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

The study of medicine and health sciences otherwise referred to as MBBS has grown over the years among the young in India. Today the number of students applying to study MBBS abroad is far greater than what it was a couple of years back. Why so? A limited number of government seats coupled with exorbitant tuition fees levied by private medical colleges have pushed a certain section of Indian students to pursue MBBS abroad.

Every Indian student who fails to get admission in government medical colleges wants to study MBBS in abroad. But is that the only reason to pursue MBBS abroad? No. Reduced competition for admission, affordable fees, and high-quality education are some of the key benefits Indian students can enjoy while studying MBBS outside India.

Undoubtedly, with careful planning, studying MBBS abroad can be a rewarding and life-changing decision. It presents both challenges and opportunities for Indian students. best medical universities, clubbed with unmatched amenities and world-class faculty, offer them a learning atmosphere. Many students also find that the overall MBBS abroad fees are much lower compared to private colleges in India. In this comprehensive article, we will tell you everything which you should know before selecting a study destination for MBBS admission in 2025.

Related Read:

• Medical Universities in Russia
• Scholarships for Studying MBBS Abroad
• Best Country to Study MBBS Abroad

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

 * 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.