MBBS Abroad

Overview

To become a doctor in India, one should have a High Merit or Surplus Money. Globally, several students travel to different destinations to pursue their dreams and careers. This migration usually occurs from the eastern part to the western part of the world due to better Infrastructure of Universities, global exposure, and availability of specific specializations and career opportunities. If we discuss medicine as a specialty, the reasons for migration from India to other countries are very distinct from those of English-speaking countries and Europe.

In India, getting an MBBS Seat in any of the Govt colleges is the most challenging task in the world. This is primarily due to the need for Infrastructure and the availability of faculties in Medical Colleges. The government has implemented many reforms in the medical education sector, such as relaxing the norms of opening new medical colleges and academic criteria to become a faculty member in a medical college to increase the MBBS seat availability. Despite these efforts, getting an MBBS seat is many's dream.

As per government reports published on various platforms over a while, more than 40% of non-clinical and 65% of faculties in clinical subjects are not available in Medical colleges, which were opened recently in the last five years, leading to severe impacts on medical students' learning. Hopes for getting an MBBS seat become leaner yearly for the medical aspirants. In 2024, approximately 20,000 to 25,000 Indian students pursued medical education abroad, marking a noticeable increase from the estimated 18,000 in 2023. This surge is primarily attributed to the intense competition for medical seats in India, where over 24 lakh students registered for the NEET UG exam, vying for just around 1.08 lakh MBBS seats across more than 700 medical colleges.

MBBS Abroad – Important Links

Difficult to get a Govt. Seat in India

India has been facing continuous challenges in its medical education infrastructure for decades, including the disconnect between education and health service delivery, the high cost of education, the underutilization of existing resources, and the diversity of entrance examinations for medical seats, among others. Overall, there has been a constant drive to improve the doctor-to-population ratio to ensure better access to healthcare services.

In 2024, more than 21 Lacs students collectively appeared for India's most prestigious Medical Entrance Exam NEET-UG to secure their MBBS Seat in 706 Govt and Private Medical colleges, approx. In the last five years, the government and private sectors added 185 medical colleges with 23,000 seats. Despite these efforts, the chances of getting an MBBS Seat in India dropped from 6.68% to 5.29% in the last five years. This is because of the growing number of NEET UG aspirants and the slow-paced evolution of the medical education infrastructure, which can meet the ever-increasing demand for MBBS seats.

MBBS seats in India

As of the year 2024, India has 13.01 lakh registered allopathic doctors. It is expected that 10.4 Lacs, 80% of registered doctors, are active in public healthcare. India has a 1:1346 doctor-to-population ratio, far below the Global norm of 1:1000. The shortage of Healthcare professionals in India leads to the elevated demand for doctors.
You can refer to the below table to take a look at the MBBS Medical College's trend-

YEAR MBBS Colleges MBBS Seats NEET Applicants (in Lacs) Govt. Seat Govt. + Pvt Seat
Govt Pvt. Total Govt Pvt. Total
2017 218 232 450 35870 34290 70160 11.4 3.14% 6.16%
2018 227 237 464 37140 35040 72180 13.3 2.79% 5.44%
2019 245 242 487 39385 35890 75275 15.2 2.59% 4.95%
2020 279 254 533 42735 37640 80375 15.9 2.67% 5.03%
2021 285 269 554 43335 39840 83175 16.1 2.69% 5.16%
2022 355 293 648 45125 45990 91115 18.7 2.41% 4.86%
2023 399 307 706 54168 50165 104333 21.0 2.58% 4.97%

High tuition Fees in Private Medical Colleges in India

If we look at Indian Private Medical Colleges, they offer three types of seats: Govt Seat, Management Seat, and NRI Seat. Paying hefty amounts of 60 Lacs to 1.5 Cr made the dream of becoming a doctor almost next to impossible for a student belonging to a middle-class family. This dream even looks worth less for those who can afford it, as Private Medical College has a low inflow of patients,lacks quality infrastructure, and has ashortage of faculties.

