MBBS Abroad

Overview

To become a doctor in India one should have either a High Merit or Surplus Money. Globally, several students travel to different destinations to pursue their dreams and career. This migration usually occurs from the eastern part to the western part of the world due to better infrastructure of Universities, global exposure, and availability of specific specializations and career opportunities. If we discuss Medicine as a specialty, the reasons for migration from India to other countries are very distinct from English speaking countries and Europe.

In India getting an MBBS Seat in any of the Govt colleges is the most challenging task in the world. It is primarily due to the lack of Infrastructure and availability of faculties in Medical Colleges. The government has implemented many reforms in the Medical education sector such as relaxing the norms of opening new medical colleges and academic criteria to become a faculty in a Medical college to increase the MBBS seat availability, getting a MBBS seat is distant dreams for many.

As per government reports published on various platforms over a while, more than 40% of non-clinical and 65% of faculties in clinical subjects are not available in Medical colleges, which were opened recently in the last 5 years, leading to severe impacts on learning of the medical students. Hopes for getting an MBBS seat become leaner every passing year for the medical aspirants. In 2022 approx. 18,000 Indian students got enrolled in Medical Universities globally, which is more than 1/3rd of Pvt Med College Students.

INDEX

  • MBBS Seat in Govt College
  • High Tuition Fee in Pvt Medical Collages
  • Advantages of MBBS Abroad
  • MBBS Abroad Destinations
  • Education Pattern of MBBS Abroad
  • Duration of MBBS Abroad
  • Eligibility for MBBS Abroad
  • NMC rules for MBBS Abroad
  • Cost of MBBS Abroad
  • Admission Process for MBBS Abroad
  • Medical License in India after MBBS Abroad
  • Medical PG in USA(USMLE) after MBBS Abroad
  • Medical PG in UK ( PLAB) after MBBS Abroad
  • Medical PG in Germany after MBBS Abroad
  • Difficult to get a Govt. Seat in India

    India is facing continuous challenges in Medical education infrastructure for decades including the disconnect between education and health service delivery, the high cost of education, underutilization of existing resources, and the multiplicity of entrance examinations for medical seats, among others. Globally, there has been a constant drive for improving the doctor population ratio to ensure better access to healthcare services.

    In 2022, more than 18.7 Lacs students appeared for India’s most prestigious Medical Entrance Exam NEET-UG to secure their MBBS Seat in 650 Govt and Private Medical colleges collectively Approx. 185 Medical colleges with 23000 Seats added in the last 5 years both in Govt and Private sectors. Despite these efforts, the chances of getting an MBBS Seat in India dropped from 6.68% to 5.29% in the last 5 years. This is because of the growing number of NEET UG aspirants and the slow-paced evolution of the medical education infrastructure, which can meet the growing demand for MBBS seats.

    MBBS seats in India

    As of the year 2022, India has 13.01 lakh registered allopathic doctors. It is expected 10.4 Lacs which is 80% of registered doctors are active in public healthcare. Currently, India has a 1:1346 doctor-to-population ratio which is far below than Global norm of 1:1000. Scarcity of Healthcare professionals in India leads to the elevated demand for doctors.
     You can refer to the below table to take a look at the MBBS Medical College's trend-

    YEAR MBBS Colleges MBBS Seats NEET Applicants (in Lacs) Govt. Seat Govt. + Pvt Seat
    Govt Pvt Total Govt Pvt Total
    2017 218 232 450 35870 34290 70160 11.4 3.14% 6.16%
    2018 227 237 464 37140 35040 72180 13.3 2.79% 5.44%
    2019 245 242 487 39385 35890 75275 15.2 2.59% 4.95%
    2020 279 254 533 42735 37640 80375 15.9 2.67% 5.03%
    2021 285 269 554 43335 39840 83175 16.1 2.69% 5.16%
    2022 355 293 648 45125 45990 91115 18.7 2.41% 4.86%
    2023 372 307 679 54168 50165 104333 21.0 2.58% 4.97%

    High tuition Fees in Private Medical Colleges in India

    If we look at Indian Private Medical Colleges, they offer three types of seats Govt Seat, Management Seat, and NRI Seat. Paying hefty amounts of 60 Lacs to 1.5 Cr made the dream of becoming a doctor almost next to impossible for a student belonging to a middle-class family. This dream even looks worth less for many people, those who can afford this as Private Medical College has a low inflow of Patients, entirely lacks quality infrastructure and shortage of faculties.

