Pursuing an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) abroad has become a popular option for Indian students due to the rising competition and limited medical seats in India. With high-quality education, affordable fees, and international recognition, many countries offer excellent opportunities for Indian students. The decision of choosing the right country to pursue medical education can be a challenging one, given the wide array of options. In this article, we will discuss the Top countries for MBBS abroad for Indian students, offering insights into each country's medical education system, admission requirements, fees, and living costs.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the best destinations for pursuing an MBBS abroad and how they stand out in terms of quality of education and opportunities for Indian students.
Russia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students seeking to pursue MBBS abroad. With its high-quality education system, globally recognized medical degrees and affordable fees, Russia stands out as one of the Top countries for MBBS abroad.
Affordable Fees: Russian medical universities offer relatively low tuition fees compared to other countries.
No Entrance Exams: Students do not have to appear for entrance exams, making it easier to get admission.
Globally Recognized Degrees: Russian universities are recognized by medical bodies such as WHO, MCI, and FAIMER.
The admission process is straightforward and typically requires students to submit their academic transcripts, passport, and other relevant documents. Most universities offer direct admission without entrance exams.
The cost of living in Russia is affordable. Students can expect to spend around ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, and transportation.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Moscow State Medical University |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
₹20,000 – ₹25,000 |
Kazan State Medical University |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
St. Petersburg State Medical University |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
₹18,000 – ₹22,000 |
China has become a significant destination for Indian students pursuing medical education. The country offers high-quality education in medicine at an affordable cost, with a large number of universities that offer courses in English.
Affordability: Tuition fees and living costs in China are significantly lower than in many Western countries.
World-Class Infrastructure: Chinese universities are equipped with modern infrastructure and facilities.
Large International Student Community: Many Indian students opt for China, making it a comfortable place for them.
The admission process to Chinese universities is fairly simple. Students must have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. Most universities also require students to submit proof of their English proficiency.
Living expenses in China are moderate, with students spending an average of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month on accommodation, food, and other necessities.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Beijing Medical University |
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
Shanghai Jiaotong University |
₹2,50,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
₹18,000 – ₹22,000 |
Zhejiang University |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
₹16,000 – ₹20,000 |
Ukraine is another top destination for Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad. With a large number of medical universities offering MBBS programs in English, Ukraine has gained recognition for its affordable tuition fees and high-quality education.
No Entrance Exams: Like Russia, Ukraine does not require entrance exams for MBBS admissions.
Affordable Education: Ukraine offers medical education at lower costs when compared to many Western countries.
English Medium Programs: Many Ukrainian universities offer MBBS programs in English, making it easier for international students.
To apply for an MBBS program in Ukraine, students need to submit their academic records, a valid passport, and proof of English proficiency. Some universities may require a personal interview.
Living expenses in Ukraine are quite affordable, with students typically spending between ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month, including accommodation and food.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Kyiv Medical University |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
₹20,000 – ₹25,000 |
Odessa National Medical University |
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
Lviv National Medical University |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
₹18,000 – ₹22,000 |
Kyrgyzstan is an emerging destination for Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS abroad. The country offers affordable medical education and has several universities that are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI).
Low Tuition Fees: Medical education in Kyrgyzstan is quite affordable compared to many other countries.
No Entrance Exams: Most universities do not require entrance exams, making the admission process straightforward.
MCI-Approved Universities: Several universities in Kyrgyzstan are recognized by the Medical Council of India, allowing graduates to practice in India.
Admission to Kyrgyzstan universities generally requires students to pass their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as subjects. Some universities may require proof of English proficiency or a personal interview.
The average living expenses in Kyrgyzstan are between ₹12,000 to ₹20,000 per month.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Jalal-Abad State University |
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹12,000 – ₹18,000 |
Osh State Medical University |
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
Kyrgyz State Medical University |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹18,000 |
Bangladesh is gaining popularity among Indian students due to its proximity, low tuition fees, and high-quality medical education. Many medical universities in Bangladesh offer courses in English, making it easier for international students to understand and communicate.
Proximity to India: Bangladesh is geographically close to India, which makes it easier for students to travel back and forth.
Affordable Education: Tuition fees in Bangladesh are quite reasonable compared to other countries.
English Medium Courses: Many medical universities in Bangladesh offer courses in English, which makes it easier for international students.
The admission process is similar to that in other countries, with students required to submit their academic records and pass a screening test in some cases.
Living costs in Bangladesh are relatively low, with students spending approximately ₹12,000 to ₹18,000 per month on accommodation and food.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Dhaka Medical College |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
₹12,000 – ₹18,000 |
Chittagong Medical College |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
₹10,000 – ₹15,000 |
Sylhet Medical University |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
Nepal offers an excellent education system at affordable costs, making it a favorable option for Indian students who wish to pursue MBBS. The country shares cultural and geographical proximity to India, adding to its appeal.
Affordable and Recognized: Nepal offers medical education at competitive prices with globally recognized degrees.
No Entrance Exam: Many universities do not require entrance exams, making it easier for students to get admission.
English Medium: Medical courses in Nepal are offered in English, making it a comfortable choice for international students.
The admission process is similar to other countries, requiring students to submit their academic records and possibly take an entrance exam.
