Every year, millions of Indian students aspire to become successful medical professionals. However, the intense competition for limited seats and the mounting tuition fees in Indian medical colleges often leave many discouraged. This is where the opportunity to study MBBS in abroad for Indian students comes into the picture. Pursuing MBBS from abroad is not only about world-class education, but also about getting access to global exposure, advanced clinical training, internationally recognised degrees, and even some affordable options, turning your dream into a reality. Through this writing piece, we aim to deliver all the crucial insights that will help you plan your MBBS journey abroad more effectively. So why wait? Let’s dive into the learning journey now.
Table of Contents
1. How to study MBBS abroad for free?
2. Can I study MBBS abroad without NEET?
3. Which is better, an MBBS in India or abroad?'
4. Which exam is required for MBBS abroad?
5. How many marks are required in NEET for MBBS abroad?
6. Can I practice in India after an MBBS from abroad?
7. How to study MBBS abroad after 12th?
Studying MBBS abroad for Indian students provides an umbrella of growth opportunities to become medical professionals at a global level. Additionally, pursuing MBBS abroad often comes at a lower cost compared to various private colleges in India. Here are some top reasons why you must plan to study MBBS abroad in 2025.
Studying MBBS in India and abroad are both exciting opportunities; however, both come with their unique benefits and challenges. Here is the table offering a comparison to help you understand the major differences between the two opportunities.
| Criteria | MBBS in India | MBBS Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| MBBS Fees | INR 10 Lakh - INR 50 Lakh per annum (Private) | MBBS abroad for Indian students fees generally ranges from INR 15 Lakh - INR 70 Lakh per annum (based on the country) |
| MBBS Duration | 5.5 years including (4.5 years of academic study and 1- year compulsory internship) | 5 to 6 Years |
| Top Universities |
|
|
| Entrance Tests | NEET |
|
| English Proficiency Tests | Not Required | TOEFL, IELTS |
| MBBS Starting Salary | INR 6 Lakh (per annum) | $357,300 average (per annum) / INR 29.67 Lakh |
The idea of studying MBBS abroad stands out as appealing for Indian medical aspirants, given the wide range of benefits each destination abroad offers. However, among the various options, finalising one can be challenging and highly confusing. To help you with this situation, here is the list of the top countries for MBBS in abroad for Indian students.
| Country | Average Fees | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | INR 2 lakhs to INR 8 lakhs per annum | Studying MBBS in Russia offers low cost English medium MBBS programs |
| Georgia | INR 2.9 lakhs to 5.3 lakhs per annum | Studying MBBS in Georgia is highly appealing given the low cost of living |
| Poland | INR 7.1 lakhs to 8.9 lakhs per annum | Pursuing MBBS from Poland offers EU-recognised degrees with strong clinical exposure |
| Romania | INR 4.4 lakhs to 6.2 lakhs per annum | Affordable tuition fee with modern medical universities |
| Bulgaria | Around INR 4.4 lakhs per annum | High FMGE pass rate among Indian graduates |
| Kyrgyzstan | INR 3.0 lakhs to 4.4 lakhs per annum | Offers low cost of living |
| Kazakhstan | INR 3.2 lakhs to 5.0 lakhs per annum | Availability of WHO recognised government universities |
| Belarus | Around INR 3.5 lakhs per annum | Strong emphasis on clinical exposure and research prospects. |
| The Philippines | Around INR 3.5 lakhs to INR 5 lakhs per annum | Unmatched medical education at a reasonable cost with strong career prospects |
Key Highlights
Choosing the best university for your MBBS abroad plays a key role, as selecting one from the top institutions worldwide ensures that you receive advanced learning, research opportunities, and global recognition. Here are the top universities that Indian students can consider for their medical studies.
| University Name | Location | Average Tuition Fees/ Per year | QS Ranking |
| Harvard University | Cambridge, United States | $69,300 (INR 61.53L) | #1 |
| University of Oxford | Oxford, United Kingdom | £43,670 (INR 52.05L) preclinical £62,820 (INR 74.88L) clinical years | #2 |
| Stanford University | Stanford, United States | $66,300 (INR 58.91L) | #3 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, United States | $61,000 (INR 54.19L) | #4 |
| University of Cambridge | Cambridge, United Kingdom | £70,554 (INR 84.09L) | #5 |
| University of California | San Francisco, United States | $57,500 (INR 51.02L) | #6 |
| Imperial College London | London, United Kingdom | £45,300 (INR 53.99L) | #7 |
| University College London (UCL) | London, United Kingdom | £50,300 (INR 59.95L) | #8 |
| Karolinska Institutet | Stockholm, Sweden | $29, 351 (INR 26.05L) | #9 |
| Yale University | New Haven, United States | $66,180 (INR 58.80L) | #10 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Cambridge, United States | $63,000 (INR 55.94L) | #11 |
| University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | Los Angeles, United States | $63,725 (INR 56.59L) | #12 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, United States | $71,080 (INR 63.11L) | #13 |
| University of Toronto | Toronto, Canada | $69,714 (INR 61.86L) | #14 |
| King's College London | London, United Kingdom | £48,537 (INR 57.93L) | #15 |
Studying MBBS from abroad means you have to become eligible according to the country you plan to study in. Each country around the world has its own set of rules and eligibility criteria for international students. However, here are the general eligibility criteria for Indian students planning their MBBS abroad.
1. Age Requirements
Candidate must be at least 17 years old by 31st December of the admission year. No upper age limit to apply.
2. Academic Requirements
3. Entrance Exam
Candidates have to qualify for the NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test), even for studying MBBS abroad. Additionally, the entrance exam depends on the country chosen, such as UCAT for MBBS in Australia, the UK and New Zealand.
4. English Language Proficiency
For Indian students, showcasing English language proficiency is mandatory. It is done through scores of IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or any other acceptable proficiency test.
5. Medical Requirements
Candidate must provide a medical certificate at the time of admission stating that he/she is not suffering from an infectious disease.
For a smooth and steady MBBS process, students have to make sure they are prepared with a set of mandatory documents. It ranges from academic, identity and financial documents that ensure a student is the right fit for studying abroad. Here is the complete list of documents you must prepare for MBBS in foreign countries.
Now that you are familiar with various countries from which you can pursue MBBS from abroad, it's time to come across a few exams that are mandatory for admission purposes.
1. NEET: According to the NMC guidelines, NEET is the most important and mandatory exam for Indian students.
2. English Proficiency Test: Is another major requirement for Indian students to study MBBS abroad. Scores from the test showcase their command of the English language.
3. Country Specific Test: Every country has its specific entrance test that Indian students must pass to showcase they are eligible to study medicine in that country, such as -
Getting admission for MBBS in abroad requires following a simple and organised approach. The process ensures that students are admitted to a widely recognised institution abroad. Here is the detailed process that you must follow for successful admission.
1. Research and Choose the Right Country
Your admission process starts with identifying the country that best suits your academic pursuits and budget.
Under this, you have to consider various factors such as
2. Shortlist NMC-Approved Universities
Once you have chosen the right country, it's time for you to shortlist the NMC-approved universities in that country. Choose universities that are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and authorised by the NMC. It will ensure eligibility for future medical practice or appearing in the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination).
3. Check Eligibility Criteria
After shortlisting the universities, it's time to finalise one among them and check the eligibility criteria to ensure you meet the basic requirements. The majority of the universities abroad require:
4. Apply to the University
Gather a list of documents and apply to your chosen document using the official website or any other portal. The list of documents required for the application includes:
5. Receive the Admission Letter
Once your application gets reviewed and accepted, you will receive the provincial admission letter that confirms your seat at the college.
6. Apply for the Student Visa
After getting accepted into the university, the next important task is to apply for a student visa that grants a legal entry into a specific country.
7. Pay Tuition Fees
Getting a student visa means you can travel abroad for study purposes. Make sure to pay the tuition deposit to show that you intend to study at the applied medical college.
8. Post Arrival
After you arrive in the chosen country, make sure to follow the certain steps, including:
The cost of studying MBBS abroad is not only about the tuition expenses, but it's the wider cost that you have to consider to ensure proper planning. Here are the key aspects that you must consider while planning MBBS in foreign countries.
Tuition Fees
Accommodation & Living Expenses
Travel and Visa Charges
Miscellaneous Expenses
| Scholarship Name | Country | Amount Reimbursed | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMWA Awards | USA | US$ 500 - 5,000 |
|
| Tylenol Future Care Scholarship | USA | US$ 10,000 |
|
| Ontario Graduate Scholarship Program | Canada | CA$5,000 per academic session |
|
| Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan | Canada | US$10,000 + living & travel allowance (varies) |
|
| Quebec Provincial Government Scholarship | Canada | US$ 25,000-35,000 (for doctoral, post-doctoral or research-based master’s) | Students pursuing doctoral / post-doctoral / research degrees in medicine/health sciences Must be in Quebec universities. |
| Hull York Medical School Master’s Scholarship | UK | £2,500 |
|
| NHS Student Bursaries | Uk | £2,251 - £3,255 |
|
| UCLan MBBS Scholarships | Uk | £5,000 |
|
| AFPHM John Snow Scholarship | Australia / New Zealand | Up to AUD amount (≈ reimbursement of up to US$1,000 + event/conference costs) |
|
| University of Wollongong Scholarships | Australia | Varies (30% tuition-fee reductions, etc.) |
|
| Fulbright Scholarships | USA | ~US$ 35,000 |
|
| Harvard Medical School Scholarships | USA | Full tuition |
|
Summing up, studying MBBS in abroad for Indian students is no doubt a promising opportunity allowing students to access world-class education, global exposure and clinical training that prepare them to become medical professionals at the international level. With the highly reputed institutions in the UK and USA to affordable options in Russia and Georgia, Indian students can easily find an option that caters to their study goals and financial needs. Studying MBBS from abroad just requires correct planning and an approach that opens the gateway to an international medical career.
Still waiting? Connect with our study abroad consultants now and take that first step towards your dream medical career.
Studying MBBS for 100% is rare, but a significant amount of funding is possible by opting for tuition-free countries like Germany and Norway, which offer education at public universities. Additionally, there are scholarship options available that make studying MBBS almost free.
Yes, studying MBBS abroad without NEET is possible if you plan to practice it outside Indian. Additionally, if you intend to take the National Exit Test (NEXT) to practice in India, you can study without NEET.
Studying an MBBs in India or abroad completely depends on the individual priorities, such as cost, career goals and other factors. Both opportunities offer exciting prospects. Studying in India offers affordability, but competition to secure a medical seat is high, with limited international recognition. However, an MBBS abroad provide global exposure, advanced clinical training and more.
For Indian students, the mandatory exam for studying MBBS abroad is NEET, which qualifies students for undergraduate medical courses. Additionally, students have to appear for the English proficiency test, such as IELTS or TOEFL, and any country-specific test.
Students planning to study MBBS abroad have to achieve the minimum qualifying percentile and marks according to their category. Students from the general category must secure marks around 144 (50th percentile), and for reserved categories, the s nnb bf core is 113 (40th percentile)
Yes, after completing MBBS from abroad, you can practice it in India. It's just that you have to qualify for the foreign medical graduate examination (FMGE) or the national exit test (NEXT), and then complete 1 1-year mandatory internship to receive a license.
Studying MBBS abroad after 12th requires you to complete the 12th grade in the science stream with a minimum percentage in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Additionally, qualifying for the NEET exam is vital to begin your admission process in the chosen foreign university.
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