Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - May 15, 2025
MBBS in USA for Indian Students: Popular for its challenging yet exceptional curriculum, MBBS in USA is a popular postgraduate degree providing hands-on training to students. Top medical colleges in USA offer MBBS programs lasting from 4 to 7 years. The USA MD (Doctor of Medicine) program combines classroom medical knowledge with hands-on experience in clinical settings.
- For admission to MBBS in America, you need a bachelor’s degree in medicine or equivalent with an aggregate of 83 to 86%.
- You need to clear the MCAT exam with a 511 or above score.
- NEET is not a requirement for US medical schools, but Indian students must qualify NEET if they wish to return and practice in India after their US degree.
- The top universities for MBBS in USA, recognised by the QS Rankings, are Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, and Yale.
- The average annual tuition fee for MBBS in America is around USD 52,000 (INR 43 lakhs).
- After completing this degree, you can apply for a 3-7-year residency program to practice as a doctor.
Earning an MD in USA opens doors to practising medicine in a country with world-class healthcare facilities and strong research opportunities. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, there is expected to be a substantial increase in employment opportunities for doctors. The average salary of Doctors in USA is around USD 196,875 (1.64 crores INR).
Note: MBBS degrees are not offered in the US. In the US, the equivalent degree for becoming a doctor is a Doctor of Medicine (MD), which is a globally recognised degree.
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Top MBBS Colleges in USA
USA universities offer a challenging MD curriculum with thorough research opportunities and top-notch facilities. Some of the top MBBS/MD colleges in USA for Indian students are –
| QS Rankings 2025 | University | Program Duration | Tuition Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Harvard University | 5 years | 69,300 |
| 5 | Stanford University | 4 years | 65,343 |
| 12 | University of Pennsylvania | 4 years | 71,935 |
| 13 | Cornell University | 6 years | 61,100 |
| 16 | Yale University | 5 years | 66,160 |
| 23 | Columbia University | 5 years | 45,520 |
| 28 | Johns Hopkins University | 4 years | 62,850 |
| 29 | University of California, Los Angeles | 7 years (MD and PhD) | 24,509 |
| 57 | Duke University | 4 years | 62,620 |
| 62 | University of California, San Diego | 5 years | 32,574 |
| 163 | University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | 4 years | 52,465 |
US medical schools are highly selective in student selection, attracting top students from worldwide. They provide you with a strong foundation in medical science and clinical skills.
Check Out: Top Medicine Colleges in USA
Top 5 USA MBBS Programs
The most popular MBBS in USA offered at the top universities include –
| Course | Acceptance Rate | Required MCAT Score | Average Base Salary (USD) | Top Recruiters | Average Placement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD - Harvard University | 4.6% | 528 | $250,000 | Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cleveland Clinic | 99% |
| MD - Stanford University | 4.7% | 521 | $245,000 | Stanford Health Care, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine | 98% |
| MD - Johns Hopkins University | 4.5% | 523 | $240,000 | Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic | 99% |
| MD - University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | 2.9% | 523 | $238,000 | UCSF Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente, Veterans Affairs Medical Centers | 98% |
| MD - Columbia University | 4.1% | 520 | $242,000 | NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Mount Sinai Health System | 98% |
Medical schools in USA have strong affiliations with hospitals. This allows students to gain practical experience under the supervision of experienced physicians.
Why Study MBBS in USA?
The USA is home to top medical universities offering the highest quality of medical education. For aspiring doctors from around the world, USA is a popular study abroad destination for MBBS as -
- The graduates of MBBS in USA are exempt from the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practice medicine in India.
- The USA has growing opportunities for medical professionals, with 902,000 jobs in 2024 in the healthcare sector.
- US medical universities offer top-notch education, consistently ranking at the top for MD studies.
- Popular institutions like Mayo Clinic, UCLA Medical Center, and Cleveland Clinic provide you with hands-on training and experience.
- MBBS in America is recognised by organizations like the WHO, ECFMG, and the Medical Council of Canada (MCC).
- Graduates of the course can expect a substantial return on investment, with salaries averaging USD 215,340 (INR 1.84 crores).
With a low unemployment rate of 3.8%, the USA offers abundant job opportunities, ensuring career stability for MBBS graduates.
Check Out: Why Study in USA?
