Top countries with high standard
Universities for MBBS
Medicine has become one of the most
favoured careers paths across the world including India. The path to become a
doctor always begins with achieving an MBBS degree. But securing a medical seat
is often competitive.
There is a drastic gap between the total
number of MBBS seats available in India and the number of students who apply
every year. In the previous year, nearly 13 lakh students attempted NEET exam
while nearly 60,000 seats were only allocated. In NEET 2019, a total of 15 lakh
candidates appeared out of which approximately 90,000 seats were given at UG
level. Thus one out of seventeen students become successful in getting a seat.
The situation is not too different every year.
So studying abroad is one of the best
options for those students who couldn’t score required ranks in the NEET examination.
Practising medicine abroad can be most economical and has a high ROI. Foreign
universities stay focused in maintaining high esteem in the quality of
education at minimum fees when compared to India.
Eligibility to study abroad
Every university in every country has
their own unique criteria. The following are the general criterias to study
MBBS abroad.
➢
Applicant should be above
17 years as on 31st December of the year in which the admission is being taken.
➢
Applicants must have
completed the class 12th.
➢
Applicants must have an
overall grade of at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and must have
English as a compulsory subject if they are from the General category.
➢
Applicants must have an
overall grade of at least 40% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and must have
English as a compulsory subject if the student is from SC/ST/OBC.
➢ He/She also needs to clear NEET from 2018 onwards for
admission in any country abroad.
Popular destination to pursue MBBS abroad
In contrast to other career paths such as
engineering, business studies, or arts, the popular destinations for pursuing
MBBS are not typically US, Canada, UK, Australia, etc. In countries like the
US, UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, France, Canada, and Malaysia it is
compulsory for you to take a local entrance exam for admission to MBBS courses.
The required eligibility may vary for each country. For example, in the US, you
need to have completed your graduation (ideally a 4-year Pre-Medical program)
before you can apply for the MBBS entrance exam.
➔
Medical colleges in USA
A neat academic record and good scores in
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), are necessary besides recommendation
letters. Foreign students are required to apply through the American College
Application Service, for an MD, or the American Association of Colleges of
Osteopathic Medicine Application Service for a DO degree.
The four years of the pre-medical program
consists of pre-clinical and clinical courses. The final degree achieved is MD
(Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).
Students also apply for a postgraduate
specialization in the final year of studies. The postgraduate study starts with
a one-year standalone internship followed by a license to practice. In recent
times, an internship is a part of the first year of residency, called the Traditional Rotating Internship or Transitional Year.
For the purpose of practising medicine in
the US, students need to clear USMLE as well. After clearing the USMLE, students can go for
residency. The Residency has its own time period of study depending on the
specialty. Sometimes students continue the training with a Fellowship, that is
a full-time training program in a particular specialty.
➔
MBBS in the UK
Thousands of international students apply
for MBBS in the UK every year. The time span of the course ranges from four to
six years. After finishing two years of study in an undergraduate programme,
the students are needed to complete a foundation training of two years.
Then after the completion of four years
of study in the chosen area of speciality, the students have to take a
specialty training which may last up to seven years. A Certificate of
Completion Training (CCT) is awarded upon successful completion of the
specialty training.
There are three stages in the medical
course of study in the UK. Below is the course syllabus at the Imperial College
London.
In Stage One, students will concentrate
on both the scientific basis of health and disease and the foundations of
clinical practice, including early clinical exposure. The course of study also
includes modules on lifestyle medicine and prevention and case-based learning,
with opportunities to take on clinical improvement and research projects.
During Stage Two, students will work
regarding the Bachelor's degree by completing a set of modules and research
works under supervision in a scientific/medical subject of their selection.
This gives them the chance to thrive on their scientific knowledge and
researching skills.
At Stage Three, students will gain the
knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired in the first four years of the MBBS.
In hospital and community settings, students will experience how clinical teams
work together to deliver patient care from beginning to the end of life.
Throughout Stage Three, significant emphasis will be placed on preparing students
for clinical practice.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for MBBS in
the UK
There is a strict deadline for the
applications and it closes on October 15 every year for the start of the study
in September of the next year.
