The world of medicine is always fascinating!
From studying the anatomy of humans, diagnosing ailments, and treating them, to using the knowledge for society’s good, pursuing a degree in medicine encompasses everything that completes a professional cycle.
So, why will a person miss out on studying medicine and being a star medic with a degree from an institute with a global reputation?
Choosing the right medical college is the first step to a successful medical career. Among the many options, here are the top 10 best medical colleges in the world for you to start with.
Unsure about your study-abroad options? Get free expert advice—act now!
Key takeaways:
In this article, we’ll explore
- The 10 best medical colleges in the world
- Their average tuition fees and acceptance rates
- Study duration for medical colleges in different countries
Table of Contents
- What are the top 10 medical colleges in the world 2025
- Top 15 medical colleges in the world (according to QS ranking)
- Top Medical Schools in the US based on U.S. News Ranking 2024
- What are the admission requirements for the top Medical colleges in the world?
- Medical degrees in different countries
- FAQs
- 1. Which is the best country to study medicine?
- 2. Which is the best college to study medicine?
- 3. What are the average MCAT scores required for admission to top medical schools?
- 4. What is the average fee to study medicine abroad?
- 5. What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a medical school?
- 6. What are the other countries famous for medical studies abroad?
- 7. What are the best MBBS colleges in the world?
- 12. What is the University of York's acceptance rate?
- Just a click away to a fantastic study abroad experience!
Let’s start with the top 10 medical colleges in the world for 2025, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine
What are the top 10 medical colleges in the world 2025
According to QS Rankings 2024, are: 1. Harvard University, 2. University of Oxford, 3. Stanford University, 4. Johns Hopkins University, 5. University of Cambridge, 6. UCL, 7. Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, 8. Imperial College, London, 9. University of California, San Francisco, 10. Yale University.
1. Harvard University
Established in 1782, the Harvard Medical School holds the champion's position.
Their medical health program focuses on nurturing students to become medical leaders.
Harvard University is known for its innovative curriculum of clinical research and training. This gives students a thorough understanding of medicine and prepares them for successful careers.
Their mission and vision are to establish an inclusive environment while working towards humankind's needs and providing quality education. This factor made them top the list as one of the best medical colleges in the world!
Acceptance rate: 3.7%
Course duration: 4 years
Average tuition fee: $69,300
2. University of Oxford
The School of Medicine at the University of Oxford provides a well-rounded academic training program with in-depth research that underpins medicine.
You can pursue a three-year pre-clinical stage followed by another three years of clinical studies. Here, the students can work in research laboratories spread across the medical science division to upskill and assist their education.
This factor made them top the list as one of the best medical colleges in the world.
Acceptance rate: 12.4%
Course duration: 6 years
Average tuition fee: $67,513
3. Stanford University
Stanford University School of Medicine is next on the list as one of the best medical colleges in the world.
One of the pioneers in medicine, the school is consistently ranked among the top medical colleges and offers an integrated and innovative research study program and clinical experience.
The school comprises a world-renowned faculty and modern facilities, making it a top choice for aspiring medical students. The school is affiliated with Stanford Healthcare and Stanford Children’s Health.
These two institutions hold a reputation for being a star in the field of child care, neuro and cardiology, and pregnancy care. This factor made them top the list as one of the best medical colleges in the world!
Acceptance rate: 2.3%
Course duration: 4 years
Average tuition fee: $61,731
4. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University majorly believes in bringing an integrated approach to teaching and learning! The medical school at this university is one of the top medical colleges in the world.
The school offers a wide range of MD and doctorate programmes to choose from with a flexible curriculum and broad exposure to the concepts. This factor made them top the list as one of the best medical colleges in the world!
Acceptance rate: 6.3%
Course duration: 4 years
Average tuition fee: $62,850
5. University of Cambridge
The medical college of the University of Cambridge provides two medical courses: one is a standard course, and the other is a graduate course.
The curriculum drafted here offers a podium for medical enthusiasts to learn from evidence-based rigorous training and practice. The students can pursue research and project work throughout the course.
This factor made them top the list as one of the best medical colleges in the world!
Acceptance rate: 17.94%
Course duration: 4 years
Average tuition fee: $82,788
6. University College London (UCL)
UCL has been giving doctors to society since 1834 in London and it closely works with seven major teaching hospitals that provide world-class medical education. The school has given many high-profile graduates as leaders in medicine.
