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Top 12 Medical Colleges in the World For International Students

Last Updated : 10 Jan, 2024
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A medical career offers the chance to save lives and help needy people. A top-notch education is essential for those wanting to become doctors, nurses, or other health professionals.

The most prestigious medical schools have brilliant professors and excellent training hospitals. Graduates from these colleges go on to work at renowned institutions and make critical advances in healthcare.

But with many excellent programs worldwide, which schools truly lead the pack? This blog counts down the 12 unparalleled medical colleges across the globe.

From centuries-old European institutions to modern campuses in Asia, these universities produce many of today’s finest medical minds. Keep reading to discover which powerhouses rank at the very top for medical education.

12 Best Medical Colleges in the World

Listed below are best medical colleges in the world:

1. Harvard University

Harvard Medical School opened in 1782. It ranks first in the 2023 world ratings for medical programs. Harvard focuses strongly on cutting back human pain. They do this by growing students into leaders in caring for people and medical science.

Harvard wants an open, helpful place to learn. They try to help people in need across the world. They also offer top-notch teaching. That’s why Harvard tops the list of the best medical schools globally.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • One year each of starter classes in English, science, biology, physics and labs or a college degree, usually from a U.S. or Canadian school or a related college degree.
  • MCAT test
  • Minimum IELTS score of 7.5 or equal.

Average Tuition Fee

$45,050

Course Duration

4 years

Acceptance Rate

2.7%

2. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford’s medical school provides full health science training and research. You take three years of pre-clinical classes and research. Then three more years of clinical research followed. Students can upgrade their skills by working in Oxford’s many science labs.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • Top grades of A*AA including an A in Chemistry and in either Biology, Physics, Math, or Additional Maths. (For Indian students, around 95% on CBSE or ISC exams).
  • Can also apply after a college degree in a related subject. GPA requirements are roughly 4.5 out of 5 or 3.7 out of 4 depending on competition.
  • BMAT (Biomedical Admissions Exam)
  • Minimum IELTS of 7.0 or TOEFL iBT score of 110.

Average Tuition Fee

$50,000

Course Duration

6 years

Acceptance Rate

9%

3. Stanford University

Stanford University’s medical school is in Stanford, California. Leland Stanford Jr. started it in 1891. It is known for strong academics and tough admissions.

Stanford was an early leader in medicine. It has a full research program. This prepares future medical heads to have skill and wit. Stanford Children’s Health and Stanford Healthcare work with the school. These two places are famous for childbirth care, brain science, and heart care.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • One academic year at an accredited U.S., Canadian, or U.K. school before applying.
  • A chemistry, biology, or related college degree by enrollment with a strong GPA of around 3.8 out of 4.
  • MCAT test
  • Minimum TOEFL iBT score of 110 or equal.

Average Tuition Fee

$55,000

Course Duration

4 years

Acceptance Rate

2.3%

4. John Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland is globally famous for research. The school opened in 1876. It was started by Johns Hopkins, a top doctor and teacher.

Johns Hopkins Medical ranks at the very top in the US and worldwide. It helped make modern American medicine. Alongside the university, Johns Hopkins Hospital is seen as one of the best on Earth.

The university links teaching and learning closely. It has a flexible course list and wide basic exposure. Students can pick from many MD and PhD programs.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • Requires at least a 3.0 GPA out of 4.0
  • Applications stay open until early September
  • $100 non-refundable application fee

Average Tuition Fee

$58,000

Course Duration

4 years

Acceptance Rate

6.3%

5. University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge in England is a top global medical school. It opened in 1209 and has taught some of history’s most influential people.

Cambridge’s medical college offers two medical paths. One is a graduate course, the other is a regular track. The course list provides a base to learn from strict, fact-based practice. Students can freely conduct studies and projects during the program.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • Surprisingly high 21% acceptance rate
  • TOEFL requirement is 110, and IELTS range is 7-7.5
  • A GPA of about 3.7 for college students in Chemistry, Biology or Physics is required
  • Or AAA in A-levels with pure sciences
  • Must take the BMAT exam

Average Tuition Fee

$83,000

Course Duration

4 years

Acceptance Rate

12%

6. UCL, United Kingdom

UCL was founded in 1826, making it one of England’s oldest colleges.

Since 1834, UCL has provided London doctors by working closely with seven major teaching hospitals. These offer top medical training. Many famous medical leaders graduated from this school. UCL is known for strong academics backed by supportive students and skilled professors.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • IELTS score requirement is 6.5-7.5
  • TOEFL range is 109 or you can submit an IELTS instead
  • Minimum IELTS needed is 7.5
  • Need a 3.3 out of 4 college GPA or 39 out of 45 IB points including chemistry and biology
  • UCL is a famed school to consider when applying

Average Tuition Fee

$51,000

Course Duration

4 years

Acceptance Rate

16%

7. Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden

The Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden is a famous college focused only on medical and health sciences.

