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MBBS Abroad 2025: Indian students consistently choose to study MBBS abroad because of the competitive examinations and limited slots in public Indian medical colleges. NEET is one of the significant exams for doing MBBS abroad for Indian students. As per the latest NMC (National Medical Commission) data, the total registered candidates in NEET 2025 are around 23 lakh for just 1,18,000 seats across 700 medical colleges in India. This means that the competition for these MBBS seats in India is incredibly high. In addition, the cost of studying MBBS in India is also high. So, the best option for Indian students is to pursue MBBS abroad with affordable tuition and world-class medical education. However, some students wonder if it is possible to do MBBS abroad without NEET? Effective from 26th November 2024, degrees from foreign medical colleges not recognised under NMC guidelines will not be eligible for FMGE and medicine practice in India. There are several popular countries for MBSB abroad including Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, China, USA, UK etc. However, the requirements for all these countries vary. NMC has laid down guidelines to study MBBS abroad. NMC does not endorse or recommend an institution for MBBS abroad. If you are planning to practice medicine in India after completing your MBSB abroad, then the institution must follow the NMC guidelines. Only then will your MBBS degree be accepted in India, and you will be eligible to give the mandatory FMGE exam. FMGE is an important medical licensing exam to practice medicine in India. In the year 2024, 79,000 students gave the FMGE exam after completing their MBBS abroad. Out of these, 20,383 students cleared the examination. To know more about how to study MBBS abroad, read the following article.
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Aspiring Indian doctors must be aware of the new rules and regulations issued by the NMC on 26th November 2024. As per the NMC Guidelines for MBBS Abroad, medical degrees issued by foreign medical colleges that do not follow these guidelines are not eligible to appear for FMGE. As a result, they can not practice medicine in India. Hence, Indian students must explore the NMC guidelines to check whether the chosen MBBS university in the world is accredited and recognised.
A 12-month internship must be completed with the same medical college
There are certain subjects to study during their MBBS course including General Medicine and Surgery, Psychiatry, Paediatrics, Community Medicine, Anaesthesia, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Besides, they should also study Otorhinolaryngology, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Emergency or Casualty services, laboratory services, and other related sub-specialities.
The duration for MBBS abroad must not be less than 54 months.
All theory-based and practical training of students in the MBBS from a foreign institution must be as per the MBBS course structure in India.
Related articles: What is 54 Months Rule for MBBS Abroad?
Study MBBS Abroad Companion Video:
Also Read: Medical Licensing Exams after MBBS Abroad
Affordable MBBS abroad fees: The MBBS abroad fees are low in some countries, as they are funded by the government. There are many cheapest MBBS colleges in the world where students can study at a very low cost.
Globally recognized degree: Most of the MBBS abroad degrees are recognized globally, so that students can take license exams like USMLE, PLAB, FMGE, etc.
Education quality: Medical colleges abroad offer education with expert faculty members and modern and well-equipped laboratories, etc.
Multi-Cultural Exposure: Students from different countries travel to study MBBS abroad. There will be diversity in culture and background in the colleges. Interacting with multicultural students enhances the candidate's communication skills and also prepares them better as future doctors to treat people from different cultures.
Read more:
MBBS Abroad Eligibility 2025
Considering that specific eligibility criteria for MBBS abroad for Indian students differ as per the country and university, students must prepare the necessary documents and basic eligibility requirements beforehand.
Here are the age and academic criteria to study medicine abroad in 2025:
Academic Credentials: Candidates must complete their secondary education (10+2) from a science background with subjects of biology, physics, and chemistry from a recognized board in their country.
Entrance Exam Score: Each country has its own entrance exam for abroad MBBS admissions. Candidates need to clear the country's own entrance exams like MCAT for the US, UKCAT for the UK, UMAT for Australia, etc.
English Proficiency Exams: A few countries where English is the native language require submitting English language proficiency test scores like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc, as part of MBBS admissions abroad.
Age: Candidates must have attained the age of 17 in the year of their admission. However, there is no upper age limit to apply for MBBS abroad.
Read more:
Depending on the desired medical college in the world, the MBBS admissions process might vary. Students must shortlist the best countries and universities abroad, and make sure they fulfil the eligibility criteria to study medicine abroad. Here is the sequence of steps that can be followed to apply for admission to study MBBS abroad.
Here is the step-by-step guide for international students planning to study medical courses abroad in 2025:
Step 1: Research about the country and university: Shortlist the universities in the desired country that offer an MBBS degree. Also, look for the MBBS tuition fees, living costs, entrance exams, and other eligibility criteria.
