Can International Students Do MD in the USA? Requirements and Process 2025
For many Indian students, pursuing an MBBS or MD in the USA is the ultimate dream for a global medical career. The US medical education system is internationally respected, opens up many professional doors, and provides significant research and residency opportunities. However, the process—requiring a pre-med degree, tough entrance exams, and hefty investments—can seem overwhelming if you don’t have the right roadmap for 2025.
Overview: MBBS/MD Pathway for International Students in USA (2025)
| Stage | Typical Duration | Key Steps |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Pre-medical Undergraduate | 4 years | US Bachelor’s degree with science coursework |
| 2. MCAT Exam | Before application | Standardized entrance for medical schools |
| 3. MD Program (Medical School) | 4 years | 2 years pre-clinical + 2 years clinical rotations |
| 4. Residency (Graduate Medical Training) | 3–7 years | Specialization in chosen field; paid training |
| 5. USMLE Exams | During MBBS/MD + Residency | License to practice medicine in USA |
The path from India to becoming a licensed doctor in the USA involves preparing for exams like MCAT and USMLE, securing admission at a top US medical university, and completing clinical residency training. Mastering these steps is essential for your US medical journey in 2025.
Top Medical Universities in USA for International Students (2025)
| University | QS Medical Rank 2025 | Avg. MCAT Score Required | Annual Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School | 1 | 519+ | $69,300 |
| Johns Hopkins School of Medicine | 2 | 521+ | $65,000 |
| Stanford Univ. School of Medicine | 3 | 519+ | $73,628 |
| UPenn (Perelman SOM) | 4 | 522+ | $65,940 |
| Columbia Vagelos College | 5 | 521+ | $66,816 |
| University of California, San Francisco | 6 | 518+ | $57,706 |
| Yale School of Medicine | 7 | 519+ | $66,947 |
| Washington University, St. Louis | 8 | 521+ | $68,000 |
| Duke University School of Medicine | 9 | 518+ | $63,310 |
| University of Chicago (Pritzker) | 10 | 520+ | $62,241 |
International applicants must meet high academic standards and submit competitive MCAT scores. Visit official university websites as eligibility requirements may slightly differ. For additional information on rankings, see our Top Universities in the World guide.
Eligibility & Exams: Requirements for Indian Students in 2025
To gain admission to a US MD program (the American equivalent of MBBS), you must:
- Complete 10+2 with high scores (focus on Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Complete a 4-year pre-medical undergraduate degree (in Biology, Chemistry, or related field)
- Score well on the MCAT (aim for 510+ for a good shot at top schools)
- Show English proficiency via IELTS or TOEFL if required
- Provide letters of recommendation, SOP, and a strong activities profile
- Clear NEET (if you wish to return to practice in India, as mandated by NMC)
The two most critical exams:
- MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Required for US med school admissions; accepted score is usually over 510.
- USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination): Series of exams required for medical licensure after/during your MD & residency.
For a deeper dive into these tests, check our guides on the MCAT Exam and USMLE Exam.
Explaining the Pre-Med Pathway: What is a Pre-Med Program?
Unlike many countries, the USA does not admit students directly after grade 12 into an MBBS equivalent. You must pursue a pre-med program (BSc/BS in sciences) to qualify for medical school.
- Common majors: Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Neuroscience, Psychology
- Include mandatory courses: Physics, Organic Chemistry, Genetics, Math, etc.
- Build clinical exposure, research, and volunteering profile during undergraduation
Cost of Studying MBBS (MD) in USA: Tuition, Living, and Scholarships
| Expense Type | Annual Cost (USD) | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition | $25,000 – $50,000 | 4 years |
| Medical School Tuition | $40,000 – $73,000 | 4 years |
| Living Expenses | $10,000 – $20,000 | 8 years |
Total cost for an Indian student pursuing the full pre-med + MD route can exceed $300,000–$450,000 (~INR 2.5–3.5 Crore). Planning ahead and applying for financial aid is crucial.
- Many universities and bodies offer scholarships to international med students, especially merit-based or need-based grants.
- Major scholarships: Harvard Medical School Scholarships, Knight-Hennessy Scholars, Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, William Schantz Grant, AMA Physicians of Tomorrow, AMCAS FAP
Read more: Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study Abroad
Visa Information: Student (F-1) Visa, Document Checklist & Post-Study Options
- Apply for an F-1 visa after receiving I-20 from your medical college
- Documents: I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, passport, admission letter, proof of funds, academic transcripts, MCAT/IELTS scores
- Attend US Embassy/consulate interview in India
- For residency (post-MD), J-1 or H-1B visas may apply
- Post-study work options: Optional Practical Training (OPT); residencies are considered ‘work’ experience
It is essential to prepare documentation well ahead as visa timelines may fluctuate. Planning ahead lowers the risk of delays after securing a medical seat. For more details, read about US intakes and visa deadlines.
