Health Advising

Information for International Students

There are a is a very small number of international matriculants to U.S. medical schools. 

As explained in the Medical School Admission Requirements, published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, this very small number of international matriculants results from several factors:

  • Many public medical schools limit enrollment to state residents.
  • State residency statues require that applicants be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  • Many private medical schools require international applicants to document their ability to independently finance a medical education.
  • Many countries impose severe restrictions on exportation of currency.
  • Federal financial aid sources generally require either U.S. citizenship or permanent residency.

International applicants who wish to come to the United States to eventually receive their medical education in an American medical school should be aware of these issues, and think very carefully before applying for admission to an undergraduate program in the United States.