Study MBBS Abroad: Eligibility, Colleges, Fees, Exams and Jobs

Pursuing MBBS abroad is a great option for those Indian medical students who are unable to get a medical seat in India. Apart from this, many students choose to study MBBS abroad as they want to get admission in top medical universities in the world. In 2024 a record total of over 23.81 lakh students registered for the NEET-UG. Private medical institutions with their exorbitant tuition fees become the only option for students who are unable to cut.

State-of-the-art medical universities clubbed with unmatched amenities and complete with world-class faculty make studying MBBS abroad a major success among Indians. Studying MBBS out of the country not only provides students with international exposure, and an opportunity to practice in a foreign land but also a holistic experience that is cherished lifelong. So, which country is best for MBBS studies? Let's find out!

Total MBBS Seats in India (December 2023)

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. 

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, Canada which offer medical programmes that too at reasonable and sometimes lower costs as compared to studying MBBS in private universities in India. Some of the other prominent reasons which make MBBS abroad a great experience are listed below:

• Affordability of Degree: 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.

MBBS Abroad Admission Process

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.

Age Requirements

The student is required to have attained the age of 17 on December 31 of the year he is pursuing his admission. There is no upper age limit to apply for MBBS abroad.

Academic requirements

Candidates looking to pursue MBBS abroad are required to satisfy the below-mentioned academic requirements. 

• The student must have completed his 10+2 from a recognized board.
• The student must have an aggregate percentage of at least 50% or above in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and must have studied English as a compulsory subject during his 10+2 years.
• Students are also required to qualify for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). This is mandatory even if the student is planning to pursue his medical studies abroad.
• The candidate would also be required to produce an Eligibility Certificate at the time of admission to Foreign Medical Universities.

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.

Read: Step-by-step Application Procedure to MBBS Abroad

MBBS Abroad: Documents Requirement for Admission

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. 

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). Read: Advantages and Disadvantages of MBBS Abroad

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 (MCI 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.

Study MBBS Abroad: Specializations

Candidates going abroad to pursue medical studies should note that their MBBS curriculum would comprise five years of various stages of clinical studies including but not limited to pre-clinical studies, para-clinical studies, and study of clinical subjects and a one-year of clinical rotations (internship). Hence, specializations don’t feature during MBBS but post-MBBS studies. General specializations after pursuing MBBS would include but not be limited to:

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 2024. 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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Read: Best Country to Study MBBS Abroad

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.

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. Read: Is it Worth Studying MBBS in Russia?

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.

Ukraine

Study in Ukraine - Located in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is home to top government medical universities offering MBBS, MD, and other medical/ medicine-related degrees to students. The average MBBS tuition fee in Ukraine is INR 2.68 Lakhs and the average living expenses stand at INR 60,210 for a single year. After Russia-Ukraine war, no Indian students are going their for higher studies.

Nepal

Study 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 obtain an education loan or financial aid could check out a list of available scholarships to apply from.

Related Reads

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.