How to study MBBS in US

Dreaming to be a doctor In a place the offers so much you may wonder how to study mbbs in us for indian students for many medical aspirants especially in countries like Pakistan and India becoming a mbbs in usa What is known as doctor of medicine or md in the usacomes as the ultimate However, the American education system offers ad cocktail of latest knowledge practical training ad degrees that command respect globally but, if you are considering studying mbbs in USA after 12th grade then you may be constantly scratching your head as to how to study mbbs in us by 2025 and that too from scratch?

Not to worry, you’re not the first, and getting clear, reliable information about this tricky but rewarding journey can be tricky. That’s even more reason why we have compiled this detailed prefab guide to give you everything you need to know to pursue your medical dream, MBBS in the USA, right from the special layout of their MBBS MD program to the various scholarship opportunities and important eligibility requirements. We shall also take on the big question mbbs fees in usa for

international students. Having helped numerous students through this process, we have witnessed the joy and exhilaration when they are finally accepted into the medical school of their dreams. It’s a difficult path, but doable with the right direction.

The MBBS Equivalent Degree in the USA

Here is the first major difference you need to know in many lands: How to study MBBS in US. MBBS is an undergraduate degree pursued right after high school; in the U.S., MBBS is a postgraduate program. What they refer to as a Doctor of Medicine simply happens to be how to study MBBS in the US.

Here’s the first major difference you should know: While in many places, MBBS is an undergraduate degree that you can pursue immediately after high school, in the United States, it is a postgraduate program. That which they have known as Doctor of Medicine (MD) is the equivalent course to the MBBS in their system. The process of becoming a doctor in the U.S is long and thorough, with the intent of providing students with a high-quality education. The standard MD program is four years long.

That’s a combination of rigorous classroom learning and rigorous clinical training, where you learn by doing, while working with patients. Upon successful completion of the program, you receive the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, an internationally recognized and highly respected degree in medicine.

But there’s a caveat for students abroad, particularly those seeking admission post-12th grade: You can’t apply directly to the MD program. First, you’ll need to finish a pre-med program, which is essentially an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in a science (like biology, chemistry, or physics). This pre-medical undergraduate program typically takes 3-4 years. You can only apply to the MD program after completing your pre-med course. So the total time to become a full-fledged doctor and work as a doctor in America is 7 to 10 years on average (4 years pre-med + 4 years MD + 3-7 years residency). It’s a heavy slog, but the gains are vast.

Why Study MBBS in the USA?

You might be thinking, ‘That’s a lot of time and money!’ And yes, it’s a big commitment. But then, the merits of studying MBBS in the USA are too convincing:

• Top-Notch Medical Education: The United States boasts some of the world’s top medical schools. These schools offer top-notch education and are dedicated to equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of medicine. Just think of studying in the newest laboratories and being taught by the latest technology, which means you get hands-on experience with brand-new medical equipment.
• Worldwide Acceptance and respect: You get an medical degree of MD from an established American medical school, and your degree is recognized around the world. This is a huge plus! Unlike in many other countries, if you do your MBBS in USA, typically you will not be required to take the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or a similar screening test to be able to practice in India, as the National Medical Commission (NMC) recognizes an MD degree from approved U.S. institutions that meet their Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021. This universality also gives you the chance to use your qualification, and graduates from the system are widespread throughout the entire world.
• Varied Clinical Experience: Medical students in the USA get to experience a wide variety of clinical experiences quite early. There will be a variety of diseases and treatments you’re exposed to, and you will gain a valuable understanding of managing different clinical situations, patients from all walks of life, etc. These are the type of hands-on learning experiences that are so important for the creation of well-rounded health care providers.
• Scholarships for MBBS in USA: Despite the high cost of studying in the USA for foreign students, scholarships for MBBS in USA serve as taxpayers’ money for the students. MBBS scholarships are rendered by most top medical universities and a few of non-government agencies, wherein most of such MBBS scholarships are fully or partially funded in order to make it easier for students to focus on their studies rather than money.
• Great Career Opportunities: The US is suffering from a shortage of doctors. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) projects a shortfall of as many as 86,000 physicians by 2036. This has led to strong job growth and career opportunities for medical graduates, not just in general practice, but also in support for very “niche” areas such as psychiatry, surgery, and cardiology.

