MBBS in Nepal: Top Universities, Tuition Fees, Eligibility & Application Deadlines

Nepal is an emerging study-abroad destination for international students and is home to top universities for MBBS programs. Tribhuvan University is the top-ranked MBBS university in Nepal, with the rank #701-850 in Medicine (as per top ranking bodies). 

Closely located to India, the country has familiar cultural and way of living, which makes it very feasible to settle in. Between 2021 - 2024, around 1,400 Indian students moved to Nepal to pursue Medicine courses.

All aspiring candidates must appear for the NEET-UG entrance exam. It takes about 5.5 years to study MBBS in Nepal, and all the top universities in Nepal are approved by NMC, UNESCO, and WHO.

Here are some of the key highlights of pursuing MBBS in Nepal:

Why MBBS in Nepal?

Home to some of the top universities for Medicine and Health Professions, Nepal is an ideal destination. Student across the globe desire to study here due to the world-class programs offered, lifestyle and culture, easy admission process, and impressive return on investments.

For Indian students, there are several advantages of studying MBBS in Nepal. Some of them are as follows:

• Affordable Education: Compared to India, studying in Nepal is cheaper, with an annual tuition fee ranging between INR 8 L - 20 L. In India, government colleges are affordable, but extremely competitive to get into. Whereas, the annual tuition cost to study in private medical colleges in India costs around INR 3 L - 25 L, or even higher.
• Lifestyle & Culture: Due to India’s close proximity with Nepal, the culture is quite similar and Indian students can easily dwell in the familiar lifestyle. Moreover, they are less likely to face culture shock or feel alienated.
• No Language Barrier: Indian students do not have to face a language barrier in Nepal, as most of the citizens there understand Hindi and can speak in English. Unlike other study-abroad countries, it is much easier for Indians to communicate in Nepal.
• No Student Visa Required: Indian students can study in Nepal without a student visa. Indian students as well as citizens do not require a visa to travel to Nepal, post the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty between both countries. Nonetheless, for university verification purposes, Indian students are advised to carry documents like a government-issued ID or proof of enrollment.
• Hassle-Free Admission Process: Nepal’s admission process is simple and similar to India. Additionally, the documents required are not as extensive as in other foreign countries and no IELTS/TOEFL scores are for admission.

MBBS in Nepal Top Universities & Rankings

Tribhuvan University is the top-ranked institution in Nepal and attracts bright minds from all over the world. Mentioned below are the global rankings of Tribhuvan University, as mentioned in the prominent ranking bodies:

• #1 in Nepal in Shiksha Popularity Rankings
• #702 in the World in Shiksha Popularity Rankings
• #701-850 in QS Global Medicine Rankings 2025

Some other top universities for MBBS in Nepal are as follows:

Note: Shiksha Popularity Ranking is a ranking system that simplifies the journey of choosing the best university for studying abroad. It aggregates the ranks of some of the top-ranking bodies with a clear number nationally, both at the university and course levels.

Eligibility & Documents Required for MBBS in Nepal

For admission to universities in Nepal for MBBS, the requirements may vary as per the choice of institution. However, there are some general admission requirements that every Indian candidate must meet, and they are:

• Senior Secondary Higher Education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology;
• A minimum of 50 - 60% aggregate marks in the above-mentioned subjects;
• Must be at least 17 years of age before December end of the admission year;
• NEET-UG entrance exam qualification;
• Valid passport with at least 18 months of validity; and
• A medical fitness certificate from a registered clinic or hospital.

Note: Some universities require the Medical Education Commission Entrance Examination (MECEE) in addition to NEET, which is conducted by the Nepal Medical Education Commission (MEC).

Some important documents required include:

• An official offer letter from the university;
• Class Xth and XIIth mark sheets (from a recognized board of education);
• Migration certificate;
• NEET scorecard;
• Birth certificate;
• Nationality proof (Aadhar card/PAN card/Voter ID/other valid proof);
• Passport-size photographs; and
• A legal and valid Indian passport.

