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Getting into an Indian university seems impossible because of the competition? Or you just want to use the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the world? In either case, good news: many countries around the world gladly accept international MBBS students, including those from India.
The perks of studying abroad aren’t limited to the travel experience and multicultural exposure. In many cases, obtaining an MBBS degree can also cost you less!
Need to know more before deciding where to get your MBBS? Keep scrolling to read our comprehensive guide for Indian students.
What Is MBBS, Exactly?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. It’s a medical degree that is common in the UK, India, Australia, British Commonwealth nations, and some other countries. It’s essentially a dual bachelor’s that covers both medicine and surgery.
But what is MBBS in medical terms? Well, MBBS graduates are trained to diagnose, treat, and perform surgery and can obtain the title of doctor. With an MBBS, you can become a general physician or pursue specialized postgraduate training.
Brief Guide to MBBS Course Duration
In the case of MBBS how many years should you expect to spend abroad? In most cases, an MBBS program lasts five or six years, combining both academic coursework and hands-on experience. That said, duration varies depending on the country. For example:
Get ready to spend a year in a clinical rotation at the end of your studies, too. This internship is compulsory.
6 Unbeatable Benefits of Studying MBBS Abroad
Not certain whether studying abroad is the right choice for you? Consider these six undeniable benefits of obtaining your MBBS degree abroad:
- Access to quality education. If you’re lucky enough to get accepted into one of the highest-ranking schools abroad, you’ll be able to practice using the latest tech and advanced infrastructure. But even if you don’t end up at a world-renowned school, expect to have the support of proactive faculty.
- Affordable fees. Oftentimes, getting an MBBS abroad will cost you less than studying at a private Indian institution. If the cost is a factor for you, make sure to look into public universities and colleges abroad.
- Global degree recognition. Provided you choose the right institution, your degree will be recognized not just by the National Medical Commission (NMC) but also by the WHO. The latter opens the door to practicing medicine around the world.
- Transparent, fair charges. You won’t have to deal with shady donation and capitation fees during admissions. Instead, you’ll pay the exact sum you owe, as laid out in the university’s official documents.
- Easier admission process. In many cases, you won’t have to struggle through entrance exams to get a coveted spot in the program. Plus, many countries don’t even require English language exam results!
- Access to high-ranking institutions. If you shoot for the stars, you can get the prestige and international recognition that come with a degree from a high-ranking institution. Studying there will also give you access to its vast alumni and partner network.
MBBS Eligibility Criteria Explained
Eligibility criteria will differ significantly between countries and even between specific universities. That said, usually, you’ll have to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Completed secondary education (10+2), with chemistry, biology, physics, and English on the list of subjects
- Aged 17 or older in the admission year
- National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam results
- Valid passport for travel abroad
Note: depending on the country, you may also need to pass entrance exams (MCAT for the U.S., UKCAT for the UK, etc.) and present an English language proficiency test (TOEFL, IELTS, etc.).
Required Documents for MBBS Admission You’ll Need to Gather
To study MBBS abroad, you’ll need:
- Valid passport
- Student visa
- Marks sheets (10th and 12th class)
- Academic transcripts
- NEET scorecard
- Birth certificate
- Resume
- Letter of recommendation
- Proof of funds
- If required: English proficiency certificates, standardized test scores
N.B. The list of required documents may vary between countries and institutions. Verify it beforehand.
What’s the Difference Between MBBS in India and Abroad?
Getting an MBBS in India takes about as much time as abroad: 5.5 years, including a mandatory one-year internship. However, your training opportunities will likely be limited to Indian hospitals, while studying abroad offers international exposure and allows you to intern in other countries.
That said, the main difference lies in costs. Private Indian medical colleges will cost you between ₹50 lakh and ₹1.5 crore in tuition fees. While the US and UK studies will cost approximately the same (₹80 lakh-₹1.5 crore and ₹70 lakh-₹1.2 crore, respectively), albeit with higher living costs, other countries can be much more affordable.
For example, studying in many EU countries is cheaper thanks to government subsidies. Getting your MBBS in the Czech Republic, Latvia, or Poland will cost you between ₹20 lakh and ₹60 lakh. Tuition fees go even lower for China (₹25 lakh-₹35 lakh) and Central Asia (₹15 lakh-₹25 lakh).
Plus, getting an MBBS in abroad for Indian students is appealing for another reason: the ability to stay abroad to pursue a research opportunity, work, or obtain another degree. Or, you can always return to India and, after passing the MCI screening exam, practice medicine in your home country.
What’s the Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students?
Thanks to the sheer number of countries ready to welcome Indian students, you can find a program for virtually any budget. Here are approximate tuition fees for select countries and regions:
N.B. Remember to factor in travel, housing, and running costs (transportation, groceries, etc.) when estimating the cost of studying abroad.
How to Choose a University: 5 Key Considerations
Many platforms promise to put you in touch with universities that offer MBBS abroad for Indian students. But before you take them up on that promise (or start searching for a university yourself), make sure you’re clear on what matters when you choose a program:
- Accreditation. The medical school should be approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) registry.
- Reputation and facilities. Check the university’s ranking on global lists, as well as how high it scores on the infrastructure, facilities, and staff support.
- Suitability. Make sure that the program duration and curriculum meet your needs. Check available specialization options post-graduation, if needed.
- Language. All courses must be taught in English. Consider the staff’s English proficiency to prevent miscommunication.
- Cost. Make sure the program is well within your budget. Factor in both the tuition costs and daily living expenses. Also look for available scholarships and loans.
18 Best Universities for MBBS in World
Want to explore your options? Before you start putting together a list of your possible future alma maters, head to the NMC website and check out the list of approved foreign medical schools. Here are some of them, listed per country:
MBBS Scholarships for Indian Students Abroad 2025: Mini-Guide
You might think most places don’t offer scholarships to international students, but that’s a common misconception. Here are just six of them you should know about:
How to Secure Scholarships for MBBS Abroad
The six scholarships above are just some of the opportunities you can use to finance your studies. Here’s how to leverage them:
- Do preliminary research. Find available scholarships, check eligibility criteria, and take note of application deadlines.
- Gather documents. Those can include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, your statement of purpose, etc.
- Fill out forms. Do it directly on the scholarship’s official website. Prepare essays or long-form answers in advance.
- Pass the interview. Some scholarships interview shortlisted candidates before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
You might think that securing a spot to get your MBBS abroad is an unattainable dream. But thousands of Indian students actually go abroad to get their medical degrees and you can definitely be one of them.
Before you can board the plane to your destination, however, you’ll need to spend a great deal of time scouting your options, preparing applications, and jumping through administrative hoops. But it’s well worth the effort. So, start exploring your opportunities to get an MBBS in abroad for Indian students today!