Best MBBS colleges in abroad for Indian students

Pratibha Chauhan

Pratibha Chauhan

Senior Content Specialist

Reading time: 10 Minutes
Updated on: 9. December 2024
Study MBBS abroad by meeting the eligibility criteria

☝️ At a glance

  • MBBS abroad provides affordable education and high-quality medical programs for Indian students.
  • Popular destinations for Indian medical students include the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland.
  • The admission process abroad is simpler compared to India, with direct applications and clear requirements.
  • Studying MBBS abroad offers international exposure and broad career opportunities.
 

📖 Table of Contents

Pursuing MBBS is a dream for many Indian students, but the journey often comes with intense competition and challenges. Every year, millions of students appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in India, vying for a limited number of government medical seats. With over 20 lakh aspirants competing for around 90,000 MBBS seats, the admission process becomes extremely competitive and stressful.

While government medical colleges are affordable, their limited seats push many students toward private medical colleges. Unfortunately, the exorbitant fees in private colleges, often ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore, make this option inaccessible for most families. This intense competition and financial strain have driven Indian students to explore MBBS in abroad, where affordable tuition fees, world-class medical education, and simpler admission processes provide an attractive alternative.

In this article, we will discuss the best MBBS colleges abroad for Indian students and why studying MBBS abroad is a great option.

Why study MBBS in abroad?

For Indian students, pursuing MBBS abroad offers a blend of affordability, accessibility, and quality. Here’s why more and more students are considering this path:

  1. Affordable fee structure and living expenses
    The cost of pursuing MBBS abroad is significantly lower than in India’s private medical colleges. Countries in Europe like Hungary, Latvia, and Poland offer affordable fee structures, making medical education more accessible.
  2. High quality education
    Many medical schools in abroad are recognized by global organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). These universities provide a high-quality medical education aligned with international standards.
  3. English-taught programs
    Most universities in Europe and other countries offer MBBS programs entirely in English, making it easier for Indian students to study without language barriers.
  4. Global career opportunities
    The medical degrees are globally recognized, enabling foreign medical graduates to pursue specialization or practice in countries like the U.S., U.K., or India after clearing the necessary licensing exams.
  5. Simpler admission process
    Unlike India’s grueling entrance exam system, the admission process for MBBS abroad is straightforward. Students with a qualifying NEET score can secure admission to prestigious universities abroad with some having an university-specific entrance test.

Top medical universities abroad for Indian students

Let’s explore some of the top universities in Europe and beyond that are popular among Indian medical students:

MBBS degree abroad

MBBS in the Czech Republic

  • Charles University (Prague and Pilsen): One of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious universities, offering cutting-edge facilities and a rich academic tradition.

  • Masaryk University (Brno): Known for its innovative teaching techniques, simulation centre, and excellent student support services.

  • Palacky University (Olomouc): Offers a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience.

MBBS in Latvia

  • Riga Stradins University: A top choice for Indian medical students, focusing on practical training and global healthcare standards.

  • University of Latvia (Riga): Combines affordability with a robust MBBS program for international students.

MBBS in Lithuania

  • Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Kaunas): Offers a student-friendly environment with modern teaching methodologies.

MBBS in Hungary

  • Semmelweis University (Budapest): Renowned for its research and global reputation, this university is a leading choice for international medical education.

  • University of Pécs: Offers an affordable tuition fee structure and focuses on clinical skills.

  • University of Szeged: Known for its emphasis on innovation and research in healthcare education.

MBBS in Cyprus

  • University of Nicosia: Offers an advanced medical curriculum in a vibrant cultural setting, making it appealing to international students.

MBBS in Poland

  • Medical University of Poznan: Provides a comprehensive MBBS program recognized worldwide.

  • Medical University of Lodz: Focuses on research and practical training, ensuring students are job-ready.

MBBS in Slovakia

  • Comenius University (Bratislava): A leading university offering MBBS programs with affordable tuition fees.

  • Jessenius Faculty of Medicine (Martin): Known for its clinical training facilities and student-friendly approach.

  • Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (Košice): Combines academic excellence with modern infrastructure.

MBBS in Romania

  • Victor Babeș University (Timișoara): A great option for students looking for affordable medical education.

  • Medical University (Cluj-Napoca): Famous for its research programs and high academic standards.

Admission process for studying medicine abroad

The MBBS admission abroad process is an essential journey for students wanting to pursue MBBS abroad. Studying medicine in a foreign country is an excellent way to gain a global perspective on medical education. Each medical university has its unique requirements, but the process typically includes application submission, entrance exams, an interview, and a visa application. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of these key steps for Indian students and international students looking to study MBBS in Europe or other parts of the world.

1. Application submission

To study MBBS abroad, the first step is to submit an application to the medical university. This can be done on the university’s official website or through authorized agencies like futureMBBS, which help students in India and other countries apply for MBBS in Europe or other destinations. When submitting an application to study medicine abroad, students are required to provide essential documents, including academic transcripts, passport copies, and sometimes even a motivation letter detailing why they want to study medicine abroad. A well-prepared application is crucial for international students as it showcases their academic background, helping the university assess if they meet the criteria to study MBBS in the first year.