    Type of College Management Seat NRI Seat
    Deemed University Colleges 75-90 Lacs 1.25-1.75 CR
    Private Medical Colleges 60-70 Lacs 1.25 CR
    MBBS Abroad University NA 25-40 Lacs

    Moreover, the compulsion of clearing the NEXT Exam to get the License in India made the pathway even more complex for Private Medical college students. Nonetheless, students get the opportunity to study at a Public University Abroad holding more than 100 years of experience at an affordable price, hence, MBBS Abroad is worth choosing over Private Medical College in India.

    medical college india

    Advantages of MBBS Abroad

    There are numerous benefits to the MBBS Abroad over study at Private Medical College in India. You can refer to the below table to understand the values we fetch in MBBS Abroad on various critical parameters, that are crucial before deciding the right path

    Key Parameter MBBS Abroad Pvt Medical College
    University Type Public & Private Both Only Private
    World Ranking Available Not Available
    Recognition WHO, WFME, ECFMG, US GMC,UK etc NMC and very few international recognition
    Teaching Experience Up to 200 Years Mostly up to 10 Years
    Tuition Fee 2-5 Lacs / Year (Affordable) 8-25 Lacs / Year (Expensive)
    Global Exposure Very High, Students from across world No Exposure
    Teaching Methodology Small Groups of 15-20 Students in each batch, Test after every Conceptual Class 100-150 students in a batch
    Grading of Academics Mostly European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) University Level, CBME
    Opportunities for Global Medical PG US, CANADA, Gulf Region, UK and other European Countries incl India Primarily India
    Patient Interaction Moderate to High Very Less
    Affiliated Hospitals Multiple Hospitals for different speciality College Hospital only

    MBBS Abroad destination

    Students move to different destinations depending on their Budget, Education pattern, Cultural ties, Weather conditions, Food preference, distance from India, etc, below is the Major destinations for MBBS Abroad

    Click any country name for more details about the MBBS Program in a particular country. Click any country name for more details about MBBS Program in a particular country.

    mbbs-abroad-map

    Countries for MBBS in Asia

    Countries for MBBS in East Europe

    Countries for MBBS in Europe

    Czech Republic Lithuania Hungary
    Poland Serbia Latvia
    Romania  Croatia Bosnia
    Slovakia Bulgaria Albania 
    Azerbaijan Italy Macedonia

    Education Pattern of MBBS Abroad

    Every country is has a varied education system to deliver medical education to its students. As most Asia countries were colonies of the Western world in the last 150-200 Years. These countries adopted modern medicine (Allopathic Medicine) education from the western world. Each country developed its Medical education based on its community needs and its long-term vision for the healthcare system post-independence. Broadly there are three systems adopted by different countries, namely-

  • Asian Education System
  • European Education System
  • American Education System
  • Asian Education System

    Asian Education System

    Asian countries follow the Education system comprised of a Bachelor's program with a duration of 4-1/2 or 5 years followed by an internship of 1 year, which makes a complete program of 5-1/2 to 6 Years.These countries permit the students to practice independently after Bachelor’s Degree due to the low doctor-to-population ratio. Doctors in Asian countries are referred to as General Physicians which are MBBS Degree holders. The Academic Assessment is made on yearly basis in most countries. Basic eligibility to get into Bachelor’s Program is 10+2 / Senior Secondary with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. To know more about Medical PG in India (NEXT)

    European Education System

    European Education System

    Balkan Countries/East European and EU countries award, an MD degree which is a Bachelor Program. The duration of the MD Program is 6 Years and internship/Clinical rotation is an integral part of regular study and continued over 6 years of studies. As most European countries have established Health Care Systems, each one follows the ECTS system, a European norm to make the system uniform across the EU countries. This system not only ensures minimum standards of education across European Universities but also presents opportunities to take the transfer without any academic loss.

