Free Medical School Is Possible! Know How!
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: September 20, 2021
Becoming a doctor can become expensive quickly because of the rising costs of education. However, there are ways to make it in the profession without facing a financial burden. Here, we will share some options for free medical school.
We’ll also take a look at what you’ll need to have prepared in order to apply to medical school. Lastly, we will touch on some alternative and related career paths within the field of healthcare that don’t require medical school.
What’s the Average Cost of Medical School?
Depending on where you attend medical school, the cost will vary. For example, in-state and public institutions are typically less costly than the alternative of an out-of-state and private institution.
According to data from the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average cost of a private medical school (for in-state residents) comes out to roughly $60,719 per year. For an in-state and public school, the average cost is $37,611.
Since medical school is four years long, this means that you’re looking at spending well over $100,000 in tuition and fees, no matter what type of school you attend. That is, unless you select a school from the list of free medical schools or study in a country with low-cost or free education.
Some countries worthwhile to explore for their range of offerings include: Finland, Norway (although it has one of the highest costs of living), Germany, Sweden, France, and Denmark.
Tuition-Free Medical School Requirements
Just like costs vary, medical school requirements will also vary based on where you choose to apply. However, there is a list of general requirements that will be asked of you throughout the application process.
You can bet on having to send over:
- College transcripts: This provides the medical school admissions team with a look into what classes you took and the grades you earned during your undergraduate degree, including your overall GPA.
- MCAT score: While you are obtaining your bachelor’s degree (most likely in a science-related subject), you’ll need to take the MCAT, which stands for the Medical College Admissions Test.
- Letters of recommendation: Most medical schools will ask for letters of recommendation which attests to your skills and academic rigor. Letters of recommendation can come from employers, previous professors, or teacher’s assistants, for example.
Free Medical Schools
While most medical schools do charge tuition and fees, there are opportunities to enroll in free medical schools.
Here’s an abbreviated list of some free medical school options from around the world:
New York University School of Medicine
The New York University School of Medicine is one of the most prestigious schools and is located in Manhattan. It was one of the first schools in America to introduce full-tuition scholarships. This means that every student that is part of the M.D. program will receive a full-tuition scholarship, regardless of financial need or merit. Furthermore, students have the option during their first year of study to opt-in to a three-year accelerated MD program.
Washington University School of Medicine
In 2019, the Washington University School of Medicine announced full-tuition scholarships for all prospective students. The school is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is one of the only schools that has the option to specialize in Audiology and Speech Therapy.
University of Bergen Norway Faculty of Medicine
Founded in 1946, the University of Bergen is in Norway. Neither international students nor Norwegian students have to pay tuition fees. However, international students should know that most of the courses are taught in Norwegian. For this reason, it is not a feasible option for everyone.
Umea University Faculty of Medicine
Located in the northeastern region of Sweden, Umea University was founded in 1965, making it one of the oldest educational institutions in the country. For students enrolled domestically, there is the option to study the Medicine and Dentistry programs that are tuition-free. International students have access to Master’s programs in English.
Kaiser Permanente
The Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine is waiving tuition and fees for any students who enter the college between fall 2020 to 2024. The school is located in Pasadena, California. The goal in doing this is so that students can access free medical school and become doctors, without the stress of taking on debt.
The Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
The Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine is a program within the CWRU School of Medicine that is a five-year curriculum. The school provides 32 tuition-free slots per year, and approximately 2,000 applicants compete to fill these spots.
David Geffen School of Medicine
Located at the University of California, Los Angeles, the David Geffen School of Medicine provides full, merit-based free tuition to roughly 20% of each class. Without the merit-based free tuition scholarship, in-state and full-time students will pay about $37,620 per year, whereas out-of-state students will pay $49,865 per year.
Related Affordable Degrees
For those looking to work in the medical field, but who do not necessarily wish to become doctors, there are related degrees that are also tuition-free. Here is a look at tuition-free nursing programs.
Additionally, you can choose to study Health Science at the University of the People. With a degree in health science, you will be prepared to work in various sectors within healthcare. This includes careers in therapy, diagnosis, information technology, biotechnology, and in supportive roles, to name a few.
The University of the People is a tuition-free, accredited, and fully online institution of higher education. Through our four tuition-free programs, we are able to fulfill our mission of providing students around the world with access to affordable and quality education.
The Bottom Line
Becoming a doctor sets you up for a high-paying, demanding, and satisfying career path. However, attending medical school can set you back financially if you are not prepared for what to expect. Rather than paying the exorbitant tuition fees that are associated with the majority of medical schools, take some time to research free medical school.
This way, you can become a doctor, help patients, and keep more money in the bank!