The average living expenses in Nepal range between ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per month.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Kathmandu Medical College |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
₹12,000 – ₹15,000 |
Nepal Medical College |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
₹10,000 – ₹12,000 |
BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences |
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹12,000 – ₹15,000 |
The Philippines has a growing reputation for providing quality medical education at an affordable price. The country's medical universities are recognized by the WHO, and many graduates from the Philippines return to India to practice.
Low Tuition Fees: The Philippines offers one of the most affordable medical education systems.
English as a Medium of Instruction: All medical courses are taught in English, making it easier for Indian students to understand.
Good Clinical Exposure: Students receive hands-on clinical training that prepares them well for global medical practice.
The admission process in the Philippines includes submitting academic records and a completed application form.
The living expenses in the Philippines range between ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
University of Santo Tomas |
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
Cebu Institute of Medicine |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
₹18,000 – ₹22,000 |
Davao Medical School Foundation |
₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
Poland is an increasingly popular destination for Indian students looking to pursue MBBS abroad. With its strong academic reputation, European Union (EU) recognition, and affordable education, Poland has become a sought-after destination for medical studies.
Quality Education: Polish universities provide high standards of medical education, combining theory with practical experience in well-equipped hospitals and clinics.
EU Accreditation: Medical degrees from Poland are recognized across the EU, which opens up career opportunities for students in various European countries.
Affordable Fees: Compared to other European countries, Poland offers a cost-effective medical education, making it attractive for international students.
To apply for MBBS in Poland, students need to submit their academic records, proof of English proficiency, and a valid passport. Most universities require students to pass an entrance exam, which may include subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics.
Living costs in Poland are moderate. Students can expect to spend approximately ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 per month on accommodation, food, and transportation.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Jagiellonian University |
₹4,00,000 – ₹6,00,000 |
₹20,000 – ₹25,000 |
Medical University of Gdańsk |
₹3,50,000 – ₹5,00,000 |
₹18,000 – ₹22,000 |
University of Warsaw |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,50,000 |
₹20,000 – ₹25,000 |
Armenia is another emerging destination for Indian students aiming to pursue MBBS abroad. Known for its high academic standards, affordable fees, and welcoming atmosphere, Armenia has become a popular choice for international students.
Low Cost of Education: The cost of medical education in Armenia is relatively low, making it a budget-friendly option for students
Recognized Universities: Many universities in Armenia are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), ensuring the global acceptance of medical degrees.
English-Taught Programs: Most Armenian universities offer MBBS courses in English, which makes it easy for international students to follow the curriculum.
The admission process to Armenian universities is simple. Students are required to submit their academic records, passport, and proof of English proficiency. Some universities may also require an entrance exam.
Living expenses in Armenia are affordable, typically ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Yerevan State Medical University |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹18,000 |
Armenian Medical Institute |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
₹16,000 – ₹20,000 |
St. Tereza Medical University |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
Georgia has gained popularity among Indian students due to its world-class medical universities and affordable cost of education. The country's healthcare system is modern, and many Georgian universities offer MBBS programs in English, making it an attractive destination for international students.
Affordable Tuition Fees: Medical education in Georgia is much more affordable compared to Western countries.
No Entrance Exams: Students do not need to appear for entrance exams to gain admission to Georgian medical universities.
Quality Medical Education: Universities in Georgia offer world-class education with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring excellent practical exposure.
The admission process for MBBS in Georgia is quite simple. Students need to submit their academic documents, proof of English proficiency, and personal identification documents. Most universities do not have any entrance exam requirements.
Living costs in Georgia are relatively low, with students spending an average of ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 per month.
University |
Tuition Fees (per year) |
Living Expenses (per month) |
Tbilisi State Medical University |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹20,000 |
Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University |
₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000 |
₹16,000 – ₹20,000 |
University of Georgia |
₹3,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
₹15,000 – ₹18,000 |
One of the most important factors when choosing a country for MBBS abroad is the recognition of the medical degree. Ensure that the medical university is accredited by international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Medical Council of India (MCI), or other recognized bodies. This will ensure that you can practice medicine globally and appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India.
Tuition fees and living expenses vary significantly from country to country. Countries like Russia, China, and Ukraine offer affordable medical education, while countries in the EU may be slightly more expensive. However, it is essential to factor in both tuition fees and living costs to determine the overall expense of studying MBBS abroad.
Most of the countries mentioned above offer MBBS programs in English, which makes it easier for Indian students to understand the curriculum. It is important to check the language of instruction before applying to avoid language barriers during your studies.
While affordability is a key factor, the quality of education and infrastructure should not be compromised. Countries like Russia, Ukraine, and China have highly advanced medical universities with modern facilities. Research and clinical exposure are crucial aspects of medical education, so choose a country with reputable universities and hospitals.
After completing MBBS abroad, students often look for opportunities to practice medicine in India or other countries. It is important to choose a country whose medical degree is recognized globally. For example, MBBS degrees from countries like Russia, China, and Ukraine are recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI), enabling students to practice in India after passing the FMGE.
The cultural environment and safety of the country should also be taken into account. Countries like Russia, China, and Ukraine have large international student communities, which creates a welcoming environment for foreign students. Safety is paramount, so always check the safety record of a country before making a decision.
Choosing the Top countries for MBBS abroad involves careful consideration of factors such as tuition fees, living expenses, quality of education, and recognition of degrees. Countries like Russia, China, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and the Philippines have emerged as leading destinations for Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS. Each of these countries offers a unique set of advantages, making them attractive options for students based on their individual needs and preferences.