    Any Graduate cannot practice unassisted; they need to go for a Master's Program to obtain the License to practice. However, this program is usually offered in their Native Language, while a few Universities deliver programs in French, being a widely spoken language in Europe. The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) System is followed throughout the semester system to make Academic assessments of the students. Basic eligibility to get into Bachelor’s Program is 10+2 / Senior Secondary with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Many Countries also ask for Mathematics as a subject, and in Europe Physics is considered. To know more about PG in UK (PLAB) and Medical PG in Germany

    American Education System

    US, Canada, South American countries, Philippines follow the American System where the student is required to do a Bachelor of Science (BS) Program first then followed by a 4 Years of MD Course. The Doctor of Medicine (MD) course consists of 2 years of Basic Medical Science (BMS) and 80 weeks/2 years of Clinical rotation. You must be a specialist to practice in the US, a MD has to clear the USMLE Exam to get into the Residency Program (Master Program equivalent to MD/MS in India) to become a specialist. The semester system is utilized to make the academic assessment. Know more about Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

    Duration, Degree awarded in MBBS Abroad

    Refer to the table below for the duration of the MBBS/MD course and the Degree awarded after successful completion of the course. Note that: An MD degree is a bachelor's degree which is equivalent to MBBS only. *Reference has been taken from the World Directory of Medical School (WDOMS) site, respective University websites, etc.

    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
    Georgia 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Ukraine 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Armenia 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Egypt 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Poland 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Belarus 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Romania 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Slovakia 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Bosnia 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Lithuania 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Serbia 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Croatia 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Moldova 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Hungary 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Czech Republic 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    Latvia 6 Year Incl Internship MD English
    USA via Caribbean 4/5 Years MD English
    Malaysia 5 Year, No Internship for Foreign Nationals MBBS English
    Mauritius 5 Year, No Internship for Foreign Nationals MBBS English
    Philippines 2 Yrs BS+ 4.5 MD +1 Year Internship MD English

    Eligibility for MBBS Abroad

    Most Universities abroad follow certain benchmarks to admit international students for the MBBS/ MD course. All Universities abroad delivers Medicine program in their native language for local students, Bilingual, and completely in English for International Students. Mostly International students get admitted to the English taught Program but many times agents admit Indian students into Bilingual Program which is not approved by NMC. It is important to note that you must not only meet the criteria set by the respective University for admission but also you need to meet the NMC Criteria, at the same time to obtain the License to practice in India. Find the table given below to learn about Country wise admission criteria-

    Country Academic Eligibility in 10+2 Grade NEET Score Written Test / Interview Eligible to practice in India
    Nepal 50% in PCB Qualified No Yes
    China Different criteria for all the Universities, Mostly 65%+ in PCB Different Scores for different University Few Univ Yes
    Bangladesh 70% in 10th Grade & 60% PCB Qualified No Yes
    Kazakhstan 50% in PCB Qualified No Yes
    Kyrgyzstan 50% in PCB Qualified No Yes
    Uzbekistan 50% in PCB Qualified No Yes
    Russia 50% in PCB Few Univ Few Univ Yes
    Georgia 50% in PCB Few Univ No Yes
    Ukraine 50% in PCB Few Univ No Yes
    Armenia 50% in PCB Few Univ No Yes
    Egypt 50% in PCB Few Univ No Yes
    Poland 50% in PCB Few Univ Yes Yes
    Belarus 50% in PCB Few Univ Yes Yes
    Romania 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
    Slovakia 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
    Bosnia 50% in PCB Not Req No Yes
    Lithuania 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
    Serbia 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
    Croatia 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
    Moldova 50% in PCB Not Req No Yes
    Hungary 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
    Czech Republic 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
    Latvia 50% in PCB Not Req Yes Yes
    USA via Caribbean 50% in PCB Not Req No No
    Malaysia 50% in PCB Qualified No No
    Mauritius 50% in PCB Qualified No No
    Philippines 50% in PCB Qualified No No