MBBS in USA – Requirements for Admissions
Admission to medical schools in the USA is competitive, therefore you require strong academics and a well-rounded application to increase your chances of selection. MD in USA follows a 4 year bachelor's degree, unlike in India. The basic eligibility criteria for admission for MD programs in USA are –
- 4-year Bachelor of Science in biology, chemistry, or another pre-med program.
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): 510 or above
- English Proficiency Test:
- IELTS: 6.5 – 7.0
- TOEFL: 90 – 100
- GPA: 3.7 on a 4.0 scale
- NEET exam score: Above 50 percentile
The application process involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and essays.
Check Out: Essentials to study MBBS in USA
MBBS in USA After 12th
Unlike India, USA requires MBBS aspirants to complete a bachelor's degree before MD. If you want to pursue MBBS in USA after 12th without the bachelor’s degree, here are the steps you will follow –
Step 1: Complete a Pre-Medical Program (1-2 Years)
Some US universities offer pre-med programs as a set of prerequisite courses taken during a 4-year undergraduate degree for international students who have completed their 12th grade.
Step 2: MCAT Exam and Medical School Application (4 Years)
After completing your pre-med program, you'll take the MCAT exam to test your eligibility for medical school. Once you've achieved a competitive MCAT score, you can apply to MD in USA programs in top American medical colleges.
Step 3: MD Program (4 Years)
US Medical schools offer MBBS programs combining classroom learning and clinical rotations. You'll gain knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, etc.
Step 4: Residency Training (3-7 Years)
After medical school, you'll complete residency training of 3 to 7 years in your chosen medical speciality.
Remember: The entire journey to becoming a doctor in the US after 12th grade can take 7-10 years.
The benefits of completing Pre-Med Programs in USA are:
- Develop a solid understanding of science subjects crucial for medical school.
- Gain knowledge and skills to clear MCAT for MD in USA.
- Many programs offer opportunities to assist doctors or volunteer in healthcare settings.
Top Universities with Pre-Med Programs for Indian Students:
- Stanford University (Stanford, California)
- Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
- Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois)
- Brown University (Providence, Rhode Island)
How To Pursue MBBS In USA Without NEET?Unlike India, the USA doesn't mandate NEET for MBBS programs. Medical schools in the US have their own admissions process. You can clear the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with competitive scores of 510 or above to increase your chances of admission. You'll also need to demonstrate English proficiency through exams like TOEFL or IELTS. Top Medical Schools in USA without NEET Requirement:
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Check Out: Application Deadlines for US Universities
Cost of Studying MBBS in USA
Compared to other countries, US medical schools have the highest tuition fees ranging from USD 24,509 to 71,935 (INR 20 Lakhs to 60 Lakhs). In addition to the tuition fee, the total cost of studying MBBS in USA also includes the cost of living in the country.
Tuition Fees for MBBS in USA
The tuition fees across top medical colleges for MBBS in USA are –
| University | Tuition Fee (USD) | Tuition Fee (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 69,300 | 57.98 Lakhs |
| Stanford University | 65,343 | 54.67 Lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | 71,935 | 60.19 Lakhs |
| Cornell University | 61,100 | 51.12 Lakhs |
| Yale University | 66,160 | 55.36 Lakhs |
| Columbia University | 45,520 | 38.09 Lakhs |
| Johns Hopkins University | 62,850 | 52.59 Lakhs |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 24,509 | 20.50 Lakhs |
| Duke University | 62,620 | 52.39 Lakhs |
| University of California, San Diego | 32,574 | 27.25 Lakhs |
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | 52,465 | 43.90 Lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
International students can expect to spend anywhere around USD 47,000 to 50,000 (INR 38 to 41 lakhs) per annum as living expenses. This includes housing, meals, health insurance, transportation and personal expenses.
Check in Detail: Cost of Living in USA
MBBS in USA with Scholarship
Studying MD in USA is an expensive option. In addition to the cost of living in the country, tuition fees can be a significant financial burden. However, there are various scholarships for MBBS in USA for Indian students which are given below –
| Scholarship | Awarding Institute | Award Details |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School Scholarships | Harvard University | Tuition and mandatory fees |
| Stanford University Financial Aid | Stanford University | Variable funds based on the financial condition of the family |
| Vagelos Scholarship | Dr. P. Roy and Diana Vagelos Scholarships | Overall fee |
| ASAHP Scholarship of Excellence | Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions | 1,000 USD |
| AMTIE Scholarship | American Medical Technologists | 500 USD and above |
Other popular scholarships available to manage MBBA in USA for Indian students fees are the Provost Scholarship, Dean’s Achievement Scholarship, and High Achievers Scholarship.