UCL is known for its academic reputation backed by well-supported students and highly trained faculties. This factor made them top the list as one of the best medical colleges in the world!
Acceptance rate: 8.76%
Course duration: 4 years
Average tuition fee: $52,543
7. Karolinska Institutet Stockholm
The Karolinska Institute in Sweden is well known for medical and health sciences.
It is known as one of the best medical colleges in the world, with a fee structure comparatively lower than other colleges. Karolinska Institutet is ranked 10th in the world and 5th in Europe in Life Sciences and Medicine.
At this university, students can pursue their higher education in medical science, in Biomedicine. Karolinska Institutet has an interactive teaching model and is reputed for its outstanding research and development.
The students and professors work on the newest medical research projects, which helps students stay updated on the latest developments in the medical sector.
Acceptance rate: 3.9%
Course duration: 6 years
Average tuition fee: $19,000
8. Imperial College London
Another top-ranked medical school holding the Athena SWAN award for recognising the work and service of women in the medical field. The medical school of Imperial College was started in 1997 and has now invested in close connections with its healthcare partners.
It has multidisciplinary collaborations with faculties in fields like engineering and natural sciences. This factor made them one of the best medical colleges in world!
Acceptance rate: 9.25%
Course duration: 6 years
Average tuition fee: $56,055
9. University of California, San Francisco
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA is the youngest of the top-10 best medical schools in the world. It is the emerging pioneer in the field of medicine and biomedical sciences.
The school believes in providing education through community partnerships and offers programmes in MD, postdoctoral, graduate and residency studies.
Acceptance rate: 2.8%
Course duration: 4 years
Average tuition fee: $50,318
10. Yale University
The Yale school of medicine is the forerunner in moulding physician-scientists and is one of the best MBBS colleges in the world. They focus on improving health innovation projects and advancing medicine through scientific discovery.
This school of medicine is home to nearly 11,000 faculty members. Their compassion, commitment and ceaseless energy are the inspiring factors for the students to study medicine there.
This factor made them top the list as one of the best medical schools in the world!
Acceptance rate: 5.5%
Course duration: 4 years
Average tuition fee: $64,700
Top 15 medical colleges in the world (according to QS ranking)
| QS Ranking 2024 | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University | United States |
| 2 | University of the Oxford | United Kingdom |
| 3 | Johns Hopkins University | United States |
| 4 | Stanford University | United States |
| 5 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | United States |
| 6 | University of Cambridge | United Kingdom |
| 7 | Imperial College, London | United Kingdom |
| 8 | University of California, San Francisco | United States |
| 9 | UCL | United Kingdom |
| 10 | Karolinska Institutet | Sweden |
| 11 | Yale University | United States |
| 12 | King's College London | United Kingdom |
| 13 | University of Toronto | Canada |
| 14 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | United States |
| 15 | Cornell University | United States |
Data updated as of Nov 2024 | Source: QS
Also read: 10 benefits of studying abroad
Top Medical Schools in the US based on U.S. News Ranking 2024
| Ranking | Best Medical Schools | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard Medical School | Boston |
| 2 | Johns Hopkins School of Medicine | Baltimore |
| 3 | University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine | Philadelphia |
| 4 | Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons | New York |
| 5 | Duke University School of Medicine | Durham |
| 6 | Stanford University School of Medicine | Stanford |
| 7 | UCSF School of Medicine | San Francisco |
| 8 | Vanderbilt University - School of Medicine | Nashville |
| 9 | University of Washington School of Medicine | Seattle |
| 10 | Cornell University (Weill) - The Weill Cornell Medical College | New York |
What are the admission requirements for the top Medical colleges in the world?
Depending on the university and the course, the admission criteria for top medical colleges vary. Please check the university’s official website for the exact requirements.
Here is an overview of the eligibility requirements for the top medical colleges in the world.
- 85% or above in High School (varies for each university)
- A study background in Biology, Life Sciences or related fields
- Consolidated marksheets/transcript
- English language proficiency test scores - IELTS or TOEFL (Minimum IELTS score of 7.5 or TOEFL iBT of 110)
- Medical entrance exams such as MCAT.