    Academic eligibility and age criteria for MBBS Abroad are the same as in India, the only difference is the validity of the NEET Score which is 3 years in the case of MBBS Abroad and for India, only the current year's NEET score is valid for counselling.

    Category 10+2 or Equivalent Grade Neet Score Age
    GEN 50% in PCB Qualified in any 2021, 2022 or 2023 NEET Exam 17 Years
    ST/SC 40% in PCB
    OBC 45% in PCB

    Cost of MBBS Abroad 

    The cost of the MBBS Abroad program varies from 20 Lacs to 1 Cr based on the country and University selection, hence, it is essential to check your budget for the complete program MBBS before finalizing any country or University Abroad. In addition, there may be variations in cost primarily because of the destination. The cost of the complete program is divided into three major categories –

  • Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad
  • Hostel & Private Accommodation
  • Cost of Living Abroad
  • Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad

    The Tuition Fee for MBBS Abroad is uniform for all the students admitted to a particular program irrespective of their nationality. The tuition fee for all the coming years before commencing the session remains constant. Usually, the MBBS tuition fee is the lowest for classes conducted in their native Language, Moderate for Bilingual, and highest for completely English taught.

    Hostel & Private Accommodation

    Most of the time, University offers hostel accommodation to international students. These hostels have different categories of rooms like unshared rooms (independent), interior facilities, varied infrastructure, attached washrooms, living space, or shared rooms (2-4 students), etc. The hostel charges differ depending on the category of rooms. The hostels are allocated based on the availability of rooms when the student reaches the University. Each room comprises basic infrastructure including a bed-mattress, table, wardrobe, central heating system, and so on.

    If any individual desires to have a private apartment, they can opt for it too, at an actual cost ground. The cleaning of hostel rooms is the student’s responsibility. However, it is recommended to pick the University hostel considering the language barrier and not having enough knowledge of city routes and local laws. Usually, the hostel’s charges range from 500 USD to 2500 USD annually depending upon the country. Every hostel has a common kitchen on every floor where the students can cook the food. A common facility such as an Induction cooktop, Fridge, and Microwave oven is provided by the University in the kitchen area. Above all, the utensils and other utilities must be fetched by the students.

    Cost of Living Abroad

    Cost of Living Abroad

    The cost of living consists of all your expenses including food. Nonetheless, personal expense completely depends upon a student’s needs and lifestyle. During their academic, the students can join Indian Mess if it is available or they can cook themselves in the Hostel or Apartment. The average living cost of a student excluding food is around 80-100 USD a month. In the EU countries, this is on the higher side. And, during the initial months, the expenses will be high as one needs to buy clothing, shoes, and other necessary items to settle down in a new environment.

    Several Universities abroad offer Indian Mess; this mess is headed by private contractors that offer three meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. These messes are usually available in Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, etc. The monthly cost of mess will range from 100-150 USD depending upon the duration of services.

