Thousands of Indian students aspire to become doctors every year, but this goal is challenging due to the limited government seats and the high fees of private MBBS colleges in India. This is the reason why MBBS overseas has become one of the surest routes to becoming a medical professional. Moreover, pursuing medicine in universities that are internationally recognized not only offers an opportunity to receive a world-standard education at a reasonable price but also exposes the student to the world and the career opportunities.
With affordable fees, instruction in English, state-of-the-art facilities, and NMC-accredited medical colleges, MBBS abroad has become a viable alternative to Indian students who want to realise their medical ambitions without straining their pockets. This guide will include all the information you should know, such as the eligibility, best countries to study, costs, recognition, and even the admission procedures, to enable you to plan well to become a doctor.
The following table provides a rough overview of the most important information every Indian student needs to understand before deciding to study MBBS abroad, in 2025-26.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 5 - 6 years (including 1 year of internship/clinical rotation) |
| Eligibility Criteria |
50% in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) for General category 40% for Reserved category NEET qualification (valid for 3 years) |
| Medium of Instruction | English (in most top universities abroad) |
| Average Tuition Fees | ₹15 - 40 Lakhs (USD $18,000 - $45,000) for the complete MBBS program |
| Top Countries | Russia, Bangladesh, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, China, Philippines, Uzbekistan |
| Global Recognitions | NMC (India), WHO, WFME, FAIMER, ECFMG (varies by university) |
| Degree Awarded | MBBS/MD equivalent (valid for FMGE/NExT in India) |
| Living Expenses | ≈ ₹10,000 - ₹20,000 per month (USD $120 - $250 approx., depending on country) |
| Admission Intakes | February/March & September/October |
| Career Opportunities | Practice in India (after FMGE/NExT), pursue PG abroad, or build a global medical career. |
MBBS in abroad has emerged as a favorite among Indian students who aspire to receive a good-quality medical course at a low price. Due to the finite number of MBBS in India and the exorbitant fees in the privately owned colleges, studying medicine in another country opens up opportunities to international universities, quality infrastructure, and globalization.
Key Reasons to Choose MBBS Abroad:
The selection of the appropriate country is among the most significant choices in your MBBS abroad journey planning. Indian students usually consider places that have low tuition fees, English language instruction, NMC-accredited universities, and internationally recognized degrees. The best countries for MBBS for indian students in 2025-2026 are listed below.
Russia has been one of the top destinations to study MBBS abroad for Indian students for decades because of its cheap tuition rates and medical universities that rank globally. The vast majority of universities are approved by NMC and WHO with high-tech infrastructure, modern laboratories, and excellent clinical training.
Here are some of the top medical universities in Russia that you may consider:
Established in 1970, Kalmyk State University (KalmSU) is one of the most popular educational institutions in Southern Russia. Its medical faculty has become popular amongst international students due to its affordable and internationally recognized MBBS programs. Moreover, it is becoming the cheapest country to study MBBS for indian students with the modern infrastructure and practical clinical exposure.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1970 |
| Location | Elista, Republic of Kalmykia, Russia |
| Recognition | NMC (India), WHO, and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation |
| Duration of MBBS | 6 years (including 1 year mandatory internship) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum 50% marks in PCB subjects in 12th standard and a qualifying NEET score. |
| Clinical Training | Partnerships with local hospitals for practical learning |
| Campus Facilities | Modern labs, library, hostels, sports & cultural activities |
| Average Tuition Fees (Yearly) | ≈ $3,800 USD | ₹3.16 Lakhs INR |
| Living Cost (Monthly) | ≈ $250-$400 USD | ₹21,000-₹33,000 INR |
Orenburg State Medical University
Orenburg State Medical University (OrSMU) is one of the most popular medical universities in Russia, founded in 1944. OrSMU has gained worldwide popularity and a good reputation for producing qualified doctors, and this has made it an ideal choice among Indian students looking to study MBBS in Russia.
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1944 |
| Location | Orenburg, Russia |
| Recognition | NMC (India), WHO, WDOMS, FAIMER, ECFMG |
| Duration of MBBS | 6 years (including internship) |
| Clinical Training | Affiliated hospitals & simulation labs for hands-on learning |
| Indian Students | Strong community with dedicated support for FMGE/NEXT |
| Campus Facilities | Modern classrooms, hostels, sports, a digital library, medical labs |
| Average Tuition Fees (Yearly) | ≈ $6,000 USD | ₹5.1 Lakhs INR |
| Living Cost (Monthly) | ≈ $130–$180 USD | ₹11,000–₹16,500 INR |
Established in 1972, Mari State University (MarSU) is a leading classical university in Russia, and it provides quality medical education at pocket-friendly prices. With a well-developed infrastructure and a favorable student atmosphere, MarSU has become an attractive medical colleges abroad for indian students undertaking MBBS in Russia.
