MBBS Abroad: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility Criteria & Admission Process

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Why Study MBBS Abroad?
MBBS or Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery is a qualification which requires immense patience, hard work, and focus. There are many countries apart from India such as Germany, UK, Russia, Bangladesh, and Canada which offer medical programmes that too at reasonable and sometimes lower costs as compared to studying MBBS in private universities in India. Below, we have mentioned some advantages of studying MBBS abroad:
- Affordability of MBBS Abroad Fees: Many Countries located in the East of Europe and Asia such as China, Georgia, and the Philippines have institutes which offer MBBS or equivalent degrees at less than 10,000 USD. This is way less than what students would have to pay in the UK and USA for the same degree.
- Enhanced Knowledge: Another plus point of studying internationally is that every country has its own specialized research area, concepts, and knowledge. By studying at a location outside India, you will gain an expanded understanding of medical practices which may be unfamiliar and more advanced. This will also improve your market value as a healthcare worker.
- Polished Education: There are many nations where medical programmes offered are of high standards. With excellent teaching faculty and state-of-the-art facilities learning there becomes truly substantial. Exposure to different clinical experiences may also help you improve your medical abilities.
- Building Network: When you move to a foreign land to pursue higher education, you will also meet and get acquainted with people who are in the same field as you but of different origins. This will assist you in building your professional network.
- International Exposure: It offers a unique opportunity to experience different cultures, broaden perspectives, and develop global networks. This can enhance your personal and professional growth in various ways.
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Total MBBS Seats in India
According to the National Medical Commission (NMC), there are a total of 706 MBBS colleges in India as per data reported on December 2023. These 706 MBBS colleges provide a total of 108,915 MBBS seats for Indian students looking to study medicine in India. The number of seats offered by NMC is only a fraction of the total number of candidates that register for NEET every year.
Eligibility of MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
While each country has its own set of rules and eligibility criteria for international students wanting to pursue MBBS abroad, today we are going to talk about the general eligibility guidelines for Indian students wanting to pursue MBBS among the top countries overseas.
MBBS Abroad Eligiblity 2025 | |
---|---|
Age Requirements | Must be 17 years old by December 31 of the year of admission. No upper age limit to apply for MBBS abroad. |
Academic Requirements |
|
Entrance Exam | Must qualify for the NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test), even for MBBS abroad. |
Eligibility Certificate | Required to produce an Eligibility Certificate at the time of admission to a foreign medical university. |
Medical Requirements | The candidate would be required to submit a medical certificate at the time of admission stating that the applicant is not suffering from any contagious diseases. |
Once the candidate has satisfied the eligibility requirements. He can move on to the next step which is the application process to study MBBS abroad. Candidates are required to select their preferred MBBS University and fill out the online international student application form to start the admission process.
Documents Required for MBBS Abroad
To secure admission to any university or college, one is required to submit a set of documents along with the admission application form. Every country may have a different set of document requirements as per their rules and policies. We have listed some of the basic documents which you may have to submit if you're planning to pursue an MBBS from a foreign country.
- Official academic transcripts such as certificates, degrees and other related documents. If you're applying to a country which has an official language different from that of your academic transcript, make sure you get the same translated
- A valid passport which has its validity intact
- Language proficiency certificate, if required (IELTS, TOEFL and OET)
- Proof of funds to cover your cost of studying and living
- Personal Financial Statements
- Student visa
- Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume (CV)
- Standardized test scores
- NEET Score Card
- Medical certificate which will serve as proof of your sound mental and physical health
- Passport-sized photos
- PCC or Police Clearance Certificate
Some countries may require some extra documents apart from the aforementioned. It is advisable to visit the official website of the university where you are applying to learn about the exact documents which are required as the requirements may keep changing from time to time.
On the successful submission of the online application form along with the fee, candidates would hear back from the university with an admission letter. They would be then required to apply for their Student Visa along with their passport, original documents, and their letter of acceptance from the university.
Exams Required to Study MBBS Abroad
In March 2019, an order passed by the Medical Council of India (MCI) made it mandatory for all Indian students wanting to study MBBS abroad to appear for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Candidates should note that the upper limit for appearing for the NEET is 25 years for General candidates and 30 years for SC/ST/OBC candidates. The NEET score is valid for a period of three years.