2. Entrance exams

Some medical universities require entrance exams, especially for MBBS abroad programs in Europe. These entrance exams assess knowledge in physics, chemistry, and biology, which are core subjects required to study medicine in any medical university. However, some universities may accept students based on high school grades, making it easier for students to apply for MBBS abroad. Indian students and other international students need to check each university’s specific entrance exam requirements to ensure they meet all conditions to study MBBS in abroad.

3. Interview

Many universities require an interview, particularly for international students. This interview often assesses language skills, particularly if the study program is in English, and gauges subject knowledge to determine whether the student is prepared for the rigors of medical education abroad. The interview process is also an opportunity for students who want to study medicine abroad to demonstrate their passion and commitment to pursuing a career in medicine.

4. Visa application

Once accepted into a medical university abroad, students must apply for a student visa. The visa application is a crucial step for students who wish to study MBBS abroad, allowing them to stay in the country for the duration of their medical studies. Visa requirements vary by country, but students are usually required to submit an admission letter from the university, proof of financial support, health insurance, and other documents. Applying for a visa well in advance is essential, as processing times can vary, and delays may impact the ability to begin the first year on time.

Entrance exams and eligibility criteria

NEET is mandatory for Indian students who want to study MBBS abroad for some but not all universities. Some European universities may have their own entrance exams or require proof of English language proficiency through exams like IELTS or TOEFL.

Visa, health insurance, and living requirements

For studying medicine abroad, international students are typically required to provide:

  • Student Visa: Each country has its visa application process, often requiring proof of admission, financial ability, and health insurance.

  • Health Insurance: Many European countries mandate health insurance for international students, which can often be arranged through the university.

  • Accommodation: Universities may offer on-campus accommodation, or students can find rental options nearby.

How futureMBBS simplifies the journey

Choosing the right university and navigating the admission process can be overwhelming. futureMBBS specializes in assisting Indian students who want to pursue MBBS abroad, helping them every step of the way.

  • Choosing the right country and medical university
    With so many options available, picking the right university and country can be confusing. FutureMBBS provides detailed information about top medical universities abroad, including their tuition fee structure, location, and quality of education. This ensures students make well-informed decisions aligned with their academic goals and financial situation.

  • Assisting with the application process
    The admission process for MBBS abroad involves completing forms and gathering documents, which can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with international requirements. As part of our service, we guide students through every step of the process, ensuring their applications are accurate and complete. This improves their chances of securing admission to their chosen universities.

  • Meeting admission requirements
    Each university has unique admission criteria, such as entrance exams or interviews. With our expertise, we prepare students with tailored tips and resources to meet these requirements successfully. futureMBBS ensures students are well-prepared to stand out in the application process.

  • Handling visas and travel arrangements
    Visa applications and travel plans can be stressful for students and their families. futureMBBS simplifies this process by assisting with visa documentation and approvals. Additionally, we help students book flights and arrange accommodation near their chosen universities, making the transition seamless.

  • Providing ongoing support
    Our support doesn’t stop once students secure admission. futureMBBS continues to assist with queries about coursework, campus life, and other challenges students may face abroad. We are committed to offering ongoing guidance to ensure students feel supported throughout their journey.

Cost of studying medicine abroad

The cost of medical education abroad varies widely. Here’s an overview of average tuition fees in some popular European countries:

Country

Average Tuition Fees (per year)

Living Costs (per month)

Czech Republic

₹9,00,000 - ₹13,50,000

₹36,000 - ₹63,000

Hungary

₹10,80,000 - ₹14,40,000

₹36,000 - ₹54,000

Poland

₹7,20,000 - ₹10,80,000

₹27,000 - ₹45,000

Latvia

₹6,30,000 - ₹9,90,000

₹27,000 - ₹45,000

Lithuania

₹5,40,000 - ₹8,10,000

₹27,000 - ₹45,000

Cyprus

₹7,20,000 - ₹11,70,000

₹45,000 - ₹63,000

Slovakia

₹8,10,000 - ₹10,80,000

₹27,000 - ₹45,000

Croatia

₹7,20,000 - ₹9,00,000

₹27,000 - ₹45,000

Romania

₹4,50,000 - ₹7,20,000

₹27,000 - ₹45,000

Conclusion

The limited seats and intense competition in India have made MBBS abroad a preferred choice for many Indian students. With affordable fees, high-quality medical education, and globally recognized degrees, countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland offer the perfect environment to build a successful medical career. With the help of futureMBBS, students can find the best-suited programs and navigate the complex application processes. Book a free consultation with us now!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Yes, Indian students must qualify for NEET to be eligible for MBBS abroad. However, NEET is only required for students who plan to return to India and practice medicine.

The duration of MBBS abroad typically ranges from 5 to 6 years, depending on the country and university. The first few years focus on theoretical knowledge, while the later years emphasize clinical training.

Countries like the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Latvia, and Romania offer affordable tuition fees and high-quality medical education compared to private medical colleges in India.

Yes, after completing MBBS abroad, you need to clear the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NExT (National Exit Test) to practice in India.

Some universities and governments offer scholarships to international students, including Indian students. It’s important to research and apply for these opportunities to reduce educational costs.