How to Study MBBS in the USA – Step-by-Step Course Pattern

As mentioned, the path to an MD degree in the US is different. Here’s a step-by-step:

Step 1: The Bachelor of Science Pre-Med Track

When it comes to studying MBBS in the USA, if you are an international student looking to study MBBS in the USA, then your first destination is a pre-med program (a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree). There are generally 3-4 years on that. You will have an emphasis in areas such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or other health sciences. This is an introductory course that provides an understanding of the science and medicine necessary for your MD studies.

certain programs, such as those found at the American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine, offer specific tracks for foreign students. So if you’re an Indian student in the 12th grade, you might study in a pre-med course of about 1-2 years(4 semesters) meant to expedite your entrance into their medical program. Upon enrollment, they issue a Meeting Eligible Criteria of Medicine certificate.

2 The MD Program (Medical School)

After you’ve gotten through your pre-med program and received a solid MCAT score (more on that below!), you can apply to the MD degree, which is the same as your MBBS degree. This is a serial program and normally lasts for four years, which is categorized into two major phases:

Pre-clinical (1st and 2nd year) – Here, the emphasis is on theory. You will address the basic medical sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, medical ethics, physiology, and pathology. And this is where you get an education.

• Clinical Sciences Rotations (Years 3 & 4): This is where you get down & dirty, and I mean that only in the best way! You’ll rotate through different medical specialties in hospitals and clinics, and learn directly from practicing doctors. This phase is 84 weeks long and is split into core and elective blocks, which gives you excellent clinical exposure. You will have to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Exams at some important stages of your MD program.
• USMLE Exam 1: Typically taken after the pre-medical sciences (it may be after your first or second year). This must be passed to progress to clinical rotations.
• USMLE Exam 2 (CK&CS): After your last clinical rotation, before graduating (at the end of the fourth year). This should be cleared before applying to residency programs.

Step 3: The Match Program

Pass the USMLE,2 and you can begin your application for a US residency. This is equal to an MD or MS with any specialty in India and Pakistan. Residency programs will run 3 to 7 years, depending on your area of specialty. In residency, you are a doctor who is a trainee, also known as a supervised doctor, at a hospital, and you get paid! This training is a requirement of full medical licensure for practicing medicine in the USA. Hence, the total duration of MBBS in the USA after 12th (including premed, MD, and residency) can be 7-10 years.

MBBS Fees in USA and How Much Does it Cost to do MBBS in USA?

Before we get to the finances. Source Pros and Cons. The MBBS fees in the USA for international students can be quite expensive. The entire fees for MBBS in the US (For 4 4-year MD program) can cost between 200,000 to 300,000 USD for the complete program. Annual tuition fees alone can range from $25,000 to 60,000 US and beyond, depending on the university.

You also want to think about living expenses. The monthly living cost in the USA for Indian and Pakistani students is estimated anywhere between $1,100 to $2,000 (INR 92,000 to INR 1,60,000), depending on the city and your lifestyle. Big cities such as New York, Boston, or San Francisco will cost a lot more than small towns.

• Rent: $1,000 – $3,000+ per month
• Utilities: $150 to $300 a month
• Food: $300 – $600 per month
• Health Insurance: $700 to $1,100 a year
• Books and Supplies: $900 to $2,000 per year

But here is the good news: as we mentioned earlier, there are several scholarships for MBBS in the USA that can help reduce the financial burden.

MBBS Scholarships in the USA for Pakistani Students and Other Nationality Holders

The USA is reputed to provide many scholarships, including a fully funded MBBS scholarship, which is indispensable for students entering from abroad. Most of these scholarships are merit-based, while some are need-based or target international students; this means you can study MBBS in the USA with a scholarship. Below are the most popular scholarships for MBBS in the USA for Pakistani students and other international students:

• Provost Scholarship
• Dean’s Scholarships For Achievement
• High Achievers Scholarship
• Harvard Medical School Financial Aid
• NHS Corps Scholarship
• Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)
• Rhodes Scholarship
• Gates Millennium Scholarship
• Global Alliance Program Scholarship to send anyone on the fourth submission, after sending someone to the Moon.
• Libermann Scholarship

For the best odds, as always, consult the official websites of the universities you’re applying to. There, they will be able to access the fine print on their grant eligibility and application deadline details. A lot of the time, the scholarship award is based entirely on the academic history of the student.

