MBBS abroad is becoming an increasingly popular option for students in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh who dream of becoming doctors. With limited seats, high competition, and rising tuition fees in local medical colleges, many students are exploring international universities that offer affordable, high-quality medical education. In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about pursuing MBBS abroad, including the best countries, eligibility criteria, costs, admission process, and key advantages. I also did MBBS from one of them.
What is an MBBS degree?
MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery — it’s the primary undergraduate medical degree awarded in countries that follow the British medical education system (like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the UK, and many Commonwealth nations).
Full Form
- MB – Medicinae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Medicine)
- BS – Baccalaureus Chirurgiae (Bachelor of Surgery)
Despite being called two degrees, MBBS is a single, combined program that trains students to become doctors.
Why Study MBBS Abroad?
Here are the main reasons why thousands of South Asian students choose to study medicine abroad every year:
- Affordable tuition fees compared to private medical colleges back home
- Globally recognized degrees (e.g., WHO, ECFMG, NMC, PMDC, BMDC approved)
- No entrance exams in many countries (no NEET or MDCAT for admission, only eligibility)
- Modern facilities and English-medium instruction
- High FMGE/MLE/USMLE success rates from certain universities
- Better chances for specialization abroad
Top Countries for MBBS Abroad (For South Asian Students)
1. Kyrgyzstan
- Duration: 5 years
- Very budget-friendly
- Good option for students with lower grades
- Most of the students study there
2. Russia
- Duration: 6 years
- Medium: English
- Affordable fees and globally recognized universities
- Popular with Pakistani and Indian students
3. China
- Duration: 5-6 years
- MCI/PMDC/NMC-approved universities are available
- Lower tuition + modern hospitals for clinical training
- Note: Check if your selected university teaches in English
4. Uzbekistan
- Growing in popularity
- Recognized programs with good infrastructure
- English medium available
5. Georgia
- European system of education
- No entrance test
- Easy visa process
6. Kazakhstan
- Duration: 5 years
- MCI/PMDC-approved medical universities
- Affordable with good safety standards
7. Philippines
- US-based curriculum
- High USMLE pass rates
- Students may need to take a pre-med year
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad
While requirements may vary by country and university, here are the general eligibility conditions:
- Minimum 60% in FSC/12th Grade (Science) with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry
- NEET qualification (for Indian students, depending on the university)
- MDCAT qualification of at least 50% (for Pakistani students applying via PMDC)
- Age between 17–25 years
- Valid passport
- English proficiency (some countries may require IELTS/TOEFL, but many don’t)
Cost of MBBS Abroad
| Country | Tuition Fee (Per Year) | Living Cost (Per Month) |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | $3,000 – $5,000 | $150 – $250 |
| China | $3,000 – $6,000 | $200 – $300 |
| Kyrgyzstan | $1,800 – $3,000 | $100 – $200 |
| Georgia | $5,000 – $7,000 | $300 – $400 |
| Kazakhstan | $2,000 – $3,500 | $150 – $250 |
Note: These are average estimates. Actual costs vary by university and city.
Admission Process – Step by Step
- Research and shortlist universities
- Check the eligibility criteria for each institution
- Apply online through the official university portal or authorized representatives
- Submit documents:
- Passport
- Educational certificates (FSC/12th)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Passport-size photos
- Police clearance (if required)
- Get an admission letter
- Apply for a student visa
- Pay tuition fees
- Fly to your destination and begin classes
Is MBBS Abroad Worth It?
Yes—if you choose the right university. Many students from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh have completed their MBBS abroad and cleared licensing exams like FMGE (India), NRE (Pakistan), and BMDC exams (Bangladesh).
However, it’s important to:
- Choose WHO, PMDC, BMDC, and NMC-approved universities
- Be prepared to clear the local licensing exam after graduation
- Focus on language and cultural adaptation
- Stay consistent with your studies, especially clinical training
Licensing After MBBS Abroad
Depending on your home country, you will have to pass a licensing exam:
- Pakistan: NRE (National Registration Examination)
- India: FMGE or NEXT (National Exit Test)
- Bangladesh: BMDC Registration Exam
- USA: USMLE
- UK: PLAB
What Can You Do After MBBS?
