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.

There are limited seats in Indian medical colleges. That's why Indian students choose to study MBBS abroad. Countries like Russia, Georgia, and the Philippines offer affordable and high quality medical education. To pursue MBBS abroad, applicants need to be older than 16 years. Also, the students have to qualify NEET exam.

Every Indian student who fails to get admission in government medical colleges wants to study MBBS abroad. With careful planning, studying MBBS abroad can be a life changing decision. It presents both challenges and opportunities for Indian students. The best medical universities in the world, with unmatched amenities and world-class faculty, offer them a learning atmosphere. 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
• 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 the USA for the same degree.
• Enhanced Knowledge: Another plus point of studying internationally is that every country has its own specialised 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.
• 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.

Eligibility of MBBS Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

Each country has its own set of rules and eligibility criteria for international students wanting to pursue MBBS abroad. Here we have mentioned general eligibility for Indian students wanting to pursue MBBS abroad. Make sure you are eligible to apply: 

Documents Required for MBBS Abroad

Exams Required to Study MBBS Abroad

It has been announced that NEET is mandatory for all Indian students wanting to study MBBS abroad. 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.

Other than this, it is 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.  Also, there may be different entrance exams for every country, such as:

• Test for Medical Studies (TMS) (for MBBS in Germany)
• MCAT Exam (for Canada and USA)

MBBS Abroad vs MBBS in India

There are some more similarities than differences between pursuing MBBS in India and pursuing MBBS abroad. National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory to apply to all medical colleges in India and abroad. Duration of MBBS in India is 5.5 years. This includes one year of clinical internship. This duration can stretch up to 6 years including a year of clinical rotations (internship).

Students who have pursued their medical studies abroad need to appear for FMGE exam. This exam is important 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 recognised 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 top universities for MBBS abroad. Given below is a list of top ranked MBBS colleges abroad for 2025. Candidates can click on each college name to know about courses offered, eligibility, fee structure, and much more. Here is a list of 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.

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 for.

Still have more questions about pursuing an MBBS abroad? Get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website.