Study MBBS in the USA Requirements

Though MBBS in the USA offers great opportunities, the admission process is extremely competitive. The following is what you require to get into MBBS in the USA:

Academic Requirements:

• 12th Pass: You need to have passed your 10th & 12th class with good percentage.
• Science Subjects: Physics, Chemistry & Biology (12th Standard or equivalent). Some international boards, such as Cambridge, may feature exceptions, but you likely would have studied these subjects in the 10th or 11th grade.
• Biology Major (Pre-Med): If you’re an international student, you’ll want to complete your Bachelor’s degree (aka pre-med program) in a science major, and with a high GPA (A > 3.0 out of 4.0 is expected quite often). For more selective colleges, 3.8 or even 3.9 is academically helpful.
• Standardized Test Scores:
• MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): This is required for MD admission. It challenges what you know in science topics, how you think critically, and use problem-solving. Although there is no specific minimum score, some successful applicants have scores of 510 and higher. Your MCAT must not be older than four years.
• CASPer Test: A Situational Judgement Test given online, it evaluates non-cognitive attributes such as professional behavior, ethics, communication, as well as empathy. It’s a practice that’s growing with medical school admissions.
• English Proficiency: As the course is in English, you need to show your skills.
• IELTS Score (band 7.0) or equivalent as per course requirement.
• TOEFL: 90-100 is the score range.
• NEET Examination (for Indian Citizens): If you’re an Indian citizen holding an Indian passport, you must pass the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam with qualifying marks to be accepted into an MBBS program in the USA. This is necessary for your later eligibility to practice in India.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): You will require solid LORs from your professors or professionals who can certify your academic skills as well as your character.
• Motivation Statement/Essay: A motivation letter where you explain (in English) why you want to study medicine, your career project, and how past experiences fit with your future goals.
• NRI students without an Indian passport. It is not compulsory to appear for the NEET exam for medical courses to obtain a seat in a US university, but better to recheck with the university separately.

Compulsory Documents for MBBS Admission in the USA

Careful preparation of your papers is essential. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork may result in delays or a denial. The accepted documents by most of the MBBS colleges in the USA are listed below:

• Academic Records: Original certificates, official transcripts of 10th and 12th grades, and Bachelor’s degree (pre-medical).
• Standardized Test Scorecards: Official scorecard of MCAT, NEET, IELTS, TOEFL.
• CASPer Test Results.
• Statement of Purpose Essay: A quality, well-considered, well-written statement will have a positive effect on your application.
• Letters of Recommendation: A minimum of two LORs from professors or professionals in the field.
• Curriculum Vitae (Résumé): A complete resume that includes your educational accomplishments, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and any previous work experience.
• Good to know before you book: Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date. A clear scan of a passport (with at least 6 months’ validity).

• Passport-sized Photographs.
• Birth Certificate.
• School Leaving Certificate.
• Certificate of Conduct.
• Health and Travel Insurance.

Evidence of support: Bank statements or any financial document(s) showing enough money to pay for your tuition fees and living expenses. Proof of the sponsor’s financial stability, if you have one.

• Application Occupancy fee not refunded.
• I-20 Form: This is what your university provides after you’ve been admitted, and it is necessary for your visa application.
• Some colleges may have additional specific requirements, so always cross-reference to their formal admissions page.

The Process For Applying for MBBS In the USA

The procedure of applying for MBBS in the USA may look cumbersome; however, when divided into steps, it is far from difficult.

