How to do PG in abroad after MBBS in India: Complete guide

Soumya Dixit

Soumya Dixit

Content Writer

Reading time: 8 Minutes
Updated on: 14. April 2025
Indian medical student after graduating from abroad

☝️ At a glance

  • Many countries offer excellent PG opportunities after MBBS, each with unique benefits like quality education, good salaries, and work-life balance.
  • You'll need your MBBS degree, may have to pass entrance exams, and could require language tests depending on the country
  • Costs vary significantly between countries, with scholarships and financial aid available to help reduce expenses.
  • PG abroad opens doors to high-paying medical jobs, research opportunities, and potential pathways to permanent residency.

📖 Table of Contents

Every medical student wants to pursue post graduation after MBBS. There's a growing inclination among the Indian medical students towards pursuing medical courses from abroad. The number is growing every year. From the job opportunities across the world to growing medical career prospect, doing medical PG in abroad is becoming a fine choice for Indian students.

In this article, we will understand the reasons behind why Indian medical students looking forward to study medical abroad and other career related prospects after MBBS abroad. For more such updates regarding NEET keep visiting futureMBBS.

Why pursue PG abroad after MBBS?

There are plenty of reasons for Indian students to study medical pg abroad. Each year thousands of students leave and this graph is not stopping. Let's take a look at prime reasons:

1. Global exposure & advanced medical training

With many of the medical universities have 13 plus specialized faculties that helps you learn the best skills required in your field. You also get a chance to experience the international exposure.

2. Better residency & fellowship opportunities

Alongside the many scholarships offered to medical graduates, benefits like financial aid for medical pg courses from abroad and foreign languages to learn are also some of the peripheral advantages.

3. Higher earning potential

If we compare the salary pacakage of doctors from India and abroad. There's a huge difference. Avg. salary of a US specialist: $300K/year i.e., ₹2.475 Crores/year meanwhile salary of Ind specialist is 30 lakh per annum.

4. Escape NEET PG competition

There is no doubt about the fact that medical graduates in India faces huge competition and race for clearing high cutoffs. This push them into the cycle of gap year and also hampers the mental state of the aspirants. As of record, only 50% seats filled in India in 2023.

 

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futureMBBS offers full support to make your dream of studying medicine abroad a reality.

  • Hassle-free admission guidance
  • Fast-tracked visa processing
  • Post-arrival support, including accommodation assistance

 

Best universities for affordable pg abroad

Here’s a curated list of the best medical universities for Indian medical students.

University

Country

Unique features

Charles University, Pilsen

Czech Republic

One of the oldest medical universities in Europe; Offers a diverse international student community; High-quality education and research in medical fields; among the best 1.5 % of all universities worldwide

Palacky University, Olomouc

Czech Republic

Offers a strong emphasis on practical training; Located in a beautiful, historic city with a low cost of living; English-medium programs.

Charles University, Prague

Czech Republic

Offers cutting-edge medical research; Top-tier medical faculty; Recognized as one of the best medical schools in Europe; Integration into one of the largest and most modern hospitals in Europe

Jessenius University, Martin

Slovakia

High academic standards and strong ties with European healthcare institutions; Affordable living and educational costs; English language programs available; most modern medical campus in Slovakia 

Comenius University, Bratislava

Slovakia

Strong reputation for research and training in medical fields; Offers a multicultural student experience; One of Slovakia’s top medical institutions; 178 best universities (according to the Round World Teaching Ranking) in the world.

UPJS, Kosice

Slovakia

Offers high-quality medical education with modern facilities; Focus on research in medical sciences; One of the leading universities in Slovakia; degrees are accredited in the European Union.

Semmelweis University, Budapest

Hungary

Recognized as the top medical university in Hungary; Offers clinical training at top hospitals; Strong focus on research and international collaboration.

Medical University, Pécs

Hungary

Offers innovative medical programs and high-quality education in English; among the most popular choice for international students in Europe. Today, the university has about 20,000 students, of which about 4,500 are international students from 70 countries.

Medical University, Szeged

Hungary

Internationally recognized for research; Offers a practical approach to medical training; High standards of teaching and clinical exposure.

University of Latvia, Riga

Latvia

One of the top medical universities in Latvia; Offers affordable tuition fees; Strong connections with hospitals for clinical practice. It is among the top 2.5 % of the world's best institutions

Stradins University, Riga

Latvia

Modern infrastructure with a focus on global healthcare issues; Recognized for research and practical training in medicine; Multicultural environment.

University of Health Sciences, Kaunas

Lithuania

Focuses on medical education with a global perspective; High-quality education; Strong emphasis on practical training and research.

University of Nicosia, Nicosia

Cyprus

Internationally recognized medical degrees; English language courses; Focus on the global health system; Modern facilities and strong academic reputation.

Victor Babes University, Timisoara

Romania

Offers high-quality medical education with research opportunities; Focus on practical training; One of Romania’s most prestigious medical schools.

Medical University, Cluj Napoca

Romania

Recognized for its modern teaching methods and facilities; One of Romania's leading medical schools; Focus on European and international healthcare standards.

