Best Countries to Study MBBS Abroad

Medicine is one of the most sought-after courses among the young in India. The number of young students wanting to become a doctor or pursue a career in medicine is only rising steeply. The number of Indian students looking to pursue medical studies abroad is also on the rise.
Many Indian students search for the best country to study MBBS abroad. In India, private medical college fees are very high and seats are limited. That is why students choose countries like Russia, Georgia, Philippines, and Kazakhstan to study medicine.
MBBS abroad degrees are recognized all over the world. They offer MBBS courses at cheap cost. Russia is the cheapest country to study MBBS in the world. The MBBS fees in Russia are around INR 2.14 lakh per year.
Some countries like Germany and Australia give high-value MBBS degrees because their education system and hospitals are very strong. Students should check the best countries to study MBBS abroad from India by looking at affordable fees, good quality education, and future career options before choosing.
READ: Top MBBS Colleges Abroad
- Best Country for MBBS abroad for Indian students
- Why Pursue MBBS Abroad?
- Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
- MBBS in UK
- MBBS in USA
- MBBS in Bangladesh
- MBBS in China
- MBBS in Nepal
- MBBS in Russia
- MBBS in Ukraine
Best Country for MBBS abroad for Indian students
Some of the top countries for MBBS study abroad are:
Country |
Course Duration |
Total Estimated Cost (INR) |
---|---|---|
6 years |
₹15 – ₹35 lakhs |
|
MBBS in Kyrgyzstan |
5 years |
₹13 – ₹19 lakhs |
MBBS in Bangladesh |
5 years |
₹20 – ₹35 lakhs |
6 years |
₹25 – ₹40 lakhs |
|
MBBS in Poland |
6 years |
₹30 – ₹35 lakhs |
6 years |
₹15 – ₹25 lakhs |
|
6 years |
₹20 – ₹35 lakhs |
|
5.5 years |
₹20 – ₹30 lakhs |
|
8 years |
₹2.5 – ₹5 crores |
|
5-6 years |
₹1.5 – ₹3 crores |
Countries like the UAE offer lucrative opportunities, provided you clear the DHA Exam.
Related Reads
Why Pursue MBBS Abroad?
Research has shown how the availability of a limited number of government seats every year and high tuition costs at private medical universities are pushing Indian students to foreign soil. Candidates who are unable to make the cut in the entrance exam and secure a seat are required to look at private medical institutes that charge students exorbitant tuition fees. Students opting for a private medical institute in India are required to pay around 60 Lakhs as compared to the 4 lakhs charged at government medical colleges. Hence, these factors combined with choice and personal preferences have led to candidates opting to pursue medical studies abroad every year. Apart from the reasons elucidated above, popular factors that push Indians towards pursuing their MBBS abroad are as follows:
- Universities abroad offer a larger number of seats every year that are required to be filled by international students.
- The cost of pursuing MBBS abroad is at par or lower as compared to private universities in India.
- Universities/institutes abroad are well known to provide top-notch facilities, world-class faculty, and globally recognized degrees to its students.
- Better ROI: On successful completion of their course, students are allowed to practice in the host country. This provides them with an opportunity to earn big money.
- Students can always come back to India and practice. Students who have pursued their MBBS abroad are only required to qualify the MCI approved Foreign Medical Graduates Examination or FMGE to practice on their home turf.
- Scholarships and Financial Aid: Students can also apply for financial aid and scholarships to pursue their medical studies abroad.
- Universities and colleges abroad also provide paramount safety and security to study abroad aspirants so they feel at home in a foreign country.
- To attract international students, a lot of colleges use English as their primary language of instruction in medical universities. This again works as an advantage in attracting international students.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
Rules for MBBS abroad may change a bit from one country to another, but here we just look at the common eligibility for Indian students.
- You must be 17 years old on or before December 31 of the year when you take admission.
- You should have passed Class 12 from a recognised board.
- In your 12th exam, you need 50% or more in Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) and also studied English as a subject.
- An Eligibility Certificate from the Medical Council of India (MCI) is needed when you go for admission in a foreign medical university.
- Clearing the NEET exam is compulsory. Even if you want to study MBBS abroad, NEET is still required.
So these are the basic MBBS abroad eligibility criteria for Indian students. If you don’t meet them, you may not be able to apply for medical studies in foreign universities.
Also Read
- Advantages and Disadvantages of MBBS Abroad
- List of MCI Approved MBBS Universities Abroad
- Eligibility Requirements & Admission Process for Studying MBBS Abroad
Now let us talk about the top universities to pursue MBBS abroad for Indian students.
