Doctor of Medicine (MD)
at Columbia University, New York

3.7 /5

(4 Reviews)

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#19 in World

#11 in USA

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Doctor of Medicine (MD)
at
Columbia University
Overview

The Columbia University is a popular destination among international PG students interested in starting Doctor of Medicine (MD) from abroad. The program lasts for a duration of 4 years. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is considered part of the top ranked courses in USA. Candidates interested in pursuing the course must meet the eligibility criteria & secure valid scores in exams such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE. The interested students should fill the form as soon as possible because the application window opens for a short time only. Students must also plan for some other additional costs over the duration of studies such as rent, groceries, books, health insurance, etc. The average estimated cost of living at Columbia University is around USD 17,670 (INR 1,696,143).

Duration	4 years Get Curriculum
International Students Admission Website	Go to Website
Official Career Service Website	Go to Website
Course Level	PG Degree
Mode of Course	Full Time

Doctor of Medicine (MD)

Table of contents

Overview
Fees
Curriculum
Entry Requirements
Application Process
Rankings
Highlights
Scholarships

Doctor of Medicine (MD)
at
Columbia University
Fees

For attending the Columbia University for Doctor of Medicine (MD), students have to pay the tuition fee as well as the living expenses. The Columbia University Doctor of Medicine (MD) fee structure varies for domestic and international students.

Other than the annual tuition fee, they will also have to cover the living expenses (includes housing, food, transportation, books and supplies, and other miscellaneous expenses), which is around USD 17,670 (INR 1,696,143) for overseas students. Based on the student’s lifestyle and purchasing power, the cost of living varies.

Refer to the table below for the breakdown of expenses for the Columbia University Doctor of Medicine (MD) cost of attendance:

Other expenses in 1st Year

Fees components	Amount (for 1 year)
Hostel & Meals	INR 16,79,551
Insurance	INR 4,31,627

Calculated at the exchange rate of 1 USD = INR 95.05101 | Tuition & expenses were last updated on 28ᵗʰ November 2025

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Doctor of Medicine (MD)
at
Columbia University
Curriculum

Latest curriculum for Doctor of Medicine (MD) at Columbia University can be downloaded from the below link. The curriculum PDF has semester wise course structure, electives and detailed course content. You can also check course curriculum of other specializations offered in MD at Columbia University

Download exam sample paper

Doctor of Medicine (MD)
at
Columbia University
Entry Requirements

Requirements for 12th grade Lock Icon

No specific cutoff mentioned

Graduation Lock Icon

CGPA - 3.52/4
Applicants are required a CGPA of 3.52 to 4 and a prerequisites subject

Biochemistry- one semester, lab recommended but not required

Biology- two semesters with labs

General Chemistry- two semesters with labs
Organic Chemistry- two semesters with labs
English with two semesters

Physics with two semesters with one semester of the lab
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GPA

Percentage

CGPA

TOEFL

No specific cutoff mentioned

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Convert your CGPA to GPA

Calculate your score and check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities.

GPA

Percentage

CGPA

PTE

No specific cutoff mentioned

IELTS

No specific cutoff mentioned
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Doctor of Medicine (MD)
at
Columbia University
Application Process

Step one

Prepare documents for application

LOR

Applicants submit three letters of recommendation
- The University Admissions Committee requires three letters of recommendation and accepts up to seven. One must come from a science faculty member, teacher, or research mentor. Letters from people who do not personally know the applicants cannot be given serious consideration.

Applicants are required to submit a Curriculum vitae/resume

Step two

Additional documents required

Copy of academic transcripts
Copy of passport
Proof of English language proficiency

Step three

Start your online application

https://www.vagelos.columbia.edu/education/academic-programs/md-program/admissions/apply-md-program

Step four

Application fees for this course

CAD 110 = INR 7.38 Thousand

Mode of payment: Credit card

Students are allowed to pay their tuition fees in installments

Doctor of Medicine (MD)
at
Columbia University
Rankings

University Ranking

Rank	Rank Publisher
#10	Global Universities US News & World Report, 2026
#12	USA Ranking QS, 2026
#20	University THE (Times Higher Education), 2026

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Columbia University
Students Ratings & Reviews

3.7/5

3 Verified Reviews Info Icon

Student Views (Based on Reviews)

75% students never faced discrimination in this university

Vibe of Campus

Academically oriented

Friendly

Multi-dimensional

Fun loving

Internships3.7

Part time work3.3

Post study jobs4

Quality of faculty4.7

Student Life3.7

Value for money3.3

Public transportation4.7

Safety3.7

Indian Food3.3

Permanent Immigration3

Anonymous

Computer Science Master's Degree - Vision, Graphics, Interaction and Robotics - Batch of 2026

3.0

Ivy League Tag does not work anymore.