- Become a licensed doctor after clearing the required licensing exam (e.g., NRE in Pakistan, NEXT/FMGE in India, BMDC in Bangladesh).
- Pursue specialization (PG/MD/MS) in fields like Cardiology, Surgery, Pediatrics, etc.
- Work in hospitals, clinics, or research centers.
Final Thoughts
Studying MBBS abroad can be a life-changing opportunity for South Asian students, offering global exposure, world-class training, and a chance to build a medical career either in your home country or internationally. But smart choices matter. Research thoroughly. Choose wisely. And stay focused on your goals.
If you need help with university selection, admission guidance, or visa processing, feel free to reach out.
FAQs
Studying MBBS abroad is a smart choice because it’s more affordable than private medical colleges in South Asia, has easier admission criteria, no hidden fees or donations, and offers globally recognized degrees with quality education in English.
MBBS in Kyrgyzstan is an excellent option for students who are on a budget or have lower academic grades. The best part is that the program duration is 5 years, just like in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.
Kyrgyzstan is one of the best countries to study MBBS without FMGE, especially for students with a low budget or average grades. The program is 5 years long (just like in South Asia), affordable, and taught in English at many recognized universities.
Other countries offering MBBS without NEET include:
Philippines (pre-med + MD program)
Note: NEET is not required for admission, but Indian students must qualify for FMGE if they plan to return and practice in India after completing MBBS abroad, as per NMC rules. For students from Pakistan and Bangladesh, NRE and BMDC.
- Kyrgyzstan
- Russia
- Kazakhstan
- Uzbekistan
- China
- Georgia
The MCI test (now called FMGE – Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is a licensing exam conducted in India for students who complete their MBBS abroad.
It is required by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensure foreign graduates meet the standards to practice medicine in India.
Conducted by: National Board of Examinations (NBE)
Eligibility: Indian citizens with a foreign MBBS degree
Passing the FMGE is mandatory to get medical registration in India
Note: Students planning to study MBBS abroad must choose a university approved by NMC to be eligible for the FMGE.
- Kyrgyzstan is one of the best countries for MBBS for Indian students due to its affordable fees, English-medium programs, and 5-year course duration, similar to India.
Other top countries include:
Russia – Globally recognized universities - Kazakhstan – Budget-friendly with growing popularity
- Uzbekistan – Modern campuses and English-taught courses
- Georgia – European standards
- Philippines – US-based system, but now MCI has dismissed the universities
Choose universities approved by NMC and check FMGE passing rates for better success after graduation.
The best country for medical study depends on your budget, preferred program duration, and career goals. Here are some top options:
- Kyrgyzstan – Affordable fees, English-medium programs, and 5-year MBBS courses, ideal for students on a budget.
- Russia – High-quality education, globally recognized universities
- China – Low-cost education with numerous options, many universities offering MBBS in English.
- Georgia – European-standard medical education, easy visa process, and growing popularity.
- Ukraine – Affordable, high-quality education, but keep an eye on political stability.
- Germany – Free education in public universities (for EU/EEA students) with excellent medical programs.
- USA – Top-tier universities with world-class facilities, but very high tuition fees and competitive entry.
Tip: Ensure that the university is approved by NMC/PMDC/WHO if you plan to practice in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh after completing your studies.
Studying MBBS abroad involves several important steps. First, research and choose the right country and university. Popular destinations like Kyrgyzstan, Russia, China, and Ukraine offer affordable tuition fees and globally recognized universities. Make sure the university is approved by NMC/PMDC/WHO/BMDC for valid recognition. Next, check the eligibility criteria. For Indian students, this typically requires 50% in PCB and possibly a NEET qualification, depending on the university. Once you’ve selected a university, you’ll need to complete the online application and submit documents such as your educational certificates, passport, and a medical fitness certificate. After receiving the acceptance letter, apply for a student visa and ensure you have all necessary documents like the admission letter, financial proof, and passport. Once you’ve paid the first-year tuition fees, you can book your travel, arrive at the university, and complete the registration process. Upon completion of your MBBS, you’ll need to pass licensing exams like the FMGE for Indian students or NRE for Pakistani students, to practice in your home country. If you plan to practice in India, passing the FMGE or NEXT exam is mandatory.