Type of College Management Seat NRI Seat
Deemed University Colleges 75-90 Lacs 1.25-1.75 CR
Private Medical Colleges 60-70 Lacs 1.25 CR
MBBS Abroad University NA 25-40 Lacs

Moreover, the compulsion of clearing the NEXT Exam to get the License in India made the pathway even more complex for Private Medical college students. Nonetheless, students get to study at a Public University Abroad, holding more than 100 years of experience at an affordable price. Hence, MBBS Abroad is worth choosing over aPrivate Medical College in India.

medical college india

Advantages of MBBS Abroad

There are numerous benefits to the MBBS Abroad over studying at a Private Medical College in India. Please look at the table below to understand the values we fetch in MBBS Abroad on various crucial parameters before deciding the right path.

Key Parameter MBBS Abroad Pvt Medical College
University Type Public & Private Both Only Private
World Ranking Available Not Available
Recognition WHO, WFME, ECFMG, US GMC, UK etc NMC and very few international recognition
Teaching Experience Up to 200 Years Mostly up to 10 Years
Tuition Fee 2-5 Lacs / Year (Affordable) 8-25 Lacs / Year (Expensive)
Global Exposure Very High, Students from across the world No Exposure
Teaching Methodology Small Groups of 15-20 Students in each batch Test after every Conceptual Class 100-150 students in a batch
Grading of Academics Mostly European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) University Level, CBME
Opportunities for Global Medical PG US, CANADA, Gulf Region, UK and other European Countries, India Primarily India
Patient Interaction Moderate to High Very Less
Affiliated Hospitals Multiple Hospitals for different speciality College Hospital only

MBBS Abroad destination

Students move to different destinations depending on their Budget, Education patterns, Cultural ties, Weather conditions, Food preferences, distance from India, etc.

Below are the Major destinations for MBBS Abroad. Click any country name for more information about the MBBS Program in a specific country.

mbbs-abroad-map

Countries for MBBS in Asia

Countries for MBBS in East Europe

Countries for MBBS in Europe

Czech Republic Lithuania Spain
Poland Serbia Latvia
Romania France Bosnia
Slovakia Bulgaria Albania
Italy Macedonia United Kingdom

Countries for MBBS in America

Education Pattern of MBBS Abroad

Every country has a varied education system to deliver medical education to its students. Most Asian countries were colonies of the Western world in the last 150-200 Years. These countries adopted modern medicine (Allopathic Medicine) education from the Western world. Each country developed its Medical education based on community needs and long-term vision for the healthcare system post-independence. Broadly, there are three systems adopted by different countries, namely-

Asian Education System

Asian Education System

Asian countries follow the education system, which comprises a bachelor's program with a duration of 4-1/2 or 5 years followed by an internship of 1 year, which makes a complete program of 5-1/2 to 6 years. Due to the low doctor-to-population ratio, these countries permit the students to practice independently after a Bachelor's Degree. MBBS degree holders in Asian countries are considered General Physicians. The Academic Assessment is made every year in most countries. Basic Eligibility to enter the Bachelor's Program is 10+2 / Senior Secondary with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

European Education System

European Education System

Balkan Countries / East European and EU countries award an MD, a Bachelor's Degree. The duration of the MD Program is 6 Years, and internship / Clinical rotation is an integral part of regular study and continues over six years of studies. As most European countries have established Health Care Systems, each one follows the ECTS system, a European norm to make the system uniform across the EU countries. This system ensures minimum education standards across European universities and presents opportunities to transfer without any academic loss across EU countries.

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is followed throughout the semester to make the students' academic assessments. Basic Eligibility for the Medicine Bachelor's Program is 10+2 / Senior Secondary with Chemistry, Biology and Physics. Many countries ask for mathematics as a subject, and in Europe, physics is considered equivalent to math. Any Graduate cannot practice unassisted; they must go for a Master's Program to obtain the License to practice. However, this program is usually offered in their Native Language, while a few Universities deliver programs in French, a widely spoken language in Europe. Learn more about PG in the UK (PLAB) and Medical PG in Germany.

American Education System

The US, Canada, South American countries, and the Philippines follow the American system, where the student must do a Bachelor of Science (BS) program first, followed by a 4-year MD course. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) course consists of 2 years of Basic Medical Science (BMS) and 80 weeks/2 years of Clinical rotation. You must be a specialist to practice in the US, and an MD has to clear the USMLE Exam to get into the Residency Program (Master Program equivalent to MD/MS in India) to become a specialist. The Trimester system is utilised to make the academic assessment. Know more about Medical PG in the USA (USMLE)

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Duration, Degree awarded in MBBS Abroad

Refer to the table below for the MBBS/MD course duration and the Degree awarded after completion. Note thatAn MD degree is a bachelor's Degree equivalent to anMBBS only.

*Reference has been taken from the World Directory of Medical School (WDOMS) site, respective University websites, etc.

Country Duration of Course Degree Awarded Medium of Instruction
Nepal 4.5+1 Year of Internship MBBS English
China 5+1 Year of Internship MBBS English
Bangladesh 5+1 Year of Internship MBBS English
Kazakhstan 5+1 Year of Internship MBBS English
Kyrgyzstan 5+1 Year of Internship MBBS English
Uzbekistan 5+1 Year of Internship MBBS English
Russia 6-Year Incl Internship MD English / Bilingual
Georgia 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Ukraine 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Armenia 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Egypt 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Poland 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Belarus 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Romania 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Slovakia 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Bosnia 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Lithuania 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Serbia 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Croatia 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Moldova 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Hungary 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Czech Republic 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Latvia 6-Year Incl Internship MD English
Caribbean 5 YearsIncl Internship MD English
Malaysia 5 Year, No Internship for Foreign Nationals MBBS English
Mauritius 5 Year, No Internship for Foreign Nationals MBBS English
Philippines 2 Yrs BS+ 4.5 MD +1 Year Internship MD English

Eligibility for MBBS Abroad

Most Universities abroad follow specific benchmarks to admit international students for the MBBS/ MD course. All universities abroad deliver medicine programs in their native language for local students, bilingual programs for international students, and entirely in English for international students. International students are primarily admitted to the English Program, but agents often accept Indian students into the Bilingual Program, which NMC doesn't approve. You must meet the criteria set by the respective University for admission and the NMC criteria to obtain the License to practice in India. Find the table given below to learn about Country admission criteria-

Country Academic Eligibility in 10+2 Grade NEET Score Written Test / Interview Eligible to practice in India
Nepal 50% in PCB Qualified No Yes
China Different criteria for all the Universities, Mostly 65%+ in PCB Different Scores for Different University Few Univ Yes
Bangladesh 70% in 10th Grade & 60% PCB Qualified No Yes
Kazakhstan 50% in PCB Qualified No Yes
Kyrgyzstan 50% in PCB Qualified No Yes
Uzbekistan 50% in PCB Qualified No Yes
Russia 50% in PCB Few Univ Few Univ Yes
Georgia 50% in PCB Few Univ No Yes
Ukraine 50% in PCB Few Univ No Yes
Armenia 50% in PCB Few Univ No Yes
Egypt 70% in PCB Few Univ No Yes
Poland 70% in PCB Few Univ Yes Yes
Belarus 50% in PCB Few Univ Yes Yes
Romania 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
Slovakia 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
Bosnia 50% in PCB Not Req No Yes
Lithuania 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
Serbia 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
Croatia 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
Moldova 50% in PCB Not Req No Yes
Hungary 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
Czech Republic 80% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
Latvia 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
Caribbean 50% in PCB Not Req No No
Malaysia 50% in PCB Qualified No No
Mauritius 50% in PCB Qualified No No
Philippines 50% in PCB Qualified No No

Academic eligibility and age criteria for MBBS Abroad are the same as in India; the only difference is the validity of the NEET Score, which is three years in the case of MBBS Abroad. For India, only the current year's NEET score is valid for counselling.

Category 10+2 or Equivalent Grade Neet Score Age
GEN 50% in PCB Qualified in any 2023, 2024 or 2025 NEET Exam 17 Years
ST/SC 40% in PCB
OBC 45% in PCB

Cost of MBBS Abroad

The cost of the MBBS Abroad program varies from 20 Lacs to 1 Cr based on the country and University selection. Hence, check your budget for the complete MBBS program before finalising any country or University Abroad. In addition, there may be variations in cost primarily because of the destination. The cost of the complete program is divided into three major categories –

  • Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad
  • Hostel & Private Accommodation
  • Cost of Living Abroad

Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad

The Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad is uniform for all the students admitted to a particular program, irrespective of their nationality. The tuition fee for all the coming years before commencing the session remains constant. Usually, the MBBS tuition fee is the lowest for classes conducted in their native language, moderate for bilinguals, and highest for entirely English-taught courses.

Hostel & Private Accommodation

Most of the time, the University offers hostel accommodation to international students. These hostels have different categories of rooms, such as independent rooms, interior facilities, varied Infrastructure, attached washrooms, living space, shared rooms (2-4 students), etc. The hostel charges differ depending on the category of rooms. The hostels are allocated based on the availability of rooms when the student reaches the University. Each room comprises basic Infrastructure, including a bed-mattress, table, wardrobe, central heating system, etc.

If any individual desires a private apartment, they can opt for it too, at an actual cost. The cleaning of hostel rooms is the student's responsibility. However, it is recommended that you pick the university hostel, considering the language barrier and lack of knowledge of city routes and local laws. Usually, the hostel's charges typically range from 500 USD to 2500 USD annually, depending on the country.

Indian Food

Every hostel has a shared kitchen on every floor where the students can cook the food. The University provides a standard facility such as an Induction cooktop, Fridge, and Microwave ovenin the kitchen area. Above all, the utensils and other utilities must be fetched by the students. Students can join Indian Mess if it is available. Several Universities abroad offer Indian Mess; these messes are headed by private contractors that provide three meals - Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner. These messes are usually available in Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, etc. The monthly cost of the mess will range from 100 to 150 USD, depending upon the no of meals.

Cost of Living Abroad

Cost of Living Abroad

The cost of living consists of all your expenses, including Personal expenses. Nonetheless, personal expense entirely depends upon a student's needs and lifestyle. During the initial months, the fees will be increased as one needs to buy clothing, shoes, and other necessary items to settle down in a new environment. The average living cost of a student, excluding food, is around 80-100 USD a month. In the EU countries, this is on the higher side.

 

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NEET PG or NEXT

success ratio to get Clinical PG Seat in Govt Medical College which is 9% only, broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get Govt Seat, even after paying 1.5-2 Cr in Pvt Medical college your chances are just 1 out of 6. 

NEXT Exam is applicable from 2024 batch onward, replacing NEET-PG and FMGE. NEXT aims to assess knowledge in Pre, Para, and Clinical subjects nationally. 

Step Eligibility Result Opportunity
NEXT-1 After 4th Year Pass Entry to Internship
Merit PG seat is Secured
NEXT-2 After Internship Pass License to Practice

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Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

USMLE is a 3 step Exam. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during an internship, and Step-3 during your residency (Medical PG). The USMLE is an online exam and can be taken at the PROMETRIC centres present across India any time.

USMLE Exam passing ratio is 60% which is 6 time the NEET-PG Exam. NEXT Exam designed on USMLE pattern, refer the table below

Criteria USMLE NExT
Purpose PG & Practice in US PG & Practice in India
Phases 3 Steps 2 Steps
Eligibility From 2nd Yr onward After 4th Yr
Qus Format Clinical Application / Patient Centered Clinical Application / Patient Centered
Attempt 4 Attempt Practically 4 Years to attempt
Validity 7 Years 3 Years
Practice All countries Incl India Only in India

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Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

Medical PG IN UK (MRCP)

There are Two ways to Start your Medical Career in UK either by MRCP/MRCS. You can complete all steps in India , your refer the table below

Criteria PLAB MRCP/MRCS
Purpose Internship in UK hospitals PG & Practice in UK
Phases 2 Steps 3 Steps
Eligibility After Graduation 2 Yr Work Exp required
Qus Format MCQ , Clinical Qus MCQ , Clinical Qus
Salary  Low High

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