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1972 |
| Location | Yoshkar-Ola, Russia |
| Recognition | NMC (India), WHO, WDOMS, FAIMER, ECFMG |
| Duration of MBBS | 6 years (including 1 year mandatory internship) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum 50% marks in PCB subjects in 12th standard and a qualifying NEET score. |
| Clinical Training | Practical exposure through tie-ups with local hospitals and clinics |
| Indian Students | Large Indian student community with hostel and mess facilities |
| Campus Facilities | Modern classrooms, simulation labs, hostels, sports, and cultural centers |
| Average Tuition Fees (Yearly) | $3,500-$4,000 USD | ₹2.9-₹3.3 Lakhs INR |
| Living Cost (Monthly) | $200-$350 USD | ₹17,000-₹29,000 INR |
Founded in the year 1916, Perm State Medical University (PSMU) has been one of the oldest and most respected medical universities in Russia. PSMU, a well-established academic institution with a rich clinical exposure, has been admitting thousands of international students annually and is the top choice of the MBBS in Russia among Indian students.
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1916 |
| Location | Perm Krai, Russia |
| Recognition | MSHE, MCI, WDOMS, and ECFMG |
| Duration of MBBS | 6 years (including internship) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum 50% marks in PCB subjects in 12th standard and a qualifying NEET score. |
| Clinical Training | Partnerships with leading hospitals in Perm for hands-on practice |
| Indian Students | Strong Indian student community with a dedicated hostel and mess. |
| Campus Facilities | Advanced labs, libraries, sports complexes, hostels, and cultural centers. |
| Average Tuition Fees (Yearly) | $5,500 USD | ₹4.6 Lakhs INR |
| Living Cost (Monthly) | $200–$330 USD | ₹16,000–₹27,000 INR |
Established in 1932, Pskov State University is among the most successful multidisciplinary universities in Russia that provides world-standard medicine education at low prices. It has emerged as a favorite destination among Indian aspirants who want to pursue MBBS in Russia because of the modern infrastructure and the increasing number of international students.
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 2010 |
| Location | Pskov, Russia (close to the Latvian border, well-connected to Europe) |
| Recognition | NMC (India), WHO, WDOMS, FAIMER, ECFMG |
| Duration of MBBS | 6 years (including 1 year internship) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum 50% marks in PCB subjects in 12th standard and a qualifying NEET score. |
| Clinical Training | Tie-ups with city hospitals & practical exposure from early years |
| Indian Students | Supportive environment with Indian hostels, mess & FMGE guidance |
| Campus Facilities | Smart classrooms, digital library, labs, sports, hostels, and cultural clubs |
| Average Tuition Fees (Yearly) | ≈ $4,000 USD | ₹3.4 Lakhs INR |
| Living Cost (Monthly) | ≈ $300–$450 USD | ₹23,000–₹35,000 INR |
Tula State University (TulSU) was founded in 1930 and is considered to be one of the largest universities in Central Russia. With modern infrastructure and a wide clinical training, its medical faculty has a good reputation in offering internationally recognized MBBS education. In the case of Indian students, TulSU provides an opportunity for affordable education, a secure environment, and good academic assistance, which is why it is a favored option for MBBS in Russia.
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1930 |
| Location | Tula, Russia (approx. 180 km from Moscow) |
| Recognition | NMC (India), WHO, WDOMS, FAIMER, ECFMG |
| Duration of MBBS | 6 years (including internship) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum 50% marks in PCB subjects in 12th standard and a qualifying NEET score. |
| Clinical Training | Affiliated hospitals and clinics in Tula with hands-on exposure |
| Indian Students | Dedicated hostels, Indian mess, and NEXT/FMGE preparation support |
| Campus Facilities | Modern labs, digital library, hostels, sports facilities, cultural clubs |
| Average Tuition Fees (Yearly) | ≈ $2,460 USD | ₹2.17 Lakhs INR |
| Living Cost (Monthly) | ≈ $110-$170 USD | ₹9,400-₹14,500 INR |
Tver State Medical University (TSMU) was established in 1936 and is considered to be one of the oldest and most successful medical schools in Russia. It has a rich history of educating foreign doctors, particularly Indian students, through recognized MBBS programs all over the world. TSMU is a top option among people seeking MBBS in foreign country due to its high level of teaching and good clinical foundation.
| Feature | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1936 |
| Location | Tver, Russia (approx. 180 km from Moscow) |
| Recognition | NMC, WDOMS, ECFMG, and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education in Russia |
| Duration of MBBS | 6 years (including internship) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Minimum 50% marks in PCB subjects in 12th standard and a qualifying NEET score. |
| Clinical Training | Training in university hospitals & partner clinics with real patient exposure |
| Indian Students | One of the highest Indian student enrollments in Russia |
| Campus Facilities | Modern labs, library, simulation centers, hostels, sports & cultural hubs |
| Average Tuition Fees (Yearly) | ≈ $3,600 USD | ₹3.03 Lakhs INR |
| Living Cost (Monthly) | ≈ $150–$300 USD | ₹12,000–₹24,000 INR |
Ultimately, these are the best medical colleges abroad for indian students that you can consider if you are seeking quality education at an affordable cost.
