Earning an MBBS degree abroad can open opportunities for a rewarding career where you can make a positive difference in people’s lives. There has been a growing trend of international students opting to study medicine abroad in recent years due to affordable tuition fees ranging between INR 15 Lakhs and INR 60 Lakhs, with a great ROI of up to INR 40 Lakhs—INR 50 Lakhs per annum and beyond in senior positions.
For Indian students, deciding where to pursue an MBBS abroad depends on factors like passion, opportunity, and practicality. With limited seats and challenging entrance exams, gaining admission to Indian medical schools can be difficult, prompting many students to seek MBBS opportunities abroad. From Europe to Asia, there are numerous options available.
In this article, we’ll assist Indian students in choosing an MBBS programme abroad. We’ll discuss tuition fees, top universities, top countries and more.
Important Highlights On How To Study MBBS Abroad Easily
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Examination type | Semester |
| MBBS Abroad Criteria | – Candidates should have completed their 10+2 level exam with Biology as a compulsory subject – Candidates should qualify for the MCAT or the NEET exam. |
| Admission Process | Entrance-Based (NEET/MCAT), English Proficiency Test (TOEFL, IELTS), An interview round may also be conducted by some universities |
| MBBS Abroad fees | INR 15 Lacs – INR 60 Lacs |
| Top Countries | Australia, USA, UK, Canada |
| Average Salary | INR 40 LPA to INR 1.3 Crore |
| Top Recruiters | Hospitals, Government Health Departments, Pharmaceutical Companies, Private Clinics, Medical Research Organisations, Biomedical Companies. |
| Top Positions | Doctors, Junior Doctors, Physicians, Researchers, Junior Surgeons, Scientist |
What Is MBBS?
Why Study MBBS Abroad?
There is an increase in the trend worldwide, where students opt for top international destinations to study for an MBA due to the high cost of courses in India and limited seats. So, before knowing how to study MBBS abroad efficiently, let us first see why you should opt to pursue an MBBS degree abroad:
- MBBS programmes in some countries are accredited by globally recognised bodies such as WHO and MCI, which can enhance the credibility of your degree.
- MBBS abroad provides an opportunity to experience different cultures, languages, and healthcare systems, which can enhance your intercultural skills.
- Many universities abroad offer financial aid programmes for international students pursuing MBBS, which can help reduce the financial burden.
- There is a growing need for specialised healthcare services in geriatrics, paediatrics, oncology, cardiology, and neurology, creating opportunities for MBBS graduates to specialise and practice in these fields abroad.
- According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the public health field is projected to grow. In 2023, the healthcare sector employed 10.8% of the workforce in the United States. This percentage has gradually increased over previous decades, rising from 7.5% in 1990 to 10.6% in 2010 before stabilising.
MBBS Abroad Admission Requirements
The first step to understanding how to apply for MBBS admission abroad is to know the academic requirements expected from international students. Listed below are a few of them:
Age Requirements:
Prospective MBBS students must be at least 17 by December 31st of the admission year. There’s no upper age limit, ensuring accessibility for individuals of all ages to pursue their medical career goals through international education.
Academic Criteria:
Candidates seeking MBBS abroad must have completed their secondary education (10+2) with a science background, including Biology, Physics, and Chemistry, from a recognised board. A minimum of 50% in science subjects is required, with many universities also stipulating an aggregate of 50% or above in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Proficiency in English, usually studied as a compulsory subject during the 10+2 years, is also typically required.
Essential Documents For Completing MBBS In Abroad
For Indian students, additional documents may be required, such as:
- NEET Score Card (Not applicable for all universities)
- Birth Certificate
- Character and Transfer Certificates
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Bank Loan Approval Documents (if applicable)
- Eligibility Certificate from the National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Internship Completion Certificate (upon completion of the MBBS course)
Medical Standards:
Applicants must provide a medical certificate confirming their freedom from contagious diseases. This certificate ensures that candidates have good mental and physical health, a prerequisite for pursuing medical studies abroad.
