10 Best Medical Schools in the World (2025)
Here are the best medical schools worldwide with key facts on programs, scholarships, alumni, fees, and how to get in. Choose wisely.
Choosing a medical school is a life-changing decision. The best institutions blend cutting-edge research, exceptional teaching, and opportunities across all levels of medical education, from undergraduate science to advanced medical degrees. Below, we take a look at ten of the world’s top medical schools, from every part of the world, in everyday language. For each school, you’ll find a friendly intro, a quick-reference table of key facts, tips on how to get in, and an official link. Let’s dive in!
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1. Harvard Medical School (USA)
Harvard Medical School is widely considered the gold standard of medical education. Founded in 1782, it has a rich history of breakthroughs, from early smallpox vaccines to cutting-edge gene therapy.
Students here learn alongside world-renowned hospitals like Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women’s. Despite its prestige, Harvard fosters a collaborative culture where professors and students alike are passionate about improving health worldwide.
Getting an admission is very difficult as it is reserved for the very best, with a ~3% acceptance rate. Harvard Medical School attracts some of the brightest aspiring doctors on the planet. It’s an exciting, challenging place where today’s medical students become tomorrow’s leaders in medicine.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 3.2% |
| Available Programs | MD; MD–PhD; joint degrees (MD–MBA, MD–MPH, etc.) |
| Scholarships | Generous need-based aid (full tuition for low-income) |
| Key Strength | Research & clinical training |
| Notable Alumni | Dr. Harvey Cushing (neurosurgery pioneer), Dr. Paul Farmer (global health) |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Very Expensive |
| Star Fact | Most NIH-funded medical school |
How to Get In:
- Aim for academic excellence: Harvard expects top MCAT scores and GPA, the median GPA is near 3.9 and MCAT around the 98th percentile. Strong performance in science courses and research experience will make you stand out (Facts and Figures | Harvard Medical School).
- Show leadership and service: The admissions committee values applicants who demonstrate initiative, compassion, and commitment to service. Leadership in clubs, community volunteering, or healthcare work (e.g. clinic assistant, EMT) can strengthen your profile.
- Craft a compelling story: Harvard looks for passion and diversity. In your personal statements and interviews, share why you’re driven to medicine, any challenges you’ve overcome, and what makes you unique. Genuine enthusiasm and clear purpose can leave a lasting impression.
Official Website: Harvard Medical School
2. Johns Hopkins University – School of Medicine (USA)
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore is synonymous with medical innovation. Since 1893, it has revolutionized medical education by integrating research and bedside teaching.
Walking its historic domed campus and the Johns Hopkins Hospital, you feel the legacy of legends like William Osler and Harvey Cushing. Yet Hopkins is far from stuck in the past, it’s a leader in modern fields like gene therapy and global health.
The vibe is rigorous but collaborative: students tackle tough training with support from faculty mentors. Admissions are highly competitive, with about 5.6% acceptance rate. While it can be expensive, Hopkins regularly launched generous scholarships (including free tuition for many) to ensure the best students can attend. In short, Hopkins offers a humanistic, research-rich medical education that has produced countless medical breakthroughs.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 5.6% |
| Available Programs | MD; MD–PhD; MD–MPH; MD–MBA dual degrees |
| Scholarships | Significant tuition grants regularly available |
| Key Strength | Pioneering research; top-ranked hospital (Johns Hopkins Hospital) |
| Notable Alumni | Dr. Ben Carson (neurosurgeon), Dr. Helen B. Taussig (pediatric cardiology pioneer |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Very Expensive |
| Star Fact | Over 95% tuition-free for many students |
How to Get In:
- Build a strong science foundation: Johns Hopkins seeks students with excellent grades in challenging science courses and a high MCAT. Aim for near the top of your class. Hopkins’ entering students often have GPAs ~3.8+ and very strong MCAT scores.
- Show research and impact: Being a research powerhouse, Hopkins values applicants who have done research or other scholarly projects. If you’ve published a paper or worked in a lab, highlight it. Likewise, leadership in community service or healthcare initiatives (for example, organizing a free clinic) can demonstrate the impact Hopkins is looking for.
- Emphasize fit and motivation: In essays and interviews, convey why Hopkins is right for you. Maybe you’re excited by its teaching hospital training or specific institutes (like pediatrics or neurosurgery). Be prepared to discuss your passion for medicine with maturity and insight – Hopkins admires driven, compassionate individuals who will thrive in a rigorous environment.
