International Applicants and Applicants from Undocumented Communities

In the health professions application process, non-U.S. citizens holding permanent residency in the U.S. (i.e., green card holders) are generally treated in the same way as U.S. citizens. Opportunities for medical education in the U.S. are not as available for international applicants, that is, non-U.S. citizens and non-permanent residents. While some medical schools do allow applications from international students, the numbers admitted yearly are quite small. Most acceptances are offered by private health professions schools. Many American students finance their medical education, at least in part, through government loans. U.S. government loans are not available to international students who are not permanent residents. Therefore, many medical schools will require international students to document their ability to independently pay for medical education. In some cases, students may be required to demonstrate adequate funds in an escrow account prior to enrollment. 

Resources

The AAMC How do I... Apply as an International Applicant? provides guidance on how to navigate all parts of the process as an international applicant.

F1 Doctors: By International Students for International Students is a great place to meet international students who have been successful in their application to medical school and find resources.

Pre-Health Dreamers (PHD) provides support for undocumented applicants who are pursuing careers in health and science.