Want to study medicine abroad for free? Discover the top medical scholarships for international students in 2025. Getting a medical degree can lead to access to top-notch training and education, but it also requires a substantial financial commitment. However, living expenses and tuition can be prohibitively expensive. You can now pursue your ambition of becoming a doctor because of medical scholarships for international students!
Tuition, living expenses, research fees, and clinical training programs are all covered by these medical degree scholarships, which are provided by universities, governments, and private organizations. Continue reading to explore the best medical scholarships for international students.
How Much Does it Cost to Study Medicine?
Countries and universities have quite different requirements for international students wishing to study medicine. Medical schools typically charge between $10,000 to $80,000 in tuition per year, with the most prestigious schools charging considerably more. For example, annual tuition costs in the US, Canada, and Australia range from $60,000 to $100,000. The average annual tuition in Australia might range from $65,000 to $85,000.
Meanwhile, public institutions in a few European nations, including Germany and Norway, provide free education and tuition costs that are far lower, ranging from $14,000 to $17,000 per year. In addition to the tuition, students also need to budget for living expenses, study materials, health insurance, and housing, which can total anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 each year.
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Top Medical Scholarships for International Students
For prospective doctors, the high cost of living and tuition might be a significant obstacle. Thankfully, there are a number of medical scholarships for international students that can help alleviate the financial strain by providing full or partial financing for tuition, living expenses, and other educational expenses.
These medical degree scholarships are your first steps toward a fulfilling medical profession, regardless of your preference for the state-of-the-art medical facilities of the United States, the historic schools of Europe, or the cutting-edge programs of Australia.
Scholarships for Medicine: UK
1. NHS Student Bursaries
- Funded By: National Health Service (NHS)
- Award Amount: £2,251 – £3,255
- Deadline: 1 October 2025
One of the top medical scholarships for international students is the NHS Student Bursaries, which will be covered next. These bursaries fund living expenses in addition to tuition costs. Students who live with their parents receive £2,251 regardless of where they attend university, whereas students who attend a London-based university and do not live with their parents receive an award of up to £3,255.
Students who attend a university outside of London and do not reside with their parents are eligible to receive up to £2,696 in awards. Hold on, there’s more! Your university tuition is also covered by NHS. For a five- to six-year undergraduate program, you will receive £9,250. You receive £3,715 for three- to four-year graduate studies.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be pursuing a course in medicine or dentistry
- Be a resident of England
2. UCLan MBBS Scholarships
- Funded By: University of Central Lancashire
- Award Amount: £5000
- Deadline: 15 July 2025
These are some of the top medical scholarships for international students, including clinical experiences both inside and outside of the UK and substantial tuition cost reductions. The Dr. Kate Granger Scholarship, the Livesey Scholarship, and the Mackenzie Scholarship are among these awards. Through their emphasis on community-based medical education, these scholarships aim to develop medical practitioners for neglected communities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- For the Dr. Kate Granger Scholarship, you must reside in the newly created Cumberland region.
- For the Mackenzie Scholarship, you must reside in the following areas: Rossendale, Burnley, Pendle, Accrington, Hyndburn, Blackburn with Darwen, and the Ribble Valley.
- Have finished the Livsey UCLan Scholars Program.
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3. The Hull York Medical School Scholarship
- Funded By: Hull York Medical School
- Award Amount: $2,500
- Deadline: 31 May 2025
Offering financial assistance and a distinctive integrated medical education experience at two esteemed UK medical universities, this is one of the finest medical scholarships for international students. The scholarship offers early clinical exposure through its problem-based learning methodology. You receive additional funding for living expenses in addition to a 10% tuition price reduction with this award. The likelihood of receiving this grant is higher for students with outstanding academic records.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Possess a Bachelor’s degree from the University of York or the University of Hull from an earlier, independent program.
Scholarships for Medicine: Canada
4. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship
- Funded By: Quebec Government
- Award Amount: $25,000 – $35,000
- Deadline: Winter 2025
The most prominent medical scholarships for international students studying doctoral, post-doctoral, and research-based master’s degrees in medicine or health sciences are available through this program. The fellowship provides up to three years of $25,000 annually for PhD degrees. A $1,000 monthly payment is given to students who ask for a 12-month extension.
Short-term research stays receive $3,000 per month for four months, while post-doctoral students receive a one-time award of $35,000 for one year. In addition to financial assistance, Régie De l’assurance Maladie Du Québec (RAMQ) provides hospitalization coverage and health insurance to clients. Additionally, you get access to networking opportunities with top medical institutions and healthcare research infrastructure.