Official Website: Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
3. University of Toronto – Faculty of Medicine (Canada)
The University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine is Canada’s premier medical school and a global leader in research. Located in downtown Toronto, this school blends high-tech labs with diverse clinical experiences across a network of teaching hospitals.
U of T Medicine is large, with ~259 new MD students each year, yet it maintains a supportive atmosphere. Students form close-knit colleges and mentorship groups. The school has made a big impact in global health; insulin was discovered in 1921 on its campus, and it continues to excel in areas from cardiology to AI in medicine.
With an acceptance rate around 6%, getting in is tough. But U of T values well-rounded candidates, not just top grades, they look at your personal qualities and research to find future clinicians and scientists who will uphold its tradition of excellence. Studying medicine at U of T means joining the ranks of innovators in a beautiful, multicultural city.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 6% |
| Available Programs | MD (4-year); MD/PhD; MD/MSc and other dual programs |
| Scholarships | Financial aid & bursaries available (need-based) |
| Key Strength | Research innovation |
| Notable Alumni | Frederick Banting ( discoverer of insulin), Anderson Ruffin Abbott |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Expensive |
| Star Fact | Insulin first developed here |
How to Get In:
- Excel academically: U of T’s med students typically have an A-range GPA (often 3.8+/4.0). Strong performance in prerequisite courses (biology, chemistry, etc.) is a must. You’ll also need to do well on the MCAT if required, and for U of T, a good CASPer (situational judgment test) score is important.
- Demonstrate well-rounded skills: Toronto looks for more than marks. They value research experience (an honors thesis or lab work can help), healthcare exposure (volunteering at hospitals or clinics), and strong communication skills. Show that you can balance academics with volunteering, leadership, or other passions.
- Prepare for interviews/essays: If selected, you’ll face an interview or brief essay questions. Be ready to discuss ethical scenarios and your motivation for medicine. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and compassionately. Highlight why you want to study in Toronto – maybe its diverse patient population or renowned institutes – to show you’re a great fit for Canada’s top medical school.
Official Website: Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
4. University of Oxford – Medical School (UK)
Oxford’s Medical School offers an elite education in an ancient setting. As part of the University of Oxford (dating back to 1096), the medical school combines centuries of academic tradition with cutting-edge biomedical science.
Medicine at Oxford is a 6-year program: students spend the first years on rigorous scientific study (earning a BA in Medical Sciences), then clinical training in Oxford’s hospitals for the remainder. Small-group tutorials are a hallmark, you’ll discuss cases and research one-on-one with experts, honing your critical thinking.
Oxford’s med school is relatively small (only ~150 students per year), making for a tight community. The school is notoriously selective, with roughly a 17% success rate for UK applicants and much lower for international students. Those who get in join a program ranked among the world’s best.
Oxford is known for its strengths in research (many Nobel laureates), and it played a key role in developing penicillin into an antibiotic in the 1940s.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 17% UK applicants; <5% international applicants |
| Available Programs | BM BCh Medicine (undergraduate entry, 6 years); Graduate-Entry Medicine (4 years); DPhil (PhD) research degrees |
| Scholarships | Oxford bursaries for UK students; some scholarships for international students |
| Key Strength | Personalized tutorials & world-leading research |
| Notable Alumni | Sir Peter Medawar (Nobel in Medicine), Dr. Roger Bannister (neurologist & first 4-minute miler) |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Expensive |
| Star Fact | Oxford scientists helped turn penicillin into the first antibiotic |
How to Get In:
- Ace your exams: Oxford requires outstanding pre-university results. British applicants need top A-levels (typically AAA* including chemistry) and a strong BMAT score. Internationally, equivalent exams (SAT/ACT, APs, IB, etc.) must be stellar. Essentially, aim for the highest marks possible, the competition is fierce.
- Show scientific mindset: This program is science-heavy. In your application and interviews, demonstrate a love for scientific inquiry. Perhaps mention a biology project or extended essay you did, or discuss a medical research topic that fascinates you. They want students who relish learning the “why” behind medicine.
