Why Study MBBS in Abroad?
Why Study MBBS in Abroad?
Most of us would have dream of pursuing MBBS to become a doctor in our childhood. The reason is the respect they get in society apart from their earnings. You would have inspired to become a doctor when you went to a pediatrician.
Your admiration for the profession would have doubled when you saw them saving thousands of lives every day. You must have said to yourself that you would become a doctor when you grow up. All of us would have thought in this way at least once in our life.
The reality of studying MBBS in India:
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 October 16, 2020, 15,97,433 lakh students registered for NEET in the year 2020 and, 14 lakh students appeared for the exam all over India in various examination centers.
Out of them, only 7,71,500 students were able to qualify for the NEET entrance test.
The importance of NEET has increased over the years since its introduction in India.
An order passed by MCI in March 2019 made NEET mandatory for all students, not only to study in India but also to study abroad.
As of May 2020, the total number of medical colleges in India is 541 and, the number of stand-alone PG institutes is 64 as published on Wikipedia.
Out of 541, only 280 colleges are Government colleges. And the rest of 261 colleges are private.
As mentioned in the Times of India September 2020, the total number of medical seats available in India is 80,312.
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.
Why should you prefer to study MBBS abroad?
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.
False notions about studying MBBS abroad
High tuition fee: Most of us have a preconceived notion that studying MBBS abroad would be pricy. 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. There are universities abroad where you can complete your education within 20 lakhs for the entire Course including tuition fees, hostel, and food.
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. 60,000 approximately per year. The cost of living in Azerbaijan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, China, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, the Philippines 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. All countries and universities provide a safe environment for international students.
They do not entertain racism or ragging on any of the students studying in their university. And the local law is very strict and students don’t do such activities abiding by the law.
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.
Most of the Universities recruit students through a direct representative and every representative owns their Indian mess to facilitate their students with 3-time Indian meal at an affordable cost somewhere within 100 $ a month inside the campus or inside the hostel.
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.
Beyond that all university hotels have a common kitchen with all amenities, you can learn to cook together with other Indian student’s 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 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.
Things You should have in mind when you choose to study MBBS abroad:
- 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.
- You have to be careful in choosing a college or country while studying MBBS abroad. The college or university should be MCI/NMC/WHO/UCGME/CAAM-HP approved and accredited.
- You have to clear a screening test called FMGE to get the license to practice in India.
- Choose a college or university in a country that gives you coaching to crack FMGE.
- 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. Like in Germany without knowing German, you cannot study since Medicine is fully taught in German.
- 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. (University teaches Local language in first 2 years as one of the subjects).
- Only those students who have completed their degrees from MCI/NMC approved universities abroad will be eligible to appear for NEXT. NEXT is a screening test to be cleared to pursue your PG in medicine, NEXT is common for both those who pursue medicine in India as well in Foreign countries.
- 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. The best is to study MBBS abroad in a Government University rather than choosing a private university.
- 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.
- Choose a university where English is the medium of instruction and teach the local language as a subject. As a result, you can speak to the locals in their native language. Only then, you may interact with your patients well and understand their disease.
- 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.
- On the other hand, if you are not sure about the course of action, then approach an overseas educational consultancy that is directly authorized to recruit students from India. 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.
Eligibility criteria to study MBBS abroad:
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 to appear for NEET 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 the minimum sum of Rs.75 lakhs and might go up to 1.50 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 vision for numerous medical aspirants in India.
The quality of education in the USA is superior to all other countries. The colleges are WHO, MCI approved. The teaching method is also distinct from the other European countries.
Students who would like to study MBBS in the USA have to complete a pre-medical course called the Bachelor of Science program before applying for an M.D.
The cost of an M.D program including a B.S program is very high. So, there is an alternate pathway for Indian students to pursue MBBS in the USA. It is done by doing a B.S program in Caribbean universities and then you can appear for MCAT (entrance test to pursue M.D in the USA). By following this Caribbean pathway the cost of education in the U.S will almost come down by 50 lakhs. The students have to choose a college that is CAAM – HP accredited.
United Kingdom: MBBS in the UK is the most sought-out course in the world. Forty-five top universities in the UK are amongst the top 600 medical universities in the world.
If you are ambitious about studying MBBS abroad, then UK is one of the best options for you, considering the excellence of education in the U.K.
MBBS in the UK is offered as a 5 – 6 year program as MB (Bachelor of Medicine). After completing MBBS in the UK, students have to register themselves at the General Medical Council of the UK.
Indian students have to secure at least 50 percentile in NEET to be eligible to study MBBS offered by top universities of the UK.
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.
The budget required to study in China is 33 lakhs for ‘A’ graded universities and 22 lakhs for ‘B’ graded universities.
Philippines: Philippines is one of the popular destinations among Indian students to study MBBS abroad. You do not have to learn the local language as in Russia or China as English is the widely spoken language in the Philippines.
The Philippines follows the U.S.-based Education system. So, you have to do a pre-medical course before the M.D (Doctor of Medicine). After completing the pre-medical program, you have to qualify for NMAT to get admission to study M.D (M.D is equivalent to MBBS in India) in the Philippines.
The cost of living is low in the Philippines as compared to other countries. The climate is also very much like Indian weather. One has to be careful in choosing the universities in the Philippines as some of the colleges are not NMC and WHO approved.
Uzbekistan: Uzbekistan located in central Asia, is one nation that is highly favorable for Indian students to study MBBS abroad. The cost of living in this country is low.
The admission process is also simple. There is no need to qualify for any entrance test to study MBBS in Uzbekistan.
Indian students pursuing MBBS in Uzbekistan are eligible to appear for various licensing exams such as NEXT, USMLE-1 in the U.S, PLAB in the U.K, etc.,
Georgia: Georgia is one of the favorite destinations among Indian students to pursue MBBS. Many universities in Georgia are NMC and WHO recognized.
The MBBS degree from Georgia universities is globally recognized. It has one of the best infrastructures in the world.
The cost of living is also much affordable when compared to other countries. The medium of instruction is in English.
Russia: All Russian medical colleges are 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 screening test 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.
Ukraine: Top medical colleges for MBBS in Ukraine out of the Ukraine MBBS college list are among the world ranked universities and still have a low fee structure of MBBS in Ukraine.
Indian students applying for MBBS in Ukraine are eligible for licensing exams such as FMGE/NEXT, USMLE, PLAB, etc.
The cost of living is low in Ukraine as compared to any other country. Also, It hardly costs US$ 130 per month (Rs 8,000) towards living costs in Ukraine. Ukraine MBBS fee is also low.
Azerbaijan: The government medical colleges in Azerbaijan are MCI, WHO approved. The quality of education is high and the tuition fee is low in Azerbaijan. And this is the only country with having Centralized Medical Education system. One medical university for the entire country, every individual who wants to study MBBS in this country can pursue the course in Azerbaijan Medical University (The number of domestic admissions last year was approx. 45,700 students).
You can know more about Azerbaijan by reading https://getdirectionglobal.com/why-study-mbbs-in-azerbajan-medical-university/
You can contact “Get Global Directional Team” through email (info@getdirectionglobal.com)/ phone(+91 8015000900 | 0422-4956590) to know more about the universities which provide high-quality MBBS degree overseas.
