Why Indian Students Choose MBBS Abroad: Top Benefits & Opportunities

Limited Medical Seats in India

One of the biggest reasons why Indian students choose MBBS abroad is the shortage of seats in Indian medical colleges. Every year, more than 20 lakh students take the NEET-UG exam, but there are only about 50,000 to 60,000 government medical seats available. This intense competition makes it incredibly tough for even the most capable and deserving students. Many students with impressive NEET scores are also unable to secure a seat. As a result, studying abroad becomes the only realistic option.

Globally Recognized Education

Many universities around the world, including those in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, China, and even some in Europe, offer MBBS programs that are recognized by major medical councils, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and India's National Medical Commission (NMC). In addition, with an MBBS degree from abroad, students can also practice medicine in different countries. However, they will be required to give the medical licensing exam for that particular country. Graduates from these schools can appear for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) to practice medicine in India, USMLE for USA, and UKMLA for the UK. The table below mentions the different medical licensing exams for different countries.

Affordable Tuition Fees

In India, medical aspirants who do not get a seat in the government medical college aim for private institutions. However, the cost of studying MBBS in India at a private medical college is high. This amount can range from ₹50 lakhs to around ₹2 crore for the entire course. This results in many students opting to study abroad as it is comparatively affordable. Several countries provide more budget-friendly MBBS programs, with lower tuition and living expenses. However, there are costs of living in a country that can add up to the total cost of studying MBBS abroad. Still, it might be less than what an MBBS costs in India. Here are some of the most affordable countries for international students looking to pursue MBBS abroad.

Also Read:

Modern Infrastructure

Another major reason why Indian students choose MBBS abroad is that many international medical schools offer modern facilities, research initiatives, and innovative teaching techniques. Studying abroad allows students to immerse themselves in various healthcare systems, experience global medical practices, which contribute to their personal and professional development. From the very beginning of their studies, students engage with patients and healthcare systems, gaining practical skills earlier than Indian medical students.

No Donation or Capitation Fees

In India, it is illegal to charge capitation fees or donations for admissions. However, many private medical colleges ask for donations in order to gain admission. This donation can range from INR 10 lakhs - INR 1 crore. This adds to the costs of studying MBBS in India. However, medical colleges abroad follow a transparent admission process without asking for any donation or capitation fees. These universities focus on admitting students based solely on their academic achievements. This approach makes the MBBS admission process abroad easier for Indian students.

Simplified Admission Process

India’s medical admission process is quite centralized and competitive as compared to the process to study MBBS abroad. Each medical university abroad has its own specific requirements that applicants are required to meet. Since NEET scores are essential for studying MBBS abroad, most universities only ask for a minimum qualifying score instead of a highly competitive one. This makes the whole admission process less challenging. Additionally, there are some countries where NEET is not required for MBBS programs abroad.

Global Career Opportunities

After completing an MBBS degree abroad, Indian students are open to multiple career opportunities. These opportunities include:

• Practice medicine in India by passing the FMGE exam. This exam is mandatory for international medical graduates to practice medicine in India.

• In order to practice medicine abroad, medical graduates are required to clear the medical licensing exam of the country.

• Pursue postgraduate studies in various fields like dermatology, cardiology, sports medicine, radiology, etc.

• Medical graduates can also contribute to research work by working with research institutions and pharmaceutical companies.

• There are several non-clinical roles available for international medical graduates, such as public health, healthcare administration, medical writing, etc.

Popular Countries to Study MBBS Abroad for Indian Students

Conclusion

Deciding to pursue an MBBS degree abroad has become a strategic decision for Indian students. Even though there are challenges in studying MBBS abroad, like passing licensing exams such as the FMGE and adapting to new cultures and languages, Indian students are choosing MBBS abroad over India. With India facing a significant gap between the demand and supply of medical education, pursuing studies abroad is likely to remain a popular route for future doctors in the country.

Also Read: