MBBS in abroad fees: What you need to know

For Indian students who are unable to obtain a medical seat in government medical colleges of India, pursuing an MBBS abroad is an excellent alternative. In addition, many students decide to pursue their medical education in abroad to be admitted to some of the world's best medical schools. A record-breaking 23.81 lakh students enrolled for the NEET-UG in 2024. Private medical institutions, with their high tuition fees, become the only option for students who are unable to secure admission abroad.

Pursuing medical education in abroad is becoming increasingly popular among Indian students due to cutting-edge medical schools that provide unmatched facilities and the best instructors. Studying MBBS in abroad offers students a comprehensive experience that they will cherish for the rest of their lives, in addition to international exposure and the chance to practice in a different country. Which country is, hence, best for MBBS studies? Let's check it out!

Overview of MBBS course in Abroad

Why study MBBS abroad?

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, or MBBS, is a degree that demands an immense amount of dedication, effort, and concentration. Compared to studying MBBS at private universities or private medical colleges in India, there are several other countries, including Europe, the UK, Russia, Bangladesh, and Canada, that offer MBBS courses at reasonable, as well as substantially low tuition fees. Here are some other significant factors that contribute to the great experience of medical studies in abroad:

Affordable costs

Several renowned medical universities abroad offer affordable fee structure. These universities provide their students with excellent medical studies. Both the university and the hostel costs are included in the pricing structure. Thus, students can pursue MBBS abroad at roughly Rs. 20 to 25 lakhs. Some of the medical universities offer scholarships to deserving students who achieve excellent grades. Living abroad has a relatively low cost of living. As a result, a large number of Indian medical students choose to pursue their medical education abroad.

Advanced learning techniques

International medical universities offer very high-quality medical education. Modern infrastructure and technology are available at these universities. These universities have cutting-edge teaching strategies that enable them to provide each student with a quality education. The students become well-trained since they gained all the necessary abilities during their academic years. The sixth and final year of an MBBS program abroad is entirely committed to providing students with practical training, allowing them to treat patients in hospitals while supervised by senior physicians.

Follow NMC guidelines

The university in which a medical student is planning to get admission to study MBBS abroad should follow NMC guidelines or should provide a globally recognized degree. Attaining a degree from a globally recognized medical school, which is approved by the NMC (National Medical Commission), allows students to practice in India after they clear the NMC licensing examination, i.e., NExT-1 & NExT-2. According to medical council of India, this licensing exam is mandatory for both Indian students as well as foreign medical graduates in order to practice in India.

Great exposure

Studying an MBBS in abroad allows medical aspirants the chance to learn more and develop their abilities. For their hands-on training, students can complete their clinical rotations at the associated hospitals of these universities.

Hostel facilities

The international students are accommodated in hostels. These hostels have completely equipped rooms with air conditioning, a centralized heating system, internet access, a water heater, a mess with complimentary Indian meals, and other amenities like swimming pools and gyms.

Job opportunity

Students studying MBBS abroad have several opportunities to apply for a job across the globe. Following graduation, individuals can appear for a licensing exam & get a national certificate, allowing them to practice medicine in their home country, in addition to a global certificate that allows them to practice anywhere in the globe.

Student life

On the university campus, excellent facilities are available for medical students studying an MBBS in abroad or any other medical program. As part of their extracurricular activities, universities have their own programs. There are several gyms, sports complexes, cultural centers, swimming pools, etc. offered for the health and fitness of students.
Universities provide a variety of international cultural programs in which students from across the world may take part and gain new knowledge.
Studying MBBS in abroad exposes students to a foreign culture and new way of life. Adapting to the traditions of a foreign country or society enhances the quality of a student's life.

Eligibility requirements to study MBBS abroad for Indian students

Today, we'll discuss the overall qualifying requirements for Indian medical aspirants planning to pursue MBBS in the top countries across the globe, while each country may have its own set of criteria and requirements.

• The student must be at least 17 years old by 31st December of the year in which they are planning to get admission. Moreover, there is no maximum age limit for applying to study MBBS abroad.

• The student must have successfully completed his/her 10th & 12th from a recognized board.

• The student must have taken English as a required subject during his 10th & 12th, and must have an overall percentage of 50% in subjects like Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

• At the time of admission, the medical aspirant would also be required to provide a medical certificate confirming the fact that they are free of any transmissible diseases.

• In addition, students must qualify the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET). Even if the student wishes to continue his/her medical education anywhere else, this is still required. It is important for applicants to keep in mind that the age restriction to appear for the NEET is 25 years for general candidates and 30 years for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.

Now that we have understood the eligibility requirements for Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad, let's discuss the admission process for studying MBBS abroad.

Step-by-step admission process to study MBBS abroad

Once the candidate has successfully met all the eligibility requirements, the next step for medical students is to begin the application procedure to study MBBS abroad. Applicants can review the steps listed below for a comprehensive explanation of the international medical university admissions process:

• Step 1: Select the preferred MBBS universities abroad and thoroughly check its eligibility criteria.

• Step 2: Mostly, countries may require applicants to appear for an eligibility test or university-specific test to be eligible to study in their country. Candidates can also be required to appear for an English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL to be eligible to apply. Applicants are required to qualify these tests and move on to the next step.

• Step 3: Fill out the university's online application form with accurate details and avoid errors or deception when providing your information.

• Step 4: Applicants will need to upload scanned copies of essential academic documents to strengthen their profiles. The list of required documents is provided below.

• Step 5: Pay the application fee.

• Step 6: Upon successful submission of your online application form and fee, candidates will receive an admission or offer letter from the university.

• Step 7: Applicants are then required to send their passport, original documents, and letter of acceptance to the relevant embassy to apply for their visa.

• Step 8: Once the visa is issued, the applicant must make travel arrangements to reach the university before the course starts, depending on the embassy's processing time.

Essential documents required for pursuing MBBS abroad

In order to pursue MBBS abroad & gain admission to a university or college, you need to submit a specific set of documents along with the admission application form. Document requirements vary by country due to their respective rules and policies. Below we have mentioned some of the basic documents you may need to submit if you're considering pursuing your MBBS studies in a foreign country.

• Official academic transcripts, such as certificates, degrees, and other related documents, should be translated if the official language of the country you are applying to differs from that of your academic transcript.

• A valid passport. Please ensure that your passport is valid and has not expired.

• Language proficiency certificate, if required (IELTS or TOEFL)

• Proof of funds to cover your studying and living costs

• Personal Financial Statements

• Student visa

• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Resume (CV)

• Standardized test scores

• NEET score card

• Medical certificate to serve as evidence of your good mental and physical health.

• Passport-sized photos

• PCC or Police Clearance Certificate

In addition to the above listed documents, some countries can also need other ones. It is best to check the university's official website before applying to find out exactly what documents are needed, as they might differ from time to time.
Candidates will get a letter of acceptance from the medical school after successfully submitting the online application and paying the required fee. After that, they would need to apply for a visa and submit it with their passport, original documents, and the university's acceptance letter.

Exams required to study MBBS abroad

According to the medical council or National Medical Commission (NMC), it is mandatory for all aspiring MBBS students wishing to study MBBS abroad to appear for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Candidates should keep in mind that the maximum limit to appear for the NEET exam is 25 years for General candidates and 30 years for SC/ST/OBC candidates. The NEET score is valid for three years of time period.

Candidates who wish to study medicine abroad may need to take an English proficiency test to demonstrate their English language skills. Depending on the university's language requirements, candidates can choose to appear either for the TOEFL or IELTS exam.

MBBS in abroad vs MBBS in India

The pursuit of MBBS in India and abroad has more similarities than differences. The NEET exam is now mandatory for applying to all universities, both in India and abroad. In India, the MBBS program lasts for a total of 5.5 years, which includes one year of clinical internship. On the other hand, pursuing MBBS abroad can take up to 6 years, including a year of clinical rotations (internship).

Studying MBBS abroad offers students greater global exposure, access to large university campuses, better laboratory facilities, and a more favourable student-teacher ratio. Those who choose to study abroad can also practice in the host country and settle there in the long run. Students studying abroad can access all of these benefits and more at a very reasonable price.

MBBS students who have pursued their medical studies abroad would be required to appear for the NMC licensing test, also known as NEET-PG (NExT-1 & NExT-2), to be allowed to practice in India.

Study MBBS in abroad: Specializations

Candidates planning to study medicine abroad should be aware that the MBBS curriculum typically spans five years and includes pre-clinical studies, para-clinical studies, and clinical subjects, as well as a one-year clinical internship. Specializations are not part of the MBBS program, but they can be pursued after completing the MBBS. Some general specializations after MBBS include:

• Anaesthesiology

• Dermatology

• ENT

• General Medicine

• General surgery

• Paediatrics

• Psychiatry

• Obstetrics & Gynaecology

• Ophthalmology

• Orthopaedics

Top universities & colleges for studying MBBS in abroad

Candidates planning to pursue MBBS abroad should thoroughly research the top MBBS universities offering MBBS course. For your ease, we’ve mentioned below a list of the top-ranked MBBS universities abroad for 2024.

