Top Medical Scholarships for International Students in 2025

Do you aspire to save lives but are obstructed by financial constraints? Pursuing a medical degree is a significant investment that can open doors to world-class education and training. However, the high cost of tuition and living expenses can be a challenge. Thanks to medical scholarships for international students, pursuing your medical dream is now achievable! Offered by universities, governments, and private organizations, these medical degree scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, research costs, and clinical training programs. Keep reading to explore the top medical scholarships for international students.  

How Much Does Studying Medicine Cost?

Studying medicine as an international student varies hugely across countries and universities. On average, tuition fees for medical degrees can range between $10,000 to $80,000 per year, with top institutions charging even higher. For instance, countries like the US, Canada, and Australia have annual tuition fees ranging between $60,000 - $100,000. In Australia, the average tuition fees can range between $65,000 to $85,000 per year. Meanwhile, a few European countries, such as Germany and Norway, offer significantly lower tuition fees, ranging between $14,000 to $17,000 per year, with public universities offering free education. Besides the tuition, students must also consider additional expenses, including accommodation, health insurance, study materials, and living expenses, which can add up to $15,000 to $30,000 annually.

Top Medical Scholarships for International Students

The high cost of tuition and living expenses can be a major hurdle for aspiring doctors. Fortunately, several medical scholarships for international students can help ease the financial burden, offering partial or full funding for tuition, accommodation, and other educational costs. Whether you’re eyeing the cutting-edge medical facilities of the United States, the historical schools of Europe, or the innovative programs of Australia, these medical degree scholarships are your first steps toward a rewarding medical career. 

Scholarships for Medicine: USA

Pursuing a medical degree in the USA can be expensive, but various scholarships for medicine help international students ease the financial burden. We’ve mentioned a few of them below.

1. AMWA Awards 

Funded By: American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
Award Amount: $500 - $5,000 
Deadline: 19 February 2025

One of the best scholarships for medical students, these awards are specifically for women in medicine. These awards are offered to female students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a commitment to advancing women in medicine. Besides offering financial assistance, these medical degree scholarships also offer mentorship opportunities and networking connections. Being highly competitive, these require students to also showcase a financial need. A few of these AMWA awards include the AMWA Membership Fee Waiver ($75 value per person), the AMWA Residency Application Scholarship Fund ($250 - $500), and the Haffizulla Family Scholarship Application ($1,000).   

Eligibility:

• Be a woman
• Currently pursuing or about to get a degree in medicine

2. Tylenol Future Care Scholarship

Funded By: Tylenol
Award Amount: $10,000 
Deadline: 31 March 2025 

The Tylenol Future Care Scholarship, one of the best medicine scholarships for international students, provides financial aid to medical, pharmacy, and nursing students. This scholarship for medical students abroad emphasizes academic achievement combined with community involvement. For this scholarship, you are judged based on your leadership qualities, academic performance, and dedication to patient care. Each year, Tylenol awards 35 scholarships to deserving students, with 10 recipients receiving $10,000 each and 25 recipients receiving $5,000 each.       

Eligibility:

• Be a resident of the 50 US, Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia
• Be a graduate student or a college senior
• Provide proof of enrolment in a graduate program in medical school
• Have one or more years of school remaining

3. American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholarships

Funded By: American College of Surgeons
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: 18 August 2025

Next on our list of the best medical scholarships for international students are the American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholarships. Beyond financial assistance, these offer recipients the opportunity to attend clinical meetings and gain exposure to advanced surgical practices in the US and Canada. You also get to participate in the educational programs of the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress. To apply, applicants must provide a complete application form, a list of all their publications, and letters of recommendation from three of their colleagues. In addition, students who receive the scholarship must provide a full written report of their experiences through the scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Be a graduate of a school of medicine
• Be at least 35 years old by under 50
• Submit applications from your intended permanent location
• Showcase a commitment to teaching and/or research by the standards of your country

Scholarships for Medicine: Canada

Canada offers a range of medical scholarships to support international students pursuing a medical degree. Many universities also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, making Canada an attractive destination for aspiring doctors seeking quality education with financial assistance.

4. Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program 

Funded By: University of Toronto
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: 14 March 2025

Following a merit-based approach, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program is one of the best medicine scholarships for international students. Jointly funded by the Province of Ontario and the University of Toronto, it encourages excellence in medical graduate studies at publicly assisted universities in Ontario. This best medical scholarship for international students offers $5,000 per academic session. Recipients can receive $10,000 for two consecutive sessions or $15,000 for three consecutive sessions. Students in medical and health-related fields are offered special consideration.   

