The path to studying and practicing medicine in the United States as an international student can be difficult. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC®), international students make up less than 2%1 of U.S. medical school matriculants. To help you achieve your goals, we’ll discuss how you can maximize your odds of being accepted with a top Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) score.
Before conducting research into the MCAT, you should determine if applying to medical school in the United States is a realistic path based on your individual circumstances. You can view the AAMC website to learn more about Medical School Admission Requirements™ (MSAR®), which schools use to accept international students, available degrees, tuition costs, and other university information.
MCAT® Eligibility Requirements for International Students
International students who plan to apply to a health professions school are eligible to take the MCAT. There are no extra requirements beyond the general MCAT eligibility criteria. As long as you meet the basic eligibility standards, you can register for the MCAT and take the exam. However, it’s recommended that you complete introductory science, psychology, and sociology courses at your university before attempting the exam. “Health professions school” is defined by the AAMC as:
Allopathic medical schools that specialize in conventional medical practices
Osteopathic medical schools that specialize in holistic medical practices
Medical schools that specialize in the treatment of the foot and lower leg
Veterinary medical schools for the treatment of animals
Health-related programs that accept MCAT exam results to satisfy a test score admissions requirement
MBBS Degree and the MCAT
If you’re in an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program, or hold an MBBS or equivalent, you do not need to seek special permission to take the exam.
Special Permission for Other Programs
If you are enrolled in other health-related degree programs, you may need to request special permission from the AAMC before registering for the MCAT. Be sure to check with the AAMC for the specific requirements. Students in need of special permission to take the MCAT must email [email protected] stating why they wish to take the exam.
MCAT Registration for International Students
To register for the MCAT as an international student, you will first need to create an account through the MCAT Registration System. Ensure that you abide by all MCAT registration rules and guidelines set by the AAMC to avoid potential penalties.
MCAT Exam Cost for International Students2
Once you’ve registered for the exam, you can schedule your test date and location. Students taking the exam outside of the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories must pay a nonrefundable $130 fee in addition to the standard $355 registration fee, totaling $485 (all fees are in USD).
Rescheduling and Cancellation2
MCAT rescheduling and cancellation for international students follow the same guidelines as for American and Canadian students. The only difference is that international students are subject to losing their $130 fee in the event of cancellation. Nonrefundable rescheduling fees and cancellation refunds are as follows:
| Days Out From Exam | Date and/or Test Center Rescheduling Fee | Cancellation Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 60 or more days before exam | $55 | $175 |
| 30-59 days before exam | $110 | $175 |
| 10-29 days before exam | $210 | $0 |
*All deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. local test-center time, and you should receive an email confirmation within 24 hours.
MCAT Testing Centers & Dates for International Students
International MCAT test dates and locations vary by country, but registration deadlines and score release dates correspond to U.S. MCAT test dates. For the latest information on test dates and locations, or to register, visit the MCAT Registration System. Please note that the MCAT is always administered in English.
