International students have the ability to apply to medical schools in the U.S., but there are also challenges. Some, but not all, medical schools in the U.S. will accept international applicants. These schools are usually also open to applicants from any state in the U.S., so the number of applicants is very large and the competition keen. In addition, international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, as U.S. citizens are. Applicants holding a green card are considered in the same category as a U.S. citizen. To learn more about applying to medical school as an international student, please see the instructions and information provided by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Some international students complete their degree at Duke and then apply to medical schools outside of the U.S. These schools include the Medical School for International Health at Ben-Gurion University in Israel (affiliated with Columbia), Oxford and Cambridge in England, Poznan in Poland, St. George's in London, one in Ireland, one in Australia, and Duke NUS (you must be willing to live in Singapore for 10 years).

Prehealth students enrolled at Duke Kunshan should work with DKU's Office of Undergraduate Advising to answer prehealth questions.

Resources for International Students

  • For a listing of allopathic medical schools that accept international students, use MSAR and select International applicants on the left hand side. For a listing of osteopathic medical schools that accept international students visit AACOMAS. Note that it is important to verify the school's acceptance policy prior to submitting an application. 
    • Clark University also maintains a searchable list of allopathic medical schools.
  • F-1 Doctors is a platform offering a network of international healthcare professionals volunteering to provide mentoring and guidance to international students interested in applying to medical and dental schools within the U.S. F-1 Doctors connect applicants with useful resources and materials found helpful in navigating some of the hurdles international students face during the application cycle. To learn more, visit their website for assistance.