About 3% of applicants make it into Harvard Medical School. The total cost to complete the MD degree can go up to $800,000, including non-academic expenses. Even budget universities in the Caribbean can cost up to $500,000 to complete the MD degree.

So, which is the best university to study Doctor of Medicine? Universities like Harvard, Oxford, and Stanford are at the top, no doubt. But if you want high-quality education, clinical placements, USMLE guidance, and US residency assistance at an affordable cost, Arkangel University is the best option. The MD program can be completed here under $200,000.

Let’s explore the available options and find out where you should study Doctor of Medicine.

Best University in the World to Study Doctor of Medicine

According to QS World University Rankings 2024, the following universities are the best in the world to study Doctor of Medicine.

1. Harvard University

Getting admission to this university is extremely tough. Also, the Doctor of Medicine program at Harvard University is super expensive. Students need to spend about $520,000 to complete this program. Besides, the curriculum of this university is highly challenging.

2. University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is another world-class university to study Doctor of Medicine. But it will set you back by about £290,000. Due to limited seats and high course fees, only extremely meritorious students with a strong financial backup can study at this university.

3. Stanford University

Stanford School of Medicine is well-known for its extensive MD programs. Studying for a Doctor of Medicine degree at this university costs about $300,000. The course curriculum at Stanford is also challenging.

Cost Comparison with MD Course at Arkangel University

The top universities in the world cost about three to five hundred thousand dollars to complete the MD course. Arkangel University offers a similar course at a fraction of the cost.

• First 4 years: $15,000 per year 
• Last 2 years (Clinical Placement): $25,500 per year 

To complete the MD course from Arkangel University, you need to spend about $110,000 in a 6-year program. It is notably more affordable to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree at Arkangel University.

Best Caribbean University to Study Doctor of Medicine

Medical schools in the Caribbean have become popular for providing high-quality and cost-effective medical education. Check out the top Caribbean medical universities to study for a Doctor of Medicine degree.

1. Arkangel University (Best Choice for Bangladeshi Students)

Location: Antigua and Barbuda

Arkangel University offers MD degrees at an affordable cost, which is attractive to students from developing or under-developed countries. Besides cost-effective medical education, Arkangel University provides a diverse culture, state-of-the-art laboratories for clinical research, and AI-assisted learning.

The university also offers USMLE preparation and clinical rotations in the USA through its partnered medical institutions in Rochester and Chicago.  This provides ample exposure to the US healthcare system. With its structured pathway to US residency, students can expect to secure US citizenship easily after passing the licensing exam (USMLE).

Total Cost: As we have already mentioned, completing the MD course at Arkangel University costs about $110,000.

2. St. George’s University

Location: Grenada

St. George’s University or SGU is one of the top universities in the Caribbean to offer MD courses for international students. With its top-notch curriculum, students get enough clinical exposure and hands-on training. Besides, the university offers assistance in USMLE preparation, just like Arkangel University does.

Total Cost: The total cost of completing the MD course at St. George’s University is about $320,000. With this budget, trying for medical schools like Standford may be a better choice.

3. Ross University

Location: Barbados

Ross University is well-known for its clinical site network. Just like Arkangel University, they have affiliations with many US hospitals, making the clinical rotations in the US easier. However, the on-campus facilities, library facilities, and clinical exposure of the students are better at Arkangel University. 

This university is accredited for US residency program eligibility but doesn’t offer any structured pathway to US residency.

Total Cost: There are a total of 9 semesters and each semester costs about $23,000-$27,000. So, the total cost of completing the MD course will be about $200,000-$240,000.

4. Saba University

Location: Caribbean Netherlands

The School of Medicine at Saba University offers high-quality MD degrees and the university is accredited for US residency program eligibility. With a high success rate in the USMLE, Saba University can be a good place for aspiring medical students.

Total Cost: In each semester, students need to spend about $19,000-$23,000 at this university. Throughout 10 semesters, the total cost for an MD degree here is about $190,000-$230,000.

5. American University of the Caribbean

Location: St. Maarten

The American University of the Caribbean is known for its high match rate for graduates and high pass rate in the USMLE. This university has partnerships with teaching hospitals around the world. Students of this university may also be eligible for financial aid.

Total Cost: The total cost of getting an MD degree from this university is about $200,000-$225,000.

Best University to Study Doctor of Medicine for Bangladeshi Students

High tuition fees, competitive admission process, and other requirements for medical education are challenging for many Bangladeshi students. Before we find out the best university to study Doctor of Medicine for Bangladeshi students, let’s check out the challenges.

