Top 50 Medical Schools That Accept International Students (2025 Guide)

Where to Apply as a Non-U.S./Non-Canadian Pre-Med Student

For international students dreaming of becoming physicians in the U.S. or Canada, the path is competitive—but not impossible. While many medical schools restrict entry to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, a select group of top-tier institutions actively welcome international applicants, often offering generous support, global research opportunities, and exposure to world-class clinical settings.

This Go Elective guide highlights 50 medical schools that accept international students, alongside expert tips on how to strengthen your application—starting with considering international clinical experiences like Go-Elective Medical Internships 

Do U.S. and Canadian Medical Schools Accept International Students?

Yes—but fewer than half do. Out of the 150+ accredited U.S. MD programs, fewer than 50 consistently accept international applicants. In Canada, only a small handful consider international students—and often with additional requirements or limited seats.

That’s why strategic planning, early clinical exposure, and a standout application are essential for international students seeking a seat.

What Schools Are Looking for in International Applicants

Because space is limited, accepted international applicants usually have:

• Near-perfect GPAs and strong MCAT scores (515+)
• Extensive clinical experience, including physician shadowing
• U.S.-based or international healthcare internships
• Research involvement or academic publications
• Fluency in English and familiarity with North American healthcare systems

TIP: Many schools require international students to complete at least one year of undergraduate coursework at a U.S. or Canadian institution.

Top 50 U.S. Medical Schools That Accept International Students

Here’s a curated list (in no particular order) of MD and DO programs that accept applications from international students for their standard medical programs.

Ivy League and Top Research Institutions:

1. Harvard Medical School

2. Stanford University School of Medicine

3. Yale School of Medicine

4. Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons

5. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

6. University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

7. Duke University School of Medicine

8. Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine

9. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine

10. Weill Cornell Medical College
    
    

Public and Private MD Programs:

11. Boston University School of Medicine

12. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

13. Emory University School of Medicine

14. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

15. Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

16. University of Rochester School of Medicine

17. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine

18. Georgetown University School of Medicine

19. Tulane University School of Medicine

20. Mount Sinai (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai)
    
    

Schools with Limited International Seats or Contractual Agreements:

21. George Washington University School of Medicine

22. New York Medical College

23. Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

24. St. Louis University School of Medicine

25. Drexel University College of Medicine

26. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

27. Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine

28. Albert Einstein College of Medicine

29. Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

30. Wayne State University School of Medicine
    
    

Osteopathic Medical Schools (DO):

31. New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYITCOM)

32. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

33. Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)

34. A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

35. Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine

36. Western University of Health Sciences (COMP)

37. Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

38. Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine

39. Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)*

Note: Some DO schools only accept international students under special agreements or on a case-by-case basis.

U.S. Schools Offering Contract Seats to Foreign Governments:

40. Howard University College of Medicine

41. Meharry Medical College

42. University of Toledo College of Medicine (limited seats for international students)

43. University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine

44. Rosalind Franklin University – Chicago Medical School

45. Medical College of Wisconsin

46. University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

47. University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

48. University of Virginia School of Medicine

49. University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine

50. University of Illinois College of Medicine

What About Canadian Schools?

Only a few Canadian medical schools accept international students—and most give preference to applicants from countries that sponsor seats through government partnerships. These include:

• McGill University (Quebec)
• University of Toronto (Ontario)
• University of British Columbia (BC)
• Memorial University (Newfoundland)
• Dalhousie University (Nova Scotia) – Caribbean contractual students only

Expect higher tuition and limited seat availability. Some programs require return-of-service commitments or proof that you'll practice medicine in your home country after graduation.

How Go Elective Helps International Applicants Stand Out

Competition is fierce—but global clinical experience can make your application shine. International students who complete a Go Elective healthcare internship gain:

• Direct hospital exposure in East Africa’s largest referral hospitals
• Shadowing opportunities in pediatrics, OB/GYN, surgery, and internal medicine
• Letters of recommendation from licensed physicians
• Cultural competence and ethical healthcare experience in underserved settings
• Personal stories for admissions essays and interviews
• These experiences show maturity, initiative, and readiness for international medical education.

> Explore Go Elective PreMed and Medical Internships Abroad

Final Thoughts

If you're an international student dreaming of studying medicine in North America, your options may be fewer—but they’re far from closed. By targeting schools that accept international applicants, building a strong academic record, and supplementing your journey with real-world clinical experience, you can compete confidently.

Whether you’re applying this cycle or preparing for the future, Go Elective is here to support you with immersive, ethical, and meaningful healthcare internships abroad.

Start your journey now by applying here or reaching out for personalized program support.

Article Details

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jul 2, 2025