- Practice for interviews: Oxford interviews are famously challenging, often posing hypothetical science or ethics questions. Practice thinking aloud logically. For example, you might be asked how a certain drug works or to analyze a case scenario. They’re assessing your problem-solving and communication skills. Stay calm, be curious, and let your enthusiasm for medicine shine through – tutors want someone they’d enjoy teaching one-on-one.
Official Website: Oxford Medical Sciences Division
5. Karolinska Institutet (Sweden)
Karolinska Institutet (KI) in Stockholm is a medical university that punches far above its weight on the world stage. Specializing solely in health sciences, KI is famous for selecting the Nobel Prize laureates in Medicine each year. It’s also Sweden’s largest center for medical education and research, attracting students from across Europe.
The teaching style is often hands-on and inclusive, expect problem-based learning and early clinical exposure with Swedish-language training if you’re an international student.
KI offers programs in Medicine (taught in Swedish) and several master’s courses in English. Gaining admission is extremely tough, with an acceptance rate around 3–4%; you’ll need top grades/test scores. Those who make it join an institution known for breakthroughs like the discovery of growth factors and a global outlook on healthcare.
The learning environment is conducive. Plus, tuition is free for EU students, and many courses are subsidized.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 4% |
| Available Programs | MD, Biomedicine, Masters, PhD |
| Scholarships | Tuition-free for EU residents; KI Global Master’s Scholarships for non-EU |
| Key Strength | Nobel Prize connection; research in medicine & public health |
| Notable Alumni | Torsten Wiesel (Nobel Laureate, vision research), Dr. Åke Senning (implanted first pacemaker) |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Affordable (EU), Expensive (Internationals) |
| Star Fact | Home of the Nobel Assembly that awards the Medicine Prize |
How to Get In:
- Have top grades & test scores: Admission to KI’s medical program is extremely competitive. Swedish applicants need near-perfect gymnasium (high school) grades or a top score on the Swedish scholastic aptitude test. International hopefuls for master’s or PhD programs should likewise have excellent academic records and English proficiency (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL).
- Demonstrate interest in research/health: Karolinska values a scientific mindset and commitment to healthcare. If you’ve done any research project, volunteering, or work in a health setting, be sure to highlight it. Show that you align with KI’s mission of advancing knowledge and health for all.
- For Master’s/PhD, write a strong motivation: Many programs require a statement of purpose. Explain why you want to study at Karolinska specifically – perhaps its Nobel heritage or a particular research group – and how you plan to contribute. Mention any international perspective or unique experience you bring. Being motivated, mature, and globally minded will help convince selectors that you’ll thrive at KI.
Official Website: Karolinska Institutet
6. National University of Singapore – Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine (Singapore)
The Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at NUS is Asia’s leading medical school, combining Asian and Western traditions of medicine. Established in 1905 as the first medical college in Singapore, it has grown into a modern powerhouse regularly ranked among the world’s top 20 for medicine.
Students enter a 5-year undergraduate MBBS program that emphasizes strong fundamentals and early clinical training. Singapore’s multilingual, multicultural environment means you’ll learn to treat a diverse patient population, from high-tech urban hospitals to community clinics. The campus boasts cutting-edge simulation centers and research labs tackling diseases prevalent in Asia (like dengue and nasopharyngeal cancer).
Admission is quite competitive, with 14% acceptance and around 280 selected out of 2000 applicants. The school uses a holistic process, including grades, interviews, and aptitude tests for admission purposes.
NUS Medicine is known for producing well-rounded doctors who are technically excellent and compassionate. Studying here means affordable tuition (especially with government grants) and potentially a service bond ensuring you give back. If you’re seeking a world-class medical education in Asia, NUS is the top pick.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 14% |
| Available Programs | MBBS (5-year undergraduate); MD-PhD Dual; Nursing and Allied Health programs under school; postgraduate research degrees |
| Scholarships | Government tuition grants for locals & internationals (bond required); merit scholarships |
| Key Strength | Clinical training |
| Notable Alumni | Dr. Benjamin Sheares (2nd President of Singapore), Dr. Mahathir Mohamad (MD alumnus, former Malaysian PM) |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Expensive |
| Star Fact | Oldest medical school in Singapore |
How to Get In:
- Shine academically and in interviews: NUS Medicine looks for students with excellent grades (or A-level results) especially in sciences. You’ll also need to do well in the entrance process, which includes the BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) or equivalent and a rigorous Focused Skills Assessment (a multi-station interview). Practice communicating clearly and confidently; show empathy and teamwork during interviews or role-plays.