2026 MCAT International Test Dates3,4
Click on your country to view your testing dates:
Australia
| Jan. 9 | April 10 | July 24 |
| Feb. 13 | May 8 | Aug. 21 |
| March 20 | June 12 | Sept. 3 |
Canada
| Jan. 9 | April 10 | June 12 | July 24 | Aug. 8 | Aug. 22 | Sept. 11 |
| Jan. 15 | April 24 | June 13 | July 25 | Aug. 14 | Aug. 28 | Sept. 12 |
| Jan. 23 | May 8 | June 26 | July 31 | Aug. 15 | Sept. 3 | |
| Feb. 13 | May 14 | June 27 | Aug. 1 | Aug. 20 | Sept. 4 | |
| March 7 | May 30 | July 11 | Aug. 7 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 5 |
China: Hong Kong
| Jan. 9 | March 20 | May 9 | Aug. 15 | Sept. 3 |
| Jan. 10 | April 10 | June 12 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 4 |
| Feb. 13 | May 8 | July 24 | Aug. 22 |
France
| Jan. 9 | March 20 | June 12 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 4 |
| Jan. 10 | April 10 | July 11 | Aug. 22 | Sept. 11 |
| Feb. 13 | May 8 | July 24 | Sept. 3 |
Germany
| Jan. 15 | March 20 | May 8 | July 24 | Sept. 3 |
| Feb. 13 | April 24 | May 9 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 4 |
| March 7 | April 25 | June 12 | Aug. 22 |
Israel
| Jan. 15 | April 24 | July 24 |
| Feb. 13* | May 8 | Aug. 21 |
| March 20* | June 12 | Sept. 3 |
*Start time is 7 a.m. local time
Japan
| Jan. 9 | March 7 | April 11 | June 12 | July 24 | Sept. 3 |
| Feb. 13 | April 10 | May 8 | June 13 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 4 |
Lebanon
| Jan. 9 | April 11 | May 30 | July 31 | Aug. 22 |
| Jan. 10 | April 24 | June 12 | Aug. 1 | Aug. 28 |
| Jan. 15 | April 25 | June 13 | Aug. 7 | Sept. 3 |
| Jan. 23 | May 2 | June 26 | Aug. 8 | Sept. 4 |
| Feb. 13 | May 8 | June 27 | Aug. 14 | Sept. 5 |
| March 7 | May 9 | July 11 | Aug. 15 | Sept. 11 |
| March 20 | May 14 | July 24 | Aug. 20 | Sept. 12 |
| April 10 | May 22 | July 25 | Aug. 21 |
Qatar
| Jan. 9 | March 20 | June 13 | Aug. 22 |
| Jan. 10 | May 14 | July 24 | Sept. 3 |
| Feb. 13 | June 12 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 4 |
Singapore
| Jan. 9 | March 7 | May 14 | July 24 | Sept. 3 |
| Jan. 10 | March 20 | June 12 | July 31 | Sept. 4 |
| Jan. 15 | April 10 | June 13 | Aug. 15 | Sept. 11 |
| Jan. 23 | May 8 | June 26 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 12 |
| Feb. 13 | May 9 | July 11 | Aug. 22 |
South Africa
| Jan. 9 | March 20 | May 8 | July 24 | Sept. 3 |
| Feb. 13 | April 10 | June 12 | Aug. 21 |
Taiwan
| Jan. 9 | Feb. 13 | April 10 | June 12 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 4 |
| Jan. 10 | March 20 | May 8 | July 24 | Sept. 3 |
Thailand
| Jan. 9 | March 20 | May 14 | July 11 | Sept. 3 |
| Jan. 10 | April 10 | May 22 | July 24 | Sept. 4 |
| Jan. 15 | April 11 | June 12 | July 31 | Sept. 11 |
| Jan. 23 | April 24 | June 13 | Aug. 15 | Sept. 12 |
| Feb. 13 | April 25 | June 26 | Aug. 21 | |
| March 7 | May 8 | June 27 | Aug. 22 |
Turkey
| Jan. 9 | April 10 | May 14 | Aug. 15 | Sept. 11 |
| Jan. 15 | April 24 | June 12 | Aug. 21 | Sept. 12 |
| Jan. 23 | May 2 | June 26 | Aug. 22 | |
| Feb. 13 | May 8 | July 24 | Sept. 3 | |
| March 7 | May 9 | July 31 | Sept. 4 |
United Kingdom
| Jan. 9 | March 20 | May 8 | Aug. 21 |
| Jan. 10 | April 10 | June 12 | Aug. 22 |
| Feb. 13 | April 11 | July 24 | Sept. 11 |
Medical School Application Requirements for International Students
Most U.S. medical schools require students to apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS®). However, AMCAS does not accept foreign transcripts or verify foreign coursework unless they were accepted by an accredited U.S., Canadian, or U.S. territorial post-secondary institution.
