MBBS in USA 2024: Colleges & Cost of MBBS in USA for Indian Students

8 min read

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a doctor with a global edge? Consider MBBS in the USA!

For Indian students aiming to be doctors, the USA might seem unconventional compared to the traditional MBBS route. But what if we told you it could be a life-changing experience with unique benefits?

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MBBS in the USA offers a world-class medical education and top-notch institutes.

Did you know? Over 4500 Indian students are already pursuing their studies in the USA.

This blog will provide all the necessary information and guidance to help you pursue your dream of studying MBBS in the USA.

At a glance:

Duration4-5 years
Average Annual FeeINR 17L – 55L
Average SalaryINR 13 crores
Language Proficiency1. IELTS – 6 -7 Band score
2. PTE – 50 – 70
Other Test Requirements1. NEET – Above 50th percentile
2. MCAT – 511 or above

Let’s explore!

Which are the Top 10 Medical Colleges in the USA?

MBBS in the USA is highly regarded, and colleges are designed to provide in-depth knowledge and hands-on clinical experience to prepare students for a challenging and fulfilling medical career.

How to do MBBS in USA? Unlike many countries, the USA doesn’t offer a direct MBBS program. Instead, students typically complete a pre-medical course, followed by a medical degree like an MD. If you’re wondering how to become doctor in USA from India, it’s essential to plan your path carefully, especially if you’re looking at MBBS in USA after 12th for Indian students. You’ll need to meet the eligibility for MBBS in USA, which includes completing a bachelor’s degree, clearing the USA medical entrance exam for Indian students like the MCAT, and then securing admission to one of the best medical colleges in USA for Indian students

Here is a list of the top 10 medical colleges in the USA:

Medical CollegesQS Ranking 2025Annual Fees (INR)
Harvard Medical School#457L
Yale School of Medicine#231 crore
David Geffen School of Medicine (UCLA)#4227L
UCSF School of Medicine#849L
Vanderbilt University#24874L
John Hopkins University#3263L
University of Pennsylvania#1154L
Columbia University#3455L
Duke University#6152L
Stanford University#617L (per quarter)

Why Study MBBS in USA?

Are you considering pursuing an MBBS in USA for Indian students? The USA offers one of the world’s most prestigious and well-rounded medical education systems. Studying MBBS in America for Indian students provides access to cutting-edge facilities and renowned faculty and opens doors to global career opportunities. The journey might seem challenging, especially when considering MBBS in America for Indian students fees. Still, the return on investment is significant, with many Indian students achieving success and recognition in the medical field.

Here is why you should pursue your MBBS in the USA:

  • MBBS in the USA is a good option for Indian students due to the country’s reputation for providing comprehensive medical education and training. 
  • An MBBS degree program completed in the USA is recognised in India.
  • An MBBS degree program completed in the USA allows Indian students to practice medicine in India after clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). 
  • The competition for job opportunities after completing an MBBS degree in the USA is high.

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What are the Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in USA?

You must have a 4-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised university with majors in biology, physics, and chemistry, which is considered eligible for medical schools in the United States. 

Other requirements for a medical education school admission in the United States include:

  1. English Language Test: You should have passed an English language competence test. Depending on the university, you may be required to take one of the three standardised exams: IELTS or PTE. The grading structure and pattern for each of the three assessments are different. Check the medical college site to verify which language exams are accepted and what percentile is required before applying.
  2. MCAT (The Medical College Admission Test) Score: The MCAT exam evaluates a candidate’s ability in several areas. In the United States, it is a prerequisite for studying MBBS. The computer-based test’s multiple-choice questions examine potential medical candidates’ thinking, aptitude, and knowledge. The test lasts 7.5 hours and can be given three times per year. All six sections have a maximum score of 528, with a median score of 511.
  3. NEET: Indian students must pass the National Eligibility Exam with qualifying marks to pursue MBBS overseas

Documents Required for an MBBS in USA

To pursue an MBBS degree in the USA, the documents you would need to submit are:

  • Academic transcripts of prior studies. An approved agency evaluates international transcripts.
  • Relevant test results
  • Certificate of English proficiency
  • Copy of a valid passport
  • Recommendations letters
  • A mission statement
  • Resume/CV
  • An investigation of the applicant’s criminal history is conducted
  • F1 Visa for students
  • Photocopies in passport size
  • Letter of Recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose

What is the Admission Process for MBBS in USA?

In the United States, universities and medical degree schools have a streamlined MBBS admissions process, which is as follows:

  • First, fill out the forms and submit your applications to as many universities as possible to increase your chances of receiving responses. 
  • You must include letters of recommendation with your application.
  • To get admitted to an MBBS programme in the United States, you must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This computer-based test assesses your reasoning, scientific, and writing abilities. You can attempt the exam three times a year. Like other MBBS admissions or entrance exams, the MCAT is difficult, but it is possible to get an excellent score with consistent practice and work.
  • You can also opt for a scholarship to get funds for tuition fees and living costs.
  • You will be encouraged by most of the top medical universities in the USA to apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

What is the Cost of Studying MBBS in the USA?

