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USMLE prep for Indian Med Student: 2nd year MBBS, Cost & Sponsorship?

Dr Pananjay K

Dr Pananjay K Tiwari  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jan 16, 2025

Dr Pananjay Tiwari is the founder and director of Impel Overseas Education, a Dehradun-based consultancy for students who want to study abroad in the fields of engineering, science, agriculture, medicine, arts and the humanities.
They also guide PhD students who are studying internationally with their research.
Dr Pananjay has 21 years of academic and research experience and has published several books and research papers in various Indian and international journals.
He is a gold medallist with a master’s degree in science and a PhD in environmental sciences from the Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal Central University, Uttarakhand.... more
John Question by John on Dec 22, 2024Hindi
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My son is studying 2nd year mbbs in India, he wants to start preparing for USMLE to pursue his PG in US can you please guide on this, how much will be the cost and if any sponsorship options are vailable

Ans: Hi John...Preparing for the USMLE involves clearing three steps, with an estimated total cost of $3,000–$5,000 for exam fees and preparation materials. Additional costs include travel and accommodation for Step 2 CS (if required) and residency interviews. Sponsorships or scholarships are limited, but some medical organizations and universities offer financial assistance. Starting with a dedicated study plan and enrolling in USMLE coaching programs can help.
For more details visit us at www.shreeoverseaseducation.com
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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jan 02, 2024

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My son studing mbbs (fina year) at kalkata medical college, want to study in abroad (USA) , How is it possible with financial assistance?
Ans: Hello Naba,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear that your son is currently pursuing the final year of MBBS at Kolkata Medical College and wishes to further study in the USA. To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that although a promising opportunity, pursuing medicine overseas, specifically in the United States involves substantial monetary constraints. Nevertheless, remember that your son could seek financial aid from numerous sources. I would recommend that he looks into the available grants or scholarships provided by private organizations or universities that aim to assist international medical students. Furthermore, although typically needing a cosigner who is a citizen or permanent resident of the US, there are student loans that are designed exclusively for foreign students attending US universities. Your son could explore these as well. Not just that, he could also engage in on-campus part-time jobs, this can be an excellent way to defray expenditures. To learn about the available possibilities and prerequisites for international students wishing to pursue medicine in the USA, I would suggest that your son conducts an extensive study and gets in touch with universities, offices offering financial assistance, as well as looks into the various scholarships offered.

For more information, you can visit our website.

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Sushil

Sushil Sukhwani  | Answer  |Ask -

Study Abroad Expert - Answered on Jan 31, 2024

Asked by Anonymous - Jan 03, 2024Hindi
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My son is in final year MBBS at Himmatnagar in Gujarat. He has already cleared his USMLE part 1. Can you pl provide me with a list of universities that offer scholarships to foreign trained students for pursuing their MD in the United States.
Ans: Hello,

To begin with, thank you for contacting us. I am happy to hear that your son is currently pursuing the final year of his MBBS and has already cleared part 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). To answer your question first, I would like to tell you that there are several universities in USA that offer scholarships to foreign-trained students pursuing Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs. The list is as under:
1. Harvard Medical School
2. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine
3. Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
4. University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
5. Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine
6. Stanford University School of Medicine
7. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
8. Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
9. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
10. Yale School of Medicine
11. Weill Cornell Medicine
12. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Remember that the availability of scholarships may differ, and thus, in order to acquire the most precise and recent information on scholarship programs, I would recommend that your son gets in touch with individual universities.

For more information, you can visit our website.

..Read more

Dr Nagarajan J S K

Dr Nagarajan J S K   |2569 Answers  |Ask -

NEET, Medical, Pharmacy Careers - Answered on Sep 02, 2024

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Good day Sir. My son is in final year MBBS and shall graduate in 2025 and complete his compulsory internship in a April 2026 . He does not prefer Family Medicine or paediatric medicine and he has not finalized his passion for any particular stream yet. He wants to do his Masters from UK or USA. I understand USMLE is required for USA and PLAB is required for UK studies. My queries are : 1. What are expenses for completing USMLE and PLAB ? 2. What are possibilities of getting Residencies in USA / UK ? 3. Shall he require additional financial support after getting Residencies ? Pros and Cons of studies in both the countries ? 5. Any specific requirement for studies abroad ? 6. Finally, your suggestion as to where my son should do his Masters after completing his MBBS in India ? I shall appreciate your valuable guidance . Thanks and regards Sujit Roy
Ans: Hi Sujit,
Hello,

I am pleased to learn that your son will be completing his MBBS next year and is considering pursuing higher education. From your query, it seems that you are contemplating whether he should pursue his higher education abroad. There are several factors that need to be taken into consideration before making a decision. Some of these factors include:

1. He will need to clear the USMLE or PLAB exams, which will require dedicated effort. Until he completes these exams, he will require both financial and moral support.

2. The specialization he is interested in pursuing is a crucial factor to consider.

3. The choice of university will also play a significant role, as it may impact the availability of financial aid.

4. Additionally, it is important to weigh the pros and cons of studying in the USA or the UK and make an informed decision based on the specifics of each country.

Ultimately, the decision about his higher education should be made based on your financial circumstances and the support that can be provided without undue strain.

But i feel USA is better option when compare to UK.

"All the best to your son for his future endeavors."

