In 2003, of the 16,538 matriculating students at U.S. medical schools, there were only a total of 209 students who were not U.S. citizens or who were not permanent U.S. residents (did not have a "Green Card"). As you can see, this is a very small number of international matriculants. It is extremely difficult for international applicants who are not U.S. citizens or do not have permanent residency to gain admission to American medical schools.

As explained in the 2004-2005 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.

For further information contact:

Kara Rettig-Pfingstag, M.A.
Coordinator of Pre-Professional Health Advising
Xavier University
3800 Victory Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-4331