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Five ways to pay for medical school in the United States: A guide for Pakistani students

For Pakistani medical students, getting into a U.S. medical school is a remarkable achievement, but acceptance is only the first hurdle – you’ll also need to figure out how to cover costs. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average cost of tuition and fees for four years of medical school is US$250,000 (approximately PKR 15 crore) on average at public and private schools.

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Tips for paying for medical school as an Pakistani student

1. Use savings or income

Before taking student loans, consider using sources of funding that you don’t have to pay back. Many Indian families start planning for their children’s medical education early through fixed deposits or systematic investment plans (SIPs). You might also consider:

  • Family savings or educational bonds
  • Income from previous work experience
  • Part-time work opportunities where permitted
  • Teaching or research assistantships at your institution

2. Apply for grants and scholarships

Pakistani students have several scholarship options for U.S. medical education:

  • Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships for Pakistani students
  • Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) International Student Scholarships
  • Institution-specific scholarships for South Asian students
  • MPOWER Global Citizen Scholarships
  • Cultural and community-based scholarships
  • relevant scholarships for Pakistani students

Use scholarship search tools like eduPass and InternationalStudent and work with EducationUSA centers in Pakistan to identify opportunities specifically available for Pakistani medical students.

3. Submit the CSS profile

While Pakistani students aren’t eligible for U.S. federal aid, they may qualify for institutional aid from their medical school. Many medical schools ask you to submit the CSS Profile to qualify for financial aid.

Offered by the College Board, the CSS Profile is a form that collects detailed information about your family’s finances, including assets and income. Schools look at your information to evaluate your financial need and award aid accordingly.

  • Cost: US$25 (PKR 7,200) for first school, US$16 (PKR 4,600) for each additional school
  • Required documents: Income tax returns, bank statements, property documents
  • Deadline: Usually aligns with admission deadlines
  • Tips for Indian applicants: Have financial documents translated to English and notarized

4. Apply to tuition-free medical schools

Some U.S. medical schools offer full-tuition scholarships that are also available to international students:

  • American University of Antigua (AUA) College of Medicine
  • Baylor College of Medicine
  • Mount Sinai School of Medicine

While admission is highly competitive, these schools can significantly reduce your financial burden.

5. Consider an international student loan

For Pakistani students, there are several loan options to consider:

Pakistani bank education loans:

  • Require collateral for amounts over PKR 5 lakhs
  • Variable Interest rates typically range from 11-14%
  • Often need a co-applicant

International lenders like MPOWER Financing:

  • No collateral required
  • Inflation-proof fixed interest rates
  • No cosigner needed
  • Loan amounts up to US$100,000 (PKR 60 lakhs)

Key statistics for Pakistani medical students in the U.S.

Recent data highlights important trends for Pakistani students pursuing higher education in the United States:

  1. Total number of Pakistani students in the U.S. (2023-2024):In the 2023–2024 academic year, over 11,000 Pakistani students were enrolled in the United States – a record high and a steady increase from the previous year. This placed Pakistan 16th globally for student enrolment in the US. Source: Tribune Pakistan
  2. Year-over-year growth – Pakistani students in the U.S. and Canada (2022-2023 to 2023-2024):Leading study destinations are witnessing significant increases in Pakistani student enrolments, with particularly high demand for postgraduate studies. In the United States, there were 10,165 Pakistani students in 2022-2023, marking a 16% increase from the previous year, while in Canada, the number surged to 4,750 students in 2023, reflecting a 101% increase from the previous year. Source: ICEF Monitor
  3. Top U.S. states with highest Pakistani populations:For Pakistani students considering studying in the U.S., it’s interesting to know where many Pakistani Americans are located. As of the 2020 census, Pakistani Americans make up 0.19% of the total U.S. population. The largest community resides in Texas, with 100,832 Pakistani Americans. Close behind are New York with 97,230 and California with 83,882. Source: Pakistani Population in the United States – US Canada Info

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FAQs

What’s the total cost of medical education in the U.S. for Pakistani students? 

The total cost, including tuition, living expenses and exam fees, typically ranges from US$300,000 to US$400,000 (PKR 18–24 crore) for the complete program. This varies by location and institution.

Can Pakistani students work during medical school in the U.S.?

Medical schools generally discourage outside employment due to the rigorous academic schedule. However, opportunities exist for research assistantships and summer programs that can provide some income.

What are the eligibility requirements for MPOWER loans for Pakistani medical students?

Pakistani students need admission to an eligible U.S. medical school, a valid student visa and must meet MPOWER’s academic requirements. No cosigner or collateral is required.

Are there specific scholarships for Pakistani medical students?

Yes, several organizations offer scholarships specifically for Pakistani medical students, including the Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships, AAMC International Student Scholarships and various cultural organization scholarships.


*Rates as low as 9.99% (10.89% APR). This interest rate and APR includes a 0.25% discount for automatic recurring payments.

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