Also Check: Scholarships for Indian Students in USA
Jobs after MBBS in USA
The job sector for MBBS graduates (or MDs in US) is highly promising. The US healthcare sector is projected to experience significant growth, with a growing population leading to a high demand for qualified physicians. The average mid-career salary of a Doctor/Physician in USA is 223,000 USD (1.82 crore INR) per annum. Some of the popular professions pursued by MBBS in USA graduates are as follows:
| Jobs | Average Salary (USD) | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Research Scientist | 101,668 | 85.07 Lakhs |
| Physician | 190,344 | 1.59 crore |
| Neurologist | 244,054 | 2.04 crore |
| Pathologist | 216,000 | 1.77 crore |
| Family Physician | 265,555 | 2.22 crore |
| Psychiatrist | 252,911 | 2.11 crore |
| General Surgeon | 309,144 | 2.58 crore |
| Cardiologist | 218,968 | 1.83 crore |
| Neurosurgeon | 139,419 | 1.16 crore |
Know More: Post Study Opportunities in USA
MBBS in USA v/s MBBS in Germany
The following table contains a brief comparison between MBBS in USA and MBBS in Germany:
| Parameter | MBBS in USA | MBBS in Germany |
|---|---|---|
| Degree Name | MD | MD and PhD | Medicine |
| Course Duration | 4 to 7 Years | 6 years (12 semesters) |
| Medium of Instruction | English | German and English |
| Language Proficiency | TOEFL iBT: 100 | DSH level-2 |
| Monthly cost of living | 2,448 USD (2 lakhs INR) | 783 EUR (66,463 INR) |
| Average Tuition Fee | 55,000 USD (44.66 lakhs INR) | 138-2,200 EUR per semester (12,181-1.94 lakhs INR) |
| Average Salary | 210,000 USD (1.72 crores INR) | 68,300 EUR (60.24 lakhs INR) |
MBBS in USA is the most sought-after degree, recognized around the world. Graduates of MBBS in USA secure high return on investment. USA is the first choice among international students planning to study abroad. With unparalleled quality of education, infrastructure, scholarships and work opportunities, USA comes first among the top countries for MBBS. If you are seeking to pursue a career in medicine, programs like MD in USA can be a great choice to boost your career growth.
MBBS in USA – Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. How long is MBBS in USA?
Ans. MBBS duration in USA ranges from 4 to 6 years, based on the course type and university. You will have to apply for a 3-5 years of residency program to practice as a doctor.
Ques. How much is the cost of MBBS in USA?
Ans. The cost of MBBS in USA widely varies from USD 24,509 to 71,935 (INR 20 Lakhs to 60 Lakhs). The average cost of MBBS in USA ranges around 52,000 USD (43 lakhs INR).
Ques. Can I do my MBBS in USA after 12th?
Ans. You can pursue MBBS in USA after a pre medical program after 12th. You can pursue a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and at least 1 year of coursework in USA or Canada.
Ques. Is MBBS in USA valid in India?
Ans. Yes, MBBS in USA is valid in India. India is a signatory to the Washington Accord on the Mutual Recognition of Professional Qualifications, which means that Indian authorities recognize medical degrees from accredited medical schools in the United States.
Ques. What is MBBS called in USA?
Ans. In USA the professional bachelor’s program for Medical course is MD. If you want to practice as a doctor in USA after MD, you will have to take a 3-5 years residency program.
Ques. Can I study MBBS in USA without NEET?
Ans. You can pursue MBBS in USA even without NEET. With a bachelor’s degree from India and at least 1 year of pre medical coursework in USA or Canada, you can take admission to MBBS in USA.
Ques. Can I get a job after MBBS in the USA?
Ans. You have to clear the United States Medical Licensing Examination - this exam assesses your knowledge to practice medicine in the US. The residency training program provides hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of licensed physicians. The US healthcare system has a huge demand for qualified doctors. However, the competition can be fierce. With an average salary of INR 1.82 crore, the graduates of MBBS in USA have promising career prospects.
Ques. What are the specializations available in MBBS in USA?
Ans. Some of the popular specializations for MBBS in USA for Indian students at the best American medical colleges are:
- Dermatology
- Neurology
- Radiology
- Urology
- Psychology
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
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