Students must apply via UCAS. Applicants
should have a minimum of 85% – 90% in their 12th Board exams. In addition to
that, applicants also need to appear for an entrance exam – UKCAT,or BMAT, or GAMSAT.
International students wanting to study
Medicine at the Undergraduate level must have an IELTS score of more than 6.5
among all four categories – reading, writing, speaking, and listening – with an
overall grade 7.0, that is a common requirement at most universities.
➔
MBBS in Canada
Most of the medical schools in Canada
admit those students who have completed a degree in biological sciences except
for the Quebec province. Quebec province admits students on the basis of
completion of their class 12 exam and one year of diploma.
MBBS in Canada is known as MD (Doctor of
Medicine, considered as an undergraduate degree). International students who
are interested in applying for medicine in Canada have to clear the Medical
College Admission Test (MCAT).
The medical course study here is a 3 to 5
year program and varies according to the university and medical background of
each student applying there. Students with a bachelor’s degree in the required
field are eligible for the 4-year course study while the others have to choose
the 5-year course. Despite that, residency training is also required. It may
take upto 2 to 7 years for completion.
➔
Other Famous Abroad Medical schools
We can see that opting for medicine in
the US is a tedious process. Another major issue there is their cost of living.
In the countries such as US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore,
etc., the expense of studying medicine may range from INR 3 to 4 crores.
Besides that the scholarships provided there are very limited for MBBS programs.
Thus now we will see some of the cost-efficient and affordable choices to
pursue MBBS in foreign countries.
Top 11 Countries to Study MBBS Abroad at a Budget-friendly
cost
1. China
China is one of the most favourable
countries to pursue medicine for Indians. China has about 45 medical
institutions that are approved by MCI. These universities provide high quality
of education. The expense of studying in China is less when compared to India.
Hence, it is a wise choice for studying medicine abroad.
Cost of the program varies from INR 20
lakhs to INR 35 lakhs (for the whole course of study)
Some of the best MBBS
colleges in China:
●
Ningbo University
●
Jiangsu University
●
Wuhan University
●
Southeast University
●
Huazhong University of
Science & Technology
2. Philippines
The Philippines is the most economical
for opting a medical career. The whole course fee is about 25% lesser when
compared to the fees in India. The biggest advantage in the Philippines is that
the education system there follows American accent. It is useful for the
students to understand the subject easily and clear the exams well.
There are nearly about 40 authorized
Medical Colleges in the Philippines. Graduating there also enables you to clear
the Physician Licensure Examination to practice medicine. To apply for
admission here you need an undergraduate degree with credits in biology and
related courses.
You also need a decent score in the
National Medical Admission Test (NMAT). The cut-off score in NMAT is usually higher for international
students than locals and is based on the medical school’s discretion.
Shortlisted candidates are later interviewed for a final selection.
The cost of education varies from $10,000
to $25,000 annually for a medical degree. The total cost of study would be
around INR 25 – 40 Lakhs.
Some of the famous medical
colleges in the Philippines
●
University of Philippines
●
Cebu Institute of Medicine
●
University of Northern
Philippines
●
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng
Maynila College of Medicine
●
Saint Luke’s College of Medicine
●
University of Visayas
Gullas College of Medicine
●
West Visayas State
University College of Medicine
●
Angels University
Foundation
●
AMA School of Medicine,
Manila
●
Bicol Christian College
●
Our Lady of Fatima
University
●
University of Perpetual
Help
3. Nepal
Nepal is a
multiethnic and beautiful country. The
climate there is similar to India. Therefore many Indians prefer Nepal as it is
close to India and also due to its pleasant and charming weather. The Visa
process is the prime advantage of studying in Nepal. Since India and Nepal have
mutual considerations, visa and immigration processes are simple and speedy.
The expense of lifestyle there is also less.
Expense of study is about INR 30 to 45
Lakhs for the whole program.
