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Read More Join NowThe admission process for MBBS abroad for Indian students is based on their aggregate marks in PCB subjects in Class 12th and NEET score. The admission in foreign medical universities is granted on merit-basis.
Studying MBBS abroad is a great option for Indian students due to **low fees, no donation, English-medium education, and globally recognized degrees**.
The fees for MBBS abroad range from **INR 15 Lakhs - 50 Lakhs**, depending on the country and university.
MBBS abroad offers **low-cost medical education** with **globally recognized degrees**, making it a preferred choice for Indian students.
The cost of MBBS abroad ranges from **INR 15 Lakhs - 50 Lakhs**, depending on the country and university.
NEET is mandatory for Indian students to study MBBS abroad. However, some universities allow admission without NEET, but NEET is required for practicing in India.
The study of medicine and health sciences otherwise referred to as MBBS MBBS Admissions 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.
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!
According to the National Medical Commission (NMC) NEET UG, 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.
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.
Candidates looking to pursue MBBS abroad after qualifying NEET UG 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) NEET Exam. 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.
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.
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 intactSome 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.
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.
Pursuing MBBS in India and pursuing MBBS abroad have more similarities than differences. National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) NEET Examhas 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).
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.
Studying MBBS abroad after qualifying NEET UG Exam 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.
| Criteria | MBBS in India | MBBS Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS Fees | INR 10 Lakh - INR 50 Lakh per annum (Private) INR 20,000 - INR 7.5 Lakh per annum (Public) |
INR 15 Lakh - INR 70 Lakh per annum (Depending upon the country) |
| MBBS Duration | 5.5 years | 5-6 years |
| Top Universities for MBBS | AIIMS, King George's Medical University, University College of Medical Sciences, Christian Medical College Vellore, Madras Medical College, Armed Forces Medical College | Harvard University, Imperial College London, Yale University, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, University of Cambridge, Karolinska Institutet |
| Cheap Universities for MBBS | Maulana Azad Medical College, Kempegowda Institute of Medical Sciences, Ramaiah Medical College, Maharaja Agrasen Medical College, Kasturba Medical College | Nantong University, Shenyang Medical College, Hainan Medical University, Asian Medical Institute, South Kazakhstan Medical University, Qingdao University |
| Entrance Tests | NEET, AIAPGET, AFMC | IMAT, MCAT, OMET, USMLE |
| English Proficiency Tests | Not Required | TOEFL, IELTS |
| MBBS Starting Salary | INR 6 Lakh (per annum) | $357,300 average (per annum) / INR 29.67 Lakh |
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.
| University | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine |
|---|---|
| Harvard University Cambridge, United States |
#1 |
| University of Oxford Oxford, United Kingdom |
#2 |
| Stanford University Stanford, United States |
#3 |
| Johns Hopkins University Baltimore, United States |
#4 |
| University of Cambridge Cambridge, United Kingdom |
#5 |
| University College London (UCL) London, United Kingdom |
#6 |
| Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden |
#7 |
| Imperial College London London, United Kingdom |
#8 |
| University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, United States |
#9 |
| Yale University New Haven, United States |
#10 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Cambridge, United States |
#11 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Los Angeles, United States |
#12 |
| King's College London London, United Kingdom |
#13 |
| University of Toronto Toronto, Canada |
#14 |
| Columbia University New York City, United States |
#15 |
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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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.
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?
| University |
Course Details |
Tuition Fee (First Year)* |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS 5.5 years |
INR 1.5 Lakhs |
|
| MD (Doctor of Medicine) 6 Years |
INR 3.11 Lakhs |
|
| MD (Doctor of Medicine) 6 Years |
INR 3.1 Lakhs |
Study in Bangladesh - Indian students who want to pursue their medical studies in Bangladesh can apply for direct admissions for MBBS 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.
| University |
Course Details |
Tuition Fee (First Year)* |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS 5 Years |
INR 17.7 Lakhs |
|
| MBBS 5 Years |
INR 14.2 Lakhs |
|
| MBBS 5 Years |
INR 12.6 Lakhs |
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.
| University |
Course Details |
Tuition Fee (First Year)* |
|---|---|---|
| MD (Doctor of Medicine) 6 Years |
INR 8.5 Lakhs |
|
| MBBS 6 Years |
INR 2.5 Lakhs |
|
| General Medicine MBBS/MD 6 Years |
INR 3.1 Lakhs |
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.
| University |
Course Details |
Tuition Fee (First Year)* |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS 5.5 Years |
INR 11.2 Lakhs |
|
| MBBS 4.5-5.5 Years |
INR 7.5 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:
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.
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.
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Q. What are the eligibility criteria for studying MBBS abroad?
A. Students wanting to pursue MBBS abroad would be required to have attained the age of 17 in the year of application. He must have completed his 10+2 from a recognized board. The candidate 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. The student would also be required to qualify the NEET to apply abroad.
Q. Which country is best for MBBS abroad studies?
A. The best countries for Indian students to pursue MBBS are USA, UK, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia. Medical degrees provided by these universities are the widely recognizeble.
Q. Which are the countries with the lowest fee studying MBBS?
A. China, Russia, Philippines, Nepal, Kazakhstan and Bangladesh are some of the cheapest countries to study MBBS abroad. Universities in these countries offer MBBS programs under 15 to 20 lakhs.