Eligibility Requirement:
- Study for a PhD, post-doctoral, or research degree at a university in Quebec.
5. Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program
- Funded By: University of Toronto
- Award Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: 14 March 2025
One of the top medical scholarships for international students is the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program, which uses a merit-based approach. It promotes excellence in medical graduate programs at publicly assisted universities in Ontario and is jointly sponsored by the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto.
The top medical scholarships for international students offer $5,000 per academic session, $10,000 for two consecutive sessions, and $15,000 for three consecutive sessions. Students who want to work in the medical field or related fields are given preferences.
Eligibility Requirement:
- Apply for a temporary residence visa to study at the University of Toronto.
- Be enrolled full-time in a qualifying program or plan to enroll full-time.
- Must not have gone above the allotted lifetime amount of government funding.
- Have finished each of the previous two years with at least an A- (or equivalent).
6. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan
- Funded By: The Association of Commonwealth Universities
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: NA
Offering university scholarships and fellowships to students from other Commonwealth nations makes it possible for Commonwealth nations to provide one of the best medical scholarships for international students. It includes travel fees, living allowances, and complete tuition. Additionally, you have the chance to foster academic and cultural interaction while building solid relationships throughout the Commonwealth.
The CSFP endowment fund and national governments and universities (for students studying in their countries) are the two main sources of funding for these scholarships to study medicine for international students. In addition to health insurance, this fellowship offers a variety of research and professional development possibilities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Possess citizenship in one of the following commonwealth nations: Brazil, Bangladesh, India, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in the discipline is required of master’s students.
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Scholarships for Medicine USA
7. American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholarships
- Funded By: American College of Surgeons
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: 18 August 2025
The American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholarships are next on our list of the most significant medical scholarships for international students. In addition to financial aid, these provide participants with the chance to participate in clinical conferences and learn about cutting-edge surgical techniques in the US and Canada.
Additionally, the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress offers educational sessions that you can take part in. Applicants must submit a completed application, a list of all their publications, and reference letters from three coworkers to be considered. Students who are awarded the scholarship are also required to submit a comprehensive written report on their experiences.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A medical school graduate is required.
- Be younger than 50 and at least 35 years old.
- Applications should be sent from the permanent address you have chosen.
- In accordance with your nation’s standards, demonstrate your dedication to teaching and/or research.
8. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship
- Funded By: Tylenol
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: 31 March 2025
For medical, pharmacy, and nursing students, the Tylenol Future Care Scholarship offers financial assistance. It is among the top medical scholarships for international students. The focus of this international award for medical students is on both community service and academic success. Your leadership abilities, academic standing, and commitment to patient care will all be taken into consideration when awarding this scholarship. Thirty-five students are given scholarships by Tylenol each year; ten of these students receive $10,000, and twenty-five receive $5,000.
Eligibility Requiements:
- Be a resident of the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or the 50 US States.
- Have a graduate degree or be a senior in college.
- Verify your enrollment in a medical school graduate program.
- Still have one or more years of education left.
9. AMWA Awards
- Funded By: American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
- Award Amount: $500 – $5,000
- Deadline: 19 February 2025
These awards are especially for women in medicine and are among the best medical scholarships for international students. These honors are given to female students who show promise as leaders, excel academically, and are dedicated to promoting women in medicine. These medical degree scholarships not only provide financial aid but also networking opportunities and mentorship.
Due to the intense competition, students must also demonstrate a need for money. The AMWA Membership Fee Waiver ($75 per person), the AMWA Residency Application Scholarship Fund ($250 to $500), and the Haffizulla Family Scholarship Application ($1,000) are a few of these AMWA grants.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Be a woman
- Currently working toward or soon to receive a medical degree
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Scholarships for Medicine: Australia & New Zealand
10. University of Wollongong Scholarships
- Funded By: University of Wollongong (UOW)
- Award Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
The UOW medical scholarships for international students come next. Among the many awards you are eligible to apply for is the Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship. It provides tuition expenses for the length of an approved course at a 30% reduction. The India Scholarship is another option that provides a 10% tuition cost reduction. Tuition fees can be reduced by 30% with the Offshore Transfer Discount and by 20% with the Country Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate leadership, academic ability, and financial need.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Participate in a postgraduate program at UOW.
- Be a student from abroad.
- Reach a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of at least 50 overall.