International Student Transcripts & Coursework
Entering coursework and requesting transcripts should be completed using instructions on the AMCAS website.
- If your transcripts and courses were not accepted by a qualifying institution, then they will not be verified, and an AMCAS GPA will not be calculated. Some medical schools may ask for your transcripts through a secondary application.
- If courses taken at a foreign institution were accepted by a qualifying institution and appear on that official transcript, then that qualifying institution’s official transcript will be required. AMCAS will then verify and include those courses in your AMCAS GPA. Such a situation may be applicable for study-abroad programs.
Citizenship, Visa Status, and Language Proficiency
When completing your AMCAS and secondary applications, you must clearly and accurately indicate your citizenship status and any relevant visa information. It is also worthwhile to note which languages you are proficient in on your AMCAS application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do medical schools require the MCAT for international students?
Most medical schools require applicants to take the MCAT and will use it to compare you against your peers. Additionally, U.S. medical schools have varying policies regarding international students. To avoid disappointment, check MSAR in advance.
How many U.S. medical schools accept international students?
According to MSAR, 43 U.S. medical schools accept international students as of 2025.5 Before taking the MCAT, you should research additional information on these schools and their requirements.
Is it harder to get into medical school as an international student?
Generally speaking, it’s difficult for international students to get accepted into U.S. medical schools. According to the AAMC, only 845 of 3,404 foreign applicants who applied to MD-granting programs in the United States in 2025 were accepted, with 755 matriculating (24.8% acceptance rate and 22.1% matriculation rate).5
How does an international student become a doctor in the U.S.?
To become doctors in the U.S., international students need to take the MCAT, apply to medical schools through AMCAS, and complete their chosen programs and licensing exams.
Does UWorld provide online MCAT prep?
Yes, UWorld MCAT prep was recently voted as the #1 most helpful resource for students preparing for the MCAT. With practice questions at or above exam difficulty, research-backed learning tools, and full curriculum coverage, you’ll receive everything you need to achieve a top MCAT score.
Do international students qualify for the Fee Assistance Program?
Only students with a U.S. address qualify for the AAMC’s Fee Assistance Program. An equivalent program is also available for Canadian examinees.
What is considered a good MCAT score for international students?
To differentiate yourself from other medical school applicants, a high MCAT score is crucial. This varies by university, but a score of 515 or higher is typically considered a “good” score. Although, with relatively low matriculation rates for international students, we encourage you to strive for a better score. After taking the exam, you should receive your score within 30-35 days of your test date.
How do international students prepare for MCAT?
The best way to prepare for the MCAT is to start early. Many students begin their studying 3 to 6 months or more before their exam and allocate 300 hours for dedicated review time. Practicing MCAT-style questions in a realistic exam environment is recommended, especially if English isn’t your first language. You should also study the exam format and topics for each MCAT section.
References
- Muthukumar, A. V., Fong, Z. V., Buss, R., Rolon, S., Kothari, A., Datta, J., Calata, J., & SenthilKumar, G. (2025). International students in United States allopathic medical education: A mixed-methods analysis of institutional policies. Medical Education Online, 30(1), 2471433. https://doi.org/10.1080/10872981.2025.2471433
- AAMC. (n.d.). MCAT® scheduling fees. Students & Residents. Retrieved Jan. 8, 2026, from https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/mcat-scheduling-fees
- AAMC. (n.d.). U.S. territories and international MCAT® testing calendar. Students & Residents. Retrieved Jan. 8, 2026, from https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/us-territories-and-international-mcat-testing-calendar
- AAMC. (n.d.). Canadian MCAT® Calendar, Scheduling Deadlines, and Score Release Dates. Students & Residents. Retrieved Jan. 8, 2026, from https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/canadian-mcat-calendar-scheduling-deadlines-and-score-release-dates
- AAMC. (n.d.). Applying to medical school as an international applicant. Students & Residents. Retrieved Jan. 8, 2026, from https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/applying-medical-school-international-applicant
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