Top 10 International Scholarships to Study Medicine

Medicine and surgery are great professions, entailing so much and taking a lot of time and human resources to complete. Studying abroad may seem like a sure means of achieving your dream of pursuing a career in medicine and surgery. But when you take the finances into consideration, it becomes overwhelming.

Upon making headway and then completing their medical studies, many students are met with the decision to choose from a range of medical specializations. Aside from becoming a medical practitioner in either a hospital or other clinical centers, students can also look for opportunities in other fields like research institutes and teaching jobs.

Since medicine is a lucrative field, there is an increasing number of international students from across the globe who are looking to pursue medical degrees abroad. However, the cost of pursuing this field is very high. Therefore, students seek scholarships and grants to help salvage the situation. This article aims to assist you in getting scholarships.

Also read Medicine Vs Engineering Career Comparison: Which is Better?

The Top 10 International Scholarships to Study Medicine

Studying medicine abroad can be challenging and costly. This put a stop to the dreams of so many students who wish to study for a medical degree abroad. Many universities, organizations, and government agencies now offer scholarships to deserving students to pursue their medical degrees. If you are looking for a scholarship to continue your medical education and study medicine and surgery abroad, below is a comprehensive list for your perusal.

1. Chevening Scholarships: 

is offered by the UK government for international students and is funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The scholarship is awarded to deserving students who present leadership qualities from all across the world. The scholarship grants cover a monthly stipend, travel costs, a thesis or dissertation grant, and a tuition fee waiver.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scholarship is open to international students from across the globe.
• Applicants must show leadership qualities and proof of financial need before applying.

2. Physicians of Tomorrow, American Medical Association (AMA): 

The American Medical Association funds the medical scholarship, which is targeted at medical students who have high medical debt or financial difficulty achieving their dream. These scholarship opportunities are awarded to only third-year medical students, and the grant amounts to about $10,000.

Eligibility Criteria

• Scholarships are awarded based on the academic excellence and financial needs of the students.
• Students must already have been admitted and are currently in their third year of studying for a medical degree at the university.
• Candidates must possess certain credentials, such as a transcript, a letter of recommendation, and so on.

3. International undergraduate merit awards: 

This award has been given at Newcastle University, and it is awarded to deserving students with great academic achievements. The scholarship is partially funded, with a value of about £1500, to cover living expenses and other needs.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scholarship is awarded to only two students each year with a good academic background.
• The scholarship is awarded to international students who wish to study medicine and surgery at Newcastle University.

Also read 10 Reasons Why you Should Study Medicine

4. Chinese American Physicians Society (CAPS): 

offers a yearly scholarship to international students studying medicine in the USA. Applications are based on financial needs, academic profile, and so on. CAPS offers a scholarship value of about $2000 to $5000 to students.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants are awarded based on a number of factors, such as financial need, academics, essays, and community service records.
• The application is open to international students who are in need of assistance to complete their studies.

5. The University of Auckland, School of Medicine: 

offers scholarships to international students with plans to pursue a medical degree in New Zealand or who are already studying at the University of Auckland. The University of Auckland offers quite a number of scholarships each year to deserving students.

Eligibility Criteria

• Scholarships are open to international students from specific countries around the globe.
• The application is only open to students who wish to study medicine and surgery at the University of Auckland or in New Zealand.

6. University of Dundee: 

offers scholarships for students to study medicine and surgery. Among the scholarships offered is the Minimal Access Surgery, which awards students a value of up to £5,000. There are two kinds of scholarships under this program: financial hardship scholarships and academic merit scholarships, all awarded by the university.

Eligibility Criteria

• The application is open to students who wish to study medicine and surgery at the University of Dundee.
• The scholarship is awarded based on two main categories: academic marriage and financial hardships.

Also read University of Edinburgh Surgery Online Global Scholarship

7. International awards for surgical education—American College of Surgeons: 

This scholarship is awarded by the American College of Surgeons, which offers two distinct international awards in the field of surgical medicine. Each of the awarded scholarships amounts to up to $10,000 in value, and it also provides a chance for deserving international students to further learn and research in surgical medicine.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scholarship is awarded to students of medicine who study at any of the American universities.
• Successful applicants are selected based on their financial needs and academic profiles.

8. Edith SeVille Coale Scholarship: 

This scholarship is awarded to only female medical students going into their second or third year at the medical school. Candidates must possess an excellent academic record along with a valid need for financial aid. Furthermore, candidates must be enrolled in either of the following medical colleges to be eligible: Georgetown University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, or George Washington University Medical School of Medicine and Health Sciences. The scholarship award amount varies between $5,000 and $8,000 each year.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scholarship is awarded to only female medical students at some selected universities in America.
• Applicants must possess approval of financial needs before the application can be viewed and processed by the awarding institution.
• epics and must be in the second or third year before applying for this scholarship.

