Kiatbaca – Choosing the right medical college to pursue your career in the field of medicine can be one of the toughest decisions you ever make. With so many options available, it’s essential to find the one that suits you the best, with a great balance of academics, research and practical training. Let’s ease out your concerns by providing you an overview of the best medical colleges in the world. In this article, we have covered the top medical schools across the world, including Harvard Medical School – USA, University of Oxford – UK, Stanford Medicine -, University of Cambridge – UK, Johns Hopkins University – USA and many more. We have also provided some tips on how to get admission to a medical college. Beef up on this article before you take the step to pursue your dream of becoming an exceptional medical professional.
Overview of the Best Medical Colleges in the World
Medical education is one of the most desired educational programs globally. Many prestigious universities around the world offer quality medical education, including Harvard Medical School, Karolinska Institute, University of Cambridge, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, and Stanford University School of Medicine. Each of these schools has unique features that make them stand out from others, attracting students from all over the world. The QS Globe Ranking 2021 states that the University of Cambridge is among the top four best medical schools globally. These schools are ranked based on various factors such as research output, reputation, student-teacher ratio, funding, and graduate employment rate.
International students who aspire to study medicine are welcome to apply to the best medical colleges in the world. Obtaining a degree from one of these colleges is a significant milestone for any medical student who aims to be at the top of their profession.
Harvard Medical School – USA
Harvard Medical School (HMS) is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical schools in the world. Established in 1836, the institution has been associated with major public health and medical advances, such as the smallpox vaccine and the discovery of insulin. It consistently ranks first on the list of ‘Best Medical Colleges’ in the world by QS World University Rankings in 2021. The school accepts applications from international students who have studied at an accredited institution in Canada or the USA. Owing to its faculty, research, and contributions to the medical field, Harvard Medical School is one of the most respected medical colleges globally.
University of Oxford – UK
The University of Oxford has a strong reputation for academic excellence in medicine and is one of the most prestigious universities in the world, ranking in the top 20 according to THE. The medical program at Oxford is a six-year program, comprising three years of pre-clinical studies and three years of clinical studies. Oxford has a diverse range of medical departments, offering students a comprehensive education on the subject of medicine. In terms of rankings, QS has ranked the University of Oxford as the second-best medical institute in the world, and Times Higher Education ranked it the top medical institute. Founded in 1096, the University of Oxford is probably the oldest medical college on this list.
Stanford Medicine – USA
Stanford Medicine, part of Stanford University in California, USA, is one of the most distinguished medical schools in the world. It has consistently ranked within the top five best medical schools in the world, according to QS world ranking 2021. The university offers a range of courses, including MBBS courses, and is ranked as the 3rd best MBBS institute in the world. Being established in 1891, Stanford University has a rich academic history, an exhaustive program, and a highly competitive admissions process that sets it apart from other medical colleges.
Being a student at Stanford University provides opportunities to participate in a variety of activities and organizations, and it also boasts a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the NCAA Division I Pac-12 Conference. Students benefit from the vast resources provided, and they also have access to some of the best and most experienced medical practitioners and researchers in the world, making Stanford University one of the best medical colleges in the world.
University of Cambridge – UK
The University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom is considered one of the best medical colleges in the world. It offers two medical courses- a standard course and a graduate course. The school of Clinical Medicine, which was established in 1976, offers a 6-year MD course that combines science, clinical experience, and research. The University of Cambridge ranks 4th in the QS rankings and 2nd in the Times Higher Education rankings of the best medical universities in the world. It’s also worth noting that the average tuition fee for the university is $83,000. International students are also welcome to apply for a medical course at the University of Cambridge.
Johns Hopkins University – USA
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, is world-renowned for its excellence in medical education and research programs. With its commitment to providing top-notch education, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine continues to attract students from all over the world. The university has a proven track record of producing exceptional medical professionals. That’s why CEOWorld Magazine ranked Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine as the world’s ‘Best Medical School 2021’.