Bangladesh is now one of the preferred destinations of Indian students due to the low tuition fee, high FMGE pass rates, and curriculum that is comparable to that of India. The MBBS pattern in medical colleges in Bangladesh is similar to that in Indian universities, and thus, students can easily adjust. It is also a comfortable study destination because of its proximity to India and the presence of Indian food.
Given below is the list of top medical universities that are recognised by the top medical councils:
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 5 years + 1 year internship (can be done in India) |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in PCB (40% for reserved), NEET qualified |
| Average Tuition Fees | ≈ ₹25 - 40 Lakhs ($30,000 - $48,000) for full course |
| Living Cost | ≈ ₹10,000 - ₹15,000 ($120 - $180) per month |
| Recognitions | NMC, WHO, ECFMG, FAIMER |
| Admission Intakes | January & September |
| Why Choose Bangladesh? | Similar curriculum as India, high FMGE pass rate, shorter course duration |
Kazakhstan is becoming a cost-effective destination for MBBS applicants who want to pursue a degree in a world-renowned university without necessarily incurring a lot of expenses. Moreover, it has gained popularity over recent years with the modern infrastructure, English-medium teaching, and universities approved by the NMC. There is also the advantage of low costs of living and reduced time for the course.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 5 years |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in PCB (40% for reserved), NEET qualified |
| Average Tuition Fees | ≈ ₹15 - 25 Lakhs ($18,000 - $30,000) for full course |
| Living Cost | ≈ ₹10,000 - ₹12,000 ($120 - $150) per month |
| Recognitions | NMC, WHO, ECFMG, WFME |
| Admission Intakes | September |
| Why Choose Kazakhstan? | Budget-friendly, modern facilities, simple admission process |
Kyrgyzstan has one of the cheapest MBBS in world, thus a good option for middle-class Indian students. It has also become popular due to the 5-year MBBS course, Indian-friendly environment, and English-medium instruction. Indian food is also offered in many Kyrgyz universities, which guarantees Indian students comfort in hostels.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 5 years |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in PCB (40% for reserved), NEET qualified |
| Average Tuition Fees | ≈ ₹15 - 20 Lakhs ($18,000 - $24,000) for full course |
| Living Cost | ≈ ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 ($100 - $140) per month |
| Recognitions | NMC, WHO, FAIMER |
| Admission Intakes | September |
| Why Choose Kyrgyzstan? | Very affordable, shorter duration, Indian-friendly environment |
Georgia has a long history of European-level medical studies and internationally renowned universities. The nation offers contemporary infrastructure, well-equipped laboratories, and a secure atmosphere to foreign learners. With a transparent fee structure, Georgia has emerged as a preferred destination among MBBS aspirants witmedical colleges in abroad for indian studentsh a high FMGE passing rate and quality education.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 6 years |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in PCB (40% for reserved), NEET qualified |
| Average Tuition Fees | ≈ ₹30 - 45 Lakhs ($36,000 - $54,000) for full course |
| Living Cost | ≈ ₹15,000 - ₹20,000 ($180 - $250) per month |
| Recognitions | NMC, WHO, ECFMG, WFME |
| Medium of Instruction | English (Russian & Kazakh in some Universities) |
| Admission Intakes | September / October |
| Why Choose Georgia? | European-standard education, modern infrastructure, global exposure |
China also has one of the best medical universities in the world, and therefore, it is a country that MBBS aspirants would love to study in. MOE-listed universities teach the medical programs in English, and the nation has modern infrastructure, hi-tech labs, and medical education funded by the government at a low cost. Further, when compared to MBBS in foreign countries fees, China offers affordable education while maintaining high-quality standards.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 5 + 1 years (internship) |
| Medium of Instruction | English (in MOE-listed universities) |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in PCB (40% for reserved), NEET qualified |
| Average Tuition Fees | ≈ ₹20 - 40 Lakhs ($24,000 - $48,000) for full course |
| Living Cost | ≈ ₹12,000 - ₹18,000 ($150 - $220) per month |
| Recognitions | NMC, WHO, ECFMG, MOE-listed |
| Admission Intakes | September |
| Why Choose China? | Globally ranked universities, modern labs, and government-funded education |
The Philippines is a top choice for MBBS abroad due to its US-based curriculum and teaching in English. This has a medical education system that has gained international recognition and assists students in preparing to take the USMLE, FMGE, and other licensing exams. It is extremely popular among Indian students with low charges and cultural compatibility.
