Is MBBS abroad worth it? A simple guide

Pratibha Chauhan

Pratibha Chauhan

Senior Content Specialist

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Reading time: 6 Minutes
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Updated on: 29. May 2025
Is MBBS abroad worth it? A simple guide

☝️ At a glance

  • MBBS in abroad offers affordable and quality education. The admission process abroad is simpler than in many Indian private colleges.
  • Tuition fees and living expenses are often lower abroad. Choose only recognized and reputed medical universities abroad.
  • Studying MBBS abroad provides great global exposure and practical training. For many Indian students, it is a good path to becoming a doctor.

Introduction

Many Indian students dream of becoming doctors, but getting admission in government medical colleges or even private medical colleges in India can be tough and expensive. Because of this, many students are thinking about pursuing MBBS abroad. But the big question is medicals abroad worth it?

This article will answer your every question. Let's check it out and clear your doubts about studying abroad.

study-mbbs-abroad

Become a global doctor with MBBS abroad!

Studying abroad can be affordable and stress-free with futureMBBS:

  • World-recognized universities with English-taught programs
  • On-site support in partner university cities
  • Guaranteed placements & internships for hands-on experience

From selecting universities and supporting you with the application process to orientation and finding accommodation – we are at your side.

Why are so many Indian students considering MBBS abroad?

Studying MBBS abroad has become popular for several reasons:

  • Affordable tuition fees: Compared to the very high fees in Indian private colleges, many medical universities abroad offer low tuition fees without compromising on quality education.

  • Easier admission process: Getting MBBS admission abroad can be easier as compared to India.

  • High-quality medical education: Many foreign medical universities provide world-class medical education with modern and the latest facilities.

  • International exposure: Students get to live in a foreign country, gaining valuable global exposure and experience.

  • The degree is recognized by the NMC and WHO, allowing students to practice medicine back in India after clearing required exams.

So, many medical aspirants see studying medicine abroad as a good alternative to MBBS in India.

Popular countries and universities

Universities

  • Charles University Pilsen

  • Charles University Prague

  • Medical University Cluj

  • Medical University Poznan

  • University of Health Sciences Kaunas

  • Semmelweis University Budapest

  • Jessenius University Martin

  • Comenius University Bratislava

  • Stradins University Riga

  • University of Split

  • University of Nicosia

Countries

  • Czech Republic

  • Hungary

  • Russia

  • Poland

  • Romania

  • Latvia

  • Slovakia

  • USA

  • UK

How does the admission process work for MBBS abroad?

The admission process for studying MBBS abroad is usually straightforward:

  • First, Indian students must clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test; this is mandatory to pursue MBBS abroad.

  • After clearing NEET, students can apply to foreign medical universities that accept MBBS applications from abroad.

  • The eligibility criteria vary but mostly require 50% marks in science subjects (physics, chemistry, and biology).

  • Universities may ask for documents like school certificates, passports, and medical reports.

  • Some foreign universities also offer financial aid or scholarships to deserving candidates.

Tuition fees and living expenses?

Expense Type

MBBS in Indian Private Medical Colleges

MBBS Abroad (Many Countries)

Tuition Fees

₹30 lakh to ₹70 lakh or more

₹15 lakh to ₹30 lakh approx.

Living Expenses

₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakh per year

₹1.5 lakh to ₹3 lakh per year

Donation Fees

Often required

Usually none

Admission Process

Complex with donations

Simpler, transparent

Quality of medical education abroad

One common concern is whether medical education abroad is as good as in India. The answer: Many medical universities abroad offer high quality medical education with:

  • Modern classrooms and labs

  • Opportunities to gain knowledge in large hospitals

  • English as the medium of instruction in many universities

  • Training that follows international standards and guidelines by World Health Organization and national medical councils

  • Universities train students to be successful future doctors. The exposure to different healthcare systems also prepares students for a successful medical career anywhere in the world.

MBBS in Kazakhstan, many medical universities, medical course

What are the disadvantages of studying MBBS abroad?

While studying MBBS abroad has many benefits, there are also some disadvantages of studying MBBS that students should keep in mind:

  • The language barrier can be a problem if the local language is not English.

  • You must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) (soon replaced by the National Exit Test (NEXT)) after returning to India to practice medicine legally.

  • Cultural differences, homesickness, and adapting to new food and climate can be challenging.

  • Not all foreign universities have the same quality; it’s important to pick recognized and reputed medical universities.

  • Sometimes, the clinical exposure varies by country, so students should research thoroughly.

Returning to India: Can you practice medicine after MBBS abroad?

To legally practice medicine in India after completing MBBS from abroad, students must clear the medical licensing exam, currently the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). This exam checks if the foreign degree meets Indian medical standards.

Clearing this exam is mandatory to register with the medical council and practice medicine in India.

Who should consider MBBS abroad?

Studying MBBS abroad is a good option for:

  • Students who clear NEET but don’t get seats in government medical colleges.

  • Those who cannot afford expensive fees of Indian private medical colleges.

  • Students ready for an international experience and comfortable living in a foreign country.

  • Those who want high quality education and practical knowledge from reputed universities abroad.

Tips for Indian students studying MBBS abroad

  • Choose only top medical universities recognized by the National Medical Commission and World Health Organization.

  • Research the admission process and eligibility criteria carefully.

  • Budget for living expenses like accommodation, food, and travel.

  • Join Indian student groups abroad for support and cultural connection.

  • Prepare well for the medical licensing exam to practice medicine in India.

  • Take advantage of financial aid or scholarships if available.

  • Focus on gaining practical knowledge alongside theory.

futureMBBS: Making your MBBS abroad journey easy

Dreaming of studying MBBS abroad? We’re here to make it simple for you.

  • At futureMBBS, we help students like you take the right steps toward studying medicine at top universities across the world. We get that it’s a big decision, and that’s why we’re with you at every step.

  • From picking the right college to handling your admission and visa process, our friendly team is here to guide you and make everything smooth and stress-free.

  • We will help you find great colleges that offer quality education without high fees.

  • We assist throughout the course and even after completion of the course.

Your medical career abroad starts here!

Thinking of pursuing MBBS abroad? Don’t just dream it, do it!

Start your MBBS journey!

Conclusion

For many Indian medical aspirants, pursuing MBBS abroad is a smart and affordable way to get a medical degree. It provides high quality medical education, international exposure, and a chance at a successful medical career.

At futureMBBS, we’re here to help you follow your dream of studying MBBS abroad. With our expert guidance and personal support, you’ll have everything you need to get started.

If you carefully choose a recognized university with affordable fees, prepare well for the licensing exams, and are ready to adapt to a new environment, then yes, MBBS abroad is worth it.

Frequently asked question

Doing MBBS abroad can offer global exposure, affordable fees, and diverse clinical experience.

Disadvantages include language barriers, recognition issues, and cultural adjustment challenges.

Best countries for MBBS abroad are Russia, Romania, Latvia, Hungary, and Poland.

Countries like the USA, UK, and Australia pay the most after MBBS due to higher doctor salaries.

Yes, MBBS in countries like Russia, Ukraine, or China can be done within 10 lakhs INR.

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