MBBS from Abroad

11 minute read

The medical field has a completely unique allure, making MBBS the most sought-after course. There are several benefits to earning your MBBS abroad. The fact that the Medical Council of India recognizes the majority of international degrees is one of the primary benefits and likeability factors of the MBBS program. The candidate’s ability to practice medicine in India in addition to their home country of study is the best component. Continue reading to know more about the benefits of pursuing an MBBS abroad.

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Why Pursue MBBS from Abroad?

Pursuing an MBBS degree from abroad comes with lots of advantages. Being aware of the lucrative scope before joining can be helpful in multiple ways. Highlighted below are some of these advantages:

  • Low Cost: An MBBS degree can often be expensive but studying abroad is relatively cheaper while offering world-class facilities.
  • Dynamic Culture: Living and studying in any foreign country introduces one to many people, varied cultures, and different practices making it an enriching and worthwhile experience.
  • Global Network: Provides an opportunity to work and network with professionals from all around the globe and learn from the best 
  • Increased Demand and Salary: With an international medical degree recognized all around the globe, you will be able to tap the most exciting opportunities in any content.

With an increasing demand for medical professionals and increasing awareness of the facilities available around the globe for medical education, more and more students are opting for MBBS from abroad. These are some of the most popular destinations that students opt for and also some of the most famous schools in each destination.

United Kingdom

The UK is home to some of the most recognized and respected universities to pursue MBBS from abroad and doing an MBBS in the UK is all about taking advantage of this tremendous reputation. Studying in the UK provides you access to a platform that has trained the best in almost every industry. Home to the culture of research, knowledge, and technology innovation, pursuing an MBBS from the UK gives you the very best medical education. The culture of the country and its citizens are welcoming and accommodating. Mentioned below is a list of top medical schools in the UK.

Canada

Famed for being the favourite destination for Indians to pursue MBBS from abroad, doing an MBBS in Canada feels close to home. MBBS in Canada provides you with increased quality of education and standard of living. Canada provides you with the opportunity to pursue medical education at well-reputed colleges with highly qualified faculty and modern equipment. There exists ease of living in Canada due to a dynamic multicultural diversity and no language constraint. With a pro-immigration stand taken by the country, you will not face any problem in getting a work visa after completing an MBBS degree in Canada. Founded in 1827 as King’s College, University of Toronto it is the birthplace of insulin and stems research that has revolutionized the medical industry. The major medical schools of the country are:

West Indies

West Indies is an up-and-coming choice for pursuing MBBS from abroad and comes with many perks. A low-cost destination with modern infrastructure, a dynamic and welcoming community, and a practical program, the country is becoming popular due to its merits. Being at a close distance to the United States of America is an added bonus that is well exploited by international students. One of the most popular choices for pursuing an MBBS in the West Indies is St. George’s University situated on the beautiful island of Grenada. The students attending this university enjoy the vibrant multicultural environment on the True Blue Campus. The University has over 12,000 graduates which include different professionals like veterinarians, physicians, public health professionals, and researchers. Established as an independent school of Medicine in the year 1976, St. George’s has evolved as one of the top destinations for international education with students from across 140 countries. St. George’s University has become the third-largest source of doctors for the whole US medical workforce and has over 140 doctors from St George’s University that are registered in the United Kingdom.

Must Read: MBBS in the Caribbean

Russia

Russia is an affordable place for higher education with modern infrastructure and experienced faculty and that is why it is a preferred location for Indian students to pursue MBBS from abroad. Medical Universities in Russia do not have any entrance tests and hence getting into these universities is a comparatively hassle-free process. The universities in Russia have a popular culture of dual diplomas which provides you with an added option of exploring different areas of medicine. One of the most popular universities to study MBBS in Russia is the Kazan State Medical University. Kazan State Medical University was established in 1814 and is the number one choice of international students as it provides flexibility in its course curriculum, conferences, and fee structure. Some renowned medical colleges in Russia are enlisted below:

Philippines

Being a US colony for 50 years, the education system of the Philippines is very similar to that of the states. The colleges situated in the Philippines poses magnificent infrastructure, world-class teaching techniques, experienced faculty, and affordable fees. The Philippines is the third-largest English-speaking country in the world, and pursuing an MBBS in the Philippines comes with no language barrier. It is also one of the largest contributors of doctors and nurses in the USA. There exists a high demand for medical professionals that have graduated from medical colleges in the Philippines in countries like the USA, UK, etc. It also has one of the highest passing rates in MCI Screening tests. The University of the Philippines is a go-to choice for Indians to pursue MBBS from abroad. Some of the other medical schools in the Philippines are:

  • University of Santo Tomas
  • Our Lady of Fatima University
  • Cagayan State University
  • AMA College of Medicine
  • University of Perpetual Help Dalta 

Ukraine

This European country provides opportunities in a bundle. Being one of the cheaper destinations for pursuing MBBS from abroad, Ukraine provides one with many benefits. There exists no entrance test for admission to MBBS in Ukraine and one does not need to provide an English proficiency certificate. The most exciting avenue of studying in Ukraine is the “European Credit Transfer” which allows you to transfer to any medical college in any EU member country later on. The Bologna Agreement equips you with a choice of continuing your post-graduation in any EU country. Some of the highest accredited Ukraine Medical universities are enlisted below:

USA

The USA is well-suited for pursuing MBBS from abroad keeping in mind the latest development in technology and medicine. For MBBS in the USA, the degree is known as the Doctor of Medicine/ Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. An applicant wishing to pursue a medical degree in the States has to appear for the MCAT test. One should also have a four-year bachelor’s degree in Science for MD in USA. Despite that, the destination is one of the most preferred destinations due to the ever-idolized American dream. Some of  the most reputed universities for medical studies in the United States are:

Recommended Read: Best Medical Colleges in the USA

Australia

Australia is regarded as one of the best countries to live in when compared to the standard of living. Apart from that, Australia is also home to world-class universities offering diverse medical science specialisations, making it a preferred destination to pursue MBBS from abroad. MBBS in Australia is a very popular choice among Indian medical students. Australia hosts more than 5 lakh international students every year and this number is only increasing. It is a cheaper option compared to India when you factor in the quality of life provided. Find below some of the top-notch medical colleges in Australia.

Germany

Being one of the most popular destinations for foreign studies due to zero tuition fees and low cost of living, MBBS in Germany is a preferred choice for international students due to the world-class medical industry in Germany. Germany is renowned for its interactive teaching techniques, futuristic courses, and dynamic and practical learning environment. There are 36 medical colleges in Germany with each owning and operating a medical centre of its own thus providing a very practical approach to learning. This makes Germany a must-consider choice for Indian medical students to pursue MBBS from abroad. The most popular university in Germany is Heidelberg University situated in Southwest Germany. Founded in 1386, it is one of the oldest universities in the world. As of today, the student body consists of more than 20 per cent of international students.

Bangladesh

Pursuing MBBS in Bangladesh is considered a prudent choice for offering the ultimate combination of high-quality MBBS from abroad and an affordable fee structure. Ranked second after India, Bangladesh provides a student with the added advantage of cultural similarity. With a depreciated currency, the cost of pursuing an MBBS in Bangladesh is reduced significantly with a bonus. Being so close to home, a student is adjusted to the welcoming culture of Bangladesh very easily. The top university for MBBS in Bangladesh is the University of Dhaka which is the oldest in the country. This university is among the top 100 universities in Asia.

Georgia

An up-and-coming destination for medical students, MBBS in Georgia provides a whole package for pursuing MBBS from abroad. Being one of the favourite tourist places, the facilities provided in Georgia help for an easy transition. Being one of the safest countries with a very low crime rate, Georgia provides a welcoming, safe and value-for-money alternative to Indian students. Another perk of going to Georgia is the fact that a student does not require an English proficiency certificate to apply. Also, there exists no bar to the age of a prospective candidate. A student also has the option of shifting to Germany in their post-graduation course. No tuition fee is charged in the final year for an MBBS. Some of the top established medical colleges of Georgia are enlisted below:

  • East European University
  • University of Georgia
  • Kutaisi Institute of Medicine
  • Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University

China

China is a preferred choice for Indian medical students pursuing an MBBS from abroad not only because of the limited distance between India and China but also because of many other advantages. MBBS in China has an easy admission process with easy criteria and an affordable medical education that makes China a flag-bearer of high-quality medical education. The world-recognized Chinese medical institutions provide education in English and hence a knowledge of the native language is not necessary. Some of the popular medical Universities of China that have created a niche for themselves worldwide are:

Eligibility Criteria

For prospective students, it is imperative to be aware of the eligibility criteria before applying for an MBBS degree abroad. Some major eligibility standards set are as follows:

  • The student must have passed 12th grade with the minimum percentage of marks set by the academic institution.
  • The student must have studied science as a discipline in the last years of high school to ensure the formation of a foundational base 
  • For Medical Entrance Exams, NEET is a standardized examination that a student needs to undertake to be eligible to study MBBS in various countries.
  • MCAT is another globally recognized test that is required to study in countries like Australia, Canada, and the USA.
  • Along with this, many countries with English as the majorly spoken language require candidates to provide English language proficiency scores like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. Along with this, you will also have to provide an SOP and LORs.