Career opportunities after studying MBBS in abroad

After completing an MBBS degree abroad, there are lots of career options for MBBS students to consider. Consider the options for pursuing a job after MBBS, listed below:

Junior doctor

Once you finish your MBBS, you're eligible to serve as an entry-level or intern doctor overseas. There's a high demand for doctors specializing in particular areas, and many private medical hospitals are often looking to employ entry-level doctors with MBBS degrees. The major duties of both entry-level and intern doctors include evaluating patient health, monitoring vital signs, and taking part in rounds around the hospital.

Hospital administration

The hospital administration may be your first choice if administrative positions are of interest to you. Working for this gives you expertise in administration as well as clinical exposure. Your educational background for these professions is increased when you combine your MBBS degree with an MBA. Among the alternatives are courses like medical management, healthcare management, and MBA in health administration. There are plenty of work opportunities in the medical industry across the world.

Medical professor/teacher

The teaching profession offers a slightly different career path than typical positions. Candidates with MBBS degrees can find employment as clinical educators, science lecturers in hospitals and universities, and instructors at medical universities. You can still try for a postgraduate degree after MBBS, such as a master's or Doctor of Medicine, in order to gain more information which will enhance your capacity to teach.

Sports Medicine

Sports is an exciting field for people of all ages. The primary difference between regular medicine and sports medicine is that in sports, doctors mainly focus on prevention. To work in this sector, one has to opt for a sports medicine specialization after completing MBBS. Medical professionals in the sports industry can explore career options like exercise physiologist, athletic trainer, and orthopaedic surgeon.

Health informatics and analytics

Health informatics is a field that utilizes data analytics to gain insights and drive innovation in the healthcare industry. This advancing field involves the use of data and artificial intelligence to digitize health records, processes, and protocols, ultimately improving patient care and public health. Pursuing a postgraduate degree in health informatics can expand your job opportunities.

Medical-legal advisors

Becoming a medico-legal advisor is an alternative career option for individuals with an MBBS degree who are interested in working in the field of law. To pursue this career, additional qualifications in courses such as medical law and ethics are necessary. Unlike traditional medical roles involving direct patient care, medico-legal advisors typically have desk jobs with regular working hours. They are in demand in sectors such as corporate hospitals, legal firms, and independent consulting firms.

Healthcare consultant

The role of a healthcare consultant is similar to that of a business consultant, but specifically within the healthcare industry. Healthcare consultants work to improve work processes, minimize operational costs, and maximize profits. They analyse data and conduct research to offer potential solutions for their clients. Healthcare consultants can work in various settings such as hospitals, government agencies, and health insurance companies. After completing an MBBS, you can pursue a master's in public health or health administration to stand out and advance in your career.

Forensic medical examiner

Forensic medical science involves using medical knowledge to address legal issues. As a forensic medical examiner, your duties include examining the organs, cells, tissues, and bodily fluids of deceased individuals. After completing your MBBS, you can specialize in forensic medicine and explore career opportunities abroad in this field.

Researcher

After completing MBBS, medical students have the option to pursue research based on their individual interests in a particular field. The first step is to identify their passion or area of interest in medicine, and then choose universities or research centres with suitable postgraduate programs. Research opens up various career paths such as clinical trials, scientific research, epidemiological research, and translational research.

Conclusion

In summary, pursuing an MBBS degree abroad provides Indian students with numerous opportunities beyond just obtaining a medical degree. With affordable fee structure, excellent infrastructure, advanced teaching methods, and exposure to the global medical field, studying abroad is increasingly popular for those who are unable to secure seats in Indian medical colleges or who desire an international education. Various countries in Europe, Asia, and North America offer high-quality medical programs recognized by global authorities such as the NMC.

However, this journey requires careful planning, including meeting eligibility criteria, passing exams like NEET, and preparing for international travel. Despite these challenges, the rewards are substantial, including practical clinical experience in advanced facilities and the opportunity to practice medicine globally. With thorough research, meticulous preparation, and the guidance of MBBS abroad consultants like futureMBBS, studying MBBS abroad can pave the way for a successful and rewarding medical career.

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