- Highlight your passion for medicine: Because so many applicants have good grades, let your personal qualities show. Mention any volunteering at hospitals, attachments, or caring for others – these experiences demonstrate your dedication to healthcare. NUS values applicants who are resilient, altruistic, and team-oriented, fitting Singapore’s patient-centered care ethos.
- Understand the commitments: International students receiving tuition grants must serve in Singapore’s healthcare system for a bond period after graduation. Express openness to this commitment to serve. Also, if you have specific interest in the region’s health challenges or NUS’s research (like in genomics or Asian epidemiology), share that. It shows you’ve done your homework and are eager to contribute to NUS’s community and beyond.
Official Website: NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
7. University of Tokyo – Faculty of Medicine (Japan)
The University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Medicine is Japan’s most prestigious medical school, known locally as “Todai Igakubu.” It has a 150-year history (the second medical school founded in Japan) and a reputation for training many of the nation’s top doctors and medical researchers.
The program is 6 years long, starting with a broad science education on the beautiful Komaba campus, then moving into clinical training at the University of Tokyo Hospital, one of Japan’s best. Expect an academically intense environment. Todai’s med students are selected from the top of the top, roughly 110 students admitted from hundreds who attempt the ultra-competitive entrance exam, about a 4.3 applicants-to-seat ratio.
Once in, collaboration is more common than cutthroat competition; students bond through club activities and late-night study sessions. The Faculty of Medicine excels in fields like oncology, immunology, and surgery, several alumni narrowly missed Nobel Prizes for their groundbreaking research.
Instruction is primarily in Japanese, though some research opportunities are English-friendly. For those who can manage the language and entrance rigor, Todai offers a chance to learn medicine at the pinnacle of Asia’s scientific community, with a blend of tradition and innovation; for example, it’s at the forefront of stem cell research. Graduating from the Univesity of Tokyo Medicine is like earning a badge of honor in Japan’s medical field.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 24% (overall), 4% (applicants per seat) |
| Available Programs | M.D. (6-year program post-high school); School of Integrated Health Sciences (nursing & allied fields); PhD and Master’s research programs |
| Scholarships | Japan’s oldest teaching hospital was established here |
| Key Strength | Oncology, immunology, research |
| Notable Alumni | Dr. Shibasaburo Kitasato (co-discovered plague bacterium), Yoshinori Ohsumi (Nobel Prize in Medicine) |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Affordable |
| Star Fact | Japan’s oldest teaching hospital established here |
How to Get In:
- Crush the entrance exam: Admission for Japanese students is via the Todai entrance exam (Science III stream), which is exceptionally difficult. It tests advanced chemistry, biology, physics, math, and more. Only about 100 out of hundreds of hopefuls make it. Preparation takes years of focused study (often at “cram schools”). International applicants might apply through special programs or transfer, needing equally strong academics and Japanese proficiency (usually JLPT N1).
- Demonstrate all-round excellence: Beyond test scores, Tokyo values disciplined, well-rounded students. Extracurricular achievements, such as science Olympiads, research internships, or noteworthy leadership roles, can bolster your profile. If you have publications or prizes, that helps show you’ll contribute to Todai’s research-driven culture.
- Language and cultural fit: Fluency in Japanese is essential for the medical course since lectures, textbooks, and patient interactions are in Japanese. If you’re not a native speaker, invest time to become proficient. Also, express your understanding of and respect for Japanese culture and teamwork. Todai looks for students who will integrate smoothly and uphold the institution’s values. Highlight any experience studying or living in Japan or working in a Japanese team, as it shows you’re prepared for the environment.
Official Website: University of Tokyo Faculty of Medicine
8. University of Cape Town – Faculty of Health Sciences (South Africa)
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences is Africa’s oldest medical school and its most respected. The MBChB program spans 6 years and is notable for its early clinical exposure and focus on community health, you won’t just study textbooks; you’ll work in clinics serving Cape Town’s diverse communities.
University of Cape Town training hospital (Groote Schuur) made history, the world’s first heart transplant in 1967 by Dr. Christiaan Barnard happened there. The school emphasizes producing doctors who are socially conscious and adaptable, given South Africa’s wide spectrum of health challenges from cutting-edge surgeries to public health and infectious diseases.
