In India, a career in medicine has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious and respected professions. Becoming a doctor is not just a career goal—it’s a dream nurtured by thousands of students and their families every year.
However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of Indian students choosing to pursue their MBBS degrees abroad. So, what’s driving this trend?
One major reason is affordability. While government medical seats in India are extremely limited, private medical colleges often charge exorbitant fees, making them inaccessible for many deserving candidates. In contrast, several countries offer internationally recognized MBBS programs at significantly lower tuition costs, without compromising on quality.
Medical universities in countries like Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, the Philippines, and others are accredited, globally respected, and offer robust medical education tailored for international students. For many Indian students, this makes studying MBBS abroad a smart and practical choice.
To put things in perspective, in 2022 alone, over 18,000 Indian students enrolled in medical universities abroad—a number that surpasses one-third of those studying in private medical colleges in India.
Interested in exploring your options? call us at +91 73829-00005 to get expert guidance on pursuing MBBS abroad.
A Comparative Overview for Aspiring Medical Students.
Key Parameter | MBBS Abroad | Private Medical Colleges (India) |
---|---|---|
University Type | Public & Private Both | Only Private |
Global Ranking | Many universities have international rankings | Generally, not ranked globally |
Recognition | Recognized by WHO, WFME, ECFMG, USMLE, GMC (UK), and others | Recognized by NMC; limited international recognition |
Institutional Experience | Some universities have over 200 years of teaching legacy | Typically, less than 10 years of academic history |
Tuition Fees | Affordable: ₹2–5 lakhs per year | Expensive: ₹8–25 lakhs per year |
Global Exposure | High – diverse international student population | Limited – primarily domestic students |
Teaching Methodology | Interactive learning in small groups (15–20 students); frequent concept-based assessments | Large classroom settings (100–150 students); limited individual attention |
Academic Evaluation | Based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) | Follows University-specific systems, often CBME |
Postgraduate Opportunities | Eligible for PG in USA, Canada, UK, Gulf, Europe, and India | Mostly geared towards PG in India |
Clinical Exposure / Patient Interaction | Moderate to high exposure with real-time patient interaction | Limited clinical exposure in early years |
Affiliated Hospitals | Multiple hospitals across specialties for comprehensive training | Mostly limited to the college’s own hospital |
The duration and nomenclature of the medical degree vary depending on the country and university. Please refer to the table below for details on the course duration and the degree awarded upon successful completion.
Note: In many countries, the degree awarded is MD (Doctor of Medicine), which is considered equivalent to the MBBS degree in India. (Sources include the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), official university websites, and other credible international education portals.)
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 |
Ukraine | 6 Year Incl Internship | MD | English |
Armenia | 6 Year Incl Internship | MD | English |
Latvia | 6 Year Incl Internship | MD | English |
USA via Caribbean | 4/5 Years | MD | English |
Philippines | 2 Yrs BS+ 4.5 MD +1 Year Internship | MD | English |
If you're planning to pursue MBBS from an international university, it is essential to understand the eligibility guidelines before applying. Below are the key criteria that Indian students must fulfill:
Pursuing an MBBS degree abroad can range from ₹20 lakhs to ₹1 crore, depending on the country, university, and lifestyle choices of the student. It is crucial for aspiring students and their families to evaluate the total budget required for the entire duration of the program before finalizing their destination and institution.
The overall cost of studying MBBS abroad can broadly be classified into three main categories:
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