25 July 2025
7 minutes read
10 Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study MBBS in USA
25 July 2025
7 minutes read
Key Takeaways
- Scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA can lower yearly costs from $70,000–$96,000 to $20,000–$45,000, making medical education more accessible.
- Top scholarships like Fulbright-Nehru, Harvard, and Physicians of Tomorrow cover tuition, living expenses, and other study-abroad costs.
- Research early and prepare strong applications—meeting eligibility and writing compelling SOPs is key to securing funding.
Every year, thousands dream of becoming doctors, yet the cost of studying MBBS in the USA, where tuition fees can exceed $60,000 annually, pushes many Indian students to give up. The reality? Most universities in the USA admit only the top few, and without a scholarship for MBBS, the expenses are crushing.
Luckily, scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA, including merit-based, need-based, and university scholarships, can help students pursuing an MBBS degree manage tuition and living costs, making MBBS in USA possible.
Why Indian Students Choose to Study MBBS in the USA?
Many Indian students dream of becoming globally recognized doctors, and Medical in the USA offers world-class training, advanced facilities, and vast career opportunities.
Despite the high tuition fee, several scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA make this dream achievable.
- Globally Recognized MBBS Degree – A degree in the USA is valued worldwide, helping students study medicine and build careers internationally.
- Scholarships Available – From Harvard Medical School scholarships to Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship, merit-based and need-based scholarships help students cover tuition and living costs.
- University Scholarships and Programs – Many universities in the USA offer scholarships to international students, including Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees.
- High-Quality Medical Education – Medical education in the USA includes cutting-edge labs, research, and residencies, attracting MBBS students abroad for Indian students.
- Career Growth and Residency Opportunities – Completing an MBBS program in the USA opens doors for residencies, fellowships, and lucrative careers.
- Support for International Students – Universities provide scholarships for international students and resources to help students adjust and succeed while pursuing MBBS in the USA.
Types of Scholarships for Indian Students to Study MBBS in USA
Many Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees find the cost of studying MBBS abroad overwhelming, as tuition fees in the USA can be extremely high.
Thankfully, there are scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA that help students get financial aid and make a degree in the USA achievable.
1. Merit-Based Scholarships
These MBBS scholarships for Indian students are awarded to talented students with exceptional academic scores or research potential. Many universities in the USA offer scholarships to international students, where scholarships cover part or all tuition fees, such as the Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship. Students must apply for MBBS early to get a scholarship.
2. Need-Based Scholarships
For Indian students pursuing MBBS in the USA, need-based scholarships help those from lower-income backgrounds. These scholarships are available for Indian students looking to study MBBS abroad, ensuring students get financial assistance for medical education in the USA by proving financial need through the scholarship application.
3. Government and University-Specific Scholarships
Several scholarship programs like Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, Harvard Medical School scholarships, and university scholarships for MBBS are offered by universities in the USA and government bodies. These scholarships are designed to help students cover the cost of studying MBBS, and students can apply online for scholarship to study MBBS in USA through official portals.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students to Study MBBS Abroad in USA
Many Indian students dream of earning an MBBS degree in the USA, but the cost of studying MBBS abroad can be overwhelming.
Luckily, there are scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA, from government fellowships to university scholarships, that help students who want to study MBBS abroad for Indian students achieve their goals.
1. Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship
Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship is one of the best scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA, this fellowship helps students pursuing MBBS cover tuition, living costs, and travel while studying at top universities in the USA. It is highly competitive and awarded to students with exceptional academic and leadership records.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based and need-based |
| Coverage | Tuition fee, living expenses, travel costs |
| Eligibility Criteria | High academic record, leadership potential |
| Who Can Apply | Indian students pursuing MBBS in USA |
| Application Deadline | Annually (varies by year) |
2. Harvard Medical School Scholarships
For students in the USA aiming to study medicine, Harvard offers several university scholarships for MBBS. These scholarships for international students, including Indian students, are based on financial need and merit, helping cover the cost of studying MBBS.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Need-based and merit-based |
| Coverage | Partial or full tuition fee |
| Eligibility Criteria | Admission to Harvard Medical School |
| Who Can Apply | MBBS students including Indian students |
| Application Deadline | With admission cycle |
3. Physicians of Tomorrow Scholarship
This MBBS scholarship in the USA supports scholarships for MBBS students in their final year. It is one of the best scholarships for MBBS students abroad for Indian students, helping with tuition for medical education in the USA.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based |
| Coverage | Tuition support for final-year students |
| Eligibility Criteria | Enrolled in an accredited U.S. medical school |
| Who Can Apply | Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees |
| Application Deadline | Typically April each year |
4. Tata Scholarship for Cornell University
Cornell University, one of the top universities in the USA, offers this scholarship to study MBBS abroad for Indian students. The Tata Scholarship ensures students who want to study in USA can pursue higher education without financial strain.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Need-based |
| Coverage | Full tuition for eligible students |
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian citizenship, admission to Cornell |
| Who Can Apply | Indian students pursuing MBBS |
| Application Deadline | With university admission deadlines |
5. Stanford University Need-Based Scholarships
Stanford offers scholarships for international students pursuing higher education in the USA, including MBBS scholarship abroad for Indian students. These scholarships are available for students with exceptional financial need.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Need-based |
| Coverage | Tuition fee and living expenses |
| Eligibility Criteria | Admission to Stanford and financial need |
| Who Can Apply | Students pursuing MBBS in USA |
| Application Deadline | Matches admission cycle |
6. AMA Foundation International Medical Scholarships
The American Medical Association (AMA) provides scholarships for MBBS students and scholarship for medical students from abroad, including Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees. These scholarships cover tuition and support students who want to study MBBS abroad for Indian students.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based and need-based |
| Coverage | Tuition fee and research grants |
| Eligibility Criteria | Academic excellence, enrollment in U.S. med school |
| Who Can Apply | MBBS students including Indian students |
| Application Deadline | Annually (dates vary) |
7. Yale University Scholarships
Yale offers scholarship programs for MBBS students under its financial aid initiative. These scholarships for international students can cover the full cost of studying MBBS abroad for Indian students, based on financial need.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Need-based |
| Coverage | Full or partial tuition fee |
| Eligibility Criteria | Admission to Yale, financial need |
| Who Can Apply | Indian students to study MBBS in USA |
| Application Deadline | With admission deadlines |
8. American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowships
Although not MBBS-specific, these scholarships are offered to students in the USA pursuing higher education in the USA, including MBBS scholarship abroad for Indian students. It supports students looking to apply for scholarships for MBBS.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based and need-based |
| Coverage | Tuition and research support |
| Eligibility Criteria | Female international students, strong academics |
| Who Can Apply | Indian female students pursuing MBBS |
| Application Deadline | Annually (varies by year) |
9. Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
This fellowship provides scholarships to Indian students pursuing MBBS and related fields at Stanford University, ensuring students get scholarships to study in USA.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Need-based |
| Coverage | Full tuition and living costs |
| Eligibility Criteria | Indian citizenship, admission to Stanford |
| Who Can Apply | Indian students pursuing MBBS |
| Application Deadline | With Stanford admissions |
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship
While broader in scope, this scholarship program supports Indian students to study MBBS in USA through grants covering tuition and living costs, aimed at students who want to study medicine abroad for Indian students.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Type | Merit-based and need-based |
| Coverage | Tuition, travel, and living expenses |
| Eligibility Criteria | Admission to a partner university in the USA |
| Who Can Apply | Indian students pursuing MBBS degrees |
| Application Deadline | Annually (varies) |
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships for MBBS in USA
The USA is home to world-class medical universities, but the cost of studying can be overwhelming. Thankfully, scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA make education affordable, though students must meet the eligibility criteria for each scholarship to qualify.
- Strong Academic Performance – Most scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA require excellent grades, as many scholarships are awarded to students with high merit.