Candidates wanting to pursue medical studies abroad could also be required to appear for an English proficiency test to prove their knowledge of the English language. Depending on the English language requirements of the university, the candidates can opt for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or OET.
Related Read:
- Test for Medical Studies (TMS) (for MBBS in Germany)
- PLAB Exam (For UK)
MBBS Abroad vs MBBS in India
Pursuing MBBS in India and pursuing MBBS abroad have more similarities than differences. National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) has become mandatory to apply to all medical schools abroad as well as in India. While MBBS in India is for a total of 5.5 years including one year of clinical internship, MBBS studies abroad can stretch up to 6 years including a year of clinical rotations (internship).
Studying MBBS abroad provides students with more global exposure, access to large university campuses, superior laboratory access, and a better student-teacher ratio. Candidates who opt to study abroad can also practice in the host country and settle down in the long run. Students studying abroad can have access to all this and much more at a very economical price.
Students who have pursued their medical studies abroad would be required to appear for the Medical Council of India Screening Test, also known as Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to be allowed to practice in India. Unless the student has pursued his medical studies in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, or New Zealand, and is recognized for enrollment as a medical practitioner in the respective country, then he is exempted from appearing for MCI FMGE. For those planning to work in Dubai, the DHA Exam is a mandatory licensing requirement.
Criteria | MBBS in India | MBBS Abroad |
---|---|---|
MBBS Fees | INR 10 Lakh - INR 50 Lakh per annum (Private) INR 20,000 - INR 7.5 Lakh per annum (Public) |
INR 15 Lakh - INR 70 Lakh per annum (Depending upon the country) |
MBBS Duration | 5.5 years | 5-6 years |
Top Universities for MBBS |
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Cheap Universities for MBBS |
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Entrance Tests | NEET, AIAPGET, AFMC | IMAT, MCAT, OMET, USMLE |
English Proficiency Tests | Not Required | TOEFL, IELTS |
MBBS Starting Salary | INR 6 Lakh (per annum) | $357,300 average (per annum) / INR 29.67 Lakh |
Top University & Colleges for MBBS Abroad
Candidates wanting to pursue MBBS abroad would want to know more about the top universities for MBBS abroad. Given below is a list of the top-ranked MBBS colleges abroad for 2025. Candidates can click on each college name to know about the courses offered, the eligibility guidelines, the fee structure, and much more. Here is a list of the top medical universities abroad to pursue MBBS for Indian students.
University | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine |
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Harvard University Cambridge, United States |
#1 |
University of Oxford Oxford, United Kingdom |
#2 |
Stanford University Stanford, United States |
#3 |
Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, United States |
#4 |
University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom |
#5 |
University College London (UCL) London, United Kingdom |
#6 |
Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden |
#7 |
Imperial College London London, United Kingdom |
#8 |
University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, United States |
#9 |
Yale University New Haven, United States |
#10 |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, United States |
#11 |
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, United States |
#12 |
King's College London London, United Kingdom |
#13 |
University of Toronto Toronto, Canada |
#14 |
Columbia University New York City, United States |
#15 |
Top Countries for MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
Candidates wanting to pursue MBBS abroad would want nothing but the best for themselves. There are a number of factors that go into making a country popular among Indian students. Cost of studying, living expenses, MCI-recognized universities and a solid curriculum-based education are among the top factors that help in making a destination popular among the Indian diaspora.
Related Blogs
MBBS in Russia | MBBS in Australia | MBBS in New Zealand |
MBBS in Canada | MBBS in USA | MBBS in Philippines |
Affordable Countries to Study MBBS Abroad
Let us take a closer look at some of the universities, the duration of medical study, and the average first-year tuition fee. Candidates are informed that the countries mentioned below are a few of the countries that are the most preferred destinations by Indian students. Candidates can click on the name of the university for detailed information on the same.
MBBS in Russia
Study in Russia - The high quality of medical education combined with low tuition fees is one of the prime reasons for students to pursue an MBBS from Russia. The average MBBS tuition fee in Russia is INR 2.14 Lakhs and the average living expenses stand at INR 42,800 for a single year.
