Studying MBBS in foreign countries opens up a world of opportunities, offering quality education and exposure to diverse healthcare systems. However, choosing the right country can be a daunting task. Factors such as tuition fees, admission requirements, cost of living, and career prospects must all be considered. Pursuing an MBBS degree from a renowned international institution not only provides a distinguished medical education but can also enhance career prospects both within India and abroad.
10 Best Countries to Study MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
While choosing the country, it is important to consider the course in MBBS abroad for Indian students at a low cost. Here are the top ten countries:
1. United Kingdom (UK)
The United Kingdom has a rich history of medical education dating back to the medieval period. The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the Royal College of Physicians of London were the primary institutions established to educate medical practitioners. Building on this long-standing tradition of excellence in medical education, the UK continues to be a leading destination for medical practitioners from around the world.
Institutions such as the Cambridge University, Oxford University, Imperial College of London, UCL (University College London), and King’s College London provide quality medical programs. The UK is known for its excellent academic standards, cutting-edge research facilities, and highly experienced faculty.
Indian students must qualify for the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) medical exam to study MBBS here. The time duration of the course can be five to six years. Courses offered are relatively expensive, ranging between 19 lakhs to 44 lakhs annually.
After getting an MBBS degree, they can register with the National Medical Council (NMC) in India without taking the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). If they want to practice medicine in the UK, the country provides a high earning potential of approximately £58,778 or Rs. 53 lakhs.
2. United States of America (USA)
Medical education in the USA began with the early colonial period in the 18th century when many medical societies and organisations were established. The period saw the birth of pioneering institutions such as the Perelman School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School, which laid the foundation for the excellent medical education the country provided.
The USA is home to some of the world’s best medical schools, including Harvard College, Johns Hopkins College, Stanford College, Columbia College, and Pennsylvania State University. However, studying medicine in the USA can be expensive, with the cost of living reaching more than a lakh. Various kinds of grants, scholarships, and part-time jobs come to the rescue of medical aspirants in such situations.
Indian students must qualify for the MCAT exam to apply for MBBS in the USA. The NEET scorecard is mandatory for admission to most universities. Along with that, clearing the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and exams is also compulsory. The duration of the course is four to six years, with the average tuition fees being Rs. 15 lakhs to 74 lakhs.
There are tremendous job and internship prospects in the USA. An MBBS degree from the USA is recognised by the World Health Organisation, the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (to practice in the USA), and the Medical Counselling Committee of India. After getting the degree, if a student wants to pursue an MD in the USA, they must also clear the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
3. Canada
Canada offers a high-quality medical education at reputed institutions such as the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, McMaster University, and University of Montreal. These universities are renowned for their research facilities and output. Over the years, the country’s medical education system has evolved from informal apprenticeships to a highly regulated system.
Students have to qualify for the MCAT exam to apply for admission. Some universities even make the NEET scorecard mandatory. Students’ understanding of English is also tested through TOEFL and IELTS exams. The duration of the course is three to five years, with average tuition fees ranging from Rs. 8 lakhs to Rs. 55 lakhs annually.
The cost of living in Canada is more than 1 lakh per month, which can be very high for students. To support their MBBS in Canada, students can leverage various scholarships, including the one provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). International students also have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate medical education and gain essential work experience in Canada. After getting an MBBS degree from here, students can practice medicine anywhere in the world.
4. Germany
Germany is gaining popularity as one of the top countries where Indian students can study MBBS abroad. The history of medical education in Germany can be traced back to the medieval period when the works of ancient Greek and Roman physicians heavily influenced it. The University of Bologna was the first university to offer a medical program.
Germany offers a high standard of medical education, with renowned institutions such as Berlin’s Charité —Universitätsmedizin, Heidelberg University, Munich’s Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich Technical University, and Heidelberg’s Ruprecht-Karls University.
The medical program in Germany lasts for six years and involves intensive practical training with comprehensive theoretical studies. With average tuition fees of 18 thousand to 2 lakhs per semester, the courses are relatively cheaper than in other countries.
