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

MBBS abroad is popular among many Indian students. Every year, more students go overseas to study medicine for better career opportunities. In India, seats are limited, and private college fees are very high.

Studying MBBS Abroad is a popular pathway for Indian students. It is to pursue a medical degree in countries like Russia, Georgia, and Philippines at 50% of the cost of Indian private colleges. These are some of the best countries for MBBS studies. For the 2026 intake, students must choose universities that comply with the NMC FMGL Regulations 2021 (54 months course + 12 months internship) to be eligible for NExT Exam and practice in India.

With over 25 lakh students competing for limited government medical seats in India, the competition is fierce. This reality drives thousands of Indian students to choose MBBS abroad as their "Plan B." It offers a chance to become a global doctor without paying heavy donations. However, choosing the right country and university is critical to ensure your degree is valid back home. There are some pros and cons of studying MBBS abroad.

This guide is only for students who want to study MBBS out of India in 2026.

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 that 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 to Study MBBS Abroad for Indians in 2026

For Indian students planning to study MBBS abroad in 2026, meeting the right criteria is the first step. Different countries have their own rules. But some requirements remain standard for everyone. You must clear specific age limits, academic scores, and entrance exams like NEET. The table below outlines the general eligibility details you need to know before applying.

Getting your paperwork organized is a crucial first step. As an Indian student, you must gather specific documents like your NEET scorecard, academic transcripts, and a valid passport early. Missing a single paper can delay your admission. Use the checklist below to ensure you have everything ready for a smooth and successful application process.

Exams Required to Study MBBS Abroad in 2026

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 one's 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 2026. 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.