Admission is competitive, with around a 5% acceptance rate and a policy favoring inclusivity and diversity. Students here form a tight-knit family, it’s common to have study groups that feel like home.
Facilities include modern labs and simulation centers, but also a unique on-site museum honoring UCT’s role in medical history.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 5% |
| Available Programs | MBChB, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, MPH, MSc, PhD |
| Scholarships | Government bursaries, NRF Scholarships |
| Key Strength | Community healthcare, surgery |
| Notable Alumni | Christiaan Barnard (First heart transplant) |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Affordable |
| Star Fact | Performed the world’s first human heart transplant |
How to Get In:
- Excel in academics and NBTs: UCT requires excellent high school results (typically with very high marks in sciences and math). South African applicants also take the National Benchmark Tests (NBTs); a strong performance there is crucial. If you’re an international or non-standard applicant, equivalent tests or university results will be needed. Essentially, show you can handle a challenging curriculum.
- Understand the selection policy: UCT values diversity and has a holistic admissions policy. This means they consider your background and disadvantages overcome, not just raw marks. If you’ve taken part in outreach programs, leadership roles, or have a compelling personal story (especially related to healthcare or serving others), make sure to include that. It aligns with UCT’s mission to train doctors who will serve all sectors of society.
- Show commitment to healthcare: Any experience in a hospital or clinic, even if it’s shadowing a doctor or volunteering at a home, will boost your application. UCT looks for motivation – why do you want to be a doctor in South Africa? Be prepared to perhaps write a short essay or attend an interview about this. Emphasize qualities like resilience, empathy, and teamwork. If UCT is your dream, mention what draws you (for example, its famed trauma unit or community health outreach) to demonstrate that you’re enthusiastic and informed.
Official Website: UCT Faculty of Health Sciences
9. University of Melbourne – Melbourne Medical School (Australia)
The University of Melbourne’s Medical School is Australia’s top-ranked medical faculty, offering a blend of traditional academia and hands-on training. Located in cosmopolitan Melbourne, it pioneered the country’s first medical degree in 1862 and today runs a contemporary Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
Uniquely, Melbourne shifted to a graduate-entry MD: students complete a bachelor’s first, then a 4-year MD curriculum that integrates patient contact from year one. The environment is vibrant and supportive; you might spend mornings in anatomy labs or simulation centers and afternoons in small group tutorials discussing cases.
Melbourne Med School is known for cutting-edge research (from immunology to bioengineering) and has been at the forefront of medical innovation, for instance, Professor Graeme Clark led the team here that invented the multi-channel cochlear implant (bionic ear) in the 1970s.
With around 350 MD seats per year, admissions are competitive (applicants need a strong undergraduate GPA and GAMSAT/MCAT score), but there are pathways to encourage rural and Indigenous applicants as well.
Melbourne’s teaching hospitals, like The Royal Melbourne and Austin Health, provide diverse clinical experiences. Outside academics, students enjoy a high quality of life in Melbourne, which is often rated one of the world’s most livable cities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 12% |
| Available Programs | MD (4-year graduate-entry); Dual degrees (MD–PhD); Undergraduate Biomedicine (pathway); Health Sciences and research degrees |
| Scholarships | Merit-based and Commonwealth scholarships |
| Key Strength | Research and clinical innovation |
| Notable Alumni | Sir Frank Macfarlane Burnet (Nobel Laureate, immunology), Elizabeth Blackburn (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine) |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Very Expensive (International), Expensive (Domestic) |
| Star Fact | First multi-channel cochlear “bionic ear” was developed here (implanted in 1978) |
How to Get In:
- Complete a relevant undergrad with high marks: Since Melbourne’s MD is graduate-entry, you’ll need at least a bachelor’s degree. It doesn’t have to be in science, but you must have prerequisite subjects (like anatomy, biochemistry). Aim for a strong GPA (distinction level) – around 3.7/4.0 or above a 75% average, as admitted students are very academically solid.
- Do well on GAMSAT/MCAT: Applicants typically take the GAMSAT (a generalized medical admissions test) – a high score is critical. This exam tests science, reasoning, and writing; many spend months prepping. International students can use MCAT. Scoring in the top percentiles will significantly boost your chances.