Top Countries for MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
Many top medical colleges abroad offer top-class education and curriculum for Indian students. However, choosing the one that is right for you and fits your budget can be confusing. So, here is the list of top medical colleges abroad with their eligibility criteria that you must meet:
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is a top producer of MBBS graduates, with several renowned universities offering high-quality medical programmes. Two of the most prestigious universities in the UK for MBBS are the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford. Find the eligibility criteria below:
| University/College | Country | Average Fees (per year) | Eligibility |
| University of Cambridge | UK | INR 71L (£67,194) | – 10+2 with 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology – NEET/MCAT/UKCAT/BMAT exam – IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80+ |
| University of Oxford | UK | INR 46L – 61L(£43,670 – £57,690) | – 10+2 with 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology – NEET/MCAT/UKCAT/BMAT exam – IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80+ |
| Imperial College London | UK | INR 48L (£45,300) | – 10+2 with 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology – NEET/MCAT/UKCAT/BMAT exam – IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 80+ |
United States
Two of the most prestigious universities in the USA for MBBS are Harvard University and Stanford University. Here are all the factors one must consider ahead of applications:
| University/College | Country | Average Fees (per year) | Eligibility |
| Harvard University | USA | INR 57L ($69,300) | – 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology – MCAT/NEET exam – IELTS 6.5-7 or TOEFL 90+ |
| Stanford University | USA | INR 47L ($56,169) | – 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology – MCAT/NEET exam – IELTS 6.5-7 or TOEFL 90+ |
China
China helps many students become MBBS graduates, with several universities offering high-quality medical programmes. One of the most prestigious universities in China for MBBS is Peking University. Check how students can enrol here:
| University/College | Country | Average Fees (per year) | Eligibility |
| Peking University | China | CNY 75,000 (INR 8,72,580) | – 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology – NEET exam – HSK Level 4 or IELTS 6.0 |
Australia
Australia is another top producer of MBBS graduates, with several universities offering high-quality medical programmes. One of the most prestigious universities in Australia for MBBS is the University of Sydney.
| University/College | Country | Average Fees (per year) | Eligibility |
| University of Sydney | Australia | AUD 80,000 (INR 44L) | – 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology – NEET/MCAT exam – IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100+ |
Sweden
Sweden also has a significant number of MBBS graduates, with the Karolinska Institute being a renowned university for medical education. Check all the factors that Indian students must consider before they submit their applications in the table below:
| University/College | Country | Average Fees (per year) | Eligibility |
| Karolinska Institute | Sweden | SEK 290,000 (INR 23L) | – 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology – NEET/MCAT exam – IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+ |
Russia
Russia is another country that produces many MBBS graduates, with Kazan Federal University being a notable institution for medical education. Kazan Federal University offers an MBBS programme that requires a 10+2 in physics, chemistry, and biology. Check some more of the eligibility requirements here in this table:
| University/College | Country | Average Fees (per year) | Eligibility |
| Kazan Federal University | Russia | RUB 35,000 (INR 31,980) | – 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology- NEET exam – IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL 60+ |
Poland
Poland is home to several renowned medical universities that offer MBBS programmes. The Medical University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University are two of the top institutions in the country. Check the requirements here:
| University | Eligibility Criteria | Tuition Fees | Course Duration |
| Medical University of Warsaw | 10+2 with 50% marks in PCB, NEET qualification | 2,750 EUR per year (2012-13) | 6 years |
| Jagiellonian University | 10+2 with 50% marks in PCB, NEET qualification | 2,750 EUR per year (2012-13) | 6 years |
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan also has several universities that offer MBBS programmes, including the Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University, Osh State University, and Kyrgyz State Medical Academy. These institutions provide a more affordable option for international students.
| University | Eligibility Criteria | Tuition Fees | Course Duration |
| Kyrgyz Russian Slavic University | 10+2 with 50% marks in PCB, NEET qualification | USD 3,500 to USD 8,000 per year | 6 years with 1-year internship |
| Osh State University | 10+2 with 50% marks in PCB, NEET qualification | USD 3,500 to USD 8,000 per year | 6 years with 1-year internship |
| Kyrgyz State Medical Academy | 10+2 with 50% marks in PCB, NEET qualification | USD 3,500 to USD 8,000 per year | 6 years with 1-year internship |
MBBS Abroad Vs MBBS In India
Among the crucial choices is whether to pursue an MBBS degree abroad or within the borders of India. Both options offer distinct advantages and challenges, ranging from financial considerations and admission requirements to the quality of education provided. In this comparison, we’ll explore the differences between studying MBBS abroad and in India across three key aspects: cost, admission requirements, and quality of education.
