Medical Licensing Exams after MBBS Abroad 2025 (Country Wise)

Students who have completed their medical degree and are looking for work opportunities abroad need to get a medical license from that respective country. There are abundant opportunities for medical degree holders in countries like USA, UK, Canada, UAE, Germany, and many others.

What are medical licensing exams 2025? Every government body in a country sets its own standards in education and training to practice medicine in their country. So, as a medical graduate, you need to appear for the medical licensing exams as they measure the essential knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work as a doctor in the concerned country.

This Story also Contains

1. Medical Licensing Exams 2025
2. Medical Licensing Exam in India - FMGE
3. Medical Licensing Exam in USA - USMLE
4. Medical Licensing Exam in United Kingdom - UKMLA
5. Medical Licensing Exam in Canada
6. Medical Licensing Exam New Zealand
7. Medical Licensing Exam in Australia
8. Medical Licensing Exam for Dubai
9. Medical Licensing Exam for Abu Dhabi
10. Medical Licensing Exam for UAE
11. Medical Licensing Exam in Bahrain
12. Medical Licensing Exam in Spain
13. Medical Licensing Exam in Korea
14. What is the Cost of Medical Licensing Exams?
15. Countries Without Medical Licensing Exam

Candidates who studied MBBS abroad or in India can apply for these examinations. Indian students who completed MBBS in foreign countries need to qualify for the FMGE to be medical practitioners in India. In USA, medical graduates need to qualify USMLE, while to practice in UK, students need to qualify UKMLA.

However, there are some countries where medical graduates can practice without medical licensing exams like Kenya, Zambia, Malawi, etc. Their MBBS abroad licensing exam eligibility 2025 and requirements differ so candidates can check these details before registration. Read this article, to get all the details of the medical licensing exams in different countries.

Medical Licensing Exams 2025

Here is the list of medical licensing exams in different countries. Depending on the country you prefer, know the required exams after MBBS to go abroad to work as a doctor abroad.

Medical Licensing Exams in Different Countries

Medical Licensing Exam in India - FMGE

The FMGE is a medical licensing exam in India. Any candidate who has completed MBBS from abroad should appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to become a licensure medical practitioner in India. The FMGE, screening test is held twice a year, in June and December, by the National Board of Examinations. Indian Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) can take this exam to get a registration certificate from either the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council (SMC).

The FMGE exam question paper comprises two parts, Part A and Part B, each containing 150 questions for a total of 300 questions. The FMGE exam covers topics from the MBBS curriculum. In terms of scoring, candidates receive one mark for each correct answer, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

In the year 2023, a total of 61,616 candidates have appeared in the FMGE, among them only 10,261 candidates have managed to pass the examination. The passing percentage is just 16.65% in 2023.

Eligibility Criteria for FMGE

• Applicant needs to be either a citizen of India or hold an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card.
• They should have a primary medical qualification that is equivalent to an MBBS degree from the country where their university is based.
• Applicants should have a completed MBBS degree (the primary qualification) before they can sit for the FMGE test.

Medical Licensing Exam in USA - USMLE

The USMLE is the medical licensing exam in the USA. The USMLE is a 3 step examination, conducted by the Federation of State Medical Board (FSMB) of the United States and the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The USMLE Step 1 can be given after enrolling into the MBBS course. USMLE is a US medical licensing exam for foreign doctors as well. Many Indian students give their USMLE Step 1 after their 2nd year in MBBS. In the year 2023, a total of 26,141 non-US/Canada students have tested in the step 1 exam, among them 68 percent have passed the exam.

Eligibility Criteria for USMLE

To be eligible for the USMLE the basic requirement is to enroll in a medical school in the USA/Canada/medical school listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools meeting the ECFMG eligibility requirements. Here ECFMG eligibility denotes that the students from the concerned college or university students are eligible to apply for ECFMG certification and examination. Also, know that each step of the USMLE has different eligibility criteria. So make sure to meet the requirements before applying for USMLE.

Medical Licensing Exam in United Kingdom - UKMLA

The General Medical Council introduced the MLA (Medical License Assessment Test for both UK school graduates and other qualified doctors from abroad. Previously PLAB exam was taken by abroad doctors to practice in the United Kingdom but now it is replaced with the MLA (medical licensing examination).

The UKMLA is a 2 step examination assessing the applied clinical knowledge, clinical professional skills, and behaviours, etc. All UK medical school students must pass the MLA exam as a part of their degree. UKMLA exam consists of two parts - an applied knowledge test and a clinical and professional skills assessment.

Eligibility Criteria for UKMLA

UKMLA eligibility criteria depends on whether a candidate is a UK medical graduate or an international medical graduate:

• UK Medical Graduates: Those studying at UK medical schools are required to pass the UKMLA as a part of their medical degree.
• International Medical Graduates (IMGs): IMGs need to pass the UKMLA to secure registration and a license to practice medicine in the UK.

