Alternate Medical Courses Other than MBBS Abroad for Indian Students

Alternate Medical Courses Other than MBBS Abroad for Indian Students

Edited By Jasmine | Updated on May 22, 2025 11:26 AM IST

Planning a career in the medical field is a popular choice amongst Indian students over the years. While MBBS is undoubtedly the most popular choice, the fierce competition, limited seats, and expensive cost of studying can make it a difficult choice of study, especially in India. For this reason, many students opt for MBBS abroad however, the competitive NEET exam is again a big challenge for several students. Aspiring medical students have plenty of options for alternative medical courses other than MBBS abroad. These courses are offered at popular destinations to study abroad and offer great career opportunities. In addition, some of these courses do not require a NEET score. It is important to understand that there are essential healthcare roles in specialized fields that are becoming increasingly important around the world. In this article, we will discuss some of the best alternative medical courses other than MBBS abroad for Indian students.

Alternate Medical Courses Other than MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
Alternate Medical Courses Other than MBBS Abroad for Indian Students

Also Read:

Alternate Medical Courses Other Than MBBS Abroad

Among several medical courses offered abroad, MBBS is considered one of the popular courses. However, the competitive entrance exam and high tuition fees pose a challenge for Indian students. For this reason, Indian students can explore the following alternate medical courses abroad.

  1. Dentistry

Dentistry focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating various oral diseases and dental problems. Pursuing a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or a career in Dentistry is a prestigious and rewarding experience. The BDS course typically lasts between 4 to 5 years, with an additional 1 year of internship. Studying dentistry abroad can offer the following career paths that you can explore.

  • General Dentist

  • Orthodontist

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

  • Cosmetic Dentist

Study in UK

Apply for upcoming intake & plan your journey

Study in USA

Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance

Some of the top countries for Dentistry are the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.

  1. Pharmacy

Pharmacy is another alternative medical course other than MBSB abroad. You can opt for the Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. These courses dive into the preparation, dispensing, and safe use of medications. Studying abroad gives students a chance to explore both clinical and industrial sides of pharmacy. The BPharm typically takes about 4 years to complete, while the PharmD in the USA is for 2 years. Here are some career paths you could take after pharmacy abroad:

  • Clinical pharmacist

  • Drug researcher

  • Hospital or retail pharmacist

  • Regulatory affairs specialist

The top countries for pharmacy include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany.

  1. Nursing

One of the great alternative courses for MBBS is the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc Nursing). It is a prominent degree in the healthcare field. Pursuing a nursing degree abroad focuses on clinical training and patient care. The duration for the Nursing course abroad is 3-4 years. This field offers career opportunities like:

  • Registered nurse

  • ICU/ER nurse

  • Nurse practitioner

  • Public health nurse

Top destinations for nursing are the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

  1. Biotechnology

If you are considering a BSc in Biotechnology or Biomedical Science, then it is a great option as an alternative medical course for MBBS. It offers a great mix of biology and technology to create innovative solutions in healthcare, research, and related fields. The course duration is 4 years for your Bachelor's degree and around 2 years for a Master's. Career paths in this field include:

  • Biotech researcher

  • Geneticist

  • Biomedical lab scientist

  • Pharmaceutical developer

Top study destinations for this field are Germany, USA, UK, Australia, and Singapore.

  1. Veterinary

The veterinary branch of medicine concerns preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases in animals. Studying veterinary science abroad offers you the chance to gain advanced clinical training, work with a variety of species, and conduct essential research. The course lasts for about 5- 6 years. Career options in veterinary science include:

  • General Veterinarian

  • Veterinary Surgeon

  • Animal Nutritionist

  • Wildlife Veterinarian

  • Veterinary Pathologist

The best places to study veterinary science are the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany.

Also read:

  1. Forensic Science

Taking a forensic science course abroad offers to work in areas like evidence analysis, crime investigations, and supporting legal processes. These programs range from certifications to PhDs and cover subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and engineering. They focus on building practical skills through lab work, engaging case studies, and exercises that promote critical thinking. A Bachelor's degree duration ist 3 to 4 years, while a Master's degree duration is 1 to 2 years. Career opportunities in forensic science include:

  • Forensic Analyst

  • Crime Scene Investigator

  • Forensic Toxicologist

  • Digital Forensics Expert

  • DNA Analyst

Top destinations for studying forensic science are the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, and China.

  1. Paramedical Sciences

Paramedical Sciences is also considered a great alternative course for MBBS abroad. This medical course includes topics like radiology, physiotherapy, nursing, and medical laboratory technology. The paramedics course duration is 3-4 years for a bachelors course and 2 years for a masters course. There are good career options after a paramedical course, such as:

  • Radiologic Technologist

  • Physiotherapist

  • Medical Laboratory Technician

  • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

  • Respiratory Therapist

To study paramedical sciences, students can aim for top destinations like Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, and USA.

Conclusion

Choosing an alternative medical course other than MBBS is a great pathway to fulfil your medical career. It can lead you to a variety of specialized and highly regarded roles in the healthcare field. For Indian students, there are fantastic opportunities abroad that provide great financial, academic, and professional benefits. However, before applying for any medical course abroad, make sure to research, understand the specific requirements for the country, and look into future licensing or registration rules if you are considering working in India or abroad.

Best countries for MBBS abroad for Indian students:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which course is best instead of MBBS?

Alternate medical courses other than MBBS include a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), a Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS), Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS), Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Pharmacy etc.

2. Which degree is equal to MBBS?

In India, the MBBS degree is seen as an undergraduate professional qualification, whereas a Doctor of Medicine (MD) is considered equivalent in many other countries.

3. Which medical field has the highest salary except MBBS?

MBBS is the traditional route to becoming a doctor, however, there are plenty of other medical fields that not only offer good salaries but also diverse career opportunities. Some of them include orthodontics, cardiology, dermatology, and psychiatry.

4. What medical field is least stressful?

Several medical fields are considered less stressful because of factors like predictable work hours, fewer emergency cases, and more routine patient care. These include 

  • Dermatology

  • Ophthalmology

  • Physical medicine

  • Rehabilitation

  • Psychiatry

  • Pharmacists

5. Is Pharm D equal to MBBS?

No, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is not the same as an MBBS degree. While both are professional doctorate-level degrees, PharmD produces pharmacists, while MBBS graduates are medical doctors.

Articles

Back to top