| MBBS Abroad Vs MBBS In India | ||
| Feature | MBBS Abroad | MBBS in India |
| Seat Availability | Generally easier to secure a seat | Highly competitive; limited seats |
| Cost | It can be more affordable (depending on the country) | It can be expensive for private colleges |
| Educational Approach | Often more practical and hands-on | Focuses heavily on theory |
| Language of Instruction | Mostly English (exceptions exist) | Primarily English in some colleges, Hindi or regional languages in others |
| Eligibility for practising in India | Requires clearing the FMGE exam after graduation | No additional exam is required |
Exams Required To Study MBBS Abroad
Now that we have discussed how to apply MBBS in abroad, let us see what all the major tests that you need to take if you want to pursue a medical degree abroad. Check them out here:
| Exam Name | Country | Minimum Score Required |
| NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) | India, Russia, Bangladesh, China, Kazakhstan, Poland | 50% for General, 45% for SC/ST/OBC |
| MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) | USA, Canada | Varies by university, typically 500+ |
| UMAT (Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test) | Australia, New Zealand | Varies by university |
| UKCAT/UCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) | United Kingdom | |
| CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test) | South Korea |
MBBS Abroad: Cost Of Study
Apart from knowing how to apply for MBBS abroad, you must also know the average cost of studying MBBS in the top international countries. The table below lists the average tuition fees for pursuing medical degrees in the top study-abroad countries –
Here is a table with the country-wise cost of studying MBBS:
| Country | MBBS Tuition Fees (per year) | Cost of Living (per month) |
| USA | $18,000 – $86,000 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| UK | £9,000 – £59,000 | £1,300 |
| Canada | $20,000 – $60,000 | $800 – $1,500 |
| Australia | AUD $60,000 – AUD $80,000 | AUD $1,500 – AUD $2,000 |
| China | CNY 34,000 – CNY 75,000 | CNY 15,000 – CNY 35,000 |
| Russia | RUB 15,000 – RUB 35,000 | RUB 15,000 – RUB 35,000 |
| Ukraine | UAH 40,000 – UAH 80,000 | UAH 10,000 – UAH 20,000 |
| Poland | PLN 30,000 – PLN 60,000 | PLN 2,000 – PLN 4,000 |
| Germany | €20,000 – €40,000 | €800 – €1,200 |
| Italy | €15,000 – €30,000 | €800 – €1,500 |
Note that the costs can vary depending on the specific university, location within the country, and the student’s lifestyle. The figures provided are approximate ranges to give a general idea of the costs of studying MBBS abroad.
MBBS Abroad: Top Scholarships
Some top scholarships for MBBS are available for Indian students who want to pursue a medical degree abroad. These financial aids will help international students afford the fees of the top medical universities abroad easily:
| Scholarship Name | Country | Amount Covered |
| Chevening Scholarships | United Kingdom | Fully funded |
| Commonwealth Scholarships | United Kingdom | Fully funded |
| Fulbright Scholarships | United States | Fully funded |
| Beijing Government MBBS Scholarship | China | 20,000 RMB per year, covers tuition fee |
| Bilateral MBBS Programme Anhui Medical University | China | Fully funded by the Chinese government |
| Harvard Medical School Scholarships | United States | Varies, can cover up to 100% of tuition and living expenses |
| The Scotland Saltire Scholarship | Scotland | Tuition fee waiver |
| The IsDB Scholarship Programme | Multiple Islamic Development Bank member countries | Fully funded |
| OIST Internship in Japan | Japan | Fully funded research internship |
| Brunel Medical School International Scholarship | United Kingdom | £30,000, covers up to 15% of tuition fee |
MBBS Specialisations
After completing the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree and the mandatory one-year internship, MBBS graduates can choose to specialise in various fields of medicine. The two most common postgraduate options are:
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is home to several prestigious medical schools that offer MBBS programmes with various specialisation options. Some popular specialisations include general practice, surgery, paediatrics, and psychiatry.
| University | Specialisations |
| University of Cambridge | General Practice, Surgery, Pediatrics, Psychiatry |
| University of Oxford | General Practice, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Public Health |
| Imperial College London | Surgery, Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Radiology |
Australia
Australia’s medical education system is highly regarded globally, and MBBS graduates have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as general practice, internal medicine, surgery, and public health.
| University | Specialisations |
| University of Melbourne | General Practice, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Public Health |
| Monash University | Emergency Medicine, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, Radiology |
| University of Sydney | Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopaedics, Dermatology |
Canada
Canada’s medical schools offer MBBS programmes with a range of specialisation options, including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, and medical research.
| University | Specialisations |
| University of Toronto | Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Medical Research |
| McGill University | Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Oncology, Medical Informatics |
| University of British Columbia | Community Medicine, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, Geriatrics |
QS World University Rankings By Subject 2024: Medicine (Trends)
Students must note the fluctuations in the ranking in the last consecutive years. Here are the critical insights about the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 for Medicine:
- Harvard University continues to lead the rankings as the #1 university in the world for Medicine, maintaining its position from the previous year.
- The top 8 universities in the Medicine subject ranking are unchanged from the previous year.
