For those looking to study abroad, it can be helpful to know which medical colleges are considered the best in the world. The field of medical study is both fascinating and important, encompassing the study of human anatomy and the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses. Many students travel to countries such as the US, UK, and Canada in search of the best medical institutes to pursue a degree in medicine, though competition for admission can be fierce due to the high number of applicants.
While there are certainly excellent universities in Europe, some students may encounter language barriers as not all countries there speak English. Additionally, tuition fees in American and European countries tend to be higher than those in Asian countries.
Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at the top 10 medical colleges in the world.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Medical Colleges in the World
- Harvard University, United States
- University of Oxford, United Kingdom
- Stanford University, United States
- University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Johns Hopkins University, United States
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), United States
- UCL (University College London), United Kingdom
- Imperial College London, United Kingdom
- Yale University, United States
- University of Toronto, Canada
Pursuing Medical Degrees in Different Countries
Top 10 Medical Colleges in the World
| Rank | University | Location | Overall Score |
| 1 | Harvard University | Cambridge, United States | 99.5 |
| 2 | University of Oxford | Oxford, United Kingdom | 95.7 |
| 3 | Stanford University | Stanford, United States | 93.6 |
| 4 | University of Cambridge | Cambridge, United Kingdom | 92.7 |
| 5 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, United States | 92.4 |
| 6 | University of California | Los Angeles, United States | 90.8 |
| 7 | University College London | London, United Kingdom | 90.1 |
| 8 | Imperial College Londo | London, United Kingdom | 89.6 |
| 9 | Yale University | New Haven, United States | 89.5 |
| 10 | University of Toronto | Toronto, Canada | 89.4 |
1. Harvard University, United States
Harvard Medical School, which is the graduate school of medicine at Harvard University, was founded in 1782 and currently holds the top position in global rankings for medical institutes, according to QS WUR, U.S. News & World Report, and is ranked third by Times Higher Education. The school accepts international students but gives preference to those who have completed their undergraduate studies in the United States and have at least one year of academic education in the country. As the third oldest medical school in the United States, Harvard’s faculty has been instrumental in significant medical advancements, including smallpox vaccination, insulin, and anesthesia. International students who have completed at least one year of academic study at an accredited university in the United States are eligible to apply to Harvard Medical School.
Average tuition fee: $45,050
Course Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 2.7%
2. University of Oxford, United Kingdom
The Oxford University Medical School, established in 1936, is the medical school at the University of Oxford. The curriculum consists of a 3-year pre-clinical course followed by 3 years of clinical studies. Approximately one-third of the students are international. The school has been ranked the second-best in the world by QS and the best by Times Higher Education. They offer advanced technology and research laboratories to complement their theoretical education.
Average tuition fee: $50,000
Course Duration: 6 years
Acceptance Rate: 9%
- Stanford University, United States
Stanford University is considered the 3rd best medical school globally, providing advanced and integrated study programs combined with research. The Stanford University School of Medicine is affiliated with Stanford Healthcare and Stanford Children’s Health. The university was founded in 1908 and has consistently been ranked among the top medical institutions in the world. According to the Times Higher Education, it is ranked as the 6th best medical school globally.
Average tuition fee: $55,000
Course Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 2.3%
- University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
The University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, has a standard course, and a graduate course. The students learn through a mix of theoretical, practical, research, and project-based learning. The School of Clinical Medicine was established in 1976 under the prestigious Cambridge University. The students can get a bachelor of medicine and a Bachelor of surgery after completing the 6-year MD course. The university is ranked 4th in the QS rankings and 2nd in the Times Higher Education rankings of the best medical universities in the world.
Average tuition fee: $83,000
Course Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Johns Hopkins University, United States
Johns Hopkins University is a private research university located in the United States, based in Baltimore, Maryland. It is known for its excellence in medicine, public health, and engineering, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across multiple fields, including humanities, social sciences, business, education, and music. International students are welcome to apply and are required to meet the same admission standards as domestic applicants. Admissions decisions are based on various factors, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. The university provides various financial aid opportunities to help support students who may face financial barriers to pursuing higher education.
