Studying MBBS abroad has become a pretty common option for Indian students who either can’t get a medical seat in India or are just looking for something more affordable. The MBBS fees for private medical colleges in India are super high. Even getting into a government medical college is more than tough due to high competition. So, naturally, countries like Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, and a few others are popular countries to study MBBS abroad.
Now, choosing the “best” country is not always that simple. Some students study MBBS abroad, just because it is a cheaper option compared to India. While others think of the long term, like whether the MBBS abroad degree will be accepted back in India, or if they can settle abroad later. That’s something students don’t always think about in the beginning.
The article includes the list of top countries for MBBS abroad, fees, admission requirements, and what you should keep in mind if you’re planning to study MBBS abroad.
Why Pursue MBBS Abroad?
The reason for pursuing MBBS abroad can be multifactorial. In India, students need to qualify for the NEET exam to get a seat in top medical institutions. Due to the high NEET cut off for some categories, many students opt for the MBBS abroad option.
On the other hand, the increasing cost of studying MBBS in Indian private colleges has forced many potential MBBS candidates to consider MBBS abroad options due to financial constraints. Countries like Bangladesh, Russia, China, Ukraine, etc, offer cheap MBBS courses for Indian students.
Apart from the above reasons, we have included some key reasons that have increased the number of students migrating abroad to pursue MBBS degree:
Most foreign universities offer English as a medium of instruction for MBBS courses. Therefore, it is easier for Indian students to manage their quality of education abroad.
Secondly, countries to study MBBS abroad for Indian students, such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Russia, etc, offer top-notch education, research facilities, and practical internship opportunities. These facilities can improve the quality of doctors in the country and worldwide.
Study MBBS abroad offers a high Return on Investment (ROI) once completed. The graduates get global recognition, advanced medical practices, and enhanced career opportunities both in India and abroad.
Many abroad MBBS universities offer security and protection to international candidates. Countries like Russia, Georgia, the Philippines, Germany, and Canada provide safe learning environments and student support services to their international applicants.
Scholarships and funding assistance are one of the important factors that attract international students to study medicine abroad. Countries like Germany, Russia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia offer various scholarships and grants for overseas candidates to support their tuition and living expenses. Students can also apply for different loan opportunities with low or no interest rates.
Indian students can practice medicine in India after completing an MBBS degree. Meanwhile, they need to qualify for the MCI-approved Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to get a license to practice in India.
The cost of MBBS abroad in public colleges is comparatively lower than most of the private medical colleges fees in India. For example, German public universities charge no tuition fees to international students studying MBBS in the country.
Moreover, the living standard, luxurious lifestyle, multi-cultural learning environment, and international exposure are among the secondary factors that add to why you should pursue an MBBS degree abroad.
Pursuing MBBS abroad is one of the major trends observed among Indian students recently. As per the statistics, every year around 25,000 Indian students go abroad to study an MBBS degree.
Countries such as Russia, Georgia, the Philippines, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Russia, Bangladesh, Germany, etc, are the most popular countries to study MBBS abroad. Here’s a list of the top countries to study MBBS abroad for Indian students.
Best Country for MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
Country
Total Estimated Cost (INR)
MBBS in Russia
INR 15 – INR 35 lakhs
MBBS in Bangladesh
INR 20 – INR 35 lakhs
MBBS in Australia
$15,000 and $20,000.
MBBS in Germany
1,500 euros per semester
MBBS in China
INR 20 – INR 35 lakhs
MBBS in Nepal
INR 20 – INR 30 lakhs
MBBS in USA
$10,000 and $55,000 each year
MBBS in UK
GBP 22,800 - 52,000
MBBS in Canada
$13,000 and $40,000
MBBS in New Zealand
NZ$ 22,000 and NZ$35,000
MBBS in Russia
Russia is a popular destination for international students wanting to study MBBS. Russia offers affordable tuition fees, high-quality education, and globally recognized degrees. The duration of the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is 5-6 years.
An MBBS in Bangladesh is a popular choice for many Indian students due to its affordable tuition fees. The MBBS degree in Bangladesh is recognized as Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS). The duration of the degree is 5 years, followed by a 1-year mandatory internship.
The degree is known as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). The duration of the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is 4-5 years. Students must pass entrance exams like UMAT or GAMSAT to apply for MBBS in Australia.
The degree is known as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). The duration of the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is 6 years. Germany is known for offering high-quality education with no tuition fees in public universities.