Stage 1: Initial research and planning

• Find Programs: The First step is to find the list of medical schools in the United States with MD programs. Consider their curriculum, faculty, opportunities to take part in research, and where the school is located. Think about your academic profile and the type of environment where you would thrive.
• Honestly: Look for Requirements: Make sure to list all of the appropriate academic, test scores, MCAT, IELTS/TOEFL, CAS Per, and extracurricular requirements for schools that you are applying to.
• The Next Step: Pre-Medical Studies & Standardized Tests
• Step 2: Succeed in your Pre-Med Classes & Exams
• Keep a good GPA: Having a good undergraduate GPA is key. Strive to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or above.
• Study for MCAT: This is a no-brainer, and go through some sort of rigorous MCAT study program. Utilize study guides, practice tests, and look into preparatory courses. A strong score can make or break your application.
• Take CASPer: Get to know the CASPer test format and study for it.
• English Examinations: Register for and take your IELTS or TOEFL exams well in time to get the results.
• Step 3: Organize and Prepare All of the Necessary Information
• Transcripts – You must submit official transcripts from all previous colleges you have attended.
• Letters of Recommendation: Request nice LORs from professors or employers who know you well and can emphasize your strengths. Send them your CV and personal statement to guide them in writing strong letters.
• Create Your Statement: Now you’ll have an opportunity to tell your story. Paste there your heartfelt reasons for wanting to be a doctor, the experiences you’ve had, and what makes you a strong candidate. Make it from the heart and real. For instance, you might say: When I volunteered at the local hospital during a summer internship, I worked side by side with doctors and learned the deep impact of their work on their patients, not just in treating illnesses, but in offering comfort and hope. That just kind of solidified, for me, that medicine was what I was going to do and what my life was going to be committed to.
• Update Your CV Make sure your CV is up-to-date and includes any and all relevant academic, volunteer, and work experience.

The application (AMCAS) is online.

• Central Application: Many MBBS (MD) applications in the USA are handled by AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service). (The AAMC manages this centralized application portal.)
• Open Season: A new application year for the AMCAS portal is open! You will have something like 4-5 months to submit your application.
• Fees: There’s an application fee (eg, 175 USD) for the first school you apply to, and a per-school fee (eg, 45 USD) for each additional medical college you apply to. Submission applicants should be methodical about which education certification, test, and essay LOR documents they upload to the AMCAS.

Step 5: Personal Interviews

• Invitation: If your first application is strong, you will be asked to come to an interview. These are key and, for international students, they often take place over Zoom or Skype.
• Preparation: Prepare for potential questions, research the school that you are interviewing for, and be ready to speak about why you want to do veterinary medicine, what you have done before, and what you want from the future.
• Step 6: Kindly Accept and Financial Arrangements
• Offer Letter: If selected, you will get an offer letter from a university.
• Scholarship Applications: This is when you will apply for university-specific and off-campus scholarships. Most universities have their mechanisms for applying for scholarships, which happen together or after the initial admission offers are made.
• Proof of Funding: You will have to show you have enough money to pay for your tuition and living costs for at least your first year.

Step 7: Apply for a Visa (F-1 student visa)

• I-20 Form: After getting accepted, and you have shown proof of how you can pay, they issue you what is called an I-20 form. This is a crucial document.
• DS-160 & Interview – Apply for the F1 Student VisaComplete the online DS-160 visa application form, pay the visa fee, and schedule your F-1 student visa interview at the US embassy or consulate nearest to where you live in Pakistan.
• Document Needed: Bring your passport, I-20, and visa fee receipts, bank statements, and all academic and other relevant information with you to your appointment.
• TB Test Certificate: As Pakistan is a listed country, a TB Test Certificate from a clinic approved by the US is required.
• Mind you, MBBS in the USA admission for the next year intake (which commences from September) opens in June and July. Mark your calendars, folks, because these are important dates!

Jobs in USA for Indian MBBS Doctors & Career Opportunities

After students receive their MD degree in the US, they have a cosmos of career opportunities to explore. There’s a need for doctors in the US, and a US medical degree has global reach. The average annual salary of family physicians and general surgeons is +-200kper year in the USA, and the specialists make still more. These are some of the in-demand professions you can pursue:

• Family and General Practitioners: Treat common health problems.
• Internists: Treat non-surgical and internal diseases.
• Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental disorders.
• Operating staff: Stay in the operating room. Other surgeons: Do surgery.
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists – Focus on the health of the female reproductive system.
• Neurologists manage diseases of the nervous system and brain.
• Radiologists: Doctors who diagnose diseases by medical imaging.
• Anesthesiologists: Give pain relief for certain surgeries.
• Pediatricians: The medical treatment of children.
• Cardiologists: Identify and treat heart and blood vessel diseases.

For Pakistani students on graduating from MD medical schooling and residency in the US, if you do not choose to practice medicine directly in the US ( after clearing the USMLE ), and instead decide to return to Pakistan. When you return, after passing the (NLE) (Pakistan Medical Commission) (previously called National Registration Examination, NRE, yes, you can start your practice in Pakistan. A USA MD degree is much appreciated and offers even brighter career options if you study at one of the private or government medical colleges, or even pursue higher studies and research!

