How Nepali students can fund medical school in the U.S.
Becoming a doctor is a lifelong dream for many Nepali students, but attending medical school in the U.S. can feel financially impossible. With tuition fees often exceeding US$60,000 per year and limited funding available for international students, most assume it’s out of reach unless they come from a wealthy background.
But it is possible. If you plan early, understand your options and are open to nontraditional funding routes like no-cosigner student loans, you can find a path to a U.S. medical degree, even if your family cannot support you financially.
This article breaks down what you need to know about scholarships, loan options and important considerations before applying to medical school in the U.S. as a Nepali student.
The reality of medical school costs in the U.S.
U.S. medical schools are among the most expensive academic programs in the world. On average, tuition alone ranges from US$40,000 to US$65,000 per year, and total yearly costs can reach US$80,000 when you include housing, supplies and insurance.
For Nepali students, these numbers often seem impossible. Local banks may not approve student loans of this size, especially without collateral. Family assets may be limited. And few schools offer full financial aid to international medical students.
But many Nepali students are making it work. They do it through a mix of:
- Early scholarship research
- Combining partial funding with no-cosigner loans
- Staying open to alternatives like DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs
Scholarships for international medical students
There are very few full international scholarships for international medical students in the U.S., but some partial options do exist. Start looking as early as possible, ideally before or during your undergraduate studies.
Where to look:
- Institutional aid: A few medical schools offer need-based or merit-based aid to international students, though aid is limited.
- Private organizations: Some international student foundations offer small grants or support for health-related graduate degrees.
- Field-specific aid: If you plan to work in rural medicine, public health or global health, some global organizations may offer education scholarships tied to future service.
- Undergraduate scholarships: If you’re still in your bachelor’s program, apply now for aid that will let you save money for medical school later.
Realistically, most Nepali students will need to combine scholarships with international student loans to make medical school affordable.
Loan options for Nepali medical students
Nepali banks rarely approve loans large enough to cover U.S. medical school costs unless the student’s family owns significant land or assets. Even then, repayment terms may start immediately, adding pressure before you even begin your clinical training.
Private international student loans are a better fit for many aspiring doctors, especially those pursuing postgraduate degrees in approved medical or health-related programs.
No-cosigner loans for future doctors
Some lenders now offer no-cosigner loans based on your degree program and future earning potential. These loans do not require land, gold or a financial guarantor.
What to look for:
- Loans that cover tuition and living expenses
- Grace periods that allow repayment to start after graduation
- Approval based on your school, degree and timeline
- Fixed, inflation-proof interest rates with no prepayment penalties
- Eligibility for international students without a U.S. credit history
You’ll need to verify whether your specific program, such as MD, DO or global health, is covered by the lender before applying.
MPOWER Financing supports aspiring Nepali doctors
MPOWER Financing offers no-cosigner loans for eligible international students pursuing graduate-level degrees in health and medicine. If you’re a Nepali student accepted to a participating U.S. medical or health sciences program, MPOWER may be able to help you fill the funding gap.
Here’s how MPOWER stands out:
- No collateral or cosigner required
- Loans for students at eligible universities in the U.S. and Canada
- Support for students in medical, health policy, public health and related graduate programs
- Fixed interest rates and no hidden fees
- Grace period after graduation
- No prepayment penalties
- Tools and coaching through Path2Success, including job search prep and budgeting guidance
MPOWER supports many health-related master’s degrees and dual programs. If you’re pursuing medicine with a global or public health focus, you may find options that align with your goals.
Do U.S. medical schools accept international students?
Yes, but not all of them. Only about 40 to 50 U.S. medical schools actively accept international applicants. These schools vary widely in their policies and funding availability.
What to look for:
- Schools that list international applicants as eligible on their admissions website
- Institutions with previous Nepali or South Asian students in their medical programs
- Programs that allow international students to apply for institutional scholarships or financial aid
- Public or private schools that are approved by lenders offering international student loans
Keep in mind that competition is intense. You’ll need strong academics, a competitive MCAT score and proof that you can cover the full cost of attendance unless you qualify for aid.
