Affordable MBBS Abroad Options for Indian Students

Students gain the valuable experience of learning medicine in a different culture, increasing their future job prospects. Competition and high costs among Indian medical schools have prioritized obtaining a foreign medical degree among students. In this article, we will detail affordable MBBS abroad for Indian students while specifically focusing on MBBS in China, MBBS in Russia, MBBS in Georgia, and MBBS in Tajikistan.

The high costs associated with private medical colleges in India, combined with a limited number of seats, have resulted in Indian students choosing to study MBBS abroad, as it offers an opportunity to gain prestigious medical qualifications along with the practical clinical training necessary to become a doctor.

This will help you discern why obtaining an MBBS degree from an institution abroad is a reasonable financial investment in your education, and how you can select the most appropriate alternative based upon educational costs, quality of education, available medical facilities, practical training, recognized medical degree, and opportunities available to you after you complete your education.

Why do Indian students consider studying MBBS abroad?

Every year, thousands of Indian students take the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), hoping to become doctors. Unfortunately, many of these students do not qualify for an opportunity to study MBBS via government-funded Indian medical colleges due to the limited number of available seats.

Also, studying medicine at a privately-funded Indian medical college is not financially viable for the majority of the aspiring Indian doctors. Thus, studying medicine abroad is a great opportunity for students to obtain quality medical education at a lower cost. 

The following are the reasons for the increased preference of studying MBBS abroad among Indian students: 

1. Lower Medical Education and Living Costs Abroad 

International colleges provide MBBS at a much lower price when compared to privately funded Indian medical colleges. The living costs are also very affordable. 

2. Worldwide MBBS Recognition 

Graduates from these colleges are able to apply for the National Medical Commission (NMC) as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) licensing exams. This allows them to take the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) as well as the Next Exam (NExT) for India, the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), and the Physician Licensing Assessment (PLAB) for the United Kingdom, among other exams. 

3. No Donation Requirement Abroad 

Foreign medical colleges do not charge a capitation fee for admission, making the education system completely merit based. 

4. MBBS in English 

The medical universities in the majority of these countries provide the MBBS course in English, thus Indian students do not have to deal with language problems.

5. Quality Training & Experienced Faculty

Abroad medical universities have a greater infrastructure, a wider range of clinical exposure, access to foreign faculty, and further the ability to research and develop academically.

Affordable MBBS Opportunities Abroad for Indian Students

Here is a list of some of the most affordable and reputed options available to Indian students looking to pursue MBBS overseas.

MBBS in China

For Indian students studying MBBS abroad, China is among the most popular and inexpensive options. There are several government-sponsored medical universities in China that offer quality medical education at affordable fees.

Medical education in China is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the degrees awarded by Chinese medical universities are also recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India.

Cost & Fee Structure

The cheapest and most affordable option for MBBS in China is also a reason why students select it. On average, the costs and fees for the medical programs are:

Annual tuition fees of USD 3,000 to 6,000

Total program costs (including living expenses) from 20 to 30 lakhs in Indian Rupees

Accommodation & food are also affordable

When compared to most western countries and a few Asian countries, the cost of studying medicine in China is much lower. Furthermore, the cost is structured, allowing students to plan financially and avoid any hidden costs.

Duration & Curriculum

The MBBS course in China entails a duration of 6 years which comprise of:

• 5 years of academic study (theory + practical).

• 1 year of clinical internship in associate hospitals.

The teaching of the course is designed based of the universal teaching standards of that specific course. Practical training is stressed through the teaching at hospitals and clinical attachments at big hospitals with a high patient turnover.

Language & Clinical Exposure

The university is teaching the course in English, but it is recommended that students learn a little primary Mandarin in order to interact with patients during their clinical attachments. This increases clinical exposure and confidence.

Recognition & Licensure

Medical degrees obtained from universities in China are recognized by:

National Medical Commission (NMC) of India

World Health Organization (WHO)

World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)

Upon obtaining MBBS, Indian students must undertake the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE/NExT) to be able to work in India.

Scholarship Opportunities

Merit-based and academic-based scholarships from Chinese universities and provincial governments are also available, making the cost of study more affordable for eligible students.

MBBS in Russia

Russia is home to one of the biggest medical education systems globally, providing Indian students numerous opportunities to pursue a degree in medicine in a country where it is affordable to do so.

Russia has a long-standing tradition of providing high-quality education in various medical disciplines in English, and MBBS in Russia is a great mixture of low prices and high-quality education.

Affordability and Fee Structure

In contrast to the private medical colleges in India, Cost of MBBS in Russia proves to be much more affordable. Here is a breakdown of the costs involved:

Tuition fees: USD 4,000 – 7,000 every year

Living expenses and other costs: approximately 25 – 35 lakhs in rupees

Russia has a low cost of living, especially in the smaller towns. As a result, students can concentrate on academics and not worry about the money.

Time and Structure

The MBBS program in Russia is six years long and comprises:

5 years of training and education

1 year of clinical internship

In Russia, medical students are encouraged to gain a good mixture of theory and practice. Almost every university has a teaching hospital where students can do their clinical rotations in various specialties.

Programs in English

For students from other countries, especially, almost all Russian universities provide an MBBS program in English. However, students may be required to learn the fundamentals of the Russian language to be able to communicate with patients during their clinical rotations.

Recognition & Licensing 

Russian medical degrees are recognized by:

• National Medical Commission (NMC) of India
• WHO 
• World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) 

Graduates are entitled to write the FMGE/NExT exam to nurse in India. 

Scholarship and Financial Support

Some Russian Universities provide scholarships, particularly for outstanding academic achievement, easing the financial burden on students. 

