In recent years, studying MBBS abroad has become a popular choice among Indian medical students. With intense competition for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), limited seats in public medical colleges and increasing tuition fees of private colleges, many students are looking for MBBS abroad to pursue their dream of becoming a doctor. Countries like Russia, Philippines, Georgia, China and Kazakhstan are known for their high-quality education with internationally recognised degrees at affordable prices.
This article will provide you with complete information about MBBS abroad, like why students choose MBBS abroad, the best country options for you etc.
Why Do Indian Students Choose MBBS Abroad?
The reasons for choosing MBBS abroad are mentioned below:
- Fewer Seats in Public Colleges: In India, over 20 lakh students appear for the NEET examination. But only 1 lakh seats are available in MBBS colleges, out of which only 50% are in government colleges, and the rest are available in private colleges, which charge high tuition fees and additional costs.
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Foreign universities, especially in Eastern Europe and Asia, charge lower fees compared to private medical universities in India.
- Simple Admission Process: The admission process of many foreign medical universities is straightforward and doesn’t require any entrance exam like NEET to secure admission.
- No Donation Fees: Many foreign universities don’t charge donation fees, making them more accessible for all students.
Popular Destinations for MBBS Abroad
Some of the top countries Indian students choose for MBBS abroad are mentioned below.
- Russia: Russia offers strong infrastructure with globally recognised degrees and is well known for its medical research.
- Georgia: Georgia offers European-standard medical education at an affordable price.
- Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan: Both countries provide high-quality education at affordable prices with a low cost of living.
- Philippines: Philippines follows the American education system, with strong USMLE coaching.
Cost Comparison: India vs Abroad
The cost comparisons between MBBS universities in India and abroad are mentioned below:
| Particular | India | Abroad |
| Tuition Fees | Government: INR 6,000 to 50,000 per year Private: 25 Lakh to 30 Lakh per year | INR 12-15 Lakh (Total) |
| Hostel and Food | INR 3,50,000 to 4,00,000 per year | INR 2,50,000 to 3,00,000 per year |
| Total Estimate | INR 35-40 Lakh per year | INR 4 Lakh per year |
| Other Charges | Donation, Extra fees | Visa and travel |
Quality of Education and Infrastructure
The quality of medical education varies from country to country depending on the curriculum, but many foreign universities provide advanced infrastructure, experienced faculty and well-equipped labs for practical training. Countries like Russia and Georgia are known for providing advanced technological infrastructure; on the other hand, countries like Georgia and the Philippines emphasise clinical exposure and English-based curriculum.
Recognition and Accreditation of Foreign Medical Colleges
Recognition and accreditation are important aspects to consider while enrolling in any university. It is important to check whether the university is:
- Approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other global medical councils
- Eligible for licensing exams like USMLE and PLAB, if the student plans to practice internationally.
A well-recognised university ensures the quality of education and professional progression of the university.
Advantages of Studying MBBS Abroad
The advantages of studying MBBS abroad are as follows:
- Globally Recognised- Many foreign medical universities are recognised by global organisations like the WHO and NMC, enabling the students to practice medicine all around the world.
- Advanced Infrastructure- Many foreign universities provide advanced infrastructure with modern tools and equipped labs.
- Affordability- The foreign medical universities are more affordable than Indian private universities and provide high-quality education.
- No Donation Fees- The medical universities abroad do not charge any additional fees like donation fees or capital fees, unlike private universities in India.
- Easier Admission Process- Many foreign universities do not require any entrance exam like NEET and provide a simple and straightforward admission procedure.
- International Exposure- Students gain a global learning environment and build confidence and adaptability.
Challenges for Indian Students Studying MBBS Abroad
- Language Barrier- Even if the medical programs are taught in English, hospital patients speak the local language.
- Varying Quality of Education- Not all universities maintain high standards of education.
- Limited Practical Exposure- Some universities may not offer strong clinical exposure.
- Variable Quality- All universities are not equal; some may lack facilities or experienced faculty.
- Cultural Difference- Some students may find difficulty in adjusting to foreign customs, weather and food.
Real story: Success and Struggle
Success- Anjali, an Indian student who studied MBBS in Georgia, cleared the FMGE and is now practising medicine in India. She says, The Georgian-aligned education system and the English-speaking environment helped her a lot in her studies.
Struggle- Rohit, who studied at a lesser-known university in China, failed the FMGE twice. He mentioned inadequate clinical exposure and language barriers as major drawbacks. He is now preparing for NEXT with coaching assistance.
Tips for Choosing the Right Foreign Medical University
- NMC and WHO recognised
- English medium program
- Good FMGE pass rate among past students
- Affiliated hospitals for clinical exposure
- Reliable student review and alumni feedback
- Safe city and country with a reasonable cost of living
- Understand visa rules and stay duration
Considering all these points can help a lot in achieving a successful medical career.
Conclusion
MBBS abroad is worth it! But only if the student is sure about their goals and chooses the right university which provides its medical programs in English, consider all the tips in choosing the right university and prepare for all the challenges, like FMGE.
For students who can’t afford Indian private colleges, studying MBBS abroad is the best choice for them, with high-quality education, affordable tuition fees, and no entrance exam.
