Harvard vs. Oxford: Which Medical School Is Right for You?

Welcome to Project Access’ Compare & Contrast series, where we take a look at some of the top professional schools in the United States and the United Kingdom!

This week, we compare the Harvard Medical School (US) to the School of Medical and Biomedical Sciences at Oxford University (UK). Both are within the top three of the most prestigious (and competitive!) medical schools in the world. Let’s dive in!

Who can apply?

Boasting a diverse learning environment, the Harvard Medical School welcomes applications from international students, DACA recipients, mature students, and students with disabilities.

Students must possess a bachelor’s degree, be fluent in English, and have completed at least one year of study at an American or Canadian college or university. All applicants must complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with a sufficient score.

Applicants who have previously been enrolled in another medical school are ineligible to apply to the Harvard Medical School, without exceptions.

Unlike Harvard, the School of Medical and Biomedical Sciences at Oxford University caps the amount of international students at a predetermined government quota - 14 students per year.

Keep in mind the Oxford University Medical School has two separate medical programs: standard-entry for applicants possessing a secondary education, and graduate-entry for students who have a baccalaureate degree and wish to accelerate their education.

Applicants must complete their A-levels, (or an international equivalent) and the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) with sufficient scores.

Applicants to both medical schools must pass an interview to be successful.

How much will it cost?

Harvard Medical School prices each year of their program at approximately US$100,000.

Students may apply for federal, institutional, or private loans, as well as a work-study program or an external scholarship fund. The university also offers financial literacy courses. Harvard accounts for emergent circumstances via their Medical Student Emergency Aid Fund, to cover the cost of living for students experiencing unforeseen financial hardship.

Domestic students complete a financial profile and any supplementary materials before the application deadline. International students are not eligible for a federal loan, but may be granted certain private loans.

Unfortunately, the Oxford University Medical School offers very few financial aid opportunities.

The fifth and sixth year tuition fees are covered for domestic students, while international students pay a pre-clinical tuition rate for the first three years and a (higher) clinical rate for the following three years.

Students must fill out a questionnaire, which determines their fee status, and in turn, their tuition rate. International students are welcome to apply for government financial aid (more information available here).

What is the education like?

The medical school at Harvard University features a 4-year program with the option between a standard stream and a health sciences & technology stream in collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, otherwise known as MIT.

Both of the aforementioned streams are broken into three sections: pre-clinical case-based learning, core clinical education, and a post-clinical phase, one of which will include the student’s mandatory research project. Some students may choose to defer their graduation to pursue more academic opportunities available at the school, such as a joint degree or research projects.

The medical school at Oxford University offers a 6-year program for students straight out of high school, or a 4-year program for students who already possess a post-secondary degree.

The standard program involves a pre-clinical phase and a specialized research period, followed by clinical learning.

The accelerated program begins with learning basic science and clinical skills, alongside laboratory medicine. Next, students rotate around various specialties of clinical medicine, and finally, there is a practical studies and elective period.

Life in the US versus the UK

Medical students at Harvard can choose to reside in Vanderbilt Hall, for which they must apply once they have enrolled in the program. The building has been standing since 1927! It features approximately 320 private rooms, shared athletic facilities and kitchens, a library, and more.

The accommodation at Oxford offers a 24/7 library, music rooms, tutoring rooms, and other common spaces for their students, and is guaranteed for first year students.

There you have it! Both schools clearly have a lot to offer, from research opportunities to accelerated curriculums. So get started on those applications, and let us know which you would choose!

Sources:

Written by Veronica Aharon, 2nd year BSc Student at York University.

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