Tips: No overwhelming cultural shift that I have experienced as of now. I didn't get any scholarship, they pay you nothing, no on campus jobs and even if you get any, you'll be paid peanuts. You basically take a crore rupees loan, study and work like a machine and still end up with no internship call, no certainty about jobs.

Likes (Quality of faculty): Excellent faculty, coursework, teaching and most importantly research. But don't expect to get paid for your research. They won't pay you. They'll ask you to take it for credit. All professors are great researchers and top in their domain but not all are good teachers.

Dislikes (Value for money): It's very expensive with zero or very few on campus jobs paying you peanuts. No proper career fair for internships. Uncertainty of jobs, constantly changing government regulations, disregarding all the effort and money we put to study here. Disregard for your skill and knowledge.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2125

Prepping time for classes50 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 80575

Reviewed on 28 Sep 2025Read more

Nithishma Allu Verified Icon

MS in Computer Science - Batch of 2024

4.6

Columbia University: Fostering Brilliance and Innovation

Tips: Networking is the key. Make as many connections as possible. New York is an amazing place to be and make the most of it. There is a Shardarshish scholarship which waves 50% tuition fees and also numerous graduate research assistant roles available if interested.

Likes (Quality of faculty): The diversity of faculty is amazing with most of them graduating from the top universities. Their knowledge on the subject is remarkable and they challenge you to be better and work harder. They let you engage in projects and conduct many office hours for discussions

Dislikes (Internships): The coursework and the brand value added because of Columbia University is great which lands you in a good internship but there are comparatively fewer career fairs than other universities. The career advisors are super helpful in guiding and suggesting changes to resumes and cover letters.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1500

Prepping time for classes30 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 150000

Reviewed on 11 Feb 2024Read more

(1)

1 person found this helpful

Anonymous

MS in Data Science - Batch of 2026

3.6

Columbia is an expensive school, and the competition is very fierce.

Tips: Be mentally prepared before coming, the scholarships are rare, you need to be best at what you do. The competition is fierce, and things are not so dreamy anymore in the USA. But if you are good at it, you can make it. I am satisfied, hopefully I will get a job, and it will be easier for me.

Likes (Quality of faculty): Mostly, the faculty are adjunct faculty, giving a more practical experience. The faculty is diverse and well-rounded, and the way things are done here is different from in India. They are more concerned with practicality than with theoretical knowledge, so you need to study and prepare on your own.

Dislikes (Value for money): Columbia is an expensive school, and the competition is very fierce. Off-campus jobs don't pay well compared to the living costs. There are better private schools that offer scholarships you can attend. Brand value still matters in today's world, though.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 2300

Prepping time for classes27 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 87000

Reviewed on 1 May 2025Read more

Anonymous

Master of Science in Enterprise Risk Management - Batch of 2026

3.6

Columbia University is a great place to pursue your course.

Tips: The education system here is uncorrupted, and only intelligence, brilliance, and consistency survive here. Not being mentally prepared to face or embrace the culture and weather changes can be detrimental, but overall, it's a great university to study and learn at. Also, it's great to have your own bicycle or something to travel on. Scholarships are available, offered based on the profile and the kind of degree. Mostly PhDs get plenty of funding through research assistantships or teaching assistantships, but others can too; you just need to research a bit. Columbia University is a great place to study.

Likes (Value for money): It's great value for money, as I got more in return than what I paid for in my course. The course covered all the great aspects of my master's degree in enterprise risk management, though it was very hectic, but definitely worth it. I had fun doing this, and the environment here is awesome too.

Dislikes (Permanent Immigration): Permanent immigration in the US has a long queue if you are an Indian, since there are many. It is totally possible to extend your visa, definitely once you apply for a green card, but it is by no means citizenship until you get your green card, and it's hard to get, especially as an Indian. I would love to have permanent residence here; it is a fun place, and I would really like to have a job here.

Total Monthly ExpenseUSD 1300

Prepping time for classes27 hours/Week

Expected Annual SalaryUSD 70000

Reviewed on 29 Mar 2026Read more

View All 4 Reviews

Doctor of Medicine (MD)
at
Columbia University
Highlights

The Columbia MD curriculum combines basic science and clinical medicine with humanism and professionalism.
The curriculum is designed to prepare students to question data and discover new insights in medicine; to teach patients, students, and residents; and to provide the highest quality of equitable patient care, modeling the very best of humanism and professionalism.