Study MBBS Abroad

• Well, the dreaming part is over now and, let's come to the reality of becoming a doctor in India.
• As mentioned in the Times of India on Mar 21, 2024, 24 lakh students registered for NEET in the year 2024 and, 23 lakh students appeared for the exam all over India in various examination centers.
• Out of them, only 13,15,853 students were able to clear the entrance test.
• The importance of NEET has increased over the years since its introduction in India.
• An order passed by MCI (NOW NMC) in March 2019 made NEET mandatory for all students, not only to study in India but also to study abroad.
• As of May 2024, the total number of medical colleges in India is 706 and, the number of stand-alone PG institutes is 64 as published on Wikipedia.
• Out of 706, only 386 colleges are Government colleges. And the rest of 320 colleges are private.
• As mentioned in the Times of India September 2024, the total number of medical seats available in India is 1,18,137.
• Now you can understand the myriad gap between the number of students applying for medical colleges and the number of medical seats available in India.
• The percentage of an MBBS aspirant securing a seat in a medical college in India is very negligible due to the heavy competition.
• Pursuing medical education in a private institute in India is very expensive.

• If you think you can acquire a Medical seat in any of the Government colleges in India, then there is no point in moving abroad to study MBBS.
• If you are planning to take a year off to crack NEET or, if you have the idea of joining a private college to study MBBS, or if you are planning to switch careers, then you should prefer to study MBBS Abroad.

Myths and misconceptions about studying MBBS abroad

High tuition fee: Most of us have a preconceived notion that studying Mbbs abroad would cost you a dire. Though the cost of studying MBBS abroad is high, it is not as high as the tuition fee collected in a private medical institute in India when compared with the amenities, the quality of education, infrastructure available while studying MBBS abroad.

Also, the investment return is higher when you choose to study MBBS abroad, as doctors are highly paid professionals. Cost-effective Countries like Germany and Italy provide Medical Education free of cost when you clear their screening test.

Many study-abroad websites provide information regarding the scholarships available for candidates applying for MBBS abroad.

Cost of living: Among Indians, it is nothing new to think that the cost of living in a foreign country is high. But that's not true. There are many countries from all over the world where the cost of living is affordable.

The cost of living depends upon the country you choose, university, place, and duration of the course you choose. So select a university or country which suits your budget.

The cost of living in India for a student studying MBBS is RS.60000 approximately. The cost of living in China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan is RS.75,000. Therefore it is not very high compared to the cost of living in India.

Language barrier: Most of the universities in foreign countries offer their courses in English. So it will not be big trouble for you if you listen and adapt to the native English spoken in that country.

Hence language will not be a barrier if you are familiar with the accent when you plan to study MBBS abroad.

Opportunities after completing MBBS abroad: You might be afraid that you might not get great opportunities after finishing MBBS abroad.

But that is not true you will have ample job opportunities from all over the world, and there is also scope to pursue higher studies in India or any other country as per your choice.

After completing MBBS overseas, you can work in any other country by clearing the local exit test conducted in the country.

Safety issues: The foremost reason people avoid or fear studying MBBS in foreign countries is racism and bullying in western countries. Many universities provide a safe environment for international students.

They do not entertain racism or ragging on any of the students studying in their university.

Availability of Indian Food: Several Medical universities abroad provide a wide range of Indian cuisine. There are many Indian departmental stores in various foreign countries.

Indian seniors studying MBBS in the country you pick will help you with local stores and restaurants. Indian communities formed there will give you a warm feeling of a family.

You can learn to cook together with other Indian students’ simple home-cooked meals rather than spending money in cafes/restaurants.

You Might feel left out: You might feel you'll be left out or alone after moving to a foreign land to study MBBS. But that is not true. Professors abroad will be your mentors throughout the course.

You will be able to approach them at any time to clear your doubts and, they'll make you feel comfortable and warm. Not only the professors but also you'll receive immense support from your peers too. They will help you to explore the city, culture and, language along with doubts in lectures.