To study MBBS in Germany, students have to qualify for the Test for Medical Studies (TMS) medical exam. While some universities offer English-language courses, you must be fluent in German, as most patients are Germans. Students studying MBBS in Germany have the opportunity to work in renowned hospitals while pursuing their education.
5. France
France has a rich history of medical education influenced by ancient Greek and Roman physicians like Galen and Hippocrates. Institutions such as Sorbonne University, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Aix-Marseille University, Paris Descartes University, and Lyon Sud Medical School provide quality medical education.
Medical education in France has undergone significant evolution over the years and now follows a three to eight-year program, depending on the course. Admissions do not require entrance exams for Indian students; however, qualifying exams such as NEET and language proficiency tests like IELTS are mandatory.
At the end of the first year of study, students are required to take an exam, which they must pass to advance further. The French medical curriculum integrates academic knowledge with practical training, which fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and well-rounded medical expertise. The global recognition of a French medical degree provides career opportunities not only in France but also worldwide.
The moderate course fee ranges from 40 thousand to 80 thousand, and the decent cost of living offers an incentive for medical students to pursue their medicinal learning here.
6. Australia
Australia is known for its high standard of education and excellent healthcare system. The first medical schools, the Sydney Medical School and the University of Melbourne Medical School were established as early as the 19th century.
Institutions such as the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, Monash University, the University of Queensland, and the University of New South Wales currently offer reputable medical programs renowned for their affordability and practical training. Australian medical universities consistently rank among the top 50 in the world. These universities offer world-class infrastructure, modern labs, and cutting-edge technologies, ensuring students gain hands-on experience with the latest medical tools and procedures.
Indian students looking to pursue MBBS in Australia must pass exams such as the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) or the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) along with the NEET. Australia’s welcoming immigration laws and favourable post-study employment opportunities make it an attractive destination.
The medical program lasts five to six years, depending on the university and curriculum. The cost of the course can be anywhere between 21 lakhs and 65 lakhs. Australian medical degrees are recognised by World Health Organization (WHO) and the Australian Medical Council (AMC) and are also accepted in countries like the US, UK, and Canada, which provides global mobility to students.
7. Ukraine
Ukraine has emerged as a popular choice among Indian students for studying MBBS abroad. The country’s medical education system has been influenced by Eastern and Western traditions since the Middle Ages.
Ukraine features some world-class government medical universities and private colleges renowned for their excellent infrastructure. Institutions such as Bogomolets National Medical University, Kharkiv National Medical University, Lviv National Medical University, O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University, and Donetsk National Medical University provide quality education.
These institutions provide excellent courses and have highly qualified professors with extensive subject knowledge, drawing thousands of international students to pursue MBBS courses annually.
The eligibility criterion is to score 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in intermediate and NEET qualification. There is no need to clear the TOEFL and IELTS exams.
Studying MBBS in Ukraine offers affordable tuition fees and a low cost of living. The course lasts six years and costs 1 lakh to 2.5 lakhs annually. The medical degree provided by universities here is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the National Medical Commission of India.
8. Russia
Russia has a long history of medical education, with the establishment of the School of Medicine in Moscow by Peter the Great in the 17th century. With modern infrastructure and competent faculty, medical universities in Russia have a rich tradition of excellence.
Institutions such as Moscow State Medical University, Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Kazan Federal University, People’s Friendship University of Russia, and Novosibirsk State University offer high-quality medical programs. The course duration for MBBS in Russia is 6 years, including 1 year of clinical training. The initial three years are dedicated to learning core sciences like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology, while the subsequent three years emphasize clinical sciences such as surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, and psychiatry.
The cost of a medical program is also quite affordable compared to many countries, including the USA and the UK. The average annual fee for a medical program in Russia ranges between 2.4 Lakhs and 5.1 Lakhs per year. Russian medical universities follow a student-teacher ratio of 7:1 to ensure better learning.