MBBS in Georgia

Indian students searching for cost-effective medical programs in Europe have shown considerable interest in MBBS in Georgia.

Providing a safe atmosphere, an affordable education system with a quality clientele, MBBS in Georgia with an English instruction program is a great option for international medical students.

Cost & Fee Structure

Average Annual Tuition: USD 4,000 – 6,000

Total Cost (Tuition + Living Expense): INR 25 – 35 Lakhs

Compared to Western European countries, Georgia’s cost of living is fairly inexpensive. Therefore, students can expect to spend a moderate amount for the entirety of their studies.

Duration & Curriculum

In Georgia the MBBS course is of a 6 years duration, comprising:

5 years of academic studies

1 year of clinical internship

Medical education and training in Georgia, is European standard and students are given clinical exposure in various disciplines.

Teaching & Language Considerations

All instruction is in English, and usually, students are not expected to pick up the local language straight away. Still, while interning, it is good to know some Georgian for dealing with patients.

Recognition & Licensing

All Georgian universities are accredited by the following global organizations:

• WHO
• NMC (for Indian recognition)
• World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)

To be able to work in India, graduates have to clear the FMGE/NExT exams.

Culture & Environment

Georgia offers a European lifestyle with a very safe and friendly environment for students. It is a great place for students looking for a means to gain international exposure at a low cost.

MBBS in Tajikistan

Tajikistan is a fast-developing option for Indian students for cheap MBBS abroad.

MBBS in Tajikistan is a safe, affordable option with government-approved universities with a few of them offering Medical English as a foreign language.

Cost & Fee Structure

Annual tuition: USD 3,000 – 5,500

Total cost (tuition + living): INR 20 – 30 lakhs

Tajikistan is one of the most affordable destinations in comparison to other countries, and offers great value for the education it’s providing.

Duration & Curriculum

The MBBS program in Tajikistan takes roughly 6 Years and includes:

• 5 Years of fundamental medical education
• 1 Year of clinical practice

The main focus of teaching is medical sciences, clinical knowledge, and practical competencies.

Language & Teaching Medium

While the courses will be in English for all the students, during the hospital internships, students should be able to acquire a little bit of the local language to interact with the patients.

Recognition & Licensing

A few universities are acknowledged by:

• WHO
• NMC (Indian students)
• World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)

After graduation, students will have to take the FMGE/NExT to be able to get a medical license in India.

How to Choose the Right Destination for MBBS Abroad

Making a choice can be difficult, considering the many low-cost options. Here are some parameters to consider while making your choice:

Accreditation & Recognition

Check the university’s recognition status with NMC, WHO, and the World Directory of Medical Schools.

Course Fees & Living Expenses

Make an evaluation of the yearly total (tuition + living) cost in comparison to your financial plan.

Medium of Instruction

Is the MBBS program fully conducted in English? Is there an option to learn the local language to support clinical practice?

Infrastructure & Clinical Exposure

Practical learning creates strong demand for the quality of hospitals, laboratories, libraries, and opportunities for clinical rotation.

Safety & Student Support

A supportive campus atmosphere, student support services and safety measures are of utmost importance.

Success Rate of FMGE/NExT

Look at the passing percentage of previous students to understand the quality of education.

Admission Process for MBBS Abroad

The admissions process is country specific but the steps in the process are very similar.

1. NEET Qualifications

It is compulsory for Indian students to take the NEET exam.

2. Applying to University

Applications can be submitted to the university in person, or through authorized admission consultants.

3. Submitting Documents

You must provide academic transcripts, NEET scorecards, and copies of your passport, medical certificates, and other related documents.

4. Admission

An official acceptance letter from the university should be expected.

5. Visa Application

A student visa is required, and can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of your destination country.

6. Travel & Course Enrollment

Visa acquisition allows travel to your destination country, and then you can enroll in classes.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

International students may qualify for scholarship programs offered by some universities and governments. The following scholarships are available for Indian students:

• Merit-based scholarships through Universities
• Scholarships offered by the Government
• Scholarships offered by states/provinces
• International Education Grants

Studying medicine in another country can be rather expensive, however, scholarships can help to decrease costs.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Studying MBBS abroad is delightful but it also comes with issues such as:

Barriers to Effective Communication

Although instruction is in English, familiarity with the local language is important for clinical communication.

Internships can include language preparation courses for clinical language use.

Cultural Differences

New habits, norms, and practices can also be difficult to adjust to.

Cultural associations help and with a circle of friends you will do fine.

Many European and American countries require candidates to pass FMGE/NExT to be granted a medical license.

During the last year of your studies, you can use coaching and preparation through the Internet to do this.

The option of studying MBBS abroad is less expensive and equally accepted as studying MBBS in India from a recognized institution. It is also recognized by the MCI. You can opt for MBBS in Tajikistan, MBBS in Georgia, MBBS in Russia, or MBBS in China.

All of these countries’ medical universities offer affordable medical courses with adequate facilities and infrastructure for your studies along with global exposure.

A major reason why students select Russia and China include their robust medical systems that have easier access for international students.

Tajikistan provides one of the cheapest options available for medical education, and Georgia provides a European educational experience at a considerably lower price.

No matter which country you choose to study medicine, the steps to take are the same. Regardless of the country, the steps to take are the same.

You need to have a grasp of country specific accreditation procedures, total costs, language and clinical contact availability, and prepare for licensing exams, which is the same from country to country, for physicians.

With the right strategy, Studying medicine in another country can provide great value and a large return on investment for a person’s medical career. There are numerous educational and professional opportunities available worldwide.