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) or Resume
Now let us dive in and explore medicinal degrees and their durations in different countries.
Related articles
Medical degrees in different countries
KEY FACT: In India, you will study MBBS as an undergrad. But in the USA and Canada, you must complete your pre-med studies before doing your undergraduate. |
In general, in the USA and Canada, the duration of an MBBS degree ranges between 3-6 years. Overall it will take ten years, including medical training.
Best medical universities in the US
Here are the top medical colleges in the US, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine.
- Harvard University - #1
- Johns Hopkins University - #4
- University of California, San Francisco - #9
- Yale University - #10
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) - #11
Best medical universities in Canada
Here are the top medical colleges in the US, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine.
- University of Toronto - #14
- McGill University - #18
- University of British Columbia - #27
- McMaster University - #43
- Université de Montréal - #85
KEY FACT: The UK is an excellent choice for medical studies because the country is home to four of the top 10 best medical schools in the world. |
Note: For studying undergrad, the duration is generally six years for MBBS and five years for pursuing dentistry or pharmacy. Pursuing a specialisation course depends on the career and specific stream you want to study.
Best medical universities in the UK
Here are the top medical colleges in the UK, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine.
- University of Oxford - #2
- Stanford University - #3
- University of Cambridge - #5
- UCL - #6
- Imperial College London - #8
You might also like:
- Masters in Medicine Courses in UK
- Masters in Medicine Courses in USA
- Masters in Internal Medicine Courses in UK
KEY FACT: Ireland and New Zealand are similar to the UK in study duration, which is nearly 5 or 6 years. |
But in New Zealand, the first year is the foundational year, when you will complete a Bachelor of Health Sciences or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science.
Best medical universities in Ireland
Here are the top medical colleges in Ireland, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine.
- Trinity College Dublin - #78
- University College Dublin - #167
- University of Galway #198
- University College Cork - #201-250
- University of Limerick -#426
Best medical universities in New Zealand
Here are the top medical colleges in New Zealand, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine.
- University of Auckland - #118
- University of Otago - #144
- Massey University - #239
- Victoria University of Wellington - #241
- Auckland University of Technology - #407
Here is a quick recap of the duration to complete your MBBS studies!
| Country | Duration |
|---|---|
| UK | 6 years |
| USA | 4 years (after completing pre-med) |
| Canada | 3 - 5 years (after completing pre-med) |
| Ireland | 5 - 6 years |
| New Zealand | 6 years |
FAQs
1. Which is the best country to study medicine?
The USA and the UK have top-ranked universities to study medicine. Connect with Edvoy today to learn more about the courses and pursue a degree there!
2. Which is the best college to study medicine?
According to the QS rankings 2024, the top college to pursue a degree in medicine or dental science is Harvard Medical School in the USA.
3. What are the average MCAT scores required for admission to top medical schools?
You need very high scores on the MCAT to apply to top medical colleges in the world. The average MCAT scores at top medical colleges like Harvard Medical School, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford range from 518 to 522.
4. What is the average fee to study medicine abroad?
On average, you may have to spend $53,000 - $133,000 to study medicine abroad. Additionally, the grades and scores you hold will always get you a few wide-ranging scholarships and push you to the top of the list in acceptance rate.
5. What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a medical school?
Here are the most important factors to consider when deciding on a medical school.
- Course duration
- University location
- Tuition fees
- Ranking
- Acceptance rate
- Admission requirements and eligibility criteria
6. What are the other countries famous for medical studies abroad?
Apart from the UK and USA, Germany, Russia, China, the Philippines, and Ukraine provide top-notch medical education.
7. What are the best MBBS colleges in the world?
| Medical School | Location |
|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School | Boston |
| Johns Hopkins School of Medicine | Baltimore |
| University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine | Philadelphia |
| Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons | New York |
| Duke University School of Medicine | Durham |
| Stanford University School of Medicine | Stanford |
| UCSF School of Medicine | San Francisco |
| Vanderbilt University - School of Medicine | Nashville |
| University of Washington School of Medicine | Seattle |
| Cornell University (Weill) - The Weill Cornell Medical College | New York |
12. What is the University of York's acceptance rate?
The University of York's acceptance rate is around 78.9%. This makes it a competitive university.
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