PLAB Exam

The full form of PLAB is a Professional and Linguistics Assessment Board. The PLAB is also a medical licensing exam in the UK conducted by the General Medical Council(GMC). Replacing the PLAB exam, the GMC recently the UK government introduced the UKMLA exam. However PLAB is still available for 2025.

Eligibility Criteria for PLAB

• Your medical degree needs to be recognized by the GMC.
• IELTS or OET scores to show that you are proficient in English.
• There are additional GMC criteria you will need to meet, including things like work experience and character references.
• You must pass PLAB 1 before you can register for PLAB 2, which tests your practical clinical skills.
• After passing PLAB 1, you have a window of up to two years to take PLAB 2.
• If you are an Indian student who earned your MBBS from a college or university listed in the 'World Directory of Medical Schools,' you are eligible to take the PLAB exam.

Medical Licensing Exam in Canada

The Medical Council of Canada conducts the MCCQE medical licensing exam in Canada. Indian candidates can take this MCCQE part 1 exam to work as doctors in Canada. The exam assesses the medical knowledge and capabilities in clinical decisions of the candidate.

The MCCQE is a part of the licensing application to be eligible for a Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada (LMCC). After qualifying for the MCCQE exam and submission of your licensing application it takes over 9 to 12 weeks to review your eligibility and issue your certificate of registration.

Eligibility Criteria for MCCQE

Be either a graduate or a student who fulfills all graduation requirements from the following:

• A medical school that is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS)
• A medical school that is included in the World Directory of Medical Schools and has a Canada Sponsor Note confirming it is an acceptable medical school in Canada
• A United States School of Osteopathic Medicine that is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association

Medical Licensing Exam New Zealand

The NZREX full form is the New Zealand Registration Examination. International candidates take the NZREX medical licensing exam in New Zealand if they are not eligible under any pathway for medical registration.

Securing a passing grade in the examination will show that you are able to meet the standard to register as a medical practitioner in New Zealand. You can attempt this exam many times as there is no limit on re-attempts.

Eligibility Criteria for NZREX

• A primary medical degree from a recognized medical school that is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
• Qualified for one of the accepted medical licensing exams within the last five years. The exams that count are PLAB part 1, MCCQE part 1, MCQ, and USMLE - Steps 1 & 2
• Meet the English language proficiency requirements, which include scoring at least a 7.0 band in IELTS and a minimum of 350 in the OET
• Should not hold New Zealand Registration for a special purpose of practice

Medical Licensing Exam in Australia

If you are planning to practise medicine in Australia, then you can register with the Australian Medical Council for a medical licence. There are three to four paths for international graduates to practise medicine in Australia. Out of them, the standard pathway is suitable for recent MBBS graduates without any experience.

Candidates with a standard pathway can seek general registration with the Medical Board of Australia. For this pathway, the medical licensing exam in Australia includes the AMC CAT MCQ & AMC Clinical Examination.

Eligibility Criteria for AMC CAT MCQ

• Candidates need to hold a medical degree from a recognized medical school.
• Students must show their English language proficiency through tests like IELTS, OET, or other accepted certificates.
• Candidates should have Australian or New Zealand citizenship, permanent residency, or a relevant visa to practice as a doctor in Australia.

Eligibility Criteria for AMC Clinical Examination

Candidates must have successfully completed the MCQ examination before they can move on to the clinical examination.

Medical Licensing Exam for Dubai

To work as a healthcare professional in Dubai you need the DHA medical license. For this purpose, you will be required to take the DHA medical licensing exam. The DHA exam is conducted by the Dubai Health Authority. The exam is just 2 hours long computer-based test. The application registration is just 5 working days. The exam results are graded as either pass/fail. The pass grade requires a score of at least 60 to 70% score in the test.

The minimum eligibility to take the DHA exam is completing a primary medical degree and 2 years of work experience. Then you can apply for the DHA medical licensing exam in Dubai. The test can be reattempted up to only 3 times.

Eligibility Criteria for DHA

• You must be at least 18 years old
• Completed secondary education or equivalent
• Graduated from medical school with an MBBS degree or a similar qualification
• If you are a pharmacist, nurse, or another similar healthcare professional, you will need at least 2 years of experience. For general practitioners, it is 3 years, and for a minimum of 3 years of postgraduate experience. Consultants, on the other hand, need to have 5 years of experience.
• You need a valid passport, a license from your home country, and a Good Standing Certificate that has been issued within the last 6 months.

Also check: DHA Exam Dates

Medical Licensing Exam for Abu Dhabi

The Health Authority of Abu Dhabi (HAAD) medical license exam is for individuals who want to obtain a license for practising medicine in Abu Dhabi. To enrol for the HAAD exam, the basic requirements for doctors include an MBBS degree with 2 years of tier 1 experience.

The HAAD exam can be taken online from the home country India through the Pearson Authorised test centres. There are also various Doctors HAAD exam courses offered by non-DoH affiliated websites offering the candidate practice questions, syllabus and concepts. The registration for the license exam can be done online and results will be notified immediately after the test.