..Read more

Latest Questions
Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |375 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2025

Money
Hope you are doing great. I am 32 years old. I earn roughly 1.1lkh per month. My PPF portfolio is around 19lkh(started in 2018) giving 12.5k per month(From next year 80CC tax benefit will be of no use) lock in till 2033, I also have SIP of 30k (Axis Index- 5k, Axis Midcap-5k & SBI Small cap-20k(Since-2022 & add lumpsum sometimes))- Invested Value Now Rs 12.26lkh & Return- Rs 15.84lkh. I Invest in mostly blue chip equity stocks time to time from 2021 & have invested round about 10lkh & return is 15lkh. My monthly spend is around 30k. I have stacked emergency fund in India Post & Liquid fund. I can invest max 30k if PPF continues & 42.5k if PPF doesn't continue after the lock in is over. With 5% step up annually. I have a few questions: 1. Since PPF will not contribute to my tax savings from next year what should my approach be? Stop PPF & wait till 2033 for it to mature. And invest 12.5k SIP in MF? If yes where should I & in what ratio. 2.I want to reach the goal of 4-5cr in the next 15 years. Kindly guide me. Thanks in advance. Regards
Ans: Hi Subho,

There is no benefit of continuing your PPF investments for tax benefit. Redirect extra 12.5k per month to mutual funds.
But you cannot close your PPF account before 2033, hence contribute only 500 per year to keep the account active.

Total new monthly contribution in MF - 42.5k.
Current selection of funds is not recommended. Your overall contribution in small cap is way too much to continue. Distribute equally in all 3 funds from now on. And can add a flexicap fund of 10k per month in your portfolio.

Try to increase your SIP whenever possible. As with current allocationand contribution, you will get 3.4 crores after 15 years. Where as if you do an annual stepup of 10%, you can get 5 crores after 15 years which you want.

Also as your portfolio size is big, taking a professional advisor's help is recommended. And avoid investing in direct stocks. Reinvest the stock money into mutual funds for a consistent and safe growth.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

Reetika

Reetika Sharma  |375 Answers  |Ask -

Financial Planner, MF and Insurance Expert - Answered on Nov 21, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 17, 2025Hindi
Money
Hi, I'm sorry in advance for a lengthy read and numerous questions. I'm 38 years old and would like to retire in next 10 years or less and I would like to reach portfolio worth 4 CRs and then retire. I already have a term insurance of 2 CR and gold of around half a KG. I currently have 20Lkh (15 for investment and 5 as emergency fund) that I would like to invest in lumpsum. My current portfolio (around 1 year old) is as follows and their Current value: SIPs were stopped in Jan 2025 due to financial reasons. 1. Parag Parikh Flexi Cap Fund : 181920 (+9.93%) 2. Quant Small Cap Fund: 166550 (-1.74%) 3. Motilal Oswal Midcap Fund: 1,66,193 (+1.03%) 4. Nippon India Large Cap fund: 157025 (+8.67%) 5. HDFC Balanced Advantage Fund: 132040 (+6.06%) 6. Nippon India Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Index Fund: 84714 (-15.30%) 7. Stock portfolio: 810000 (+6%) I need help with a few of things. 1. Investing the large sum of 15 lkhs: which MFs should I invest this amount in, now? If so, should I spread that amount in the MFs I already have or go for new and at what proportion? Or is it not the right time to invest the bulk amount? 2.SIP: I would like to reinstate SIP of 1.3 lkhs: which MFs should I invest this amount in, now? If so, should I spread that amount in the MFs I already have or go for new and at what proportion? 3. 5 lakh emergency fund: Which specific asset class/MF should this be invested so that I can make a decent return better than savings account while this amount is easily accessible for emergencies. Please suggest specific fund even if it is debt/liquid/hybrid fund. Thank you for your help in advance.
Ans: Hi,

It is great that you are taking a step forward towards your early retirement after 10 years. Let us analyse things one at a time.
1. Emergency Fund - You want to put 5 lakhs as emergency fund for you. It is a good amount and you can park in liquid mutual fund. Go for ICICI or HDFC liquid funds for this.
2. Term Insurance - 2 crores cover is good enough. If you share monthly income, would be able to calculate exact amount more accurately.
3. Health Insurance - Take one with a minimum cover of 15 lakhs to cover yourself and family.
4. Current MF - currently around 8.5 lakhs value. Good funds. Continue this amount in these.
5. Stocks - current value of 8.1 lakhs. Direct stock investment is very risky and nor recommended as it requires complete tracking and knowledge. You can consider shifting the entire amount in mutual funds for your retirement.

You want to invest a lumpsum of 15 lakhs and start a SIP of 1.3 lakhs again. You can choose to invest 15 lakhs in equal proportion in your current mutual funds and start SIP in the same funds as well.
However, you can also consider consulting a professional advisor who can build a portfolio for you for all your investments. An advisor guides you with right investment throughout and monitors all investments periodically to cater the requirement and market movements.

Your goal is to reach a corpus of 4 crores in 10 years. With current investments you can only get 3.5 crores in 10 years. You need to increase your SIP by 10% each year to get 5 crores.

Also make sure you have no financial liability left when you retire. And have a dedicated fund for other major goals such as kids education, travel, their marriage etc.

Hence do consult a professional Certified Financial Planner - a CFP who can guide you with exact funds to invest in keeping in mind your age, requirements, financial goals and risk profile. A CFP periodically reviews your portfolio and suggest any amendments to be made, if required.

Let me know if you need more help.

Best Regards,
Reetika Sharma, Certified Financial Planner
https://www.instagram.com/cfpreetika/

...Read more

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