Why MBBS abroad? Top reasons, costs, and best countries for students

Introduction to studying MBBS abroad

Every year, thousands of Indian students dream of becoming doctors, but limited seats in Indian medical colleges make admission highly competitive. According to recent data, over 25,000 Indian students go abroad annually to pursue MBBS due to the scarcity of affordable and high-quality medical education in India.

Studying MBBS abroad offers numerous advantages, including lower costs, world-class education, global exposure, and better career prospects. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, the Philippines, and Georgia have become top destinations for Indian medical aspirants due to their NMC (National Medical Commission) approved universities, affordable tuition fees, and English-medium instruction.

This comprehensive guide explores the benefits, costs, eligibility, top universities, and key considerations for Indian students planning to study MBBS abroad.

Source: Hindustan Times

Benefits of MBBS in abroad

1. Affordable tuition fees

Government medical colleges in India have limited seats, while private medical institutions charge exorbitant fees (₹50 lakhs to ₹1 crore). In contrast, countries like Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and UK offer affordable medical education at low tuition fees for ₹25-50 lakhs for the entire MBBS course with quality education.

2. No donation or capitation fees

Unlike private medical colleges in India, most foreign universities do not demand hefty donations, making education more accessible.

3. Global recognition & NMC approval

Top medical universities abroad are recognized by WHO (world health organization), NMC (National Medical Council), ECFMG, and FAIMER, allowing graduates to practice in India after clearing the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination).

4. High-quality education & advanced infrastructure

Many foreign medical universities provide modern labs, research facilities, and hands-on clinical training, ensuring a strong foundation in medicine.

5. No NEET score requirement in some countries

While NEET is mandatory for Indian students to study abroad, some universities do not require high NEET scores for admission, unlike Indian colleges where cutoffs are extremely high (650+ for AIIMS).

6. International exposure & multicultural environment

Studying abroad helps students interact with peers from different countries, improving cultural adaptability—a crucial skill for doctors.

7. Easier admission process

Unlike India’s lengthy counseling and entrance procedures, many foreign universities offer direct admission based on Class 12 marks and NEET qualification.

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Top medical colleges and universities

Pursuing MBBS abroad: Eligibility and requirements

• Minimum age: 17 years by 31st December of the admission year

• Academic qualifications: Completion of 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) with a minimum of 50% marks (40% for reserved categories)

• Qualifying NEET exam: Indian students must qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)

• Language proficiency: English proficiency for English-medium courses (IELTS/TOEFL may be required in some countries)

• Valid passport: Required for visa application and travel.

Study MBBS abroad: Admission process

The admission process for studying MBBS abroad is generally straightforward:

1. Application form: Complete the application form provided by the university.

2. Documentation: Submit required documents like academic transcripts, NEET scores, passport copies, and passport-sized photos.

3. Entrance exam: Each country has it's university-specific exam basis that students are selected.

4. Admission letter: After evaluation, eligible candidates receive an admission or offer letter.

5. Visa application: Apply for a student visa to the respective country.

6. Arrival: Once the visa is approved, make travel arrangements and attend orientation programs as scheduled by the university.

Costs, scholarships and financial aid

Scholarships & financial assistance

Many countries offer merit-based and need-based scholarships to Indian students, such as:

• Russian Government Scholarships

• China scholarship council (CSC) grants

• Philippines’ SEARCA Scholarships

Cost of study

The total cost of studying MBBS abroad ranges between ₹15-50 lakhs, including:

• Tuition fees: ₹3-8 lakhs per year

• Hostel & living expenses: ₹1.5-3 lakhs per year

• Visa & insurance: ₹50,000-1 lakh

MBBS program fees structure and curriculum

The MBBS programs abroad typically lasts 5-6 years, including:

• Pre-Clinical (2 years): Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology

• Clinical (3 years): Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics

• Internship (1 year): Hands-on hospital training

Safety and security for Indian students

When we talk about the safety of Indian students studying MBBS abroad, we found out that Europe serves as a safe haven for education for International students. Be it any part of Europe, you will always find yourself in safe hands of police department.

How to choose a medical university

Choosing the right university which falls under your budget and also provide world class medical education is important. Countries like Kazagsthan, Ukraine though provide medical education at very low rate but passing ratio after coming to India is very less.

You can check out the country wise performance of students in FMGE exam which is for practice medicine in India after completing MBBS from abroad, with a 100%

To avoid any admission related scams, it is advisable to take help from trustworthy MBBS abroad consultants like futureMBBS who pave the way for Indian medical students to study MBBS abroad by following ways:

1. Free career guidance

futureMBBS provides comprehensive guidance through free career counseling sessions to help students plan their medical career effectively.

2. Admission assistance

From understanding the eligibility criteria to preparing for the application process, futureMBBS makes the admission process seamless. 900+ students have achieved their dream of becoming a doctor with us!

3. University selection

Choosing the right university is critical. futureMBBS helps students select the best medical universities based on their preferences, academic performance, and financial considerations.

4. Visa services

The visa application process can be complex, but with futureMBBS, students benefit from fast-tracked, hassle-free visa approvals.

5. Post-arrival support

futureMBBS goes the extra mile to ensure students settle in comfortably. From helping students find living accommodations to arranging for airport pickups, every detail is taken care of.

Documents required for admission

Here is a list of essential documents for MBBS admission abroad:

• Valid passport

• NEET scorecard

• Academic certificates (10th and 12th grade)

• Birth certificate

• Passport-sized photos

• Language proficiency test scores (if applicable)

• Medical examination report

Exams and assessments for MBBS abroad

Some universities require entrance tests in addition to NEET:

• MCAT Medical College Admission Test (USA)

• BMAT BioMedical Admissions Test (UK)

• IMAT International Medical Admissions Test (Italy)

Conclusion

Studying MBBS in India with rising competition here, studying MBBS abroad is a smart alternative for Indian students seeking affordable, high-quality medical education. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, and the Philippines offer globally recognized degrees, lower costs, and better admission chances.

By choosing an NMC-approved medical universities , clearing the FMGE exam, and gaining international exposure, Indian students can build a successful medical career globally by pursuing MBBS studies abroad.