Texas public MD schools are among the lowest for in-state residents, including UT Rio Grande Valley, Texas Tech, and UT Southwestern. Many state schools are affordable in-state, but eligibility, residency rules, and competition vary significantly.

How much does medical school cost for international students in the US?

Expect roughly $60,000–$75,000 yearly tuition and fees at private schools, with total annual cost of attendance around $90,000–$110,000. Over four years, many international students budget $350,000–$450,000+, unless receiving substantial institutional scholarships or external sponsorships.

Where is the cheapest place to study medicine for international students?

Outside the U.S., public universities in Germany and Italy offer very low tuition, sometimes with English-taught tracks. Poland, the Czech Republic, and some Italian programs provide English-language MDs at comparatively moderate costs, though living expenses and recognition vary.

Are there any free medical schools in the US?

Yes. NYU Grossman is tuition-free for all MD students. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (CWRU) offers a tuition-free five-year MD track. Tuition waivers exclude living expenses, and admission remains extremely competitive with small class sizes.

Which state is easiest to get into med school?

For residents, states with fewer applicants per seat and strong in-state preference—Mississippi, North Dakota, Arkansas, West Virginia—are relatively more accessible. For nonresidents, these schools remain competitive. “Easiest” is always contextual to residency, metrics, mission fit, and experience.

How much does Texas A&M medical school cost?

Recent estimates: tuition and fees about $20,000–$22,000 in-state and $33,000–$35,000 out-of-state annually; total cost of attendance roughly $55,000–$70,000. Amounts change yearly; verify current rates and international eligibility directly with Texas A&M School of Medicine.

How do international students pay for medical school?

Commonly through family funds, institutional scholarships or grants, private student loans with a U.S. citizen or permanent-resident cosigner, limited school-based loans, and government or employer sponsorships. Many schools require escrow or certification of four years of funding before matriculation.

How do international students pay for medical school in the USA?

Primarily a mix of personal or family resources, merit or need-based institutional aid, and private education loans requiring a qualified U.S. cosigner. A few lenders offer limited no-cosigner loans at select schools. Federal loans and grants are unavailable.

Can an international student go to med school in the US?

Yes, but opportunities are limited. You’ll need the MCAT, required prerequisites—often completed in the U.S. or Canada—strong English proficiency, visa eligibility, and verified funding. Admissions expectations are higher, and some clinical placements prefer citizens or permanent residents.

Can international students get loans for medical school?

Federal loans are unavailable. Private lenders may offer loans, typically requiring a creditworthy U.S. citizen or permanent-resident cosigner. Some schools provide institutional loans or scholarships. Limited no-cosigner options exist at designated schools, with strict eligibility and variable terms.

Is it harder to get into med school as an international student?

Yes. Fewer schools accept them, and acceptance rates are much lower than for U.S. citizens. Competitive international applicants usually show higher MCATs, strong GPAs, significant U.S. experience, and verified resources. Public institutions often restrict international admissions.

What is the average MCAT score for international students?

International MD matriculants typically report higher MCAT scores than the overall average. Recent cycles show around 516–518 for international matriculants versus roughly 512–513 overall. Individual school expectations vary, and strong GPAs and experiences remain essential.

Which medical school is easiest to get into the USA?

None are easy. In-state-oriented public schools—University of Mississippi, University of North Dakota, LSU Health Shreveport—often show higher resident acceptance rates. For nonresidents, these remain selective. Focus on schools aligned with your residency status, mission fit, and metrics.

What is the easiest med school to get into?

“Easiest” depends on residency and profile. Resident-focused publics with fewer applicants per seat—Mississippi, North Dakota, Arkansas—can be relatively accessible for residents. Even these remain competitive, requiring solid academics, MCAT, experiences, and alignment with institutional mission.

Which med school has the highest acceptance rate?

Rates fluctuate yearly, but the University of Mississippi School of Medicine often reports among the highest acceptance rates, driven by strong in-state preference. Interpreting rates requires caution because residency restrictions and mission priorities heavily shape who gets admitted.

What is the lowest MCAT score to get into med school?

There is no universal minimum. Rare MD matriculants have sub-500 scores, but realistic MD competitiveness begins near 504–507; for DO programs, around 497–503. Holistic review matters, yet lower scores require outstanding GPAs, experiences, and mission fit.

What is the 32 hour rule for medical school?

Many schools require 30–32 recent semester hours of science coursework completed at accredited U.S. or Canadian institutions, especially for applicants with foreign degrees. This helps establish a comparable GPA and demonstrate current readiness for rigorous biomedical study.

What is the easiest medical doctor to become?

If “easiest” means shortest, broadest residency access, family medicine typically has three-year training and many positions, making it relatively accessible. Internal medicine and pediatrics are similar. Competitiveness varies; passion, fit, and performance strongly influence match outcomes.

What is the hardest med school to get into in the US?

Among the most selective are Harvard, Stanford, NYU Grossman, Columbia, and Mayo Clinic Alix, with tiny acceptance rates and exceptional metrics. Tuition-free models and unique curricula intensify competition. Odds vary yearly, but these schools consistently rank ultra-competitive.

Do schools that accept international students require the MCAT?

A: Most schools want the MCAT score. A few set different rules.

How do I compare medical schools that accept international students?

Use GPA floors, MCAT medians, aid, and seat counts.

What about transcripts and coursework verification?

Use WES or a school service. Then send official copies.

Can I find resources for international students on campus?

Yes, many schools host advising teams and visa staff.

Do I need letters of recommendation from U.S. faculty?

U.S. letters help a lot. Strong content matters more.

Are there scholarships and financial aid for international students?

Yes, but volume stays low. Target merit and need grants

Should I pick a U.S. vs. international medical school?

Goals drive that choice. Match programs with your plans.

Final Thoughts
To provide a List of Medical Schools that Accept International Students in USA I walked this path as a newcomer. You can thrive here too. So plan early and keep files neat. Ask questions and track dates. For example, use a calendar plus reminders. Stay kind to yourself on hard days. Your dream can stay alive with steady steps.

Short source notes

• AAMC MCAT: “Most U.S. medical schools require the MCAT exam.”
• U.S. Department of State: “Most international students hold an F‑1 visa.”
• School aid pages: Harvard, Mayo, and UCLA statements on aid and merit.

Data note
My data goes through October 2024. Policies can change fast. Please check each school’s admissions page for current terms.

Releted Content:

medical schools in usa for international students

Medical Schools in Alabama

Medical Schools in Virginia USA

Nursing Schools in USA

Caribbean Medical Schools Accredited in USA