MBBS in UK
Students from many countries go to the UK for MBBS because the education quality is high and medical universities rank top. The MBBS course in UK mostly takes 5 to 6 years to finish. If you plan to do MBBS in UK, you need a good academic record. Marks in Biology and Chemistry must be strong. You also have to give exams like UKCAT or BMAT and get good scores. An English language proficiency certificate is also compulsory for admission. The MBBS in UK cost is not cheap. It can be around £20,000 to £45,000 per year, sometimes even more depending on the university.
Top Medical Colleges in the UK include:
University | Course Duration | Tuition Fee |
---|---|---|
University of Oxford | 3 years (BA) 6 years (BM BCh) |
Pre-Clinical: £43,670 (INR 44,30,394) Per Year Clinical: £57,690 (INR 58,52,747) Per Year |
6 years (MB, BChir) | £63,990 (INR 64,91,892) Per Year | |
6 years (MBBS BSc) | £50,300 (INR 51,03,019) Per Year | |
6 years (MBBS BSc) | £53,700 (INR 54,47,955) Per Year | |
5-6 years (MBBS) | £48,600 (INR 49,30,551) Per Year | |
6 years (MBChB) | Pre-Clinical 1,2,3 years: £37,570 (INR 38,04,438) Per Year Clinical years: £51,000 (INR 51,74,035) Per Year Year 4 direct entry: £51,000 (INR 51,74,035) Per Year |
|
5 years (MBChB) | Year 1 & 2: £34,500 (INR 35,00,083) Per Year | |
5 years (MBChB) | £56,520 (INR 57,34,048) Per Year | |
5 Years (Medicine) | £48,700 (INR 49,40,696) Per Year |
MBBS in USA
In the USA, obtaining admission into an MD programme (Doctor of Medicine) is quite tough as the competition is stiff. Those who are interested in this programme need to possess a bachelor's degree with important coursework in subjects such as physics, biology, chemistry, and math. MCAT is an important exam to get MBBS admission in USA.
Top Medical Colleges in the USA include:
University | Course Duration | Tuition Fee |
---|---|---|
4 Years (Medical MD) | $69,300 (INR 57,64,205) Per Year |
|
6 Years (MD) | $21,781 (INR 18,11,690) (Quarterly) | |
4 Years (MD) | $76,744 (INR 63,83,378) 1st Year | |
6-7 Years (MD) | $43,843 (INR 36,46,754) 1st Year | |
4 Years (MD) | $57,369 (INR 47,71,813) 1st Year | |
4 Years (MD) | $35,654 (INR 29,65,613) 1st Year | |
4-5 Years (MD) | $29,875 (INR 24,84,929) 1st Term | |
5 Years (MD) | $69,363 (INR 57,69,445) 1st Year | |
4 Years (MD) | $65,940 (INR 54,84,728) 1st Year | |
4 Years (MD) | $69,756 (INR 58,02,133) 1st Year |
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MBBS in Bangladesh
Indian students who want to pursue their medical studies from Bangladesh can apply for direct admissions under the SAARC Countries quota – that allows students from India to study the Programme at a very normal fee. Students can apply to universities in Bangladesh also if they do now want to go through the SAARC program. Pursuing the MBBS course in Bangladesh would cost students approximately anything between 30 – 60 lakhs for the entire program.
Top Medical Colleges in Bangladesh include:
University | Course Duration | Tuition Fee |
---|---|---|
5 Years (MBBS) | $45,000 (INR 37,42,990) Full Fee | |
Delta Medical College |
5 Years (MBBS) | $44,200 (INR 36,76,448) Full Fee |
5 Years (MBBS) | $45,000 (INR 37,42,990) Full Fee | |
Jahurul Islam Medical College |
5 Years (MBBS) | $41,000 (INR 3410280) Full Fee |
5 Years (MBBS) | $42,000 (INR 34,93,458) Full Fee | |
5 Years (MBBS) | $56,000 (INR 46,57,942) Full Fee | |
5 Years (MBBS) | $35,947 (INR 29,90,000) Full Fee | |
Enam Medical College and Hospital |
5 Years (MBBS) | Around $40,000 (INR 33,27,102) Full Fee |
6 Years (MBBS) | Around $40,000 (INR 33,27,102) Full Fee |
MBBS in China
According to the Ministry of Education (MoE) of the People's Republic of China, only 45 universities in China are qualified to teach MBBS degrees in English and admit international students (including India). So, if Indian students want to pursue MBBS in English then they have to take admission in any one of these educational institutions else they have to pursue medical studies in the Chinese language.
The cost of medical studies in China ranges from INR 3 Lakh to INR 8 Lakh annually, which is the reason they are highly popular amongst the Indian and international students as they get quality education at a reasonable budget. This is a major reason why international students prefer to pursue MBBS from China. In China, Clinical Medicine is taught either in Chinese or English medium. Apart from this, Clinical Integrative Medicine is the other English medium course that includes Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine. These courses are also recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). READ: Why should you pursue MBBS from China?