University |
Course Details |
Tuition Fee (First Year)* |
---|---|---|
MBBS 5.5 years |
INR 1.5 Lakhs |
|
MD (Doctor of Medicine) 6 Years |
INR 3.11 Lakhs |
|
MD (Doctor of Medicine) 6 Years |
INR 3.1 Lakhs |
MBBS in Bangladesh
Study in Bangladesh - Indian students who want to pursue their medical studies in Bangladesh can apply for direct admissions under the SAARC Countries quota or apply directly to the university. The average tuition fee for pursuing an MBBS in Bangladesh is INR 15.79 Lakhs.
University |
Course Details |
Tuition Fee (First Year)* |
---|---|---|
MBBS 5 Years |
INR 17.7 Lakhs |
|
MBBS 5 Years |
INR 14.2 Lakhs |
|
MBBS 5 Years |
INR 12.6 Lakhs |
MBBS in Nepal
The proximity and relaxed immigration policies have made Nepal a major hub among Indian students wanting to study MBBS abroad. The average MBBS tuition fee in Nepal is INR 9.37 Lakhs.
University |
Course Details |
Tuition Fee (First Year)* |
---|---|---|
MBBS 5.5 Years |
INR 11.2 Lakhs |
|
MBBS 4.5-5.5 Years |
INR 7.5 Lakhs |
* The fee structure is dynamic and candidates are requested to check the latest fee during the time of admissions
Learn more about studying MBBS in different countries:
MBBS Jobs and Career Opportunities
A maximum of medical students opt for postgraduate studies or specializations before setting up a practice. However, there are a lot of students who break from the mould and practice for a couple of years before applying for higher studies. Common MBBS job preferences include.
- Being employed with a hospital chain
- Pursuing clinical research and academics
- Setting up private practice
- A career in Health Administration/Hospital Management
Scholarships to Study MBBS Abroad
One of the acknowledged disadvantages of studying abroad is the high tuition costs. However, it is not so for students wanting to pursue MBBS. To attract more student footfall, countries such as Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, the People’s Republic of China, and Bangladesh among other countries provide quality education at a very competitive price. Candidates who would prefer to get an education loan or financial aid could check out a list of available scholarships to apply from.
Still have more questions about pursuing an MBBS abroad? Check out our MBBS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information or get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website.
The best countries for Indian students to pursue MBBS are USA, UK, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. Medical degrees provided by these universities are the widely recognizeble.
Other than this, you can choose universities of Russia, Georgia, Philippines and Bangladesh. These countries offer medical education at budget friendly fees.
The FMGE is a licensing examination that allows Indian nationals who have pursued medical studies abroad to register with the National Medical Commission and work as registered medical practitioners in India. It is a mandatory exam for all indian students except who have studied in USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia and Canada.
Studying MBBS in India and studying MBBS abroad both have their pros and cons. Students would be required to weigh their options and choose the one that suits them best. This article provides a comprehensive explanation for the benefits of studying MBBS in India and Abroad.
The minimum PTE scores required to get admitted to the Australian universities range from 50 to 58. Note that these scores do not confirm admission to a university and the decision lies solely on the university admissions team.
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
With a good educational system, excellent quality of life, and a number of research opportunities, New Zealand offers a lot to international students. Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand has a 39 percent population of overseas citizens, making it a culturally diverse city. Moreover, the post-study work visa in New Zealand can offer up to three years of stay back. As per Stats New Zealand, its unemployment rate is 3.4 percent. Students enrolled in a course of 12 months or more can also work part-time in New Zealand for up to 20 hours a week during the semester and holidays.
Vancouver Community College is a premier and one of the oldest community colleges in Canada. VCC does not officially publish data on the acceptance rate. However as per some unofficial sources, Vancouver Community College acceptance rate ranges between 50% - 75%. VCC is one of the most sought-after and popular college among international students. Please note, that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.

Raj Vimal has experience of 7+ years in SEO Content Writing, which includes 5+ years in the Ed-Tech industry. He has written articles about studying abroad, especially in the USA, UK, and other English-speaking coun... Read Full Bio
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Students wanting to pursue MBBS abroad would be required to have attained the age of 17 in the year of application.