    Cost comparison for MBBS Abroad for various countries

    NMC Rules for MBBS Abroad
  • For the entire course, English must be used as the medium of instruction.
  • The duration of the study program should not be less than 66 Months (5.5 Years) including an internship.
  • The total duration of the internship during the course should be a minimum of 12 months.
  • The entire course must be conducted solely on one campus.
  • The student should be allowed to register with a body competent enough to grant the license in that particular Country
  • The entire course must be completed within the timeframe of 10 Years.
  • Admission Process for MBBS Abroad

    The MBBS aspirants, looking for admission to MBBS in Abroad Universities, must follow the measures below starting from the registration process at a University till the beginning of the MBBS/MD Program-

    Step Action Responsibility Duration Month
    Selection of University Need to finalize the Country and University based on budget, Quality of education, and Meeting NMC Criteria Student & Parents - Jan- Aug 2023
    Document for Application Student should share the Registration Form,10+2 Mark sheet, NEET Score Card, Aadhar Card, and Passport Copy. If pursuing 12th, then 10th and 11th Mark sheets as an academic document. Student Within 1 Week Jan- Aug 2023
    Application to the University Translation of documents in the respective language of the country and application to the University MOKSH Within 1 Week of Reg. -
    Scrutiny of Candidate University will take written Test/Interview/ Verification of Doc as per University eligibility criteria University 1 Month -2 Months After receipt of Application -
    Admission Letter University will issue the Admission Letter/Conditional Letter based on meeting the eligibility criteria. Ex  If the NEET Score/12th Mark sheet is not available then University may issue the conditional letter or hold the letter till doc being submitted University 2 -4 Weeks Apr- Aug 2023
    Tuition Fee University may ask you to pay the tuition fee completely or partly in order to secure your admission Student Within 1 Week of time
    Invitation Letter/ JW202 Translation, Attestation, and Legalization of all docs (MOKSH Team will share the List incl Self Medical fitness Certificate) to be submitted to the University. Ministry of Education will issue the Invitation letter a copy to the MOKSH and a copy of it to the embassy of the respective country. MOKSH 4 -8 Weeks July-Sept 2023
    VISA MOKSH will apply for the VISA based on the invitation letter, Embassy may ask for Student's biometric verification thru VFS or to meet the VISA officer in person MOKSH/Student 2 -4 Weeks Aug-Sept 2023
    Travel Arrangement MOKSH will issue Travel ticket and other arrangements required in the country of the University like pick-up, Local transfer, etc. MOKSH 2 -3 Weeks Sept-Oct 2023
    Arrival to University Post arrival at the University, a Medical test will be conducted to assess the fitness of the candidate to pursue the Medicine Program. The primary objective of Medical tests is to identify communicable diseases. University also does the COVID-19 Test. There may be an isolation period before shifting to the hostel. MOKSH Within 1 Week /Post COVID Isolation Oct-Nov 2023
    Stay Arrangement University Hotel/Temporary Stay will be arranged before registration to the Program MOKSH As per Requirement -
    Enrolment in the Program Student will be enrolled in the program after getting the Medical Fitness Certificate. Medical Insurance, Temporary Residence Card (TRC)/ Visa Extension, Bank Account opening process will be initiated. MOKSH 2 -4 Weeks Oct-Nov 2023
    Commencement of Classes Student will start attending the classes of the Medicine Student 1 Week of Registration Oct-Nov 2023

    Medical License in India after MBBS Abroad

    During MBBS study, a student realizes the importance of being a specialist. They also understand the competitiveness to secure MD/MS Seat in Govt College. If we look at the success ratio to get PG in Govt Medical College which is 11% Broadly we can say that only 1 out of 10 will get PG Seat whereas the chances of getting Clinical specialty is 1 out of 20 applicants. It is obvious that the PG journey is going to be very difficult or else students should have enough money to get a paid seat in Pvt Medical College which may be in Crores!

    Total Applicants NEET PG 2022 Specialty Govt Med College Pvt Med College
    Seats Success Ratio Seats
    2.06 Lacs
    MD (Non Clinical) 15K 8.6% 10K
    MS (Clinical) 8K 4.6% 5K
    Total 23K 11.4% 15K

    Do you feel early preparation and the right mentorship will pave your dream of becoming a specialist? NMC already notified the introduction of the NEXT Exam in India from 2023. This exam will replace all Medical PG exams in India. The exam will be conducted in two parts NEXT-1 and NEXT-2. 