Average tuition fee: $58,000
Course Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), United States
The David Geffen School of Medicine was established in 1951 and is the medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It offers a range of programs, including MD, postdoctoral, graduate, and residency programs. In recognition of a $200 million donation, the medical school was renamed the David Geffen School of Medicine. According to the QS rankings, it is currently ranked as the 6th best medical institute in the world. Exceptional students can participate in concurrent degree programs or Medical Scientist Training Programs, where they may receive their tuition fees paid by the National Institute of Health, and may also receive a stipend while learning.
Average tuition fee: $50,100
Course Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 3.9%
- UCL (University College London), United Kingdom
Founded in 1987 in London, the UCL Medical School offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate medical education programs. Collaborating with seven major hospitals, the school provides an exceptional education with a strong academic reputation, outstanding infrastructure, and qualified faculty. The MBBS program has an intake of only 334 students per year. In addition to the MBBS program, the school offers various postgraduate, research, initial teacher education programs, and integrated BSc courses.
Average tuition fee: $51,000
Course Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 16%
- Imperial College London, United Kingdom
The Imperial College School of Medicine was established in 1997 and has been recognized with the Athena SWAN award for its commitment to promoting the participation of women in medicine. It was formed by integrating several medical schools, including Chelsea and Westminster, Charing Cross, St. Mary’s, and Hammersmith. To be admitted to a medical course at this school, you must successfully complete the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT). The university is ranked 8th in the world by QS WUR. Each year, the school admits around 2000 students to its Medicine and Biomedical Science courses.
Average tuition fee: $50,100
Course Duration: 6 years
Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Yale University, United States
Founded in 1810, the Yale School of Medicine is the graduate school of medicine at Yale University. With a rich history of contributing to innovative projects and scientific discoveries, the university boasts a faculty of nearly 11,000 members. As an Ivy League School, Yale offers a variety of courses, including MD/Ph.D., Doctor of Medicine (MD), and MD/MPH (Master of Public Health) programs. The Department of Pharmacology at Yale is recognized as one of the best in the world.
Average tuition fee: $64,000
Course Duration: 3 years
Acceptance Rate: 4.8%
- University of Toronto, Canada
Established in 1843, the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto is one of the oldest medical schools in the world and has been instrumental in numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including insulin and stem cells. The university is ranked 10th globally and holds the top spot in Canada according to the QS Rankings. The University of Toronto attracts many international students from countries such as the US, China, and India.
Average tuition fee: $91,760
Course Duration: 4 years
Acceptance Rate: 5.99%
In the United States, students who want to pursue undergraduate studies in medicine are required to complete pre-medical studies that typically last around 4 years. After completing these studies, they can start their medical education, which usually takes about 6.5 years to complete. With the addition of medical training, the entire course may take up to 10 years to finish. It’s worth noting that 11 out of the top 20 MBBS universities in the world are located in the United States.
Five medical colleges in the UK are ranked among the top medical schools in the world. It typically takes 5 to 6 years to complete the MBBS degree from a UK college, which is offered as a Bachelor of Medicine (MB) degree. The first three years of the program are focused on theoretical learning, followed by practical learning in the later years.
Medical education in Canada follows a similar structure to that of the US. However, it is relatively less expensive to pursue a medical degree in Canada. The program usually includes theoretical coursework in the first 3-4 years, followed by clinical training.
FAQs
- Which is the No 1 medical college in the world?
As per the Times Higher Education Rankings, Harvard Medical School is currently ranked as the No. 1 medical college in the world.
- Which country has the best medical colleges?
There is no one country that has the best medical colleges, as there are several countries with highly ranked medical schools such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and others.
- What is the rank of AIIMS in the world?
As of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi was ranked 1st in India and 202nd in the world by the QS World University Rankings.
- What is the average fee to study MBBS abroad?
The average fee to study MBBS abroad varies depending on the country and university. It can range from $10,000 to $50,000 per year.
- Which college is No 1 in India for MBBS?
As per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2021, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi is ranked as the No.1 college for MBBS in India.
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