You'll always be chilling out: If you think studying abroad is all about chilling out with your friends, then you are going to be wrong. Of course, you will get ample time to engage yourself in other activities to revive yourself. Participating in group activities and projects to show your skills is necessary. It does not mean academics are more unimportant. You have to work on a lot of projects and assignments that require hard work. In addition to that, attending classes while studying MBBS abroad is crucial.

As cited at www.northeastern.edu, "When talking about studying abroad, you're taking concepts from the classroom and watching it play out in real-time, in real life," says Marissa Lombardi, an assistant teaching professor at Northeastern University.

There are many advantages to earning an MBBS degree abroad. Let us look at the benefits of studying MBBS abroad for Indian students:

1. No donation or capitation fees: A medical aspirant doesn't have to pay a donation to acquire a seat in foreign universities. In India, you'll have to pay a massive sum of 15 to 20 lakhs to secure a seat in the private medical colleges to study MBBS. The tuition fee is also as low as 2.5 to 5 lakhs to study MBBS in many countries like China, Russia, Georgia, etc.,

2. World-class infrastructure: The quality of education abroad is high. The medical colleges have modern technologies and equipment for practical experience and medical research that give global exposure to the students. The infrastructure and labs are more advanced in foreign countries. Many universities overseas are recognized by MCI (NOW NMC)/NMC, WHO, UNESCO, European council, etc.,

3. Guaranteed and Direct admission system: A candidate aspiring to study MBBS abroad does not have to clear any entrance test in most countries. You will be qualified to study MBBS abroad if you have cleared NEET and based on your performance in the 12th board exams. Preference is on a first cum first serve basis.

4. Great Exposure: A student seeking to study MBBS abroad has opportunities to acquire more knowledge and skills. The Universities have their affiliated hospitals that give hands-on practical experience to the aspirants. The fellow students in foreign countries belong to different countries, cultures, and backgrounds that lead to international exposure of a student.

5. Enhance your language skills: Studying abroad helps to brush your language skills. Living in a new country helps to learn a new language with nuances. You'll learn the language quickly as you practice it every day. Developing your language skills has a positive impact on your career.

6. Career opportunities: Of course, the main benefit of studying MBBS abroad is to improve your career prospects. You can start practicing in India if you clear the entrance test conducted by NMC. You can also pursue PG courses in any other foreign country by clearing the exit test conducted at the university. Your career will blossom to a new extent when you study abroad. You'll have a higher level of adaptability when you study MBBS abroad which grabs more job opportunities.

7. You'll become self-reliant: When you study abroad you start living in a new environment and, you manage everything on your own. This experience will make you independent, mature, and responsible. It builds confidence in your personal and professional life as well.

8. Explore the world: When you choose to study MBBS abroad, you'll get to explore different parts of the world and travel to new places. Getting to see and traveling to new places is a rewarding experience. It will shape you up as a better person.

1. A NEET score is compulsory even though you choose to study abroad. When you complete your course and would like to practice in India, you need to have a NEET score.
2. You have to be careful in choosing a college or country while studying MBBS abroad. The college or university should be MCI (NOW NMC)/NMC approved.
3. You have to clear a screening test called NEXT to get the license to practice in India.
4. Choose a college or university in a country that gives you coaching to crack NEXT.
5. Check if the language of instruction is in English or the native language. Otherwise, you have to learn the native language to understand the subjects taught.
6. Even though the lectures are in English, you have to learn the native language when you are practicing. The native language helps you to interact with the patients and helps you to know well about their disease and symptoms.
7. Only those students who have completed their degrees from MCI (NOW NMC)/NMC will be eligible to appear for NEXT. NEXT is a screening test to be cleared to pursue your PG in medicine.
8. Clinical experience is very important when you're studying MBBS abroad and would like to practice in India. So, choose a college or university which offers a clinical exchange program with your country.
9. Location of medical college is also a concern. The location affects the number of people visiting the medical college. Choose a college which is not located far away from the city. It will enable you to communicate with more patients and gain more knowledge and experience in your field.
10. Choose a country where English is a popular language among the natives. Only then, you interact with your patients well and understand their disease.
11. If you are sure about the university you want to pursue MBBS, and if you have done a detailed analysis about them and thorough with each step to apply, you can apply for the university yourself.
12. On the other hand, if you are not sure about the course of action, then approach an overseas educational consultancy. An educational consultancy will give you a good idea of the study and visa processes.

