One of the biggest roadblocks for Indian students looking to pursue MBBS in India is clearing entrance exams and paying exorbitant donations to private medical colleges. This is precisely what foreign universities get rid of when you’re applying for MBBS outside of India. There are many countries that provide you with an MBBS degree with better facilities and exposure than their Indian counterparts.

Countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Germany are all open to students from outside their countries and are highly welcoming to new cultures and traditions. The best part is the level of transparency with which these universities operate, eliminating the need for hidden costs in the process.

Considering the cut-throat competitive scenario that MBBS aspirants face in India, when it comes to countries like Russia, the tuition fee charged on a yearly basis is downright affordable for any middle-class Indian family. There are a couple of other countries as well on the list of preferences such as China, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines.

Here’s a list of the approximate cost of the MBBS course across countries.

Best Countries for pursuing MBBS          Average Estimated Yearly Tuition Fees (in INR)

Russia                   3 – 8 Lakhs

Philippines         3 – 6 Lakhs

Ukraine               3 -6 Lakhs

Kazakhstan        2.5 – 5 Lakhs

Germany             5 – 10 Lakhs

Kyrgyzstan        2.5 – 5 Lakhs

Of the many reasons Indian students pick these countries, the very obvious one is the proximity of these countries to India, which makes the weather and other geographical conditions fairly similar to India. Apart from that, another big advantage is the mode of communication being English and the recognition of these universities by the Medical Council of India.

How to choose the right university for you to study MBBS in abroad?

1) Course fee and budgeting:

It’s important for students to have a fair estimate of the yearly expenses they might incur during the course. MBBS degrees usually cost more than other courses primarily because of the duration including the cost of equipment and facilities. There are MBBS scholarships available for international students, which they need to be aware of. Therefore, thorough research is needed in this regard for students to make the most of this opportunity.

2) Rankings:

It is advisable for students to check the global or national ranking of the universities that they are applying to. This will ensure the quality of education that the colleges might be providing and also consider the list of countries they wish to practice after finishing their course and if these universities allow that for students. Having an idea of the university’s reputation will be beneficial to you.

3) Curriculum:

While the MBBS curriculum in most universities abroad is the same, some may have a different approach than others. For instance, some colleges prefer the traditional approach where students are taught different subjects followed by hospital-based learning. And some other colleges may prefer an integrated format where students are exposed to clinical aspects right from the beginning. Few others may also follow problem-based learning, where students are taught through case-based discussions, as per the complexity of the patient.

4) Recognition:

There are few governing bodies that maintain the quality of education in these countries. As a student, you should ensure that the universities you’ve selected are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), UNESCO, EHO, IMED, and more. It is important to check the type of accreditation and recognition the universities have before applying.