Step 2: Fulfil the eligibility criteria: Make sure you fulfill the eligibility criteria of the desired university. These might include age limit, required test scores, academic credentials etc. Every medical college abroad has its own MBBS eligibility requirements.
Step 3: Acquire necessary documentation: Prepare all the relevant documents for MBBS abroad admission 2025, especially the NEET scorecard. Make sure to provide authentic documents.
Step 4: Fill out the application form: Apply for the university directly from the university website and upload the necessary documentation. Carefully fill out the application form and make sure you provide the correct details. Ensure that your name in the application form matches the name mentioned on your passport.
Step 5: Apply for a student visa: Once the candidate receives the acceptance letter from the medical university for MBBS admission abroad, they can apply for the student visa.
Read more: Is Studying MBBS in Philippines in 2025 Worth It for Indian Students?
Indian students are required to submit a set of documents to support their application for MBBS universities abroad. However, each country and institution has its own set of requirements for MBBS admissions. The general documents required to secure admission in an MBBS college abroad are:
Valid passport and visa
Marks sheets of 10th & 12th Class
Academic transcripts
English proficiency scores if required (IELTS, TOEFL, OET, etc.)
NEET Score Card
Birth Certificate
Resume
Standardised test scores
Medical Certificates
English translation of non-English transcripts (if any)
PCC or Police Clearance Certificate
Proof of funds
Exams Required to Study MBBS Abroad 2025
MBBS admission in India requires a mandatory NEET examination. Likewise, various countries have their entrance exams for MBBS abroad. Clearing these exams is a crucial requirement for being considered for MBBS admissions in those respective countries. Candidates must select an entrance exam from the provided list, based on the country they are aiming to pursue MBBS abroad.
MBBS Entrance Exam | Full Form | Countries |
NEET | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test |
|
MCAT | Medical College Admission Test |
|
UMAT | Undergraduate Medical Admissions Test |
|
Universal Clinical Aptitude Test | UK | |
CSAT | College Scholastic Ability Test | South Korea |
Confused about whether to do MBBS abroad or in India? Here's a comparison between the two:
Factor | MBBS in India | MBBS Abroad |
Eligibility | NEET-UG, high cut-offs for the government colleges | NEET-UG required, easier admission |
Seats & Competition | 1 lakh seats, tough competition | Ample seats, low competition |
Fees |
| INR 15L – 50L |
Cost of Living | INR 1.5L – 4L per year | INR 2L – 5L per year |
Quality of Education | Theoretical focus, high patient exposure | Practical & research-oriented |
Infrastructure | Good in private, limited in government colleges | Advanced technology & modern facilities |
Clinical Exposure | High in government hospitals | Varies, some offer limited patient interaction |
Recognition | NMC, WHO | WHO, NMC, ECFMG (USA), GMC (UK), etc. |
Practice in India | Directly after MBBS + internship | FMGE exam required |
Practice Abroad | Limited without extra exams | Can practice in USA, UK, etc. (USMLE, PLAB, etc.) |
PG Studies | NEET-PG, INI-CET in India | PG abroad (USMLE, PLAB) or NEET-PG in India |
Also Check: MBBS in India vs Abroad: Which is Better in 2025?
One of the crucial decisions to make while planning to study MBBS abroad is to select the best country to study MBBS abroad for Indian students 2025. Popular countries for MBBS abroad offer high-class education and practical exposure at top medical colleges.
Popular Countries for Medicine Abroad | Top MBBS Universities |
MBBS in UK | |
MBBS in USA | |
MBBS in China |
|
MBBS in Russia |
|
MBBS in Ukraine |
|
Note: An MBBS from the Philippines is not valid in India anymore. MBBS in Philippines is a popular study abroad for many Indian students. However, NMC has put out advisories questioning the recognition of certain medical courses from the Philippines, especially the Bachelor of Science (BS) courses that are required before the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. As a result, it has derecognized the BS course in Philippines. Therefore, only the 4-year MD program remains and is not recognized by the NMC as an MBBS course should be of 54 months, which is 4.5 years.
Studying MBBS abroad can be expensive for many aspirants. However, some countries offer MBBS abroad at low cost for Indian students. Here are some of the cheapest countries for MBBS courses:
Russia
Ukraine
Kyrgyzstan
Kazakhstan
Philippines
Bangladesh
Nepal
Poland
Georgia
Belarus
There are some of the best medical universities in the world offering MBBS degrees for Indian students. Here, we have mentioned some of the most popular and top universities that offer MBBS degrees abroad to Indian students as per the QS Worl University rankings 2025 for medicine.