The cost of studying for an MBBS (or the equivalent MD program) in the USA can be quite high compared to other countries. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Tuition Fees are the biggest expense. Yearly tuition fees can range between INR 14 Lakhs and INR 50 Lakhs (or USD 18,000 to 86,000 ). Some sources even estimate a wider range of ₹ 17 Lakhs to ₹ 55 Lakhs per year.
  • Total Program Cost: Considering an MD program typically lasts 4 years in the USA, the tuition fees alone can add up to around INR 54 Lakhs to 2 Cr (or USD 72,000 to 344,000 ).

Summing Up

In this blog, we learned how to study MBBS in the USA for Indian students. It offers a unique journey if you want to become a physician. The United States Medical Education system is renowned for its extensive curriculum, cutting-edge facilities and wide range of experience in the field. 

Although an MBBS from the USA has some strict admissions standards and perhaps a high cost of living, the United States is undoubtedly one of the greatest destinations to pursue a doctorate. The medical course syllabus leads to a payoff of a stable, well-paying, and satisfying career path.

For more guidance on how to apply for MBBS in the USA, you can contact our LeapScholar Team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Q. What MBBS scholarships are available in the United States?

    Ans. The individual institution’s school of medicine provides scholarships to students. Scholarships for medical students are also available from non-profit organisations supporting the healthcare sector.

  • Q. Is an MBBS degree program completed in the United States recognised in India?

    Ans. Yes, an MBBS degree program completed in the United States is recognised in India. However, Indian students who want to practice medicine in India after completing their MBBS in the USA must clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) conducted by the National Board of Examinations. The exam is conducted twice a year and tests the candidate’s knowledge and skills in medicine. Once the candidate clears the exam, they can apply for a license to practice medicine in India.

  • Q. What happens when someone fails to qualify for NEET but wants to pursue MBBS in the United States?

    Ans. If you fail to qualify for NEET but want to study for an MBBS in the USA, you can still apply to medical colleges in the USA. Students must meet the eligibility criteria and take additional tests, such as the MCAT, to be considered for admission. Pursuing an MBBS in the USA can be expensive, and scholarships and financial aid opportunities are highly competitive.

  • Q. How to study MBBS in USA for Indian Students?

    Ans. To study MBBS in the USA after 12th grade, complete your high school education and take the MCAT exam. Research and compare colleges, and seek professional guidance to increase your chances of admission. Scholarships and financial aid opportunities are limited, and competition is high.

  • Q. Can I get a job after MBBS in the USA?

    Ans. Indian students who complete their MBBS in the USA can get job offers after clearing the USMLE and completing a residency program. Job market demand is competitive, and students must research the job prospects in their field of interest. Seeking guidance from experts in medical education and career development is recommended.

  • Q. How much do Indian doctors earn in the USA?

    Ans. The salary of Indian doctors in the USA can vary based on factors such as specialisation, experience, location, and employer. The median annual wage for physicians and surgeons in the USA is around INR 172.98L. However, factors like the high cost of living and taxes can impact the take-home salary.

  • Q. What are the prospects for Indian students practising medicine in the USA?

    Ans. Indian students who complete their MBBS in the USA can practice medicine in the USA after clearing the USMLE and completing a residency program. The job market in the USA is competitive, and it is recommended that guidance be sought from experts in medical education and career development.

  • Q. Are there specific strategies Indian students should follow to increase their acceptance rate?

    Ans. To increase their acceptance rate for MBBS in the USA, Indian students should research and compare different medical schools, prepare well for the MCAT exam, maintain a good academic record, secure strong letters of recommendation, and write a compelling personal statement. Seeking guidance from experienced professionals is also recommended.

  • Q. What is the difference between the Indian medical education system and the US medical education system?

    Ans. The Indian medical education system is different from the US medical education system. In India, medical education is offered at the undergraduate level, while in the US, it is offered at the graduate level. The US system emphasises practical training, research, and broad skills and knowledge, while the Indian system focuses more on theory.

  • Q. What are the pathways for pursuing further specialisations in the medical field in the USA?

    Ans. After completing MBBS, Indian students can pursue further specialisations in the medical field in the USA by applying for residency programs and fellowships in their desired speciality. Clearing the USMLE and meeting the admission criteria are required. Seeking guidance from experts in medical education and career development is recommended.

  • Q. What are the eligibility criteria for studying MBBS in the USA?

    Ans. To study MBBS in the USA, Indian students must have completed their 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, scored a minimum of 60%, taken the MCAT, have proficiency in the English language, and have valid passports, visas, and other necessary documents.

  • Q. How to do MBBS in USA ?

    A. To pursue an MBBS in the USA, one must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree in a science-related field and then clear the MCAT exam. After that, the candidate must apply to medical schools in the USA and complete a 4-year medical degree program. Upon completion, the candidate must clear the USMLE exams and complete a residency program to practice as a doctor in the USA.

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Rashmi Gupta

Researcher, Journalist and skilled writer with a journalism degree. Rashmi Gupta is Known for tackling diverse topics with clear and impactful writing. She has expertise in a variety of education-related fields. Believes in a balanced life and enjoys time outside of work.

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