MBBS/MD in USA for Indian Students: Fees, Eligibility, and Scholarships

Medical education has evolved by leaps and bounds in the last few decades, with the US leading these developments and setting the benchmark for the practice of medicine around the world. Centring core competencies like patient care, professionalism, interpersonal skills, practice-based learning, and systems-based practice, an MBBS in the US can prepare you for both the challenges and fulfilment found in a medicine career.

In this blog, we explore the fees associated with your MBBS in the USA, along with the benefits you get from studying medicine in the States, including worldwide recognition of your degree and diverse, lucrative career prospects. Let’s get started.

MBBS/MD in USA for Indian students: At a glance 

When you’re researching your medical undergraduate degree options abroad, you’ll most often come across both Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) programmes.

An MBBS is typically offered in the UK and other Commonwealth countries as an undergraduate degree, allowing students to obtain their first medical qualification directly after high school. In the US, you must first complete a bachelor’s (known as a pre-med) and then enter medical school, where you obtain the MD qualification.

In simple terms, the MD in the USA is equivalent to the MBBS qualification in the UK. In this blog, we use the terms interchangeably to refer to an MD in the US.

Here’s an overview of your MD education in the US:

Medical education in USA has contributed towards many significant positive impacts around the world. If you choose to study medicine in the US, you can benefit from an enhanced medicine curriculum which teaches you to become a better doctor who is tuned to the holistic needs of your patients.

Benefits of pursuing an MBBS/MD in USA

Becoming a well-rounded doctor who can offer patients the best possible insights and care takes time, effort, and dedication. That’s why medical education in the US is rigorous, demanding both commitment and focus from students. Here’s how studying at a US medical university can further enhance your medical education:

• Three pillar-model in the curriculum – Many US medical schools now follow a three-pillar model in their curricula, blending the study of basic sciences (like cell and molecular biology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and physiology), clinical sciences (medical treatments, principles, and methods), and Health Systems Science (HSS). HSS looks at how health care can be delivered together by various professionals as a team, and how understanding patients’ unique needs and backgrounds can make a real difference in their care. By adding this third pillar, US medical schools aim to help future doctors build a well-rounded view of modern medicine and develop a truly patient-first approach.
• State-of-the-art facilities – Medical students in the US can access high-quality facilities for education, research, and student life, such as open research spaces, smart classrooms, and clinical skills and robotic simulation centres.
• Globally-recognised qualification – An MD from USA is recognised around the world. After completing your MD or MBBS in the U.S., you can take the licensing exams required in other countries and earn the credentials you need to practise medicine internationally.

US Doctorate of Medicine degrees (MDs) are reputed worldwide due to the strict accreditation standards they have to adhere to within the country. We’ll take a look at these next.

Accreditation of MBBS/MD degrees in USA  

Medical schools that grant the MD qualification are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). The LCME is jointly sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Medical Association (AMA), ensuring that MD courses serve as a solid foundation for lifelong learning and proficient medical care.

Course structure of an MBBS/MD in USA 

Becoming a doctor in the US can be a lengthy yet rewarding journey. Before starting your four-year MD programme, you must complete a bachelor’s – known as a pre-med – at a US university.

Pre-med  

All US medical schools require the completion of a four-year pre-med undergraduate degree so you can demonstrate your scientific knowledge in relevant areas like biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. You have plenty of flexibility when choosing a major on a pre-med track. Whether you study humanities, social sciences, or STEM subjects, you can still be considered pre-med as long as you complete the required pre-med courses.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) 

All US and many Canadian medical schools require MCAT scores for regular admission, and most schools will not accept scores that are more than three years old.

The MCAT is a standardised, multiple-choice exam measuring your problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as your understanding of natural, behavioral, and social sciences essential for studying medicine. In April 2015, the AAMC introduced the current version of the MCAT, which is scored across four sections:

• Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
• Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems
• Critical analysis and reasoning skills
• Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behaviour

A good MCAT score is a very important requirement for studying medicine in USA, since it determines your acceptance into a good university.

Licensing, residency, and certification 

A key part of your MD programme involves getting your license from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). You begin this process in your junior year, and it’s completed in two stages:

• Step 1 – Evaluating your understanding and ability to apply key basic science concepts essential to medical practice, Step 1 focuses on the principles behind health, disease, and treatment. It tests both your current knowledge and the scientific foundation needed for lifelong learning. The exam is a one-day, eight-hour test divided into seven 60-minute blocks, with up to 40 questions per block and no more than 280 questions in total.
• Step 2 – The second step in the licensing process measures your ability to apply medical knowledge, skills, and clinical science principles essential for supervised patient care, with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention. It evaluates core patient-centred skills and clinical science foundations needed for safe, competent practice. The exam is a one-day, nine-hour test divided into eight 60-minute blocks, with up to 40 questions per block and no more than 318 questions in total.

While getting your licence from USMLE, you’ll be exploring residency options with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Once you’ve been matched to a residency in the US – a postgrad training programme in a hospital or doctor’s office – you’ll begin your intern year. Along with your intern year, your residency will usually last four years.

Your residency ends with you obtaining your certification from the USMLE, in the third step of your licensing process. Step 3 evaluates your ability to apply medical knowledge and biomedical and clinical science for the independent, unsupervised practice of medicine, with a focus on patient management in ambulatory settings. Test items are based on real-world scenarios a general physician might encounter, providing a final measure of readiness to deliver comprehensive, independent patient care.

MBBS/MD in USA for Indian students: Fees 

When you’re preparing a budget for your medical education in the US, you must ensure you consider both your pre-med tuition fees and your MD tuition fees. The average annual tuition of a pre-med degree is $40,000 and the average cost of medical school is $60,000 per year, bringing the average total cost of medical school to approximately $250,000.

MBBS/MD in USA for Indian students: Universities and tuition fees 

US medical schools provide students with high quality instructors, flexible study options, and challenging environments. A combination of these factors prepares you to meet the needs of the healthcare system in an efficient and empathetic manner.

Here are some top US medical schools accepting applications from international students:

You can find a full list of US medical schools accepting applications from international students here.

An important consideration when selecting a US medical school for your studies is their eligibility criteria. We will be exploring these in more detail next.

Eligibility criteria of Indian students to enter a US medical school   

When you’re applying for admission to a US medical school, you’re generally required to fill two applications: one to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and another to your preferred university. For these applications, you must submit your:

• Pre-med grades
• MCAT scores
• Letters of recommendation from your pre-med faculty members/advisors
• Extracurricular and work experiences

At StudyIn, we can help you with your applications to the US, making the process fast, smooth, and stress-free. Here’s a list of our services for Indian students applying to the US:

• Support with your applications 
• Advice on your US student visa
• Expert guidance on your PhD application
• Help with your Ivy League applications

Our StudyIn experts can guide you through each step of your journey to the USA, including by giving you personalised advice on course selection and finances. Contact us today to clear your doubts about studying in Ireland as an Indian student.

FAQs

How can Indian students study an MBBS in USA?

To study an MBBS or MD in the US, Indian students must first complete a pre-med degree at a US university. Afterwards, you can take your MCAT and apply for a US medical school.

How much does it cost for Indian students to study an MBBS in USA?

The average cost of medical school is $60,000 per year, bringing the average total cost of medical school to approximately $250,000.

What’s the duration of an MBBS in USA? 

Your MBBS/MD in the US is a four-year degree. In addition to that, you’ll have to allocate time in the following ways to obtain your license to practice medicine in the US:

• Pre-med: 4 years
• Internship: 1 year
• Residency: 3 years