Given below are some top medical colleges in abroad for indian students that are recognized by medical councils:
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 6 years (BS + MD program) |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in PCB (40% for reserved), NEET qualified |
| Average Tuition Fees | ≈ ₹20 - 30 Lakhs ($24,000 - $36,000) for full course |
| Living Cost | ≈ ₹12,000 - ₹16,000 ($150 - $200) per month |
| Recognitions | NMC, WHO, ECFMG |
| Admission Intakes | June & November |
| Why Choose Philippines? | US-based curriculum, English-medium, strong FMGE performance |
Uzbekistan is a country that has become prominent in the Indian student population in the recent past due to its cheap MBBS courses and NMC-recognised universities. While many students also search for MBBS abroad under 10 lakh, Uzbekistan stands out for offering one of the most affordable options with English-based education, cheap housing, and a secure atmosphere for international students. Uzbekistan is becoming another emerging MBBS destination among Indian students.
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Duration | 6 years |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Eligibility Criteria | 50% in PCB (40% for reserved), NEET qualified |
| Average Tuition Fees | ≈ ₹15 - 25 Lakhs ($18,000 - $30,000) for full course |
| Living Cost | ≈ ₹8,000 - ₹12,000 ($100 - $150) per month |
| Recognitions | NMC, WHO, FAIMER |
| Admission Intakes | September |
| Why Choose Uzbekistan? | Low-cost education, increasing popularity, and NMC-approved universities |
One of the largest career choices for future doctors is obtaining an MBBS in foreign countries. There are hundreds of choices, so the selection of the correct country can be a difference-maker regarding quality education, affordability, global status, and professional opportunities. The following are some of the important tips to consider in choosing the optimal country to undertake your MBBS abroad:
Arranging all the documents you need is one of the most crucial steps in your path. Being equipped with the necessary paperwork not only expedites the process of admission but also helps you to avoid the last-minute rush and rejection by universities or embassies.
The following is an in-depth list of the documents required for MBBS abroad admission, together with the importance of each document.
Your educational records form the backbone of your MBBS application.
Most countries require at least 50% in PCB (40% for reserved categories in India).
Since 2018, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has made NEET qualification mandatory for Indian students aspiring to study MBBS abroad.
A passport is your official travel and identification document.
If you don’t have a passport yet, apply early, as it may take several weeks to be issued.
Studying medicine abroad requires you to be medically fit.
This ensures you can live in a new country without health restrictions.
Once your application is accepted, the university issues an Official Admission Letter or Offer Letter.
Every country has specific visa requirements, but common documents include:
Timely visa approval is crucial for joining classes on schedule.
These certificates are often required during university enrollment.
Depending on the country and university, you may also need:
The admission process may be complex to understand at the initial stage; however, with proper guidance, it will be easy and hassle-free. To assist you in the process, a step-wise analysis of the MBBS admission process for international students is given below:
MBBS abroad is one of the most significant choices you will make in your life. The process may be daunting, especially when it comes to choosing the appropriate country to study in or even the admission and visa process. This is where we come in to show you the way, along with each step. We will help you achieve your dream of becoming a doctor overseas in a simple, transparent, and stress-free manner.
The average cost of studying MBBS in abroad varies according to the country selected for medical studies by Indian students. It ranges from $17,000-$68,000 for top universities and colleges of MBBS abroad
The countries best for MBBS in abroad are Russia (Approx. $3,000 - $4,000 per year) and Bangladesh (Approx. $31,0000 - $51,000 for the entire course).
The eligibility criteria for MBBS abroad for Indian students as per the NMC guidelines include:
Yes. Qualifying NEET score is necessary to apply for MBBS abroad for Indian students.
Yes. The top medical universities and colleges abroad own better state-of-the-art infrastructure and research facilities like simulation centers than Indian medical colleges. Moreover, the MBBS fees of an MBBS course abroad are also affordable.
Yes. The minimum and maximum age to apply for MBBS in abroad is 17 years and 25 years respectively for Indian students.
English is the medium of instruction in the top medical colleges and universities in abroad as they have a large majority of international students.
Yes. As the top medical universities abroad are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the degree awarded by them to Indian students is valid in India.
The duration of MBBS abroad for Indian students is six years in Russia, Bangladesh, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, etc., and 5 years in the Americas.
The advantages of studying MBBS in abroad include affordable MBBS fees, modern infrastructure and advanced technology, quality medical education, no donations, no entrance exams, comfortable hostel accommodation, Indian food in mess facilities, etc.