Also read Top 10 Medical Scholarships for International Students

9. MRES Cancer Biology Scholarship: 

The scholarships awarded by this organization range from £500 to £3,000, and they are awarded as a tuition fee waiver for international students entering the MRes Cancer Biology Program abroad.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scholarship is available for international students who wish to study cancer biology in medicine abroad.
• Applicants must be international students and must possess proof of financial need and an excellent academic profile before being considered.

Also read LSHTM Professional Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Scholarships

10. COTACTYL Scholarship: 

is available for  Mexican students entering to study M.Res. Cancer Biology at the university. The scholarship fund also offers the Dow Memorial Trust funding for undergraduate international students who have been accepted to study medicine, surgery, or dentistry programs at the accredited university.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scholarship is available for international students who wish to study M.Res. cancer biology in medicine abroad.
• Applicants must be international students and must possess proof of financial need and an excellent academic profile before being considered.

See more Scholarships for Medicine here.

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These countries pay the highest salaries for doctors across the globe

In many parts of the world, doctors and other medical professionals are among the highest paid people in the country due to the challenging nature of the job, the time spent on their studies and research, and also the fact that they are responsible for the well-being of the general population in that particular country. There are some countries in the world that pay their medical professionals heavily and also invest a lot in their healthcare systems. Among such countries are those outlined below.

The average salary in the average salary in the United States is $370,000. 

How much a doctor can make depends on where they practice and their gender. Generally, male doctors in the US make 36% more than their female counterparts. The pay gap was narrowest for anesthesiologists (12%), radiologists (13%), and family practitioners (14%). Orthopedists top the list with an annual average compensation of $443,000 (salary, bonus, and profit-sharing contributions), followed by cardiologists at $410,000, dermatologists at $381,000, and the lowest being pediatricians at $204,000. Specialists are highest paid in North Dakota ($472,000) and lowest in Rhode Island ($291,000). Primary care physicians are highest paid in Arkansas ($330,000) and lowest in the District of Columbia ($192,000).

Canada, average salary: $338,000 

There are over 90,000 doctors in Canada, and they are increasing faster than the country’s population. The doctor-to-person ratio stands at around 228 doctors per 100,000 people. The average pay ranges from $258,000 in Nova Scotia to $366,000 in Alberta.

Australia, an average salary of $260,000: 

Neurological surgeons are the highest earners, making as much as $430,000 a year, followed by ophthalmologists with $420,000, and in terms of location, those in Sydney or Melbourne can earn up to 50% more. Other medical specialists that get paid the most are cardiologists, plastic and reconstructive surgeons, and gynecologists and obstetricians.

Netherlands, average salary: $253,000 

This country also ranks among those who pay their doctors very well. The country’s healthcare system is also top-notch, with many foreigners also enjoying the health care system by taking out a form of health insurance. On average, the Netherlands pays its doctors about $253,000 each year.

Belgium, average salary: $188,000 

is another great country that pays its medical professionals quite well. With a yearly payment of about $188,000, Belgium stands out as a place where medical graduates can get a very good job with a nice salary.

Ireland, average salary $183,000: 

Ireland spends around 8.1% of its GDP on its health care system and has around 2.76 beds per 1,000 of its population, which are always well attended to.

United Kingdom average salary: $150,000 

Generally, salaries vary widely based on the grade and experience of the doctor. Britain’s trainee doctors start at around £26,000 a year, rising across 12 different pay bands to £65,000. Specialty doctors earn a basic salary of £37,923 to £70,700.

In France, the average salary is $149,000. 

The basic fee per patient in the country stands at around $28 for each medical trip. France pays its doctors approximately $149,000 each year, which makes the country one of the very few that values the importance of a good medical and health care system.

Switzerland, average salary: $130,000 

The country has around 32,000 doctors. The highest-paid are the heart specialists, gastroenterologists, neurosurgeons, and radiologists.

Denmark, average salary of $91,000: 

goes last on our list of the top 10 countries that pay their doctors well. Although the country pays the least on our list, Denmark is still one of the best places to get gainful employment after medical school. With a yearly income of about $91,000, it is a good start in achieving your dream of becoming a sought-after doctor.

Also read To 10 Countries with the Highest Salaries for doctors.

The Best 5 Countries in the World to Study Medicine

Medicine is a large field of study and takes up so many years at the university, along with years of internship. As an aspiring medical student in search of a study destination, below are the top 5 countries to expect the best.

Russia: 

This country offers quality education that is also affordable, even for international students. The Russian government also allocates up to 15,000 scholarship awards for international students from different parts of the world planning to study in the country. To study for a medical degree in Russia, international students are expected to spend about 2000 to 6,000 USD per year. Completing your medical degree in Russia places the student onthe map for employment opportunities in leading medical centers and hospitals around the world.