Karolinska Institutet has an interactive teaching model. This pushes close contact between teachers and students for lively talks. Along with teaching, the school’s professors steadily work on the newest research projects. This keeps students up to date on the latest in medicine.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • Need proof of Swedish language skills equal to upper secondary school level 3
  • Should have passed upper secondary school courses in Biology 2, Physics 2, Chemistry 2, Maths 4 or similar courses

Average Tuition Fee

$16,055

Course Duration

6 years

Acceptance Rate

3.9%

8. Imperial College, London

Imperial College London is a top global research college. Founded in 1997, Imperial’s medical school is honoured for the work of women in medicine. It partners closely with the industry. It also works across fields with natural science and engineering academics.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • Indian students requires 90-92% on CBSE or ISC exams with 95% in Biology, Chemistry and a third subject
  • Based on enrolled students, expect a 3.25-3.5 bachelor’s degree GPA
  • Must take the BMAT exam
  • IELTS score of 6.5-7 needed
  • TOEFL score required is 92-100
  • Must apply through the UCAS website

Average Tuition Fee

$50,100

Course Duration

6 years

Acceptance Rate

14%

9. University of California, Los Angeles

UCLA is a top college with a rich, diverse history. It offers many college, graduate, and pro courses.

Of the top global medical schools, UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine is the newest. It is an up-and-coming leader in medicine and biomedical sciences. The school has MD, post-grad, graduate, and residence programs. It believes community bonds strengthen education.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • Need a bachelor’s degree with at least 3 years of college classes from a US/Canadian school or a graduate degree from a US/Canadian school
  • AAMC PREview test
  • Overseas students can apply but need a degree from an accredited North American school
  • MCAT exam
  • TOEFL/IELTS scores

Average Tuition Fee

$50,100

Course Duration

4 years

Acceptance Rate

1.32%

10. The University of California, San Francisco

As a respected college, UCSF prepares tomorrow’s pros in health sciences, care, and policy via top training.

At UCSF, students can pick from many accredited and non-accredited speciality programs. Students are pushed to study across basic science, translation science, social/population science, and clinical science. Health learners are trained to tackle obstacles head-on with curious and analytical thinking.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • Apply via the AMCAS website
  • Need a 4-year bachelor’s degree, essential for pre-meds
  • Must pass the MCAT exam
  • Must meet all English skill requirements
  • Should have studied:
  • 1 year biology with lab
  • 1 year chemistry, 1 semester organic chemistry with lab (may include biochemistry)
  • 1 semester biochemistry
  • 1 semester physics

Average Tuition Fee

$50,318

Course Duration

4 years

Acceptance Rate

2.4%

11. Yale University

Yale in New Haven, Connecticut is a top global medical college. Yale’s medical school is a world leader in making doctor-scientists. Key aims are advancing health innovation and medicine through research. Nearly 11,000 faculty work at the school. Students are drawn by the kindness, dedication and energy there.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • IELTS must be over 7, TOEFL around 100
  • IELTS range jumps to 7.5
  • Requires straight A’s

Average Tuition Fee

$64,000

Course Duration

3 years

Acceptance Rate

4.8%

12. University of Toronto, Canada

The Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto opened in 1843. It is one of the oldest medical schools. It aided the discovery of insulin, stem cells, and more. It ranks 10th globally and 1st in Canada per QS Rankings. Many US, Chinese and Indian students attend.

Eligibility and Admission:

  • Need a bachelor’s degree in biology or science with minimum desired grades
  • Must pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
  • Should have good scores on English tests like TOEFL and IELTS

Average Tuition Fee

$94,307

Course Duration

4 years

Acceptance Rate

6%

Medical Colleges in the World- FAQs

Q. Which is the No 1 medical college in the world?

Harvard University is located in Massachusetts, USA. The champion is the Harvard Medical School, which was founded in 1782. Their medical health program’s goal is to lessen human suffering by developing its students into leaders in the fields of clinical and biomedical medicine.

Q.2 Is AIIMS better than Harvard?

Each of these prestigious universities has advantages and strengths of its own. Naturally, Harvard University is the world’s best medical school. Over the years, AIIMS has emerged as India’s top medical research institution.

Q.3 Which country has cheapest MBBS?

Cheapest Countries for MBBS in 2023:

  • China (3,000-10,000 USD/year)
  • Kyrgyzstan (2,000-9,000 USD/year)
  • Kazakhstan (3,000-9,000 USD/year)
  • Bangladesh (4,000-7,000 USD/year)
  • Philippines (3,000-7,000 USD/year)
  • Georgia (4,000-7,000 USD/year



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