Challenges for Bangladeshi Students to Study Doctor of Medicine Abroad

• Competitive Admission Process: The acceptance rate in the MD program at Harvard University is about 3.2%. Other top-tier universities also have a very low acceptance rate. It is highly challenging for students to get admission into one of these Ivy League medical schools.
• High Tuition Fees: Studying to become a Doctor of Medicine at top-ranking universities costs about $300,000-$500,000 or even higher. Managing such a huge expense for an MD degree is difficult for many students. Especially students from Asian countries like Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, etc., face this challenge more.
• Language Proficiency Requirements: Top universities require at least some form of language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL for admission. It poses an additional challenge for aspiring students.
• Limited Clinical Rotation Opportunities: Many universities offer affordable medical education but not all of them have enough clinical rotation opportunities. Without clinical rotation, students don’t get enough hands-on training in clinical medicine.

Which University Is the Best?

Considering the budget, career growth, residency plan, and other factors, Arkangel University is the best possible choice, especially for Bangladeshi students.

Why Is Arkangel University the Best to Study Doctor of Medicine?

Here is why Arkangel University should be the top choice for Bangladeshi students wanting to study Doctor of Medicine.

• Less Competitive Admission: The acceptance rate at Arkangel University is about 50-60%. It is notably higher than top-ranking universities, and even higher than medical schools in the Caribbean. So, students can easily get admitted into Arkangel University to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree.
• Affordable Tuition Fees: The cost of completing the MD course at Arkangel University is much lower than at top universities like Harvard, Oxford, Stanford, or John Hopkins.
• Lower Living Expenses: The cost of housing, food, health insurance, etc., is very high in countries like the US or the UK. On the contrary, students of Arkangel University can save at least $20,000-$25,000 per year on living expenses.
• Relaxed Language Proficiency Requirements: Arkangel University doesn’t require IELTS or TOEFL. So, non-native English speakers can easily get quality medical education at this university.
• US Hospital and Medical Institution Partnerships: Growing partnerships between Arkangel University and US hospitals ensure students get proper clinical rotations.
• USMLE Preparation Assistance: The MD course curriculum at Arkangel University is aligned with the USMLE. Besides, experienced faculties and medical professionals guide students to pass the USMLE. Students can also take mock tests to strengthen their preparation.
• US Residency Pathway: Many budget universities may offer an MD degree at a lower cost. But, they lack a proper US residency pathway most medical students look for. Arkangel University has a structured pathway to US residency, so graduates from this university can expect to have a stable career in the US.
• Visa Assistance: When students need to go to the USA or UK for clinical placements, the university provides visa assistance.

MD Degree Cost Comparison: USA vs. Caribbean Universities

Check out the following comparison chart to select the best university to get an MD degree.

Category	US Medical Universities (Average Cost)	Caribbean Medical Universities (Average Cost)	Arkangel University (Best Overall Option)
Academic Costs
Tuition Fees (Total 4-6 years)	$200,000 – $500,000	$150,000 – $300,000	$110,000
Books & Supplies	$5,000 – $15,000	$3,000 – $7,000	$3,000
USMLE Fees (Steps 1, 2, 3)	$3,000 – $4,000	$3,000 – $4,000	$3,000
Clinical Rotation Fees (2 years)	Included in tuition	$25,000 – $50,000	Included in tuition
Total Academic Cost	$210,000 – $520,000	$175,000 – $350,000	$116,000
Non-Academic Costs
Living Expenses (per year)	$15,000 – $30,000	$8,000 – $18,000	$6,000 – $10,000
Food & Groceries (per year)	$4,000 – $7,000	$2,000 – $5,000	$1,500 – $3,000
Health Insurance (per year)	$2,500 – $5,000	$1,000 – $3,000	$1,000 – $2,000
Visa & Travel Costs	$3,000 – $6,000	$1,500 – $4,000	$1,500 – $3,000
Total Non-Academic Cost (for 6 years)	$130,000 – $280,000	$70,000 – $150,000	$50,000 – $80,000
Total MD Program Cost (Academic + Non-Academic)	$340,000 – $800,000	$250,000 – $500,000	$166,000 – $196,000

Other Benefits of Studying Doctor of Medicine at Arkangel University

International students studying Doctor of Medicine at Arkangel University enjoy the following benefits.

• With a student visa, students can work for 20 hours per week, which helps them maintain their living expenses.
• Students can work full-time during summer breaks, which may not be the case in top-ranking US or UK universities.
• The chance of clinical practice at Arkangel University’s own clinic is higher than the students at US medical universities.
• Arkangel University has a less bustling environment compared to the US and UK medical universities.
• Students can apply for scholarships depending on their results.

Final Words

In most cases, the objective of having an MD degree is to pursue a medical career in the US or UK. To stay on this career path, students must take the course in a university that is duly accredited, has US partnerships, and offers proper assistance for USMLE and residency. Besides, the university must be cost-effective.

Considering all the options, Arkangel University is the right choice for aspiring medical students. It has a high acceptance rate, offers an affordable MD course, and provides USMLE guidance and US residency assistance. Why spend four times more at other universities when you are getting more at Arkangel University? Fulfill your dream within your budget.