Which country is best for MBBS? Top destinations

Here's a scene, you have prepared really hard for NEET exam in order to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor. But, somehow it didn't work out. Now you're surrounded by the clouds of self-doubt and not able to figure out what's next. Is that sound your story? Hear me out, every year, hundreds of thousands of Indian medical students aspire to pursue MBBS, but only a fraction of them manage to secure a seat due to the high competition and limited seats.

But does that stop you from achieving your dream of pursuing medical education? No! In recent years, students have opted heavily for the option of studying MBBS abroad. According to the Hindustan Times, each year, approximately 25,000 Indian students move out to study medicine abroad and they are exploring more affordable destinations with high-quality education. This article will explore the list of the best countries to which to conduct MBBS abroad.

Challenges faced by Indian students in pursuing MBBS in India

Let's take a look at the hurdles a student has to overcome while preparing for medical entrance exam, NEET.

High competition

A total of 23,33,000 students took the UG NEET Examination in 2024. Yes, you read it right! India's medical entrance is highly competitive. With such a low acceptance rate, the probability of getting into a government medical college is disheartening. This fierce competition has led to an increasing number of students seeking medical schools abroad as an alternative route.

Expensive education

You must question then, what is the status of private universities and colleges in India? Then here is an answer: you might have to break the bank to gain admission to one such college. Private medical colleges in India have become increasingly unaffordable, with fees soaring to Rs. 20 lakhs-1 crore per year. In addition to tuition fees, there are costs associated with admission forms, books, uniforms, and other supplies. Government medical colleges, though less expensive, are still out of reach for many due to cut-throat competition. As a result, Indian medical aspirants are exploring many other countries for affordable options, where the overall cost of education and living expenses are significantly lower.

Why study MBBS in abroad

1. Affordable medical programs and cost of living expenses

Tuition fees for MBBS abroad are comparatively much lower than those in private medical colleges in India and living expenses are budget-friendly, making it a cost-effective option.

2. Quality medical education

Many foreign medical universities have international faculty members, experienced clinicians, and expert researchers who make the medical studies interesting and digestible for medical students.

3. Advanced educational infrastructure

Many foreign medical schools, particularly in Europe, have cutting-edge facilities, including modern labs, high-tech medical equipment, and simulation centers, provides students with hands-on experience and practical training that prepares them for real-world medical scenarios, something that may be lacking in some Indian medical colleges.

4. Recognition by the Indian Medical Council

Medical degrees obtained from many countries are recognized by the National Medical Council (NMC), making it easier for Indian medical practitioners to return to India and practice medicine. You can check the list of all such medical colleges here. Students need to clear the NMC Screening Test (also known as the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination, FMGE) to practice in India, but the education they receive especially in Western countries equips them with the necessary skills to pass this exam.

5. Cultural exposure

Studying in a foreign country provides students with the opportunity to experience a different healthcare system. They can learn from global medical practices and apply them in India, strengthening their medical career.

Best countries to study MBBS abroad

The best countries to study abroad include the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Germany, and Italy. Europe has become home to some of the world’s most prestigious medical universities, such as Charles University, Pilsen, University of Nicosia, and Medical University of Poznan. These universities are famous for their research excellence and medical training. Europe offers a high standard of medical education on par with global expectations, making it an ideal choice for students who want to be at the forefront of medical advancements. Let's untap top medical colleges in Europe that are popular choice among Indian medical students:

MBBS in the Czech Republic

1. Charles University, Prague, and Pilsen: This university in Prague is ranked highly in various university rankings, including Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), US News, and QS World University Ranking. Established in the year 1347, comes under the oldest and largest university of the Czech Republic.

2. Masaryk University, Brno: Founded in 1919, Brno is considered as 2nd Czech university (after Charles University), and has secured 408 rank in QS World University Rankings 2025.

3. Palacky University (Olomouc): Founded in the year 1573, and has been listed in the prestigious international Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

MBBS in Latvia

1. Riga Stradins University: In 1950, Riga Medical Institute was established based on the Faculty of Medicine of the State University of Latvia, and comes under the top choice of Indian medical students.

2. University of Latvia, Riga: The university was founded in the year 1919 and provides an affordable MBBS courses.

MBBS in Lithuania

1. Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (Kaunas): The present-day university is a result of the consolidation of two higher education Kaunas University of Medicine and the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy. It offers low-cost MBBS courses.

MBBS in Hungary

1. Semmelweis University (Budapest): Founded in 1769, this research-oriented medical school in Budapest, comprises six faculties and a doctoral school, covering all areas of medical and health sciences making a leading choice for international medical education.

2. University of Pécs: This medical University offers 10 faculties, and several clinics and research centers to support the academic development of students.

3. University of Szeged: The University of Szeged, established in 2000, comprises twelve constituent faculties and nineteen doctoral schools, each encompassing various departments and research groups. With this, it serves as a great option for Indian medical students to practice medicine.

MBBS in Cyprus

1. University of Nicosia: The University houses the largest medical school in the country and offers low-cost MBBS programs. With more than 12,000 students enrolled from over 70 countries, the institution has a diversity of international students.

MBBS in Poland

1. Medical University of Poznan: Advanced research at the university is conducted in nearly every field of modern medicine, catering a perfect option for pursuing an MBBS abroad.

2. Medical University of Lodz: At the Medical University of Lodz, students are taught by a faculty of over 250 members from Basic Science and Clinical Medicine, including physicians, educators, and researchers. The majority of the faculty hold dual MD/PhD degrees, and all are board-certified in their respective specialties.

MBBS in Slovakia

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

2. Jessenius Faculty of Medicine (Martin): It serves as the academic medical teaching and research division of Comenius University. Known for providing exceptional practical knowledge in their MBBS course.

3. Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (Košice): Provides a great combination of critical thinking and low tuition fees in their MBBS programs.

MBBS in Romania

1. Victor Babeș University (Timișoara): The university was founded on 30 December 1944. It has three faculties: Medicine, Dentistry and, Pharmacy which makes it a great option for Indian medical students who wants to pursue medical degree.

2. Medical University (Cluj-Napoca): This is one of the famous top universities of research and medical education and stands out as an important alternative for high-quality medical education.

Since we are talking about low-cost MBBS program, here's a list of fees charged by each of the above medical colleges.

How to take admission to top medical colleges abroad?

The admission process for many universities abroad can be complex, with entrance exams, documentation, and deadlines to meet. We at futureMBBS assist students in managing this process, from filling out application forms to making them understand the medical curriculum & ensuring that all required documents are submitted on time.

At futureMBBS, we provide expert counseling to students who wish to pursue MBBS abroad. They help students identify the right university based on their academic performance & financial situation. We guide students through the entire admission process.

Not just this, we also support settling into Europe, such as finding accommodation, helping with student visas, and offering guidance on cultural integration, making their journey smooth. Want to book a Free Consultation Call? Click Here.

Crux of the story

The increasing competition in India for undergraduate medicine courses has pushed the students into the trap of the preparation cycle and losing years into it, studying MBBS abroad presents a compelling opportunity for Indian students. Countries like Poland, Latavia, Hungary, and Czech Republic offer affordable and quality education and stand out as a top choice with its world-class medical universities, globally recognized medical degrees, advanced infrastructure, and ample career opportunities.

For students looking for a pathway to a rewarding medical career, studying abroad is an excellent option that combines affordability, quality, and international recognition, ultimately helping them achieve their aspirations in the field of medicine.