Students who pursue MBBS abroad must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practise medicine in India.
In India, many young people dream of studying MBBS abroad, but due to financial constraints, this dream often remains unfulfilled. Several factors contribute to this, including the limited number of MBBS seats in India and low scores in the NEET exam. However, there are many countries where studying MBBS is more affordable.
Here’s a list of countries where MBBS can be pursued at a lower cost:
Germany: Many students aspiring to study MBBS opt for Germany, as the cost of medical education is relatively low. Admission is based on the NEET score. The annual cost of an MBBS course in Germany ranges from Rs 4 to 6 lakh. Notable institutions for medical studies in Germany include Heidelberg University and Hamburg University.
Russia: Every year, a large number of Indian students choose to study MBBS in Russia. NEET scores are essential for admission. The course duration is 6 years. According to reports, Kursk State Medical University is one of the most popular universities among students. Bashkir State Medical University is another sought-after institution. The overall cost of completing an MBBS course in Russia is around Rs 29 to 30 lakh.
Philippines: Medical education in the Philippines is also affordable, attracting many Indian students. In 2022, over 15,000 Indian students went to the Philippines to pursue an MBBS course. The course duration is between 5.5 and 6.5 years. Admission is granted based on the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). Candidates applying for MBBS in the Philippines must be between 17 and 25 years of age. The total cost for MBBS studies here is between Rs 20 to 22 lakh.
Belarus: Belarus is another country popular with Indian students for MBBS studies due to its affordability. MBBS degrees from Belarus are recognised by the WHO and the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. The cost of the MBBS course is between Rs 25 to 30 lakh, with monthly living expenses ranging from Rs 15,000 to 20,000.
Kazakhstan: Medical education in Kazakhstan is considered inexpensive. The MBBS course is completed in 5 years. Admission requires a minimum of 50% marks in Class 12. The cost of the MBBS course in Kazakhstan is up to Rs 25 lakh. After completing the MBBS degree, students must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practise medicine in India.
China: The MBBS programme in China lasts for 6 years, which includes 5 years of education and 1 year of internship. Many Indian students choose China for MBBS studies, partly because China offers scholarships to international students. The minimum age for admission is 17 years. The total cost of studying MBBS in China is around Rs 29 to 30 lakh.
Students who pursue MBBS abroad must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to practise medicine in India. The exam is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBE) and takes place twice a year, in June and December.
Recently, the Delhi High Court issued a notice requiring students who have completed their medical education abroad to complete at least 12 months of internship in their home country before being allowed to practise in India. This ruling came in response to a petition by students who had returned from Ukraine, requesting permission to continue their studies in India.