School of Medicine, Split

Croatia

Provides high-quality education and practical clinical training; Focus on research and evidence-based medical practices; English programs available.

Medical University, Poznan

Poland

Offers affordable tuition fees and high-quality education; Focus on practical training in renowned hospitals; Highly regarded in Central Europe.

Medical University, Lodz

Poland

Recognized for its high academic standards; Offers high-quality medical degrees and clinical exposure in Europe’s leading healthcare centers.

Masaryk University, Brno

Czech Republic

Offers an interdisciplinary approach to medical education; Strong focus on clinical training and research; One of the most reputable universities in Czech Republic.

Eligibility criteria for PG abroad

To pursue PG abroad after MBBS, Indian students must meet the following eligibility requirements based on the destination country:

1. Academic Qualifications

  • MBBS Degree from an MCI/NMC-recognized college.

  • Minimum 50% aggregate marks (varies by country and university).

  • Completion of rotating internship (mandatory for some countries like the UK and Germany).

2. Entrance Exams

  • USMLE (USA), PLAB/UKMLA (UK), AMC (Australia), or MCCQE (Canada) depending on the country.

  • Language Proficiency Tests:

    • IELTS (6.5+ bands) or OET (for UK/Australia).

    • German B2 level for Germany.

3. Work Experience (Preferred but Not Always Mandatory)

  • Some countries (e.g., USA, UK) prefer 1-2 years of clinical experience.

4. Additional Requirements

  • NEET PG qualification (required if returning to practice in India).

  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs) and Statement of Purpose (SOP) for university applications.

Exams required for PG abroad

To pursue PG abroad after MBBS, Indian students must clear qualifying exams based on their target country:

  1. USMLE (United States)

    • Steps: USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK (clinical knowledge), Step 2 CS (clinical skills), Step 3

    • Required for residency (MD/MS) in the USA

  2. PLAB/UKMLA (United Kingdom)

    • PLAB 1 (Theory) + PLAB 2 (Practical) to test medical skills → GMC registration

    • Replaced by UKMLA from 2024

  3. NEXT (India, but useful for some countries)

    • May be considered for PG admissions in certain nations

  4. Language Tests (IELTS/OET/TOEFL)

    • Mandatory for UK, Australia, Canada (IELTS 7+ or OET B)

futurembbs helps students to prepare for entrance exams to pursue MBBS abroad.

Cost of studying PG in abroad

The cost for studying pg in abroad differs depending upon the quality of education they offers and other factors like purchasing power etc. Here's a detailed breakdown of cost in different countries below:

Country

Tuition Fees (Annual)

Living Costs (Annual)

Total Estimated Cost (Annual)

USA

₹25-65 lakhs

₹12-21 lakhs

₹1.6-3.3 crores (full course)

UK

₹17-34 lakhs

₹10-13 lakhs

₹42-85 lakhs (full course)

Australia

₹16-33 lakhs

₹11-14 lakhs

₹44-83 lakhs (full course)

Canada

₹16-38 lakhs

₹6.5-8 lakhs

₹33-55 lakhs (full course)

Germany

₹27k-2.7 lakhs

₹9-11 lakhs

₹13-26 lakhs (full course)

Job prospects after PG abroad

1. Clinical practice & residency

a) Residency in the USA (MD/MS)

  • Specializations: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Psychiatry.

  • Salary:

    • Resident: 60,000–60,000–80,000/year

    • Post-Residency (Specialist): 200,000–200,000–500,000/year

b) NHS jobs (UK)

  • Roles: Junior Doctor, GP, Specialist Registrar.

  • Salary:

    • Junior Doctor: ₹42 lakh - ₹63 lakh/year

    • Consultant: ₹94.5 lakh - ₹1.26 crore/year

c) Germany (Facharzt Training)

  • Salary:

    • Resident (Assistenzarzt): ₹45 lakh - ₹63 lakh/year

    • Specialist (Facharzt): ₹72 lakh - ₹1.08 crore/year

Conclusion

Pursuing PG or careers abroad after MBBS offers Indian doctors global exposure, higher salaries, and advanced specializations. Whether through clinical practice, research, or healthcare management, opportunities are vast in countries like the USA, UK, Germany, and Canada.

For students planning to study MBBS abroad, platforms like futureMBBS provide end-to-end guidance—from admission to residency placements—ensuring a smooth transition into international medical education.

Start early, choose wisely, and build a rewarding medical career globally!

Your medical career abroad starts here!

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

Start your MBBS journey!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQs about "pg abroad after MBBS"

USA (for highest salaries) or Germany (for low-cost quality education) are best for PG after MBBS in India.

Yes, but you must qualify NEXT exam (replacing NEET PG) to practice in India after foreign MBBS.

Clear required exams (USMLE/PLAB/AMC), submit academic documents, and apply through university portals.

Yes, through residency programs or non-clinical healthcare roles after clearing respective country's licensing exams.

No, PLAB (now UKMLA) is mandatory for MBBS graduates to pursue MD in UK hospitals.