The United States has been at the forefront of healthcare and medical technologies innovations. This is why studying medicine or healthcare-related courses in the USA makes more sense. For example, a report suggests that the total applications for studying medicine in the US for 2020-21 from students of different countries were 1,099,486. It had an average of 18 applications from a single candidate. So, you can understand how the US has become one of the most popular regions for studying the MBBS course and its specializations. Students from India look forward to studying at prestigious medical colleges across the USA. However, the cost of living in the US can be high due to different factors like accommodation, transport costs, and others. On average, students in the US need to spend anywhere between $10,000 and $25,000. Apart from these, living expenses include pre-arrival costs, which include the cost of IELTS, entrance exams such as NEET, MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), and student visas. These are the costs of studying for an MBBS degree in the US. But, you also need to think about the residency program that every physician of foreign country origin needs to apply for after MBBS. So, the cost of studying for MBBS and living expenses can be challenging aspects for many Indian students in the US. Fortunately, several medical universities provide MBBS in the USA with scholarships. Let’s discuss some of them.
Top Universities for MBBS in the USA with Scholarships
The US is home to several reputed medical schools and top universities that provide MBBS degrees. According to research, the 2020-21 academic year in the USA for MBBS saw 42% of matriculated applicants. However, the acceptance rate for applications differs according to medical college guidelines. For example, Harvard University has an acceptance rate of 3.8%, while the University of Tennessee has a 13.8% acceptance rate.
1. Harvard Medical School Scholarships
Harvard Medical School(HMS) Scholarships provides scholarships to MBBS candidates opting for HMS medical courses. It covers both tuition fees and mandatory fees needed for doctoral students. The eligibility of the scholarship is determined by a committee that subtracts the family contribution from the tuition and mandatory fees from the institutional amount. HMS scholarships are eligible for eight semesters only. For the application process, you need to provide information about your pre-medical background, residency preferences, professional interests, and academic progress.
2. Joseph Collins Foundation Scholarship
It is a scholarship program established in 1951. Named after Dr. Joseph Collins, who was a pioneer of neurology in 1888, it provides a scholarship reward of $10,000 per year. Joseph Collins Foundation Scholarship provides scholarships for medical degree candidates in the field of general practice, neurology, and psychiatry. Students attending medical schools east of the Mississippi River are eligible for this scholarship. Students will also need higher academic ranks, especially in the upper half of their class.
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3. NHS Corps Scholarship
National Health Service Corps is a scholarship program offered by the US government to students committed to healthcare and the well-being of citizens. The program covers different types of costs for MBBS students like tuition fees, books, stationery supplies, equipment, and a monthly stipend for the course duration. The eligibility criteria for an NHS scholarship are specific to US citizens. So, you need to be accepted by an accredited university for a medical degree with the following disciplines,
- Medicine (MD or DO)
- Dentistry (DDS or DMD)
- Nurse practitioner
- Certified nurse-midwife
- Physician assistant
4. Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship
With an average of $ 10,112 per year, the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship has provided funding to many scholars to a total amount of $14.6 million. One of the biggest benefits of Jack Kent Cooke Scholarships is the freedom to choose any stream for study. It provides a grant of $55,000 per year for the students, including tuition, living expenses, books, and required fees. Medical students looking for scholarships need to submit proof indicating Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). There is no age limit, and you must have taken a two-year course at any US university.
5. Howard G. Lapsley Memorial Scholarship Fund for Medical Education
The Howard G. Lapsley Scholarship is awarded to medical degree students, especially those who prefer to study in the tri-county (Union, Somerset, and Middlesex) area served by the JFK-Muhlenberg Campus. Every student gets a scholarship reward worth $10,000 per year, including all the costs. All the students applying for Howard G. Lapsley Scholarship need to,
- Submit transcripts from qualifying elementary or secondary school, final undergraduate transcript, current medical school transcript or medical school acceptance letter with a copy of the school deposit
- Furnish four letters of reference, at least two of which must be academic references.
- Provide a current FAFSA financial report.
- Submit one page, typed essay on why they seek the Howard G. Lapsley Memorial Scholarship
Application Process for MBBS Scholarships in the USA
The MBBS admission process for international students in American universities differs from other countries. For example, an international student needs a pre-medical course and a high MCAT score for selection for the medical degree course. An international student can either visit the official website of the medical school or use American Medical College Application Service(AMCAS) to apply for MBBS admission. Some of the common eligibility criteria for admission to MBBS with scholarships are,
- Good academic record in 10th and 12th class higher secondary education
- Bachelor of Sciences(BS) degree in Biology, Chemistry, or another related subject.
- Good scores in NEET and MCAT exam
- Proof of English proficiency through high scores in IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.
- A valid passport and student visa
Apart from all this, for students who want to apply for different medical scholarships, Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA) is important. It is a common application form for students where they need to furnish important details like past academic records, income, and others. Further, this data is used by many medical schools across the US to decide whether a candidate is eligible for financial aid.
Conclusion
MBBS or MD programs in the US are a promising course as many pristine hospitals and healthcare institutions in the region provide amazing opportunities. However, scholarships become essential because of the higher costs related to academics, leisure, accommodation, and more. This is where LeapScholar can help you with the right guidance on financial aid and visa support and find the best course in the US. FAQsQ1. What is the duration of MBBS in the USA? Ans. In the US MBBS degree is equivalent to an MD program which is of 4 years. However, a medical student needs to have a pre-medical course at least 16 months before admission. Also, applicants need to take a residency program of 3 to 5 years after completing the MD program. Q2. What is the tuition fee for MBBS in the US? Ans. The average tuition fee for an MBBS degree in the US is between $10,000 to $60,000. Apart from these you also need to consider living costs, accommodation, and other expenses. Q3. Which scholarships are available for Indian students in the US? Ans. There are many different scholarship options for Indian students in the US. Apart from the university rewards program and student loans, students can apply for several external scholarships like National Health Service Corps Scholarship, Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, Howard G. Lapsley Memorial Scholarship Fund for Medical Education, and others.