Eligibility Criteria for HAAD

HAAD has different eligibility criteria for different roles.

HAAD exam eligibility for nurses:

• If you haven’t practiced in the last 2 years, you will need to complete a period of supervision. And if it has been 5 years since you last practiced, unfortunately, you will not be able to apply.
• For hospital duties, you will need at least 1 year of relevant experience.
• Have a fellowship from a recognized professional organization, like the Royal College of Nursing or the Professional Regulation Commission.
• Should have a bachelor’s degree or a nursing diploma
• If you are aiming for the Assistant Director of Nursing (ADON) position, a master’s degree is a must.
• A basic Life Support Certificate is required for all nursing jobs.
• A proof of your experience at the level of the position you are applying for.

HAAD exam eligibility for doctors:

• If you have not practiced in the last 2 years, you will need to go through a period of supervision.
• You should also have a fellowship in a relevant professional organization.
• An MD from a recognized university is essential.
• Need to show your experience at the level of the position you’re applying for.

HAAD exam eligibility for pharmacists:

• If you have not practiced in the last 2 years, you will need to go through a period of supervision.
• A BSc degree in Pharmacy from an accredited institution is the minimum requirement, however, a Pharm D degree is preferred.
• Should have a current National License
• Should have experience based on the employment level for which you are applying.

Medical Licensing Exam for UAE

The MOH exam is the standardised medical licensing exam in UAE for doctors and other health professionals. The exam is administrated by the MOH (Ministry of Health). Candidates can apply for this doctor's licensing exam if they complete MBBS course and have at least two years of work experience. Also, he/she should not have any two-year gap in their work record. The exam is computerised and can be attempted from India itself in the authorised Prometric test centres.

Eligibility Criteria for MOH

• A recognized degree or diploma
• At least two years of clinical experience
• A valid license from home country to practice
• Proficiency in Arabic and/or English

Medical Licensing Exam in Bahrain

Bahrain is an Island in West Asia located among the Gulf countries Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc. The Bahrain currency is the second highest currency in the world and The country's economy is dependent on oil and gas. Many doctors travel to Bahrain to seek tax-free benefits and work-class hospitals.

The National Health Regulatory Authority conducts the Bahrain Medical Licensure Examination (BMLE) to permit licenses for healthcare professionals. The exam can be reattempted for upto 4times within 3 years of the period from the first attempt. Indian can take the BMLE exam through the Prometric test centres in India. Candidates need 60% to pass the BMLE exam and work as doctors in Bahrain country.

Eligibility Criteria for BMLE

Once your license application gets approved, an eligibility code will be created for you and sent through the online system. Different medical roles have different eligibility criteria which are sent after license approval. However, the basic eligibility rules are as follows.

• You will have to provide primary source verification for your credentials, making sure that all your documents are validated straight from the institutions that issued them.
• Valid Passport and Photo
• A valid Certificate of Good Standing (CGS) from the professional regulatory and licensing authority in the country where you last worked.

Medical Licensing Exam in Spain

The MIR is the medical licensing exam in Spain country. Its full form is the “Internal Medical Resident” exam. To be eligible for the test international students must have a degree in MBBS from an accredited institute and must know Spanish language.

The MIR exam consists of 210 MCQs where 200 questions are used for evaluation and the other 10 are for reserve purposes. There is no particular topic to focus on for the MIR test as the test usually concerns medicine. The test is usually conducted between the months of January and February.

Eligibility Criteria for MIR

• MBBS degree, which includes a Bachelor of Medicine and, Bachelor of Surgery
• A postgraduate program in internal medicine, like an MD or DNB

Medical Licensing Exam in Korea

To work as a doctor in Korea, international candidates need to take the Korean medical licensing examination. To be eligible for the KMLE exam in India, Indian candidates must complete MBBS from a recognised institute with a major and must hold a medical license in India. Here, the overseas medical university recognition review will be done by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Korea. The KMLE exam fee is KRW 120,000.

The KMLE exam for doctors consists of two parts preliminary examination and national examination. After qualifying for both tests, Indian candidates can apply for licensure in Korea.

KMLE Exam Eligibility

• MD from a medical school that is recognized by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare, or from a foreign medical school that is accredited
• Valid medical license from your home country
• If you have graduated from a foreign medical school, you will have to clear a preliminary exam that includes both written and practical sections.
• Once you have passed the preliminary exam, you can take the main KMLE to get your Korean medical license.

What is the Cost of Medical Licensing Exams?

The cost of a medical licensing exam after MBBS to go abroad is different in every country. Here you can check the exam fees of some of the popular medical licensing exams mentioned in the table below.

Fees of Popular Medical Licensing Exams 2025

Countries Without Medical Licensing Exam

There are few countries without medical licensing exam, however, they might have different requirements. Some of the countries without medical licensing exam require English proficiency exam scores, remedial courses, or residential training. The list of countries without medical licensing exam is as follows

• Brunei
• Nepal
• Bhutan
• Maldives