Top 10 best medical colleges in the world for 2024

Updated on Oct 3, 2024
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Top 10 best medical colleges in the world for 2024

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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.

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

Let’s start with the top 10 medical colleges in the world for 2024, as per the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine

What are the top 10 medical colleges in the world 2024

The top 10 medical colleges in the world for 2024, according to QS Rankings, 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

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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 the 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

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Top 20 medical colleges in the world 2024 according to QS ranking

QS Ranking 2024UniversityLocation
1Harvard UniversityUnited States
2University of the OxfordUnited Kingdom
3Stanford UniversityUnited States
4Johns Hopkins UniversityUnited States
5University of CambridgeUnited Kingdom
6UCLUnited Kingdom
7Karolinska InstitutetSweden
8Imperial College, LondonUnited Kingdom
9University of California, San FranciscoUnited States
10Yale UniversityUnited States
11Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)United States
13University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)United States
14King's College LondonUnited Kingdom
15University of TorontoCanada
16University of PennsylvaniaUnited States
17Duke UniversityUnited States
=18McGill UniversityCanada
=18National University of Singapore (NUS)Singapore
=18The University of MelbourneAustralia

Data updated as of May 2024 | Source: QS

Also read: 10 benefits of studying abroad

Top Medical Schools in the US based on U.S. News Ranking 2024

RankingBest Medical SchoolsLocation
1Harvard Medical SchoolBoston
2Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimore
3University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphia
4Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew York
5Duke University School of MedicineDurham
6Stanford University School of MedicineStanford
7UCSF School of MedicineSan Francisco
8Vanderbilt University - School of MedicineNashville
9University of Washington School of MedicineSeattle
10Cornell 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.

Now let us dive in and explore medicinal degrees and their durations in different countries.

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.

  1. Harvard University - #1
  2. Johns Hopkins University - #4
  3. University of California, San Francisco - #9
  4. Yale University - #10
  5. 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.

  1. University of Toronto - #14
  2. McGill University - #18
  3. University of British Columbia - #27
  4. McMaster University - #43
  5. 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.

  1. University of Oxford - #2
  2. Stanford University - #3
  3. University of Cambridge - #5
  4. UCL - #6
  5. Imperial College London - #8

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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.

  1. Trinity College Dublin - #78
  2. University College Dublin - #167
  3. University of Galway #198
  4. University College Cork - #201-250
  5. 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.

  1. University of Auckland - #118
  2. University of Otago - #144
  3. Massey University - #239
  4. Victoria University of Wellington - #241
  5. Auckland University of Technology - #407

Here is a quick recap of the duration to complete your MBBS studies!

CountryDuration
UK6 years
USA4 years (after completing pre-med)
Canada3 - 5 years (after completing pre-med)
Ireland5 - 6 years
New Zealand6 years

Want to study Medicine abroad? Fill in your details and an expert counsellor will get in touch with you!

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.

  1. Course duration
  2. University location
  3. Tuition fees
  4. Ranking
  5. Acceptance rate
  6. 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 SchoolLocation
Harvard Medical SchoolBoston
Johns Hopkins School of MedicineBaltimore
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicinePhiladelphia
Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and SurgeonsNew York
Duke University School of MedicineDurham
Stanford University School of MedicineStanford
UCSF School of MedicineSan Francisco
Vanderbilt University - School of MedicineNashville
University of Washington School of MedicineSeattle
Cornell University (Weill) - The Weill Cornell Medical College New York

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