11. AFPHM John Snow Scholarship
- Funded By: Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM)
- Award Amount: Up to $1,000 in reimbursement and a $500 cash reward to attend a conference or event hosted by RACP, AFPHM, PHAA, or NZCPHM.
- Deadline: Closed
It is one of the greatest scholarships to study medicine overseas at Australia’s leading medical schools and is named after the renowned epidemiologist John Snow. For students who want to make a global impact on epidemiology, health policy, and disease prevention, it is perfect. Additionally, the scholarship honors outstanding academic work and research in public health. Academic applicants who demonstrate academic brilliance and creative research proposals in the medical sciences are supported by these medical scholarships for international students.
Eligibility Requirement:
- Be a student of medicine presently enrolled at an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand university.
12. John Hamel MacGregor Scholarship
- Funded By: University of Auckland
- Award Amount: $10,000
- Deadline: TBA
It rewards students who excel in medical research and is one of the most significant medical scholarships for international students. Students in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences who are pursuing postgraduate research degrees or BMedSci are eligible to apply for this scholarship. New Zealand’s top medical research facilities are accessible to students through the John Hamel MacGregor Award, which focuses on creative research proposals.
Eligibility Requirement:
- Possess a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Part III degree from the year of application.
- Be enrolled in or intend to enroll in a postgraduate research program or a Bachelor of Medical Science program.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 7.00.
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Fully Funded MBBS Scholarships for International Students
13. Harvard Medical School MBBS Scholarships
- Funded By: Harvard University
- Award Amount: Full tuition
- Deadline: 1 May 2025
For international students, these MBBS scholarships are entirely based on need. It pays both tuition and required fees for students with full-need status. Institutional scholarships are awarded to students for up to eight semesters of full tuition. These funds receive donations from individuals, organizations, and financial help funds.
Through endowment funds, current-use financial aid funds, and yearly contributions to the HMS Alumni Fund, these contributions help support financial aid. Recipients of these scholarships are required to thank the benefactors in writing and include details about their academic accomplishments, premedical history, preferred residency, and personal and professional interests.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Proof of financial need
- Exhibit leadership abilities, research potential, and academic merit.
14. Fulbright Scholarships
- Funded By: Fulbright Commission
- Award Amount: Around $35,000
- Deadline: 5 March 2025
Did you know that these scholarships are awarded annually to about 4,000 international students? These are some of the greatest fully funded medical scholarships available for international students. They help students study medicine. Artists, young professionals, and graduate students can study and research in the United States using Fulbright Scholarships. Sponsorship for J-1 visas, financial assistance, health insurance plans, and enrichment activities are all included in these medical scholarships for international students.
Eligibility Requirements:
- At the time of application, reside in the nation of nomination.
- Have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from the United States
- Have a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 79–80 on the internet-based TOEFL (IBT), or 6.5 on the IELTS to demonstrate fluency in English.
- Do not possess U.S. citizenship
15. The Scotland Saltire Scholarship
- Funded By: Scottish Government
- Award Amount: £8,000
- Deadline: NA
This is one of the best medical scholarships for international students, and it was created by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities. Students who enroll in full-time medical programs in Scotland are eligible to get it. You can receive up to 50 £8,000 awards, each of which covers tuition for a full-time postgraduate master’s degree at any higher education institution in Scotland for one year. The awardees must uphold a code of behavior, take part in extracurricular activities offered by the program, Be available for an interview at the end or start of the year, and post about their experiences on social media.
Eligibility Requirements:
- A desire to pursue education in Scotland
- Academic merit
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In conclusion, to greatly reduce the financial burden of obtaining a medical degree, we have compiled a list of the top medical scholarships for international students. Securing a medical scholarship in 2025 can be a game-changer for international students aspiring to study medicine abroad. With rising tuition costs, scholarships provide crucial financial relief while opening doors to top medical institutions worldwide.
From merit-based awards to need-based funding and fully funded government scholarships, there are numerous opportunities tailored to help students achieve their dreams of becoming healthcare professionals. When applying, it’s essential to meet eligibility criteria, submit strong applications, and showcase academic excellence. Researching deadlines, preparing compelling personal statements, and securing recommendation letters can significantly enhance your chances of success.
Whether you’re aiming for prestigious scholarships like the Harvard Medical School Financial Aid Program, the Commonwealth Medical Scholarships, or country-specific grants, thorough preparation is key. These scholarships not only ease financial burdens but also provide global networking opportunities and career growth. Stay proactive!