Undergraduate students at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine are offered an opportunity to live on campus during their initial two years of study. They also have access to the Provost’s Undergraduate Research Awards program, which provides the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research. The associated teaching hospital is highly ranked due to its many specialties, including cancer care, neurology, and cardiac care. All of these factors contribute to making Johns Hopkins University a top choice for aspiring medical professionals.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – USA
Founded in 1951 and renamed in 2001, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) is an accredited medical school in the USA. It is the second medical college in the UC system after UCSF School of Medicine. Students of UCLA School of Medicine can enroll in its concurrent degree program, the Medical Scientist Training Program. According to QS World University Rankings (2021), UCLA School of Medicine is ranked seventh in the world, and students may have tuition and fees paid by the National Institute of Health and also receive a stipend in support of their education. The university offers programmes in MD, postdoctoral, graduate, and residency studies, enrolling 33,343 undergraduate and 9,533 graduate students.
UCL (University College London) – UK
University College London (UCL) is undoubtedly one of the top medical colleges in the world that merges six medical colleges in the UK, with the oldest one established since 1746. UCL boasts a diverse range of faculties and departments that offers 675 postgraduate, research, and initial teacher education programs. Being one of the largest universities with over 50,000 students enrolled globally, the University is rated by the QS World University Rankings as the tenth-best university globally and is the top-rated University in the UK for research strength. UCL provides the most extensive selection of integrated BSc opportunities, making it a premier choice for students pursuing medicine as a career.
Imperial College London – UK
Imperial College London School of Medicine is a reputed and a well-recognized undergraduate medical school located in London, England. According to the Times Higher Education World University ranking 2022, it is ranked 3rd in the world for medicine. The medical school is formed by the merger of several historical medical schools such as Chelsea and Westminster, Charing Cross, St. Mary’s, and Hammersmith. Imperial College London offers a comprehensive medical program that trains over 2,000 students in the field of Medicine and Biomedical Science. The medical school is known for its innovative curriculum and world-renowned research programs. It provides dual qualifications such as a BSc degree along with an MMBS, which makes it a popular choice among aspiring medical students.
Yale University – USA
Yale University is one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions located in New Haven, Connecticut. The Yale School of Medicine, a part of Yale University, enrolls approximately 3,500 undergraduate and graduate students. Yale’s School of Medicine is home to prestigious faculty members, many of whom are members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The Department of Pharmacology, which is a separate department, is also flourishing greatly and is widely acclaimed as one of the best in the world. The Yale School of Medicine consistently ranks among the top 15 best medical colleges in the world. If you want to pursue medicine from one of the world’s best medical colleges, Yale shouldn’t be missed.
University of Toronto – Canada
The University of Toronto, Canada proudly stands among the top 10 best medical colleges of the world. Founded in 1827, this public institution has an enrollment of 16,164 students. The University of Toronto offers world-class polytechnic education to its students and is known for having the largest representation of international students among the medical colleges in the US, China, India, and Iran. It is ranked #4 in Best Universities for Clinical Medicine and #18 in Best Global Universities, making it an excellent choice for students who aspire to study medicine.
How to Get Admission to a Medical College?
Getting admission to a medical college can be daunting as most medical colleges have strict admission requirements, with a few having an acceptance rate as low as 3.3%. It is essential for applicants to check the medical college’s website for a comprehensive list of admission requirements. The cost of attendance is another significant factor that applicants should consider. For example, a student at Harvard Medical School can expect to pay $65,000 per year for an MBBS course. On the other hand, an applicant to John Hopkins University should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0, and their application fee is $70. Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who need them to help cover tuition costs. Applicants should put their best foot forward while applying to medical colleges to have a chance of being accepted into the best medical colleges in the world.
Conclusion
Choosing the right medical college for yourself can be a daunting task. It is essential to consider various factors such as curriculum, faculty, research facilities, clinical exposure, student life, and location before making a decision. If you aspire to study in one of the best medical colleges worldwide, there are appropriate steps you can take to get there. Begin by researching the requirements to get admitted to a medical college, seek advice from seniors, and start preparing in advance. Keep in mind that admission to these colleges is competitive, and it is crucial to have a well-rounded application. To learn more about the best medical colleges in the world, their admission requirements, and the steps you can take to achieve your goal, read our detailed blog on the topic.