MBBS in Nepal Duration, Intake & Seats

Generally, the duration of pursuing an MBBS in Nepal lasts 5.5 years, including 4.5 years of clinical and theoretical studies, followed by a 1-year internship. Students can apply for admissions during Sep/Oct as the application process for medical colleges in Nepal is usually open at this time.

Below are the details of the number of seats available in the top universities in Nepal for MBBS:

MBBS in Nepal How to Apply & Application Deadlines

In order to apply for an MBBS program in Nepal, Indian students must follow the steps listed below:

• Step 1: Research colleges and check the eligibility criteria
• Step 2: Shortlist colleges as per your preference (do consider factors such as academic reputation, fees, clinical exposure, and campus life)
• Step 3: Prepare and attest all required documents like academic mark sheets, NEET scorecard, passport, and more
• Step 4: Fill out and submit the online application of the college(s) of choice and pay the application fee (if required)
• Step 5: Once selected, accept the offer and pay the required fee
• Step 6: Report to the college with original documents

Moreover, students must apply within the application deadlines listed below:

MBBS in Nepal Fee Structure & Scholarships

Opting to study abroad is a major step that student take for their career and managing the expenses, including the tuition fee and living costs, which play a deciding factor in this decision.

Fees for Indian Students

Here are the fee details for an MBBS in Nepal:

On an annual basis, the tuition fee for pursuing an MBBS in Nepal ranges between INR 8 L – 20 L. Hence, in comparison to India, MBBS is affordable in Nepal. Here’s a list of the annual tuition costs required at the top universities in Nepal:

Scholarships for Indian Students

Scholarships help students study in their dream college by cutting down a portion of their expenses. For Indian students aiming to pursue MBBS, top universities in Nepal offer several scholarships and financial aid opportunities. Some of them are:

• Mahatma Gandhi Scholarship Scheme
• Narotam Sekhsaria’s Scholarships
• AYUSH Scholarship Scheme
• Golden Jubilee Scholarship Scheme
• Hani Zeini Scholarship
• C. Mahindra Scholarships for Post-Graduate Studies Abroad

MCI Approved Medical Universities in Nepal

MCI (Medical Council of India) is a former statutory body responsible for regulating medical education and practice in India. Here’s the list of MCI approved medical colleges in Nepal:

Syllabus & Specializations

Over a period of 4.5 years, students obtain theoretical and clinical knowledge at the university. Below is the list of courses covered:

• First & Second Year: Foundational subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology. Introduction of overall Community Medicine.
• Third & Fourth Year: Practical/Clinical rotation in electives such as Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry. Additional subjects like Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, and Radiology.
• Fifth Year: Internships (Students gain hands-on experience in different medical departments and hospitals).
• While pursuing MBBS in Nepal, students can choose to specialize in one of the following fields:

MBBS in Nepal Scope After Graduation

After pursuing an MBBS in Nepal, graduates can find employment/higher education opportunities in the following ways:

Practice Medicine in India:

Indian students can return to Indian after studying MBBS in Nepal. However, to practice Medicine in India, they will have to clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), also known as NEXT (National Exit Test). Following that, they must register with the National Medical Commission (NMC), India. Moreover, they must meet the mandatory internship guidelines set by the Indian medical standards. Lastly, students must apply for a medical license from the respective State Medical Council.

Pursue Postgraduate Medical Studies:

Post MBBS degree, students can go for higher studies in India, Nepal or abroad. In India, students must clear NEET-PG to apply for MD programs.

Work in Hospital Management & Healthcare Administration:

Passed out students can work in hospitals or go for an MBA in Hospital Management or Healthcare Administration. MBBS degree from a recognized university, and additional qualifications like MBA in Healthcare Management, MHA (Master of Hospital Administration), or PGDHM may be required.

MBBS in Nepal Vs MBBS in India