China: 

China is known to possess the fastest-growing economy in the world, and its educational sector is also gaining a lot of recognition, according to the Times Higher Education (THE). Studying medicine in China can cost as little as 2600 USD each year as compared to other study destinations in the western world. Studying medicine in China presents a great opportunity to learn traditional medicine and ancient medical techniques taught in the country. This allows the students to broaden their knowledge about medicine, not just in the western world but also traditionally, which can be applied in the future.

Ukraine: 

is a popular destination to study medicine, chosen by international students. This is due to the many world-class universities that are supported by the government of the country to provide affordable tuition fees. One unique thing about studying in Ukraine is that it is not compulsory for students to pass the entrance examination before they can be accepted to study at the university. Students can pursue a medical degree in Ukraine for as little as 4000 to 6,000 USD per year. The Ukraine medical certificate and license are valid worldwide and can be used to practice medicine anywhere.

Kyrgyzstan: 

is a country located in Asia, and it is known to have a beautiful landscape. Pursuing a medical degree in Kyrgyzstan is a great decision and would definitely enable the student to achieve the desired results. This country has also become extremely popular over the past years, especially for students who wish to get a medical degree. Not only are the tuition fees affordable, but Kyrgyzstan has all the right equipment and facilities for its medical students. The MBBS here is also offered in English. Tuition fees in Kyrgyzstan range from 3000 USD each year to 7000 USD each year. No entrance exam is required for you to get a medical degree in this country.

Philippines: 

is known to have a low cost of living and education while still giving out the best education necessary. Pursuing a medical degree in this country is definitely an excellent choice, as it has one of the best medical education systems in all of Southeast Asia. Tuition fees range from around 7500 to 12000 USD each year.

Also read Cheapest Medical Schools in the World for International Students and The 20 Best Medical schools in the World.

10 Medical School Scholarships to Study Medicine and Surgery Abroad

There are some notable institutions abroad that offer scholarships to foreign students in order for them to complete their studies in medicine and surgery. Here are some of those universities and institutions that offer full or partial funding for medicine students.

University of Auckland John Hamel MacGregor Award in Medical Science: 

This scholarship is focused primarily on awarding medical scholarships for both international and domestic students to study for a Bachelor of Medical Science or at a  postgraduate research degree level at the University of Auckland, located in New Zealand.

University of Melbourne Baillieu Research Scholarship: 

This scholarship is meant for medical students to study their chosen course in Australia, mainly at the graduate level or degree level, solely at the University of Melbourne.

University of Wollongong Undergraduate Scholarship: 

The university targets students who want to attend a medical school by providing scholarships for major undergraduate students who wish to study medicine, surgery, and other related health care and nursing field programs at the University of Wollongong, located in the heart of Australia.

ACLS Scholarship for Healthcare Providers: 

The scholarship is made available for medical students who need the assistance of a scholarship grant to complete their studies. The scholarships are awarded to students who are currently enrolled at the undergraduate or postgraduate level in the medical program. Students would need to write an essay contest explaining and talking about emergency medical care from their own perspective as medical students. This is one of the strong bases for getting acceptance for the scholarship.

AMA Minority Scholars Award: 

This medical scholarship is targeted at the less privileged international students studying medicine in the USA. Students from places like African-Americans, Alaskan Natives, American Indians, Hispanics, and Native Hawaiians are said to be highly eligible to apply for this medical school scholarship in order to assist them and boost their career opportunities.

American College of Surgeons International Guest Scholarships: 

The scholarship is intended for international student scholarships for graduates who are interested in medical teaching or research, and after the program, the students must be willing and agree to research in the US upon completion.

AMWA Awards: 

The American Medical Women’s Association is used to fund medical school scholarships and fellowships. These scholarships are offered to all AMWA student members, and in order to enjoy such privileges, you will need to become a member in order to be qualified for this medical school scholarship.

ASCP Siemens Scholarships:  

This is a variety of medical school scholarships for those students who are graduate medical technologists, technicians, and scientists already but wish to study in the USA at any accredited medical schools in order to achieve their area of specialization in the medical field.

ASME Grants and Fellowships: 

This is a wide range of international student scholarships focused on helping medical students, teachers, and researchers continue their medical school education in the USA and in even other parts of the world outside the country.

Doctor-on-Demand Scholarships; 

Health organizations: these types of scholarships are offered to major medical students or any student who wants to study in any medical-related field. This scholarship also enables students to study at any chosen university in the US.

Also read Best Canadian Medical Schools for International Students

Medicine is one of the many courses or fields of study with great importance in human life, and as such, medicine and surgery encompass a lot of medical fields and terminologies and still remain one of the most important careers in the world. Even without the advent and use of technology, medicine has always found a way to preserve human lives. Nowadays, with a lot of inventions, many organizations, governments, and NGOs have made it a point of contact to reach out to as many students as possible willing to study medicine, but due to a lack of funds, which is always the main cause of students dropping out of school, by providing scholarships and grants. We hope this article assists you in achieving your dreams to study medicine and surgery at the institution of your choice.

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