Eligibility:

• Study at the University of Toronto under a temporary resident visa
• Be registered or intend to register in an eligible program on a full-time basis
• Must have not exceeded the lifetime maximum of government-funded support
• Have achieved at least A- (or equivalent) in each of the last two completed years

5. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan

Funded By: The Association of Commonwealth Universities
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: NA

One of the best scholarships to study medicine abroad, it enables Commonwealth countries to offer university scholarships and fellowships to students from other member countries. It covers full tuition, living allowances, and travel expenses. Also, you get the opportunity to form strong connections across the Commonwealth while promoting cultural and academic exchange. These scholarships to study medicine for international students are funded through two primary sources: national governments and universities (for students studying within their respective countries) and the CSFP endowment fund (a shared resource). With this fellowship, one also gets health insurance coverage and various research and professional developmental opportunities. 

Eligibility:

• Be a citizen of a commonwealth country (Australia, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Bahamas, Papua New Guinea, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines)
• Master’s students must have a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the field

6. Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship

Funded By: Quebec Government 
Award Amount: $25,000 - $35,000
Deadline: Winter 2025

This is the most prestigious medical scholarship for international students pursuing doctoral, post-doctoral, and research-based master’s degrees in medicine or health sciences. For doctoral programs, the scholarship offers $25,000 per year for up to three years. Students can apply for a 12-month extension, during which they receive a monthly allowance of $1,000. Post-doctoral students get a one-time award of $35,000 for a single year, and short-term research stays get $3,000 per month for four months. Besides financial aid, recipients also get health insurance and hospitalization coverage offered by Régie De l’assurance Maladie Du Québec (RAMQ). You can also access healthcare research infrastructure and networking opportunities with leading medical institutions.      

Eligibility:

• Pursue doctoral/post-doctoral or research activities at a Quebec university

Scholarships for Medicine: UK

The UK offers numerous medical scholarships for international students, helping to ease the cost of studying medicine at top universities. Many UK universities also offer merit-based and need-based scholarships, making it a sought-after destination for aspiring medical professionals.

7. The Hull York Medical School Master's Scholarship

Funded By: Hull York Medical School
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: 31 May 2025

This best scholarship for international students offers financial support and a unique integrated medical education experience at two prestigious universities for medicine in the UK. With its problem-based learning approach, the scholarship provides early clinical exposure. With this scholarship, you get a 10% reduction in tuition fees, with additional support for living expenses. Students with exceptional academic records have a high chance of getting this scholarship.

Eligibility:

• Have a Bachelor’s degree from a previous and separate program at the University of Hull or the University of York

8. NHS Student Bursaries  

Funded By: National Health Service (NHS)
Award Amount: £2,251 - £3,255
Deadline: 1 October 2025

Next up is the NHS Student Bursaries, one of the best scholarships for medical students. These bursaries cover tuition fees and provide living cost support. Students whose university is in London and who don’t live with their parents get an award of up to £3,255, whereas students living with parents get £2,251 regardless of their university location. For students whose university is outside London and who don’t live with their parents get an award of up to £2,696. Wait, there’s more! NHS also contributes to your university tuition fees. You will get £9,250 for an undergraduate course lasting up to 5-6 years. For graduate programs lasting 3-4 years, you get £3,715. 

Eligibility:

• Pursuing a course in medicine or dentistry
• Be a resident of England

9. UCLan MBBS Scholarships    

Funded By: University of Central Lancashire
Award Amount: £5000 
Deadline: 15 July 2025

These are some of the best MBBS scholarships for international students, offering significant tuition fee reductions and clinical placements in the UK and outside. These scholarships include the Mackenzie Scholarship, Livesey Scholarships, and Dr Kate Granger Scholarship. These scholarships focus on developing medical professionals for underserved areas and their emphasis on community-based medical education.    

Eligibility:

• Be a resident in the new Cumberland region (for Dr Kate Granger Scholarship)
• Be a resident in areas including Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn, Accrington, Burnley, Pendle, the Ribble Valley, and Rossendale (for Mackenzie Scholarship)
• Have completed the UCLan Scholars Program (for Livsey)

Scholarships for Medicine: Australia & New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand offer a variety of medical scholarships for international students, making it easier to pursue a medical degree in these countries. With world-class medical schools and strong healthcare systems, both countries present excellent opportunities for aspiring doctors seeking quality education with financial aid.

