NMC Approved Medical Colleges List Abroad (Country-wise)

Many Indian students dream of studying MBBS abroad, but before you apply, it's important to understand the rules set by the National Medical Commission (NMC). One of the most common questions students ask is, Which foreign medical colleges are approved by NMC? Let us check out the list of MCI-approved medical colleges in different countries.

The Medical Council of India (MCI), now known as the National Medical Commission (NMC), regulates medical education in India. It approves medical colleges both within the country and abroad. Does NMC Approve Foreign Medical Colleges? No, the NMC does not publish or approve any list of approved medical colleges abroad. Earlier, the Medical Council of India (MCI) had a list of recognized MBBS universities abroad. But now, the NMC has stopped this practice. Instead of giving a fixed list, the NMC asks students to check everything on their own before applying to any foreign university for MBBS.

Indian embassy has relased a country specific guidelines related to study MBBS abroad. The guidelines also has a list of recognised foreign medical colleges for Indian students, one can check the list of NMC recognised medical colleges abroad and can get admission. One shoud also know about best countries to study MBBS abroad.

Countries abroad are providing medical aspirants state-of-the-art universities, low tuition fees, an English environment, and above all a holistic approach to education for the Indian students taking the decision to study MBBS abroad. Candidates are at large advised to always refer to the official website of the university for information pertaining to the course fee structure, course duration, and all other important information should be obtained from the university directly and not from any unverified source. Aspirants are also reminded that the National Medical Commission has not authorized any agent or broker to the admission of students into any medical courses abroad.

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What You Should Do Before Choosing a Foreign Medical University?

Even though there is no list, you can still choose the right college by following these important steps:

1. Check If the University Is Officially Recognized: Make sure the university is approved by the education or health ministry of the country it is in. You can also check if the university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) – this is an international list used by NMC.

2. Follow NMC Rules for Foreign MBBS: If you want to come back and practice medicine in India, you must meet NMC’s minimum rules, such as:

• The MBBS course must be at least 54 months long
• It must have 12 months of internship
• The medium of instruction must be English or a language you understand
• You must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to register as a doctor in India

3. Understand the Syllabus and Course Format: Check the course subjects, internship details, and the way the course is taught. It should be similar to the Indian MBBS format.

4. Be Sure About the Language of Teaching: If you are not fluent in the local language (like Chinese, Russian, etc.), choose a university that offers the course in English.

5. Keep Updated with NMC Notifications: Before you apply, visit the NMC official website and check for updates about studying medicine abroad.

List of Foreign Medical Colleges That Meet NMC Guidelines (Country-wise)

The National Medical Commission (NMC) does not release or endorse a list of "approved" foreign medical colleges. However, Indian students can still pursue MBBS abroad in universities that meet NMC’s eligibility criteria.

Below is a country-wise list of foreign medical colleges that are widely chosen by Indian students. These universities are recognized by their home country’s medical authorities and are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), making them eligible for FMGE licensing exams in India, provided other NMC guidelines are followed.

Indian students must confirm whether the medical course is offered in English and if the university is currently allowed to admit Indian students, as per latest notifications from the Indian Embassy or NMC.

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 Organisation (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Read: Top MBBS Universities & Colleges in Ukraine

NMC recognized Universities in Ukraine

• Bukovinian State Medical University
• Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University
• Dnipropetrovsk State Medical Academy
• I.Horbachevsky Ternopil State Medical University
• Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University
• Kharkiv National Medical University
• Kyiv Medical University of UAFM, Kyiv
• National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya
• O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University
• Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Ukraine

Russia

The 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). 54 Russian medical universities have been recognised by NMC, out of which 14 universities offer courses in English. Read: Top MBBS Universities & Colleges in Russia

NMC recognized Universities in Russia

• Belgorod National Research University (BelSu)
• Stavropol State Medical University
• Altai State Medical University
• Astrakhan State Medical University
• Chechen State University
• Chuvash State University
• Crimean Federal University
• Dagestan State Medical University
• Bashkir State Medical University
• The Orenburg State Medical University
• Far Eastern Federal University
• Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University
• Irkutsk State Medical University
• Ivanovo State Medical Academy 
• Izhevsk State Medical Academy
• Kabardino-Balkarian State University
• Mari State University
• Penza State University

Nepal

Another preferred destination for Indian students wanting 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. Read: Top MBBS Universities & Colleges in Nepal

NMC recognized Universities in Nepal

• B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan
• Kathmandu University
• Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lalitpur, Nepal
• U. Manipal Academy
• U. Tribhuvan

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. READ: Why should you pursue MBBS from China?

NMC recognized Universities in Nepal

• Jilin University
• China Medical University
• Dalian Medical University
• Capital Medical University
• Tianjin Medical University
• Shandong University
• Fudan University
• Xinjiang Medical University
• Nanjing Medical University
• Jiangsu University

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 in the program at a very normal fee. Students can apply to universities in Bangladesh directly if they do now want to go through the SAARC program.

NMC recognized Universities in Bangladesh

• Bangladesh University of Professionals
• Gono Bishwabiddalay, Bangladesh
• Shah Jalal Uni. of Science & Technology, Sylhet
• University of Chittagong
• University of Dhaka
• University of Rajshahi
• University of Science & Technology, Chittagong

Screening Test for Indian/Overseas citizen of India

As per the Screening Test Regulations, 2018, if you’re an Indian or overseas citizen of India and possess a primary medical degree from a medical school or college located outside of India, you will have to clear the prescribed screening exam. Doing so will let you obtain a registration in India. You will also have to fulfill the rest of the set criteria mentioned in the regulations. Please note that no list of foreign medical institutions has been endorsed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) for MBBS or similar programmes.

Students are therefore recommended that they confirm the accurate cost of studying and course details before taking admission to MBBS in a foreign institution and see if they align with the Indian MBBS course’s curriculum and duration.

Who is the screening test meant for?

Citizens of India or anyone who possesses overseas citizenship of India holding a primary medical degree that has been awarded by a medical institution abroad need to clear this test in order to get provisionally or permanently registered with the NMC or any State Medical Council on or after March 15, 2022.

Eligibility for Screening Test

• The person should be an Indian citizen or holding an overseas citizenship of India
• He/she must be holding a primary medical degree which can be accepted for enrollment as a medical practitioner in the country
• The person should have obtained an ‘Eligibility Certificate’ from the NMC or Medical Council of India (MCI)
• Overseas Indian citizens or Indian citizens who are planning to pursue a primary medical degree from a foreign medical institution need to qualify for NEET for admission to the MBBS programme.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) does not approve or publish a list of foreign medical colleges. The universities listed above are popular choices among Indian students and are recognized by their respective countries and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Got more questions? Feel free to write to us in the comments below.