Eligibility for the course is passing intermediate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology with 50% and a NEET scorecard. Russia’s affordable tuition fees and high-quality education make it an excellent choice.
9. Belgium
Belgium has a rich history of medical education influenced by ancient Greek and Roman physicians. The founding of the University of Louvain and the University of Leuven marked a significant step in the formalisation of medical education.
Belgium offers an excellent opportunity for medical aspirants with its high-quality education system, affordable living costs, and rich cultural diversity. Institutions such as Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Université Catholique de Louvain, Ghent University, University of Antwerp, and Vrije Universiteit Brussel offer comprehensive medical programs that come with the added advantage of state-of-the-art infrastructure and well-equipped laboratories.
To get admitted into the MBBS program, students have to qualify the IELTS exam, which tests their English proficiency. The course duration is 6 years, which is divided into 3 phases. A pre-clinical phase of 2 years focuses on general medicine, a clinical phase of 3 years involves hands-on medical practice, and an internship of 1 year.
There is no entrance exam requirement for admissions, making the process simpler for Indian students. Additionally, Belgium has a high-income ratio and affordable tuition rates ranging from 1.2 Lakhs to 3 lakhs. An MBBS degree from Belgium is recognized worldwide, enabling graduates to practice medicine in various countries.
10. Philippines
The Philippines is another highly sought-after destination for Indian students who want to study MBBS abroad. Medical education in the Philippines traces back to the Spanish Colonial Period when religious institutions offered medical education.
Institutions such as the University of the Philippines Manila, Ateneo de Manila University School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute, and University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center offer quality medical programs.
The duration of the MBBS program in the Philippines ranges from 5.5 to 6 years. For the first five years, students are provided classroom training and then 1 year of internship. Students must clear the NMAT (National Medical Admission Test) to secure admission to Philippine universities. The aspirants will have to spend 15 lakhs to 25 lakhs for the medical program.
The medical degree offered is recognised by the National Medical Commission, World Health Organisation, Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), and Ministry of Education of the Philippines. After getting the degree, students are also eligible for the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which offers medical licensing in the USA.
Financing MBBS Study Abroad
While applying for your MBBS study abroad, you must not choose the cheapest MBBS in the world for Indian students only because of financial constraints. If you need financial assistance, consider availing an education loan. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, Tata Capital’s education loan can ease the financial burden of pursuing higher education. Apply for an education loan and take the first step towards your dream career in medicine.
Conclusion
Choosing the right country to pursue an MBBS abroad is a critical decision that can shape your medical career. Each country offers unique advantages in terms of education quality, career prospects, and affordability. It is important to thoroughly research each option and consider factors such as tuition fees, admission requirements, cost of living, and scholarship opportunities.
If you are considering studying MBBS abroad but worry about the cost, consider an education loan to fund your dream career. Download the Tata Capital App to apply for a loan and embark on a successful medical career.
FAQs
The United Kingdom and the United States are often considered top choices for MBBS due to their prestigious medical universities and highly developed healthcare infrastructure.
Countries like Russia, China, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and the Philippines are popular among Indian students for affordable MBBS programs that combine quality education with reasonable tuition fees.
To pursue an MBBS in the UK, exams like UKCAT, NEET, IELTS, and GAMSAT are typically required. The specific exams vary based on the destination country and institution.
Indian MBBS degrees are recognised in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Studying MBBS abroad offers benefits such as lower costs, access to modern medical facilities, a globally respected faculty, exposure to diverse cultures, and an internationally recognised degree.
Students can study MBBS courses abroad without NEET. However, there are only a few countries that offer this facility. Besides, in case you wish to return to India and acquire a medical license to practice here, you must have cleared NEET.
Different countries have different eligibility criteria for admission into MBBS. The USA and Canada require students to qualify for the MCAT; the UK needs them to pass the UKCAT exam. Russia and Ukraine require a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and NEET qualification.
17 February 2025
12 mins read
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