University | QS WUR 2025 for Medicine |
Harvard University, USA | 1 |
University of Oxford, UK | 2 |
Stanford University, USA | 3 |
Johns Hopkins University, USA | 4 |
University of Cambridge, UK | 5 |
University of California, San Francisco, USA | 6 |
Imperial College London, UK | 7 |
University College London, UK | 8 |
Karolinska Institutet, Sweden | 9 |
Yale University, USA | 10 |
Here is the average fee for MBBS abroad, including both the tuition fees and accommodation costs per year:
Country | Average Annual Tuition Fees (INR) | Average Annual Accommodation/Hostel Fees (INR) |
Russia | 2,00,000 - 4,28,000 | 12,000 - 45,000 |
Kazakhstan | 3,78,000 - 5,88,000 | 75,600 - 1,10,000 |
Bangladesh | 5,88,000 - 8,04,000 | 84,000 - 1,20,000 |
China | 2,50,000 - 5,00,000 | 25,000 - 1,30,000 |
Kyrgyzstan | 2,10,000 - 3,36,000 | 75,600 - 1,20,000 |
Nepal | 9,00,000 - 14,00,000 | 40,000 - 1,00,000 |
Georgia | 3,20,000 - 5,80,000 | 96,000 - 1,20,000 |
Armenia | 2,80,000 - 4,78,000 | 96,000 - 1,20,000 |
Belarus | 2,80,000 - 4,96,000 | 96,000 - 1,26,000 |
Latvia | 5,88,000 - 7,21,000 | 1,34,400 - 1,77,000 |
Poland | 6,27,000 - 7,88,000 | 1,34,400 - 2,10,000 |
Philippines | 3,00,000 - 6,10,000 | 2,64,000 - 5,22,000 |
Studying abroad is often associated with the drawback of expensive tuition fees. To attract a larger number of students, various countries, including Russia, Ukraine, the Philippines, China, and Bangladesh offer high-quality MBBS abroad at low cost for Indian students. International students who require financial assistance can explore a comprehensive list of scholarships available to study medicine abroad or consider obtaining an education loan.
A majority of medical students choose to pursue postgraduate studies or specialisations before starting their practice. Nevertheless, there exists a significant number of students who deviate from this norm and engage in practice for a few years before embarking on higher studies. Popular job preferences for MBBS graduates include:
Getting a job in a hospital
Going for a private practice
Opting for employment in hospital management or health administration
Pursuing academic research in the field of medical science
Becoming a specialist
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If a candidate intends to practice medicine or pursue a postgraduate programme in India after doing MBBS abroad then he/she needs to undergo the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or MCI screening test. It is a national-level licensure exam, which is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). The FMGE exam is conducted every year in June and December. The exam will be conducted in English language and will have a duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes. There will be no negative marking.
Overseas Citizens of India who hold a Medical Degree from a Foreign College or University and intend to acquire a Provisional or Permanent registration with the NMC are also required to take the FMGE exam.
Candidates willing to apply for the FMGE exam should visit the official website and register themselves to fill out and submit the application form online.
Related Links:
How to Apply for Eligibility Certificate for Studying MBBS Abroad
How to Acquire Medical License in India After Studying MBBS Abroad
Best country for MBBS abroad for Indian students
Upon finishing the course, students are required to take the MCI screening examination and subsequently have the opportunity to undertake their clinical internship in India.
An MBBS program provides graduates with a plethora of career prospects within the medical domain. Those who complete the program can opt for professions such as physicians, medical experts, surgeons, researchers, educators, or find employment in hospitals, clinics, research institutions, or public health organizations. Candidates may decide to specialize in particular medical fields by pursuing additional education and training.
There are multiple scholarships and financial aid options accessible for Indian students who intend to pursue MBBS abroad. These scholarships can be provided by the selected universities, government, or private organizations. It is advisable for students to conduct thorough research on the available scholarships and apply for the ones they are eligible for.
If we evaluate affordability solely based on monetary considerations, there are plenty of options. Various universities in Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan provide MBBS programs at a cost of less than 20 lakhs, encompassing university charges, tuition fees, hostel fees, and internship expenses.
From our perspective, selecting a foreign country as your destination for studying MBBS holds no drawbacks whatsoever. The education provided is of exceptional quality, adhering to high training standards and receiving recognition from esteemed authorities across the globe. Additionally, immersing oneself in a new culture equips students to effectively handle any level of pressure, a prevalent aspect in the medical field.
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