    The Objective of the NEXT-1 is to assess the Student’s Knowledge of Pre, Para, and Clinical Subjects on the National Level. Only post-qualifying of NEXT-1 any Medical student will be eligible for an Internship. Post completion of internship Students needs to go thru NEXT-2 which will assess their Clinical skills, Patient Management, and Keeping of Medical history. Those who will Clear NEXT-2 awarded a license to practice and Rankers of NEXT-1 will get PG seats of their choice. You may refer to Page for detailed information on the NExT Exam

    Know More 

    Medical PG in USA (USMLE) after MBBS Abroad

    Most of the Students studying Abroad also plan for doing Medical PG from USA. This is because getting PG Seats in India is very tough.

    With the introduction of NEXT, maximum students in India are getting attracted to USMLE prep from 1st year of MBBS since it simulates the new NMC Competency-based curriculum remarkably. US Healthcare system is considered as one of the best health care systems in the world because of numerous reasons like high rewards, excellent infrastructure, merit based assessment, open opportunities for Super specialties. Most of the countries try to replicate US health care assessment system for their Medical Graduates. USMLE exam is divided in 3 Parts. One can appear in USMLE Step 1 after 2nd Year, USMLE Step 2 CK during internship and Step-3 during residency (Medical PG). Unfortunately there is no prometric center in Goergia, But, all neighboring countries are having these centers.

    Medical PG in USA (USMLE)

    MOKSH Coaching focuses on a patient-centered learning approach which helps students score high on both USMLE & NEXT. MOKSH is the leading name in USMLE Coaching. Currently, 1000+ Students from Indian and Abroad medical colleges are preparing for USMLE steps via the MOKSH Platform.

    Know More 

    Medical PG in UK ( PLAB) after MBBS Abroad

    Due to the close proximity of Abroad to UK, many of the students plan to do their Medical PG from UK. Till 2024, the Professional & Linguistic Assessments Board Test (PLAB test) is the instrument to assess the skills and knowledge of an International Medical Graduate. It also judges whether they are fit to be trained to practice medicine in the UK. 

    In short, an IMG's performance in PLAB determines her eligibility to practice in the UK. The PLAB test has two stages. PLAB 1 is an exam that has 180 MCQs that tests your recall. On the other hand, PLAB 2 is a practical OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam) that tests your clinical skills.

    The GMC ascertains your linguistic skills by assessing your score in specific tests. It may be the IELTS (Band Score 7.0 or higher) or OET (Grade B in reading, writing, listening & speaking). 

    After you pass PLAB 1 & 2, you apply for the GP registration. There is one constraint. You have a window of 2 years after clearing PLAB 2 during which you may apply no later.

    By 2024, the UK Medical Licensing Assessment will replace the PLAB. Consequently, the GMC UK is going to change certain things in PLAB and create the UKMLA exam.

    Know More 

    Medical PG in Germany after MBBS Abroad

    Medical PG in Germany

    PG in Germany after MBBS in Abroad is another great option, though it requires you to learn the German language. Of the 6 levels starting from A1 to C2, you need to clear A1 and A2 that would qualify you to apply for visa. 
    Once the Language formalities are done, you get into the phase where you do Observer-ship from a German hospital approved by the German Medical Council. This is followed by Residency.
    This may sound simple here but the process is quite complicated. To know more about PG in Germany,

    Know More 

    Your Chance to get an MBBS Seat in India

    The most difficult time for any of the students is to wait after NEET till the counseling process to know whether he/she is getting a college of his/her choice or not? Sometimes this dilemma continues for a couple of months due to multiple rounds of counseling. It has become more difficult due to parallel counseling of All India Quota and various States due to COVID-19. The counseling process is very complex where 650+ Govt. and Private colleges offer 98000+ Seats and fee variation is also huge that ranges from less than 1 Lac to 2.5 Cr for the course.

    Download the NEET Predictor

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