The MBBS in India is equivalent to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in the USA. The average cost of studying MBBS in USA is USD 234,000 to USD 351,000. The duration of an MBBS in the USA is 7-8 years.
An MBBS in UK is known as MB (Bachelor of Medicine). The duration of an MBBS in UK is generally 5-6 years. Indian students need to qualify for the BMAT, UKCAT, or GAMSAT exam to apply for study MBBS in the UK.
Canada offers some of the best medical programs in the world. The degree is known as MD (Doctor of Medicine). The duration of the MD program is 4 years. Students must have a bachelor’s degree and pass the MCAT exam.
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MBBS in Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean Islands offer a US-based curriculum with English-medium instruction. The degree is known as MD (Doctor of Medicine). The duration of the MD program is 4-5 years. The cost of studying MBBS here is lower compared to many other countries.
Top Universities to Study MBBS in Caribbean Islands:
American University of Barbados
Ross University School of Medicine
St. George's University
American University of the Caribbean
Saba University School of Medicine
University of Medicine and Health Sciences St. Kitts
The admission eligibility for studying MBBS abroad is unique for every country. Therefore, you should check the specific requirements for international students for the country you are applying to. Here, we have included some important eligibility criteria for study MBBS abroad, which are common for most countries:
You have to appear for the NEET UG test before applying to universities abroad. Most countries demand NEET scorecard for Indian students. A few countries, on the other hand, do not mandate NEET. However, if you wish to practice medicine in India, a NEET qualification is mandatory.
The minimum age requirement of MBBS abroad is 17 years on December 31 of the year he/she is applying for admission.
Many top English-speaking nations ask for IELTS or TOEFL tests to check their English language proficiency.
Completion of the 12th grade education is compulsory with at least 50% or above in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
The candidate must obtain an ‘Eligibility Certificate’ from the National Medical Commission (or the erstwhile Medical Council of India).
If you are an international student, submitting the required documentation is necessary to prove your candidature. The list of documents required for study medicine abroad is as follows:
Studying MBBS abroad can cost a great deal of money. While countries like the USA, the UK, and Australia charge a huge amount from international students in terms of tuition fees and living expenses, there are a few popular nations that offer education at a very low cost.
For example, the cost of MBBS abroad is very cheap in countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, and Georgia for Indian students. Most public universities in Germany charge zero tuition to international students studying MBBS in Germany.
Meanwhile, MBBS in Bangladesh and China is very reasonable for Indian students. Here, we have presented a table comparing the total cost of studying MBBS abroad for different countries. But, the overall expense of living and studying can be different for the course specialization, duration, and personal living habits of students.
MBBS Abroad Cost Comparison for Indian Students
Country
Tuition Fees (INR/year)
Living Costs (INR/year)
Total (INR/year)
Russia
2.5L - 5L
1.5L - 2L
4L - 7L
Georgia
3L - 5L
2L - 3L
5L - 8L
Philippines
3L - 6L
2L - 3L
5L - 9L
Bangladesh
3L - 4L
1.5L - 2L
4.5L - 6L
Germany
Only semester fees
5L - 6L
5L - 6L
UK
20L - 35L
10L - 15L
30L - 50L
USA
25L - 40L
10L - 15L
35L - 55L
Canada
20L - 30L
8L - 12L
28L - 42L
Australia
25L - 35L
8L - 12L
33L - 47L
Caribbean Islands
15L - 25L
5L - 8L
20L
Career Opportunities Post-MBBS
Completing an MBBS from a foreign university opens up a wide range of career opportunities for Indian students. Here are some most common career opportunities available for Indian students studying abroad:
Practice Medicine in India: Indian students can continue their career in medicine after completing their graduation abroad. However, students have to qualify for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) to get their professional licence.
Practice Medicine Abroad: Most foreign countries allow international students to continue their career within the country after their MBBS education. However, students need to clear the entrance examination for the specific country. For example, students need to clear the USMLE and PLAB tests to practice in the USA and the UK, respectively.
Postgraduate Studies: Students can enroll in postgraduate (MD/MS) specializations to deepen their expertise. Popular destinations for PG studies include:
USA (via USMLE)
UK (via PLAB or MRCP)
Germany (after learning the language and meeting eligibility)
Australia (AMC pathway)
Work with International Health Organizations: Students can join organizations like the WHO, UNICEF, and Doctors Without Borders for various roles.
Research and Academics: Medical graduates can pursue a career in research or academia. Countries like the USA, Canada, and Germany offer research fellowships and PhD opportunities for MBBS graduates.