Q. What is MCI FMGE test?
A. Candidates who have pursued their MBBS abroad and would like to return to India to practice would have to appear for the Medical Council of India (MCI) approved Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) exam. Now, MCI FMGE exam will be replaced by National Exit Test (NExT Exam). Government is planning to conduct this exam from 2025. However, official announcement is yet to be made.
Q. Is studying MBBS abroad worth it?
A. Studying MBBS abroad is a personal decision that should be made by the student. Studying abroad does have its benefits, which include state-of-the-art universities, world-class faculty, international exposure, and a globally recognized degree among others.
Q. Can you study MBBS for free?
A. The cost of studying MBBS in countries such as Ukraine, China, and Nepal is extremely competitive but not free. Deserving candidates can apply to the various scholarships available with the university to lessen the financial burden of studying abroad.
Q. What are the top Universities to pursue MBBS abroad?
A. The top universities to study MBBS abroad include Harvard University – United States of America, University of Oxford – United Kingdom, University of Cambridge - United Kingdom, and Stanford University – United States of America among many others. Candidates can read the article for a comprehensive list of top universities for studying MBBS abroad.
Q. Is it better to study MBBS in India or abroad?
A. Studying MBBS in India and studying MBBS abroad both have their pros and cons. Students would be required to weigh their options and choose the one that suits them best. This article provides a comprehensive explanation for the benefits of studying MBBS in India and Abroad.
Q. Why study MBBS abroad?
A. The limited number of government medical seats clubbed with the high cost of studying at private medical institutions has led to a large number of Indian students wanting to study MBBS abroad.
Q. Scholarships to study MBBS abroad.
A. One of the major drawbacks of studying abroad is the high cost of studying. However, scholarships and financial aid provided by different organizations lessen this burden.
Q. Marks required to study MBBS abroad?
A. Students wanting to apply for MBBS abroad would be required to 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. The student would also be required to qualify the NEET to apply abroad.
Look at some of the specifications to know how pursuing MBBS from abroad can help you with better opportunities and international exposure. Below mentioned are some of the features for your reference.
Most universities offering MBBS abroad are pocket-friendly. This is because they are government-funded and don'ts` demand any additional donation charges or capitation fees.
After completing their study MBBS abroad after qualifying NEET Exam, students are guaranteed medical degrees that are recognized across the world. They’re also eligible to give licentiate exams like FMGE/NEXT Exam (India), USMLE (USA), and PLAB (UK)
To be eligible for MBBS UG admission abroad, students need not pass any proficiency exams like IELTS/TOEFL, despite the curriculum being taught entirely in English.
The minimum marks required to be eligible for MBBS (UG course in abroad are way less than that of India. Compared to 600 marks for a good Indian medical college, the cutoff for abroad is 130 (General) and 108 (SC/ST/OBC).
Classes are much less crowded in universities abroad. The maximum teacher-student ratio is 1:15 in most universities.
MD full form is Doctor of Medicine and MBBS UG full form is (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery). In India, both MD and MBBS are medical degrees, but they represent different stages of medical education and training.
MBBS is a 5.5-years undergraduate degree course that candidates can pursue after completing Class 12 (Science stream) and typically includes a one-year internship. On the other hand, MD is a 3-year postgraduate degree course that can be pursued after MBBS degree.
MBBS is the foundational medical degree in India NEET UG, after which, candidates are eligible to practice as general physicians. MD, however, is a specialised PG course that allows doctors to gain expertise in a particular medical field. Many doctors pursue MD to become specialists in a specific area of medicine and offer advanced healthcare services to patients.
Candidates who wish to know the difference between MD PG and MBBS UG can look at the table below to know the key highlights of both the courses such as course level, duration, average fees, entrance exams, admission process, job profiles, average salary, etc.
| Parameters |
MBBS |
MD |
|---|---|---|
| Course Level |
UG |
PG |
| Course Duration |
5.5 years |
3 years |
| Course Fee |
Government Colleges - INR 6,100 to INR 1.1 Crore Private Colleges - INR 14,000 to INR 1 crore |
Government Colleges - INR 2,000 to INR 2 Lakh Private Colleges - INR 1,000 to 81 Lakh |
| Admission Process |
Entrance-based |
Entrance-based |
| Entrance Exam |
||
| Popular Colleges |
AIIMS Delhi, Christian Medical College Vellore, Banaras Hindu University, JIPMER Puducherry, etc. |
AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Delhi, Institute of Post-Graduate Medical Education and Research, JIPMER Puducherry |
| Job Profiles |
Medical Surgeon, Medical officers, Paediatrician, General Physician, Medical Assistant (Surgery), etc. |
Dermatologist, Nutritionist, Pediatrician, Pathologist, etc. |
| Average Salary |
INR 6 LPA |
INR 8.6 LPA |
| Top Recruiters |
Medicine, General Surgery, Cardiology, Paediatrics, Oncology, Nephrology, etc. |
Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Medanta- The Medicity, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, etc. |
The student must qualify in NEET for admission in MBBS UG , MD , MS PG. After qualifying for the NEET exam, students must appear for counseling.
There are some other exams as AIIMS, JIPMER for medical college admission. Students can also appear for the entrance examination for seven AIIMS.
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