- Show your interpersonal qualities: Melbourne, like other Aussie med schools, assesses personal qualities via a portfolio or interview. Be ready to discuss experiences that show communication skills, leadership, teamwork, and altruism. This could include anything from leading a uni club, to volunteer work, to an interesting life experience that shaped you. If you’re applying through special entry schemes (rural or Indigenous pathways), highlight your connection to those communities. Ultimately, Melbourne wants not just brainy students, but those who are collaborative and motivated to improve healthcare.
Official Website: Melbourne Medical School
10. University of São Paulo – Faculty of Medicine (Brazil)
The Faculty of Medicine at the University of São Paulo (USP), often called “Faculdade de Medicina da USP,” is widely regarded as South America’s best medical school. Based in São Paulo city, the medical school is part of Brazil’s largest public university and is tuition-free for all students, making world-class medical training 100% free.
The program admits students straight from high school into a 6-year MD (in Portuguese, “Medicina”) program. Admission is legendary for its difficulty: applicants face the extremely competitive FUVEST entrance exam, with tens of thousands competing for only ~175 spots (an acceptance rate under 2%!). Those who succeed will train in some of Latin America’s top hospitals, like Hospital das Clínicas.
USP’s curriculum is traditional yet evolving: students get a strong grounding in medical sciences, with clinical rotations in various specialties. The school takes pride in having produced many of Brazil’s medical pioneers and health ministers. From developing protocols for treating tropical diseases to performing Brazil’s first heart transplant, USP leads innovation.
The atmosphere among students is intense but full of camaraderie, they often bond through academic leagues (interest groups) and on-campus cultural life. Graduating from USP Medicine is highly prestigious in Brazil. It means you’re equipped with excellent clinical skills, a research-informed mindset, and the adaptability to practice anywhere. And remarkably, you’ll have gotten this top-tier education without paying tuition, thanks to Brazil’s public education ethos.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | 2% |
| Available Programs | Medicina (6-year MD program); residencies in all major specialties; Masters/PhD research programs |
| Scholarships | Free tuition for all both local and international students. Need-based stipends for low-income students; research grants available |
| Key Strength | Largest teaching hospital in Latin America; strong in surgery & tropical medicine |
| Notable Alumni | Dr. Euryclides Zerbini (performed Brazil’s 1st heart transplant), Miguel Nicolelis (neuroscientist, brain-machine interface pioneer) |
| Tuition Cost Rating | Free; public funding |
| Star Fact | USP is ranked #1 in Latin America and is 100% tuition-free |
How to Get In:
- Master the vestibular (entrance exam): Getting into USP Medicine requires excelling in the annual FUVEST exam (for São Paulo state students) or the national ENEM exam (for some seats). This exam covers in-depth math, science, languages, and more at a very high level. Brazilian students often spend a year in intensive prep courses. International applicants are rare (USP mainly admits Brazilians), but if applicable, you’d need equivalent outstanding exam scores and proficiency in Portuguese.
- Stand out among top scorers: Since essentially all applicants have strong academics, any additional achievements can help set you apart. This might include awards in science competitions, Olympiads, or exceptional extracurriculars. While the exam score is the primary factor, some bonus points (so-called bonificação) exist for things like public school background or participation in certain programs. Check the latest criteria – and leverage any advantage you qualify for.
- Be ready for rigorous study: There’s no interview – selection is purely academic. However, mentally prepare for the rigor of USP. Demonstrating resilience and a passion for medicine in any application essay can be useful if applicable. If you have done volunteer work (e.g. in healthcare settings or community service), mention it in any personal statement – it shows you’re not just an “exam machine” but genuinely care about the field. Once admitted, brace yourself for hard work, but remember thousands wished to be in your place! The effort is worth it for a free, world-class education.
Official Website: FMUSP – Faculdade de Medicina, USP
Conclusion
Each of these medical schools offers something special, from Harvard’s research might to Cape Town’s pioneering spirit, from Oxford’s tutorial rigor to USP’s accessible excellence. “Best” can mean different things in different contexts, but all of these institutions have proven themselves through academic quality, impactful research, and the successes of their graduates.
No matter which continent you’re on, pursuing medicine at any of these schools means you’ll be challenged and inspired. If you aim to join their ranks, start preparing early, stay passionate, and keep the patient at the center of your motivation. Good luck on your journey to a future in medicine!
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