Yes, but options are limited. International students are not eligible for US federal student aid, so if you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, your aid will come mainly from the medical school itself, private loans (usually with a US cosigner), and scholarships or loans from your home country. Some US medical schools require international students to prove they can pay one or more years of costs before they enroll, and the aid that does exist rarely covers the full cost of attendance.
Below is a breakdown of what is available, the admissions rules that affect your funding, and how to plan.
Who counts as an "international student"
For financial aid purposes in the US, you are generally an international student if you are not one of these:
- A US citizen or US national
- A US permanent resident (green card holder)
- An eligible noncitizen under federal aid rules, such as certain refugees and asylees
Students with DACA status are not eligible for federal student aid, though some schools and states offer them institutional or state aid. If your status is uncertain, check with each school's financial aid office.
Why most international students can't access federal loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans, and before July 2026 Grad PLUS loans, have been the main way US medical students pay for school. Only US citizens, nationals, permanent residents and eligible noncitizens can use them; the Federal Student Aid website explains the rules. Most state aid programs are also limited to US residents. Because most international students cannot access federal loans, schools must find other assurance that you will be able to pay for four years. That is why many schools that accept international applicants:
- Require proof of funds covering the first year or the full program
- Ask for a deposit into an escrow account, sometimes equal to one to four years of cost
- Limit financial aid for international students to specific scholarships or institutional loans
- Ask you to describe how you will fund your education in their secondary applications
Where schools do offer aid to international students, it is usually need-based, depends on available funds, and uses the same financial aid application process as for domestic students.
The AAMC notes that international applicants should check each school's financial requirements early, because they can decide whether attending is realistic. See the AAMC's guidance for international applicants.
Admissions rules that affect your funding
Funding and admissions are closely linked for international applicants, so keep these points in mind:
- Citizenship and visa status. State yours clearly and accurately on the AMCAS application and every secondary application. It determines which aid you can be considered for.
- Foreign coursework. AMCAS does not verify coursework from schools outside the US, its territories or Canada, and it does not count toward your AMCAS GPA unless a US institution accepted it for credit. Follow the AMCAS instructions for listing foreign institutions and sending transcripts.
- US coursework. Many schools want to see how you perform in a US program, because curricula abroad differ. Some international applicants take prerequisites at a US college as non-degree students to build a record, but schools usually expect a substantial amount of coursework, completed before you apply.
- Language skills. AMCAS lets you list the languages you speak and your level in each, which can strengthen your application.
- Degree location. Applicants with a bachelor's degree from outside the US or Canada generally have a harder time getting in, and some schools only consider international applicants with a degree from a US or Canadian institution. Canadian applicants often have an advantage because Canadian coursework is handled much like US coursework.
- Where to apply. Apply only to schools that accept international students. The list is short, but it includes some highly regarded schools, such as Harvard, Johns Hopkins and Stanford, as well as the University of Toronto in Canada. Confirm current policies, since they change.
A prehealth advisor can help you choose courses, plan your timeline and review your application. If your college does not have one, the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) is a good place to start.
Sources of aid for international students
1. Institutional scholarships and grants
Some medical schools offer need-based or merit aid regardless of citizenship. A small number of well-funded private schools meet demonstrated need for all admitted students. These awards are competitive and policies change, so ask directly:
- Do you offer need-based aid to international students?
- Is a separate financial aid application required, such as the CSS Profile?
- Are awards renewable for all four years?
2. Institutional loans
Some schools run their own loan programs for students who cannot use federal loans. Terms vary. Some require a cosigner; others do not.
3. Private loans with a US cosigner
Many private lenders will lend to international students if a creditworthy US citizen or permanent resident cosigns. The cosigner is legally responsible if you do not pay. Rates depend on the cosigner's credit.
4. International student lenders
A few lenders specialize in loans for international students at approved schools, sometimes without a cosigner. They often limit lending to certain schools and programs, and rates can be high. Read every term before signing.
5. Home-country funding
This is often the most important source:
- Government scholarships for study abroad, often tied to returning home to work in the public health system
- National student loan programs that allow study at foreign institutions
- Sponsorship by employers, ministries of health, or the military
- Development bank or foundation scholarships for students from specific regions
6. Outside scholarships
Community organizations, religious groups, professional associations, and foundations sometimes fund international students. Amounts are often modest, but they add up.
If you study outside the US
Financial aid looks different when you attend a medical school outside the US. Many schools in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean admit large numbers of international students and have their own scholarships and payment plans. Public universities in some European countries charge international students lower tuition than many private schools elsewhere, although living costs and language requirements still apply.
US citizens attending a foreign school approved by the US Department of Education may be able to use federal Direct Loans there. If you hold dual citizenship, this may change your options. For details on federal rules, including the July 2026 limits for professional students, see financial aid options for international medical school.
Comparing your options
| Option | Typical availability | Main advantage | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|---|
| School scholarship | Limited, competitive | No repayment | Few awards, may not renew |
| School loan | Some schools | Designed for students without federal aid | Terms vary widely |
| Cosigned private loan | Widely available with cosigner | Can cover large amounts | Risk for cosigner; fewer protections |
| International student lender | Selected schools only | May not need cosigner | Higher rates |
| Home-country scholarship | Depends on country | Often generous | Service commitments |
| Family funds | Depends on family | No debt | Not available to everyone |
A planning checklist
- List schools that accept international applicants. Use the AAMC's MSAR for US schools, and our programs directory for schools abroad.
- Find each school's financial requirement for international students, including escrow or proof-of-funds amounts.
- Calculate the full cost for every year of the program. Our guide on the cost of attending an international medical school explains how.
- Contact your home-country scholarship and loan agencies a year or more before you plan to enroll.
- Line up a cosigner early if you plan to use private loans.
- Think about repayment. If you plan to return home to practice, compare your expected salary there with the debt you would carry.
- Keep visa rules in mind. Student visas usually require proof that you can pay for at least the first year.
Thinking about the long term
Debt is a bigger risk for international students than for US citizens. You may not qualify for US income-driven repayment or loan forgiveness programs, and residency training (if you get a position) pays modestly for several years. If you are unsure whether you will be able to practice in the US, compare the full picture before committing. Our guide to how hard it is to get into med school as an international student can help you weigh US and international options.
Key takeaways
- Most international students can't access federal loans or state aid, so funding comes mainly from schools, private loans, and home-country sources, and it rarely covers the full cost.
- Many US schools that accept international students require proof of funds or an escrow deposit.
- A few schools offer need-based aid regardless of citizenship; ask each school's financial aid and admissions staff directly.
- State your citizenship and visa status clearly, follow AMCAS rules for foreign coursework, and expect to explain your funding plan in secondaries.
- Cosigned private loans are common but put your cosigner at risk and offer fewer protections.
- Medical schools outside the US often have more options and lower costs for international students.