- Standardized Test Scores – To study abroad, applicants often need MCAT, TOEFL, or IELTS, as MBBS in USA for international students demands language and subject proficiency.
- Financial Documentation – For need-based funding, students must show financial statements since USA can be a significant financial challenge without aid.
- Proof of Admission – Applicants must secure admission to a recognized MBBS program in the USA before applying for funding from several scholarships for international students.
- Extracurricular Achievements – Some scholarships are awarded to students showing leadership, research, or community contributions, especially in study abroad programs.
How to Apply for University Scholarships for MBBS in the USA
Applying for scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, students who want to study abroad can secure financial aid.
The process involves careful planning, meeting requirements, and ensuring your scholarship application stands out.
- Research Scholarships Early – Explore many scholarships, including university scholarships for MBBS, merit-based and need-based scholarships, and government-funded options available for MBBS in USA for international students.
- Check Eligibility Criteria for Each Scholarship – Ensure you meet academic, financial, and admission requirements since scholarships are awarded to students who meet all conditions.
- Prepare Essential Documents – Students must gather transcripts, letters of recommendation, financial proof, and standardized test scores (MCAT, TOEFL/IELTS) to apply for scholarships for MBBS.
- Submit Applications Before Deadlines – Most universities in the USA have strict deadlines for scholarships for international students, so students can apply alongside their MBBS program applications.
- Write a Strong SOP and Essays – Craft a statement of purpose and essays that highlight why you deserve the MBBS scholarship abroad for Indian students and how you’ll contribute to higher education in the USA.
- Follow Up and Prepare for Interviews – Some scholarship programs require interviews; students get scholarships when they show commitment, passion, and eligibility clearly.
Cost of Studying MBBS in the USA for International Students (With and Without Scholarships)
The cost of studying MBBS in USA for international students can be overwhelming, with tuition, living expenses, and insurance making the USA a significant investment for Indian students.
However, scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA can reduce these expenses, making a degree in the USA more attainable.
| Expense Category | Without Scholarships (Per Year) | With Scholarships (Per Year) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | $50,000 – $70,000 (varies by university) | $10,000 – $30,000 (after merit-based/need-based scholarships) |
| Living Expenses (Housing, Food, Utilities) | $15,000 – $20,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 (with scholarships covering housing) |
| Health Insurance & Books | $4,000 – $6,000 | $1,500 – $3,000 (covered partially by scholarship programs) |
| Total Annual Cost | $70,000 – $96,000 | $20,000 – $45,000 (depending on type of scholarship) |
Conclusion
Pursuing an MBBS degree in the USA can feel like a distant dream, but with the right scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA, it’s a goal well within reach. From university scholarships to merit-based and need-based programs, there are paths to make your study abroad journey affordable.
At Ambitio, we don’t just guide you, we build your profile, craft standout applications, and connect you to the best scholarships so you can study MBBS abroad without financial stress. Ready to make your dream a reality? Book your free consultation today and let’s get you admitted and funded!
FAQs
Are there scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA?
Yes, multiple scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA are offered by universities and external organizations.
What are some major scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA?
Some popular scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA include Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Harvard Medical School Scholarship, and Stanford School of Medicine Scholarshi
Can I get a 100% scholarship as an Indian student to study MBBS in USA?
Full scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA are rare, but some need-based and merit-based awards may cover complete tuition and living expenses.
What is the eligibility to apply for scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA?
Eligibility for scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA generally requires a strong academic record, proof of financial need, and standardized test scores like MCAT.
Which documents are required to apply for scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA?
Documents for scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA usually include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, a personal statement, and proof of English proficiency.
Are university-specific scholarships available for Indian students to study MBBS in USA?
Yes, universities like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford provide scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA, each with unique criteria.
Do scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA also cover living expenses?
Some scholarships for Indian students to study MBBS in USA cover tuition plus living and travel expenses, while others may provide only partial funding.
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