Career Opportunities & Medical Residency in USA for Foreign Doctors
After earning your MD in the USA, international medical graduates may:
- Apply for residency programs via the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
- Obtain ECFMG certification for medical licensing
- Pass all USMLE exam steps
- Progress towards permanent licensure and green card pathways
- Pursue non-clinical roles (research, public health, teaching) even without full USMLE
| Career Pathway | Duration | Expected Annual Salary (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Residency (Clinical Practice) | 3–7 years | $55,000–$65,000 (resident), $160,000–$250,000+ (post-residency) |
| Research, Teaching, Allied Health | Varies | $50,000–$120,000 |
For salary trends by specialization, you may also be interested in our detailed overview: Doctor’s Salary in USA
How to become a doctor in the USA after MBBS from India in 2025?
- Clear USMLE Steps 1 and 2
- Apply for medical residency via NRMP
- Obtain ECFMG certification
- Secure an F-1/J-1 visa
- Complete US residency and licensing steps
Pursuing MBBS or MD in the USA in 2025 is a challenging yet rewarding path. Planning, exam preparation, and careful financial planning are essential. Select universities and programs based on your long-term goals—whether clinical practice, research, or international opportunities. Start early to ensure you meet all eligibility requirements, and leverage scholarships if available to reduce financial pressure.
FAQs on How to Become a Doctor in the USA After MBBS: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Can international students do MD in the USA?
Yes, international students can pursue an MD in the USA. They must typically complete prerequisite courses, appear for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). Admission is highly competitive and only a few medical schools accept non-citizens, often requiring proof of English proficiency and financial resources.
2. How can an international doctor become a licensed physician in the USA?
To become a licensed physician in the USA, international medical graduates (IMGs) need to follow these steps:
- Obtain ECFMG certification
- Pass all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)
- Get foreign credentials verified
- Secure a position in a US medical residency program through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP)
- Complete the required residency training and apply for a state medical license.
3. Can I work as a doctor in the USA after MBBS from India?
MBBS from India alone is not sufficient to work as a doctor in the USA. You must clear the USMLE exams, get certified by ECFMG, and then secure and complete a US residency program before becoming eligible for state licensure.
4. How to do MD after MBBS in the USA?
After completing MBBS abroad, to pursue MD (equivalent to residency) in the USA:
1. Get your transcripts evaluated by ECFMG
2. Pass USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS
3. Apply through ERAS for residency positions
4. Qualify for the NRMP Match process
5. On selection, complete your residency to earn an MD or relevant postgraduate certification in the US system.
5. How can Indian students become a doctor in the USA after 12th?
Indian students must first complete a four-year pre-medical undergraduate degree in the USA, take the MCAT, and apply to a US **MD program**. After earning the MD, they must complete a US **residency** and pass all **USMLE steps** before applying for a medical license.
6. Can international students apply for medical residency in the USA?
Yes, international students and foreign medical graduates can apply for residency in the USA through ERAS and NRMP, provided they have passed the relevant USMLE steps and obtained ECFMG certification. Competition is tough and some residency programs may have visa restrictions.
7. Can I work as a doctor in the USA without USMLE?
No, the USMLE is mandatory for foreign-trained doctors who wish to practice medicine or secure a residency in the USA. Without passing USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3, you cannot obtain a medical license for clinical practice.
8. Are there jobs for foreign doctors in the USA without USMLE?
Foreign doctors without USMLE cannot work as licensed physicians in the USA. However, they may work in non-clinical roles such as medical research, public health, healthcare consulting, teaching, or as medical scribes/assistants, which do not require a state medical license.
9. Can UK doctors work in the USA without residency?
UK doctors must still pass all USMLE steps and complete at least some portion of a US residency program to get a medical license in the USA, regardless of prior training. There are no direct exemptions based on training from the UK.
10. What is the cost of medical residency in the USA for international students?
There are usually no tuition fees for medical residency in the USA. Instead, residents receive a salary/stipend. However, costs related to USMLE exams, ECFMG certification, application fees, and living expenses must be covered by the applicant.
11. Is a temporary or limited medical license available for foreign doctors in the USA?
Some US states offer limited or temporary licenses to foreign doctors for specific purposes like research or supervised roles, but these do not allow independent clinical practice. Full licensure still requires clearing the USMLE and completing residency.
12. What is the alternative pathway for international students to become doctors in the USA?
International students can pursue a pre-med undergraduate program in the USA, take the MCAT, and then apply to MD programs. After earning the MD, they must complete a US residency and pass all steps of the USMLE to receive medical licensure.