An MBBS degree from the following countries is valid in India, provided the university is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC):
These universities are generally listed in the World Health Organization (WHO) directory and approved by the NMC. However, after completing the MBBS degree from any of these countries, **Indian students must pass the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT to practice medicine in India.
Note: Always verify the university’s recognition status with the NMC to ensure that your degree will be valid in India.
- Kyrgyzstan
- Russia
- China
- Kazakhstan
- Ukraine
- Philippines
- Georgia
Yes, you can study MBBS abroad without NEET in several countries. Many universities in countries like Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, and Ukraine offer MBBS programs without the need for NEET (National Eligibility Entrance Test) for Indian students.
However, if you are an Indian student planning to practice in India after completing your MBBS abroad, you must qualify for NEET before starting your studies. NEET is required to appear for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT exam after graduation to get medical registration in India.
For students from Pakistan and Bangladesh, NEET is not required to study MBBS abroad.
Note: Always check the eligibility criteria of the university and country before applying.
The cost of MBBS in India varies significantly based on whether you study in a government or private medical college.
Government Medical Colleges:
The cost of MBBS in a government medical college for Indian students typically ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹2 Lakhs per year (for state government colleges). For All India Quota seats, fees can be around ₹10,000 to ₹1.5 Lakhs per year.
Private Medical Colleges:
Private medical colleges have much higher fees, ranging from ₹10 Lakhs to ₹50 Lakhs or more for the entire course (5 years). Some of the top private colleges may charge even higher amounts, including donation or capitation fees, which can further increase the total cost.
Note: The fees vary based on the state, college ranking, and whether you’re applying through the management or NRI quota.
Yes, a foreign MBBS degree is valid in India if the university is recognized by the NMC and listed in the WHO directory. Indian students must also pass the FMGE or NEXT to practice in India. However, after completing MBBS abroad, Indian students must pass the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT (National Exit Test) to be eligible to practice medicine in India.
Note: Make sure the medical university is listed under the NMC’s approved institutions to ensure your degree is recognized in India.
MBBS abroad is a great option due to affordable tuition fees, easier admission processes, and globally recognized degrees. It offers quality education without the high costs of private medical colleges in India and the opportunity to practice medicine worldwide. Plus, many countries don’t require entrance exams like NEET, making it an accessible choice for many students.
Kyrgyzstan is currently one of the best countries for MBBS with the lowest fees. Tuition fees in Kyrgyzstan range from $3,000 to $5,000 per year, making it much more affordable than countries like Russia, China, or even private colleges in India and Pakistan.
Why Kyrgyzstan stands out:
- Large Indian, Pakistani & Bangladeshi student community
- Affordable tuition and hostel fees
- English-medium MBBS programs
- Globally recognized degrees (NMC, PMDC, BMDC approved)
- No donation or capitation fees
Kyrgyzstan is one of the best countries for Indian students to pursue MBBS due to its affordable fees, English-medium instruction, and recognition by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India.
Why Indian students prefer Kyrgyzstan:
- Growing community of Indian students
- Low tuition fees ($3,000–$5,000/year)
- No donation or capitation fees
- NMC-approved universities
- NEET-qualified students are eligible
- Indian mess and hostel facilities are available
Kyrgyzstan is considered one of the best countries for MBBS, especially for students from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), due to its affordable fees, English-medium instruction, and recognized universities.
Why Kyrgyzstan stands out as the best:
- Indian and Pakistani mess, secure hostels, and large student communities
- Globally recognized degrees (NMC, PMC, BMDC approved)
- Affordable tuition fees ($3,000–$5,000/year)
- English-medium programs with qualified faculty
- Simple admission process and no entrance exam (except NEET for Indians)
Kyrgyzstan is widely considered the best foreign country for MBBS, especially for students from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It offers an ideal combination of quality education, low cost, and international recognition.
Reasons why Kyrgyzstan is the best option:
- Indian food and hostel accommodations are widely available
- Low tuition fees ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per year
- English-medium instruction in most universities
- NMC (India), PMC (Pakistan), and BMDC (Bangladesh) approved medical colleges
- No donation or capitation fees required
- Simple admission process with minimal documentation
- Safe environment with Indian/Pakistani/Bangladeshi student communities