- The only new entrant into the top 10 is Yale University, which has climbed one place from 11th to 10th.
- The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has dropped out of the top 10 but ranks 12th overall.
- The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 cover 60 disciplines, with Medicine being one of the subjects ranked.
The 2024 QS World University Rankings for Medicine continue to be dominated by prestigious institutions, with Harvard University maintaining its position at the top and only minor changes in the top 10 rankings compared to the previous year.
Potential Career Opportunities, Salaries, and Scope for MBBS Abroad for Indians
Studying MBBS abroad offers Indian students a wide range of career opportunities, competitive salaries, and a promising scope in the field of medicine. Here is a detailed insight into the potential career paths, salaries, and scope for Indian MBBS graduates abroad:
1. Career Opportunities
- Medical Teacher or Professor: Teaching in medical colleges or universities, conducting research, and contributing to academic advancements.
- Medical Writing/Journalism: Writing medical articles and research papers or working as a medical journalist.
- Entrepreneur: Establishing healthcare startups or ventures and innovating in the medical field.
- Clinical Researcher: Conducting clinical trials and research studies, contributing to medical advancements.
- Pharmaceutical Researcher: Working in pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs, researching drug efficacy and safety.
- Organ Transplant Coordinator: Facilitating organ transplant procedures, ensuring smooth organ donation and transplantation coordination.
- Forensic Medical Officer: Investigating and determining causes of death, providing medical expertise in legal and forensic investigations.
- Public Services: Working in public health departments or government healthcare agencies, contributing to public health policies and initiatives.
- Radiology: Specialising in medical imaging techniques, diagnosing and treating diseases using imaging technologies.
- Holistic Healthcare Provider: Offering alternative or complementary medical treatments, focusing on holistic well-being and patient-centred care.
2. Salaries
- In countries like the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada, salaries for medical professionals are competitive, with the potential for high earnings based on specialisation and expertise.
- Specialised fields like surgery, cardiology, and neurology often command higher salaries due to the complexity and demand for these specialities.
| Average Salaries Around The World | |
| Job Roles | Average Salary (INR) |
| Medical Practitioner/Physician | 50-60 LPA |
| Medical Officer | 45-60 LPA |
| Medical Researcher | 70-80 LPA |
| Emergency Medicine Specialists | 55-60 LPA |
| Surgeons | 60-85 LPA |
| Occupational Health Physician | 60-65 LPA |
3. Scope
- MBBS graduates abroad can work in leading hospitals, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and healthcare organisations globally.
- They can pursue postgraduate studies, specialise in various medical fields, and contribute to cutting-edge research and advancements in healthcare.
- With a globally recognised degree, Indian MBBS graduates can practice medicine internationally, work in diverse healthcare settings, and significantly impact global health.
Studying MBBS abroad equips Indian students with a wealth of career opportunities, competitive salaries, and a promising scope in the dynamic and rewarding field of medicine on a global scale.
Following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively prepare yourself to complete the MBBS degree application process. The information above will clear all your doubts regarding how to apply for MBBS, and you can pave your way toward a rewarding career in medicine.
FAQs
Q. How to study MBBS abroad for free?
A. While MBBS education is generally not free, some countries like Germany, Norway, and Sweden offer tuition-free or low-cost education for international students, including those pursuing medical studies.
Q. How many years to study MBBS in abroad?
A. In most countries, including popular destinations like Russia, China, Ukraine, and the Philippines, an MBBS programme is typically 5 to 6 years, including theoretical and practical training.
Q. How much does it cost to study MBBS abroad?
A. The cost of studying MBBS abroad varies by country and university, ranging on average from INR 5 lakhs to 60 lakhs per year. Additional expenses like accommodation, living costs, and travel should also be considered.
Q. How to study MBBS abroad without NEET?
A. Some countries and universities offer MBBS programmes that do not require NEET scores for admission. Students can explore such options, meet the eligibility criteria set by those institutions, and apply directly for admission.
Q. How to get a scholarship to study abroad MBBS?
A. To secure a scholarship to study MBBS abroad, students can research scholarship opportunities offered by universities, governments, organisations, and foundations. They should meet the eligibility criteria, submit the required documents, and apply within the specified deadlines.
Q. How can I do MBBS abroad?
A. To study MBBS abroad, students must meet eligibility criteria, including completing 10+2 with Biology, qualifying for NEET/MCAT, and demonstrating English proficiency through tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
We hope this blog on How To Apply For MBBS Medical Degree Abroad? has cleared up several doubts about this topic. Continue reading similar articles on international education!
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