Pursuing MBBS abroad in foreign countries is an important commitment that shapes your career and future. Although there are a number of countries that offer the “best MBBS” programs to Indian students. Therefore, you should choose the one that best matches your goals, budget, and quality. If you’re planning to apply for an MBBS abroad in 2025, start preparing with upgrad abroad early to get your your desired destination and university.
Important Resources For PTE/SAT/ACT Exam
PTE Examination Eligibility Criteria
There are no specific PTE exam eligibility criteria set by Pearson VUE – the organizers of the test./
The PTE exam pattern is designed to test whether candidates can study at international institutions that have English as the main language for instructions./
Canada is a country that is renowned for the quality of its educational infrastructure. As a result, it is no surprise that a list of PTE accepted universities in Canada is sought-after./
The SAT exam dates fall on Saturdays and the test is generally conducted on 7 Saturdays every year; the deadline for registration is four weeks prior to the date of the test./
According to the latest update on SAT syllabus 2022, SAT Subject Tests and the SAT optional essays have been discontinued which has now reduced the duration of the exam by 50 minutes./
Understanding the SAT exam pattern is of paramount importance for all those who want to study undergraduate courses from universities or colleges abroad./
The College Board India Scholars Program offers the SAT scholarship for Indian students. This scholarship helps students receive education from renowned institutes worldwide./
How to register for the SAT examination? Stay assured that the procedure is not at all complex. Students desirous of obtaining admission into bachelor’s or undergraduate courses in the US or Canada will find this to be an important examination./
It is very important for ACT aspirants to be aware of the complete ACT exam syllabus, as it will help them to avoid any surprises on the day of the examination./
The ACT is a widely accepted and standardized examination in the U.S. and several other countries. It is used majorly for undergraduate admissions into several colleges and universities./
Registration of the ACT examination is done through the official website online. Applicants need to register for the test at least two months before the test date. /
The American College Testing– ACT score is a part of the college applications in the United States of America (USA), depending on the institution students apply to. There are no fixed passing marks for this examination./
Carefully curated list of the top SAT prep material can prove invaluable to reducing aspirants' efforts. So, to simplify your research, here are 10 SAT exam books to consider for thorough preparation./
Many countries offer the best MBBS education to international students. Some of the top countries include Russia, Ukraine, China, the Philippines, and Germany.
In which countries is NEET accepted?
NEET is accepted in several countries for MBBS. These are USA, UK, Russia, Ukraine, China, Bangladesh, Philippines, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Nepal, Armenia, and Belarus.
Can I practice in India after completing MBBS from a foreign university?
Yes, you can practice in India after completing MBBS from a foreign university. However, you have to pass the FMGE or NExT and complete a one year internship.
What is FMGE or NExT, and why is it important for MBBS abroad graduates?
FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and NExT (National Exit Test) are licensure exams required for Indian students who complete their MBBS abroad. Passing these exams is crucial for MBBS graduates to legally work as doctors in India.
Which country has the highest FMGE passing rate among Indian students?
Kazakhstan has the highest FMGE passing rate among Indian students, followed by Nepal, Georgia, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan.
Is the medium of instruction in MBBS programs abroad in English?
Yes, many universities abroad offer MBBS programs in English. A few popular countries where the medium of instruction of the MBBS degree is English include the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Do MBBS degrees from abroad hold global recognition?
Yes, an MBBS degree from abroad holds global recognition. However, students should know that the university should be recognised by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and the medical councils of specific countries.
What are the job opportunities in India after completing MBBS abroad?
Yes, there are job opportunities available in India after completing MBBS abroad. A few popular job options include Medical Officer, Junior Resident, General Physician, Medical Lecturer, Clinical Research Associate, Public Health Specialist, Medical Coder, Hospital Administrator, Health Informatics Specialist, and Epidemiologist.
Are there scholarship options available for MBBS students abroad?
Yes, there are numerous scholarships available for MBBS students abroad. A few of them are Chevening Scholarships, Fulbright Foreign Student Program, Commonwealth Scholarships, Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarships, Australia Awards, DAAD Scholarships, MEXT Scholarship, and Chinese Government Scholarship.
What are the non-clinical career options available after MBBS?
Some non-clinical career options available after MBBS are Medical Writing, Medical Journalism, Public Health, Epidemiology, Hospital Management, Healthcare Administration, Health Informatics, Medical Coding, and Medical Research.
Pragya Sharma is a content developer and marketer with 6.5+ years of experience in the education industry. She started her career as a social media copywriter for NIELIT, Ministry of Electronics & IT,...
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