Top Medical Colleges in China include:
University | Course Duration | Tuition Fees |
---|---|---|
5 Year (MBBS) | RMB 52,000 (INR 5,92,968) Per Year | |
6 Year (MBBS) | RMB 35,000 (INR 3,99,114) Per Year | |
North Sichuan Medical University |
5 Year (MBBS) | RMB 46,916 (INR 5,35,000) Per Year |
Southwest Medical University |
5 Year (MBBS) | RMB 30,000 (INR 3,42,098) Per Year |
6 Year (MBBS) | RMB 38,000 (INR 4,33,324) Per Year | |
6 Year (MBBS) | RMB 24,000 (INR 2,73,677) Per Year | |
6 Year (MBBS) | RMB 35,000 (INR 3,99,114) Per Year | |
5 Year (MBBS) | RMB 25,000 (INR 2,85,082) Per Year | |
Peking University |
6 Year (MBBS) | RMB 40,000 (INR 4,56,130) Per Year |
Fudan University |
6 Year (MBBS) | RMB 75,000 (INR 8,55,243) Per Year |
MBBS in Nepal
Another preferred destination for Indian students to pursue medical studies is Nepal. The close proximity and relaxed immigration policies have made this landlocked country a major hub among Indian students wanting to study MBBS abroad. The tuition costs for the entire program ranges from 30 – 45 lakhs for the entire program. Nepal and India also share cultural similarities, and climate making it easy for Indian students to settle abroad. Some of the top colleges in Nepal to pursue medical studies are listed below.
Top Medical Colleges in Nepal include
- Kathmandu University (KU)
- College Of Medical Sciences (CMS Nepal)
- National Medical College
- Nepal Medical College
- Janaki Medical College
- Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS)
- Kathmandu Medical College
MBBS in Russia
High quality of medical education combined with low tuition fees is one of the prime reasons for students to pursue MBBS from Russia. All Russian Medical Universities are recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Medical Council of India (MCI) and 12 of these universities teach MBBS in the English medium. To attract the best minds, the Russian Government provides a subsidy for education and the MBBS fee in Russia is low keeping the very point in mind. Due to its international affiliations, all students who pursue MBBS from Russia can practise anywhere in the world including India. READ: Is it Worth Studying MBBS in Russia?
Top Medical Colleges in Russia include
- Belgorod National Research University (BelSu)
- Nizhny Novgorod State Medical University (Nizhgma)
- Stavropol State Medical University
- Bashkir State Medical University
- The Orenburg State Medical University
- Mordovia State University
- Northern State Medical University
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow
- Siberian State Medical University
- Ryazan Medical University, Ryazan
- Kuban State Medical University
MBBS in Ukraine
Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is one of the most sought after study abroad destinations for medical studies. The country is home to top government medical universities offering MBBS, MD and other medical/ medicine-related degrees to students. Top medical universities in Ukraine are all recognized by major organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Medical degrees of qualifying Graduates are recognized everywhere and are eligible to apply for medical positions in any corner of the world. Popular medical fields of MBBS in medical universities of Ukraine include Dentistry; General medicine; Pharmacy and Pediatrics. Candidates are not required to appear for any entrance examination to get admission to a medical university. The average duration of an MBBS Programme in Ukraine is for 5.8 years.
Top medical colleges in Ukraine
- Kharkiv National Medical University
- Lugansk State Medical University (LSMU)
- M. Gorky National Medical University (DMNU)
- Bogomolets National Medical University
- Ternopil State Medical University
- Donetsk State Medical University
- National Medical University
- Vinnytsia National Medical University
Candidates are reminded that they would be required to clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination, or FMGE, to be able to practice in India. It is established that studying abroad is cheaper compared to the tuition fees in India; however, candidates should always go for medical universities abroad that fulfill NMC guidelines and avoid dodgy study institutions.
After completing an MBBS degree, many graduates consider pursuing further studies or specializations in countries like the USA, UK, and Canada, which offer advanced medical training and research opportunities.
While there isn't a definitive "number 1" country for MBBS, many consider the USA to be at the top due to its extensive resources, research opportunities, and advanced medical technology.

Comments
(3)
R
4 years ago
Hello John. If you are looking to study in the Philippines, you can check out popular universities in Phillippines here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/philippines Or get in touch with our counsellors here: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply
D
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
R
4 years ago
Hello Sudeep. How do you define best? we have got a list of popular universities for you. Choosing your university is a personal choice which you would have to accomplish. you can also read: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/bachelors-in-mbbs-courses-in-abroad-sl1338 and https://studyabroad.shiksha.c
The UK and USA are mostly seen as the best countries for MBBS because they got top medical colleges and modern health care system. But many Indian students also choose places like Russia, Ukraine, and Philippines. These countries are popular since they give good quality education and the MBBS abroad fees are more affordable.