Study Medicine Globally: 5-Year Accelerated MD Pathway by UPES and MUA

Dreaming of becoming a doctor and practicing internationally? What if we told you that you could achieve this dream through a globally recognized MD program, right after your 12th standard? Enrol to a unique and impactful 5-Year Accelerated MD Pathway, a visionary collaboration between the University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) and the Medical University of the Americas (MUA), offering Indian students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue MD in Medicine with international exposure, clinical training in the US and Canada, and access to scholarships worth $50,000.

With a severe doctor shortage in India (1 doctor per 1,511 people) and global medical workforce demand rising (projected shortage of 10 million doctors by 2030), this program offers a timely and structured solution.

With the Accelerated MD Global Pathway at UPES, in partnership with the Medical University of the Americas (MUA), students can begin their medical journey right after high school and earn an MD degree in just five years. The 1+4 structure starts with a one-year Pre-Medical Science Certificate at UPES, Dehradun. Upon meeting academic requirements, students proceed to MUA’s four-year MD program, comprising two years of basic and clinical sciences in the Caribbean and two years of clinical rotations across MUA-affiliated hospitals in the United States.

“This program empowers students with an exceptional learning experience that combines strong academic foundations with clinical exposure across regions.”
— Dr. Padma Venkat, Dean, SOHST, UPES

• Year 1: Pre-Medical Certificate at UPES Dehradun (India)
• Years 2-3: Basic & Clinical Sciences at MUA Campus, Nevis Island (Caribbean)
• Years 4-5: Clinical Rotations in the US or Canada

Why UPES & MUA for 5 Year Accelerated MD Pathway Program

• Top Rankings: UPES is the No. 1 private university in India for academic reputation (QS 2024).
• Global Exposure: Study in India, the Caribbean, and North America, with clinical rotations in the U.S. and electives in Canada.
• High Residency Success: MUA has a 98% residency placement rate (2020–2024).
• USMLE Preparation: With expert academic planning and support from MUA’s faculty, MUA students achieved an 85% first-time pass rate in Step 1 and 97% in Step 2 CK in 2023.
• Financial Aid: Up to $50,000 USD in scholarships for eligible students.
• Personalized Mentoring: 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio and dedicated support.
• Practice-Ready Training: Curriculum aligned with U.S. and Canadian medical practice standards

MD Course Eligibility

Here are the MD course eligibility criteria for this pathway:

• Students must have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Must secure admission through the UPES selection process.
• After Year 1, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale to progress to MUA.

MD Course Fees & Scholarships

The MD course fees are structured across three locations—UPES (India), MUA (Caribbean), and affiliated hospitals (US/Canada).

Financial Support

• General scholarship: Eligible pathway participants will receive a $40,000 USD scholarship, distributed evenly over the 10 semesters of the MUA MD program.
• Inaugural cohort incentive: Eligible UPES graduates who enrol in the inaugural intake, in September 2025, will receive an additional $10,000 USD scholarship, also distributed evenly over the 10 semesters of the MD program.

This scholarship is exclusive to students who complete the Pre-Medical Certificate Year at UPES.

MD Course Subjects and Curriculum Overview

The MD course subjects cover both theoretical and clinical areas of medicine, ensuring holistic training.

Year 1: Foundation Year at UPES, Dehradun (India)

• Study Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy, Psychology, and more

Years 2–3: Basic Sciences at MUA, Nevis Island (Caribbean)

• Learn from the U.S. medical curriculum
• Subjects include Pathology, Pharmacology, Immunology, Neurosciences, etc.

Years 4–5: Clinical Rotations in the U.S. or Canada

• Exposure to various specializations—Surgery, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, and more.

Career Outcomes and Scope

This program gives Indian students a direct path to global medical practice— fulfil their dreams of practicing at leading hospitals like Johns Hopkins Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, University of Toronto, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and other reputed hospitals. 

How to Apply

• Applications Open: February 2025
• Program Start: August 2025
• Application Process: Visit upes.ac.in and complete the inquiry form.
• Seats are limited, so early applications are encouraged.

Final Thoughts: Why This MD Program Is Your Gateway to Global Medicine

The UPES-MUA 5-Year MD Global Pathway stands at the cutting edge of global medical education, combining affordability, quality, and international mobility. It opens a door for young Indian students to transform into global healthcare leaders, armed with credentials, exposure, and clinical experience across three countries. Apply Now!

Think beyond borders. Think MD at UPES-MUA.