Get Directional Global is one such overseas educational consultancy engaged in offering services to higher studies aspirants since 2013.
As an Overseas Education Consulting Company, they provide end-to-end Education and immigration services. The most prominent features of their services include flexibility, speed, and dedication that ensure complete satisfaction for both candidates and clients.

Let us look at the general guidelines to be met by an Indian student to pursue MBBS overseas.

Age requirements: The student should have completed 17 years by December 31 of the year he pursues his course. There is no upper age limit to study MBBS abroad.

Academic qualifications: The student must have finished 10th, +2 from a recognized Board.

The candidate must have a cumulative percentage of a minimum of 50% or above in Physics, Chemistry. and Biology. He/she must have studied English as a mandatory subject in school.
Students must qualify in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
The student is required to produce an Eligibility certificate issued by the Medical Council of India or NMC.
Medical Certificate: A student must provide a medical certificate to prove that he is not suffering from any contagious disease at that time of admission.

Age requirements for NEET: For general candidates, the upper age limit is up to 25 years.
For SC/ST categories, the upper age limit is up to 30 years.
Once cleared, the score of the NEET exam is valid for three years.

The admission process to study MBBS abroad:
Once the candidate has met the eligibility criteria, he/she can directly apply to the universities in the foreign countries of his/her choice. Or else, they can apply via an educational consultancy to get clear guidance.

Whether you are applying directly or applying through an educational consultancy, always do proper research of the universities you would like to study.

Essential documents required to apply for the universities in foreign countries:
10th mark sheet
12th mark sheet
Passport front and back copy
NEET result copy
Passport size photo
Updated CV

Popular countries to study MBBS abroad among Indian students:
India is the best country to study MBBS when it comes to Indian students. Students opting for a private medical college in India likely have to spend 75 lakhs to 1.25 crores Concerning the limited seats available in government colleges in India, we can select one among the following countries to study MBBS.

United States of America: To study MBBS in the USA is a dream for many medical aspirants in India. The quality of education in the USA is very high. The colleges are WHO, MCI (NOW NMC) approved. The teaching method is also different from the other European countries. You have to appear for a screening test called GMAT. You need not appear for NEXT if you study MBBS in the USA. The cost of living in the USA is very high. The budget of studying MBBS in the USA is 65 lakhs to 1.25 crores.

China: Only 45 educational institutes in China are qualified to teach MBBS in English and admit international students, as per the guidelines from the Ministry of Education, China. So students have to choose from one of these 45 colleges and that are approved by MCI (NOW NMC). The budget required to study in China is 33 lakhs for 'A' graded universities and 22 lakhs for 'B' graded universities.

Russia: All Russian medical colleges are Medical Council of India and the World Health Organization recognized. Out of these, 12 universities teach MBBS in the English medium. The students who completed their MBBS course in Russia had passed the MCI (NOW NMC) screening test easily when compared to students who completed their MBBS course in other east European countries. The budget required to study in Russia is 33 lakhs for 'A' graded universities and 22 lakhs for 'B' graded universities.

Uzbekistan: Top medical colleges for MBBS in Uzbekistan out of the Uzbekistan MBBS college list are among the world ranked universities and still have a low fee structure of MBBS in Uzbekistan. Indian students applying for MBBS in Uzbekistan are eligible for licensing exams such as NEXT, USMLE, PLAB, etc. The cost of living is low in Uzbekistan as compared to any other country. Also, It hardly costs US$ 130 per month (Rs 8,000) towards living costs in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan MBBS fee is also low. Azerbaijan: The government medical colleges in Azerbaijan are MCI (NOW NMC), WHO approved. The quality of education is high and the tuition fee is affordable in Azerbaijan. You can know more about Azerbaijan by reading MBBS is Azerbaijan

You can contact "Get Global Directional Team" through email (info@getdirectionglobal.com)/ phone (+91 8015000900 | +91 8220542111 / +91 7092712111) to know more about the universities which provide high-quality MBBS degree overseas.