Medicine is one of the most reputed professional pathways in the world, and obtaining an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree is basically the first step toward becoming a doctor.
There are 494 approved colleges in India that offer MBBS programs, with a total of 63,050 places, according to the Medical Council of India (MCI). In comparison, the MCI recognizes 407 extra institutes for MBBS courses around the world.
When you combine all of this with the high expense of MBBS at private colleges in India and the appeal of visiting abroad, it’s no surprise that MBBS from abroad is becoming a popular option nowadays.
Advantages of Pursuing an MBBS from Abroad
There are multiple advantages of pursuing an MBBS degree overseas. Here are the top important ones.
- Less Dependence on NEET Rankings
Although the highly competitive NEET admission exam will be required for international applicants to apply to MBBS programs beginning in 2018, the competition will be far lower than in Indian institutions. In India, roughly three times as many students apply for MBBS as there are places available, and the competition is fierce because admission is based on rank. Students seeking an MBBS degree abroad, on the other hand, have reduced NEET requirements.
- Affordable as compared to Private Indian Institutes
Government medical universities in India are undoubtedly affordable; but, private medical colleges are prohibitively expensive, with an MBBS degree costing roughly Rs. 45 lakh. An MBBS degree in a foreign country such as Nepal, Russia, Ukraine, or Kazakhstan, on the other hand, would cost less than Rs. 30 lakh, depending on the country. In the meantime, a medical degree in the United States might cost up to Rs. 70 lakh. Furthermore, studying at a private medical institution in India has many hidden expenditures that can be avoided by studying abroad, where the costs are generally upfront.
- High Quality of Education
MBBS students are often provided with a high-quality education by institutes that are accredited by the MCI and also meet local education laws. Medical colleges abroad, in comparison to domestic institutions, receive a lot of scrutiny in order to maintain quality standards. However, it’s best to go through the ranking and/or reviews of any institution you are thinking of applying to.
- International Exposure
Regardless of the course, studying abroad is a learning experience in and of itself, as you learn about a new culture and how to adapt to a new environment. Studying overseas, specifically for an MBBS program, exposes students to a wide range of medical situations as well as innovative technology, state-of-the-art apparatus, and amenities. You will learn via engaging with pupils of various nationalities in addition to teachers.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad
The overall eligibility for admission to an MBBS program abroad will vary greatly depending on the medical school in consideration. However, there are some general eligibility necessities to pursue an MBBS degree abroad.
- Your age must be over 17 years as of the 31st December of the year
- You must complete Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
- Your aggregate percentage of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology must be a minimum of 50%.
- From 2018 onwards, you must have cleared the NEET examination.
Which Countries Are the Best to Study MBBS for Indian Students?
As medicine is an essential field in every country, virtually all countries provide MBBS courses. However, for Indian students, common destinations include India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and Mauritius. These countries provide affordable MBBS courses with a simpler admissions procedure.
Costs of Studying an MBBS Abroad
The costs to study overseas vary upon the tuition fees, cost of living, and course duration. An MBBS course is normally completed in 5-6 years, covering compulsory internships. Here is the estimated total of the expenses for pursuing MBBS in several countries.
- Nepal- 42 to 55 lakhs
- Bangladesh- 25 to 35 lakhs
- Russia- 12 to 35 lakhs
- Kazakhstan- 15 to 20 lakhs
- Ukraine- 17 to 25 lakhs
- Kyrgyzstan- 10 to 22 lakhs
- Mauritius- 38 to 47 lakhs
In India, the expenses for an MBBS degree from government institutes are even less than Rs. 4 lakh. However, the expenses of an MBBS degree from a private institute in India can range around Rs 45 lakh.
Is Pursuing MBBS Abroad Worth It?
It’s a good idea to invest in a degree that can help you design your career, but you should also explore all of your possibilities. It’s not simple to get into a government medical college in India for the MBBS program, and if you don’t get in, you still have a lot of possibilities.
You can study overseas for less than the cost of an MBBS degree from a private medical college in India, and you can choose from a wide range of countries and institutes that offer a recognized MBBS degree. Remember to conduct research to ensure that you enroll in a reputable college that will provide you with the necessary knowledge and training.
Conclusion
So this was all about studying MBBS overseas and if it’s or isn’t worth it enough. If you are still unclear about this, consider contacting the Education Hub to help you decide on your career goals and how to achieve them.