10. AFPHM John Snow Scholarship

Funded By: Australasian Faculty of Public Health Medicine (AFPHM) 
Award Amount: $500 cash prize & reimbursement of up to $1,000 to attend an event or conference by RACP, AFPHM, PHAA, or NZCPHM
Deadline: Closed

Named after the legendary epidemiologist John Snow, it is one of the best scholarships to study medicine abroad at the top medical schools in Australia. It is ideal for students looking to contribute to epidemiology, health policy, and disease prevention on a global scale. And, the scholarship recognizes research and academic excellence in public health. This medical scholarship for international students abroad supports academic applicants with academic excellence and innovative research proposals in medical sciences. 

Eligibility:

• Be a medical student currently enroled in a medical school at an Australian or Aotearoa New Zealand University

11. John Hamel MacGregor Award in Medical Science

Funded By: University of Auckland
Award Amount: $10,000
Deadline: TBA 

One of the best medical degree scholarships, it supports students with excellence in medical research. Students pursuing BMedSci or postgraduate research degrees in the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences can apply for this award. With a focus on innovative research projects, the John Hamel MacGregor Award connects students to New Zealand’s leading medical research facilities.  

Eligibility:

• Have completed Part III Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in the year of application
• Be enroled or planning to enrol in either a Bachelor of Medical Science or a postgraduate research degree
• Have a GPA of at least 7.00

12. University of Wollongong Scholarships

Funded By: University of Wollongong (UOW)
Award Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies 

Next up are the medical scholarships for international students offered by UOW. You can apply for multiple scholarships, including the Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship. It offers a 30% reduction in tuition fees for the duration of an eligible course. Then there’s the India Scholarship, which offers a 10% tuition fee reduction. The Offshore Transfer Discount offers a 30% reduction on tuition fees, while the Country Scholarship offers a 20% tuition fee reduction. You get these scholarships based on academic merit, leadership qualities, and financial need. 

Eligibility:

• Enrol in a UOW postgraduate program
• Be an international student
• Achieve a minimum cumulative Weighted Average Mark (WAM) of 50

Fully Funded MBBS Scholarships for International Students

Pursuing an MBBS degree can be costly, but fully funded scholarships help international students achieve their medical dreams without financial strain. Countries like Germany, China, Turkey, Russia, the UK, and the USA offer scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

13. Fulbright Scholarships

Funded By: Fulbright Commission
Award Amount: Around $35,000
Deadline: 5 March 2025

Did you know that around 4,000 foreign students receive these scholarships every year? One of the best fully funded medical scholarships for international students, these support students pursuing their medical studies. With Fulbright Scholarships, graduate students, young professionals, and artists can study and conduct research in the United States. These medical scholarships for international students include J-1 visa sponsorship, funding support, health benefit plans, and enrichment activities. 

Eligibility:

• Reside in the country of nomination at the time of application
• Possess the equivalent of a US Bachelor’s degree
• Be fluent in English with a score no less than 550 (Paper Based TOEFL), 79-80 (Internet Based TOEFL - IBT), or 6.5 (IELTS)
• Do not hold US citizenship

14. Harvard Medical School MBBS Scholarships

Funded By: Harvard University
Award Amount: Full tuition
Deadline: 1 May 2025

These MBBS scholarships for international students are completely need-based. For full-need students, it covers both tuition and mandatory fees. Students receive institutional scholarship funding for a maximum of eight semesters of full tuition charges. Individuals, financial aid funds, and organizations donate to these funds. These donations support financial aid through endowed funds, current-use financial aid funds, and annual gifts to the HMS Alumni Fund. Students who receive these scholarships must write a thank-you note to donors and provide information such as their premedical background, residency preferences, personal and professional interests, and academic progress.  

Eligibility:

• Proof of financial need
• Demonstrate academic merit, research potential, and leadership skills

15. The Scotland Saltire Scholarship

Funded By: Scottish Government
Award Amount: £8,000
Deadline: NA

An initiative by the Scottish Government in partnership with Scottish universities, this is the best scholarship for MBBS students to study abroad. It is awarded to students who pursue a full-time medical course in Scotland. You get up to 50 awards of each £8,000, which includes tuition fees for any one year of full-time postgraduate master’s program at any Scottish higher education institution. The recipients are required to maintain a standard of conduct, participate in the program’s extracurricular activities, post about their experience on social media, and be available for an interview at the end or start of the year.  

Eligibility:

• An interest to study in Scotland
• Academic merit

So, this is our ultimate list of the best medical scholarships for international students that can significantly ease the financial burden of pursuing a medical degree. With so many scholarships for medical students available, students need to research and apply early to maximize their chances of receiving aid. In addition to these medical degree scholarships, students can also explore amber scholarships available for universities in the US, Canada, the UK, and Ireland.