Top Universities for MBBS from Abroad

Now that you are familiar with the top destinations for medical courses in the world, take a look at the top-ranked universities for pursuing MBBS from abroad as per THE World University Rankings 2023 by Subject: Clinical and Health

UniversityCountryTHE World University
Rankings 2023
University of OxfordUnited Kingdom1
University of Cambridge United Kingdom2
Harvard UniversityUnited States of America3
Imperial College LondonUnited Kingdom4
Tsinghua UniversityChina5
Stanford UniversityUnited States of America6
University of TorontoCanada7
UCLUnited Kingdom8
Yale UniversityUnited States of America9
King’s College LondonUnited Kingdom10
John Hopkins University United States of America11

To know more about the courses offered by these top medical universities, check out Top Medical Colleges in the World!

FAQs

Is NEET required to study MBBS from abroad?


According to the Gazette notification of the Medical Council of India, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has been made mandatory for pursuing medical courses abroad. Thus, students who wish to study MBBS from abroad are required to qualify NEET entrance exam.

What is the duration of an MBBS from abroad?


Usually, the duration of an MBBS from abroad is 6 years (5 years + 1 Internship). The final year of the internship is provided for practical training.

What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing MBBS from abroad?


Candidates are required to pass senior secondary education from a recognized board. The minimum age for applying is 17 years. Candidates are required to study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in class 12 to pursue MBBS from abroad. A minimum mark of 50% is required to get admission to medical colleges abroad.

Can one practice medicine in India after pursuing MBBS from abroad?


Many medical universities abroad are globally recognized by the Medical Council of India and the World Health Organisation. Students who complete their MBBS from such universities are free to practice medicine in India.

What is the medium of language for pursuing an MBBS from Abroad?


Most of the globally-recognised medical universities abroad instruct in the English language. However, there are few colleges which offer bilingual programs to indulge students in improving their cultural knowledge when they pursue MBBS from abroad.

Other Study Abroad Destinations for Pursuing MBBS 

MBBS from abroad is still a lesser-explored career choice among Indian students and with limited information given about this golden opportunity, it’s important to get the right guidance backed by hands-on experience. Visit Leverage Edu today and get guidance at every step of your MBBS from abroad journey.

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16 comments
  1. Uzbekistan is also a good destination for mbbs study Bukhara state medical institute Uzbekistan opens the door for Indian students now recently this institute approved by Medical Council of India so please include this country also in your list

    1. Apart from Uzbekistan, there are other popular destinations to study MBBS like China, Ukraine, Georgia, Ireland etc.

    1. Hi Ananya, there are a plethora of MD options available after completing MBBS. Reach out to our experts at 088262 00293
      and they will tell you the best-suited country and university as per your interests.

  2. This one is really a nice article with lots of information. I will definitely share this blog over my network.
    Thanks for sharing.

    1. Hi Sushanta, our address is – Leverage Edu Tower, A-258, Bhishma Pitamah Marg, Block A, Defence Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110024. You may also reach out to our experts at 088262 00293.

  3. thanks for sharing this amazing article about study mbbs from abroad but there are lot of countries you mentioned here which is little bit confusing for us to choose the best. but this is very helpful for us.

  4. I read your blog, it’s an excellent blog. Its very informational and helpful for the students who want to study MBBS abroad. It gives a detailed information about various aspects and benefits of studying MBBS Abroad. I recommend this blog to students who want to get detailed information about Studying MBBS abroad.

  1. Uzbekistan is also a good destination for mbbs study Bukhara state medical institute Uzbekistan opens the door for Indian students now recently this institute approved by Medical Council of India so please include this country also in your list

    1. Apart from Uzbekistan, there are other popular destinations to study MBBS like China, Ukraine, Georgia, Ireland etc.

    1. Hi Ananya, there are a plethora of MD options available after completing MBBS. Reach out to our experts at 088262 00293
      and they will tell you the best-suited country and university as per your interests.