MBBS in USA at a Glance

Particulars	Details
Degree Course	Doctor of Medicine (MD) (equivalent to MBBS)
Total Duration	7-10 years (3-4 years pre-med + 4 years MD + 3-7 years Residency)
MD Program Duration	4 years (after pre-med)
Basic Eligibility	12th grade with PCB, then a Bachelor’s degree (pre-med) in science with a high GPA. NEET is mandatory for Indian citizens.
Language of Teaching	English
Currency	US Dollar
Living Cost	$1,100 – $2,000 USD/Month (approx.)
Tuition Fee (MD)	12th grade with PCB, then a Bachelor’s degree (pre-med) in science with high GPA. NEET is mandatory for Indian citizens.
Entrance Exams	MCAT, CASPer test, IELTS/TOEFL
Degree Recognition	12th grade with PCB, then a Bachelor’s degree (pre-med) in science with a high GPA. NEET is mandatory for Indian citizens.
Intake	Applications open in May (AMCAS). MD classes typically start in September.
Processing Time	Varies significantly based on application complexity, visa processing (can be 3-9 months after acceptance).
Scholarships	$25,000 – $60,000/year (can be higher for top universities)
Job Growth	Generous scholarships are available, including fully funded MBBS scholarships, MBBS scholarships for Pakistani students, MBBS scholarships for Pakistani students in the USA, and scholarships for medical students in Pakistan.
Practice in India?	High demand for physicians is expected for the next decade.

Best Colleges for MBBS in the USA

Selecting the right school to study MBBS in the US is a very important step in the process. There is no institution in the US offering direct MBBS; instead, you need to search for MBBS in top medical schools offering the MD degree in the USA. Some of the most prestigious medical schools in the US are:

Harvard Medical School

• Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• School of Medicine, Stanford University
• University of Pennsylvania (Perelman School of Medicine)
• Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
• University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
• Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
• Yale School of Medicine

When choosing your MBBS university in the USA

• Accreditation: Make sure the school is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
• Research opportunities: If you’re interested in doing research, find places with good research programs.
• Clinical Affiliations: The caliber and range of hospitals and clinics that you will do your clinical rotations in are important as well.
• Location and Campus Culture: Pick a location where you can be happy and succeed both academically and personally.
• Student Support Services: Search for robust resources for international students.

As always, make sure to research the exact admissions criteria for each school, as they differ.

Study MBBS in the USA Online?

Although you might find a few courses online in the USA for the pre-medical requirements or to get an extra edge, you cannot study MBBS in the USA online. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the US is an intensive, hands-on professional degree that entails years of in-person classroom training, laboratory work, and, most importantly, thousands of hours of supervised clinical training with real-life patients in hospitals and other medical settings.

Take it as a red flag if any program says that I can get a complete MBBS online or online U.S MD (Go to an MBBS program online in the USA for primary medical qualification) will not be accredited and as such will not be recognized by medical licensing authorities! The practical and moral demands of medical training require a physical presence in the same place teaching process.

MBBS in USA for Pakistani Students: Fee Structure & Scholarships

For Pakistani students who dream of studying medicine in the United States, the financial landscape is a fundamental piece of information that should not be ignored. As mentioned, the MBBS fees in the USA for Indian students are likely to be quite high. The total cost of MBBS in the USA can be categorised into tuition fees and living costs.

• 4-year MD Tuition Costs: Tuition costs for MD programs will generally be around $25,000 – 60,000 USD per annum, and can be significantly higher at elite private schools. This is approximately $100,000 to USD 240,000 over the full MD program.
• Cost of living: It depends on the city, but 1,1001,100–2,0002,000USD/month should be enough on average. That includes everything: housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, and personal expenses. That over roughly 4 years of MD can mean another $52,800 to $96,000.

Thus, the sum total of the estimated MBBS in USA fees for Pakistani students for the 4-year MD program can range between $150,000 to USD 336,000, excluding the pre-medical undergraduate degree costs. But the presence of MBBS scholarships in the USA for Pakistani students makes a huge difference. Most universities, along with third parties, offer fully-funded scholarships to assist international students. Intensive research and robust applications for these scholarships are the key to financing your dream.

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