Some of the best colleges in Nepal to study MBBS are
●
National Medical College
●
Nepal Medical College
●
Janaki Medical College
●
Kathmandu University School
of Medical Sciences (KUSMS)
●
Kathmandu Medical College
4. Caribbean
Caribbean medical schools are famous for
their quality education, warmth and kindness they provide in bringing into the
world the best doctors that can serve the world. Besides that, Caribbean
Medical schools provide high standard education and excellent facilities to its
students which enables them an opportunity to easily clear the USMLE exam to
get into the USA. They also have strong partnerships with Medical Universities
in Canada, UK, India, and other countries.
The Caribbean Accreditation Authority for
Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) is an authorized
body established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
It is sanctioned the power to determine and prescribe standards to certified
programmes of medical, dental, veterinary and other health professions
education on behalf of the contracting parties in CARICOM.
Cost of pursuing medicine in the
Caribbean Medical schools is around INR 80 Lakhs to 1.5 Crore (all-inclusive).
Top Caribbean Medical Schools (CAAM-HP accredited)
●
American University of
Antigua
●
American University of the
Caribbean
●
Saba University
●
St. George’s University
●
Ross University
●
American University of
Barbados
●
Instituto Tecnológico de
Santo Domingo
●
International American
University
5. Ukraine
Ukraine has the finest quality equipment
to cure diseases. It even has some of the top medical colleges which are
budget-friendly. It has the best universities which are cost-efficient and
nominal for Indian students to complete their UG and PG in medicine. The
Ukraine colleges are special because they are globally recognized by
international bodies like the Medical Council of India (MCI), World Health
Organization, UNESCO, FAIMER, and AIMEE. The cost of livelihood is less with
high ROI in a short duration.
Cost of the whole course is between INR
20 – 38 Lakhs.
Popular medical universities in Ukraine-
●
Bogomolets National Medical
University
●
Ternopil State Medical
University
●
Donetsk State Medical
University
●
Kyiv National Medical
University
●
Vinnitsa National Medical
University
6. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a place with modest cost to
pursue medicine. You can complete a course in medicine with just 12-18 lakhs.
It is the most cost-friendly place to study medicine. The universities assure a
high-quality education with good infrastructure. The institutions there are
accredited by MCI. The marks obtained in 12th standard is necessary to get
admission in Kyrgyzstan.
Cost: INR 17 – 24 Lakhs (whole program)
Esteemed institutions in Kyrgyzstan
●
Jalalabad Medical
University
●
Asian Medical Institute
●
Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic
University
●
International School of
Medicine
●
Osh State Medical
University
7. Russia
European countries seem to be very
expensive both in the cost of living and educational expenses. But in Russia,
the daily expenses and educational costs are very less compared to other
European countries. There is demand for the experienced and professional
doctors. This increases the ROI in a span of time. Choosing Russia for medicine
is one of the best decisions for an Indian student.
Some of the fpopular medical institutions in Russia
●
Mordovia State University
●
Northern State University
●
Pirogov Russian National
Research Medical University, Moscow
●
Siberian State Medical
University
●
Ryazan Medical University,
Ryazan
●
Kuban State Medical
University
8. Poland
Poland is seen as the best country
concerning education for many decades. This country follows the first-class
European education system and standards. It is also the most harmonious country
with quite a low crime rate. Many universities there offer 6 years course for
medicine with 1 year of the preparatory course for understanding the concepts
and practical knowledge in a better way.
Total Expense for 6 years varies from INR
54 to 72 Lakhs
Famous colleges in Poland to secure a MBBS degree
●
Medical University of
Gdansk
●
Medical University of
Lublin
●
Medical Academy of
Bialystok
●
University of Lodz
9. Bangladesh
Admission process in Bangladesh medical
schools follow a different procedure. International students must clear the
SAARC exam. Admission depends on the scores obtained in SAARC. Students may get
admitted in both government and private colleges in Bangladesh. Besides the
education system being similar to the Indian education system, the cost of
living and the fee for the medical course is nominal.
Cost in Bangladesh: INR 30 – 60 Lakhs
(whole program)
Top medical colleges in Bangladesh:
●
East West Medical College
●
Bangladesh Medical College
●
Jahurul Islam Medical
College
●
Delta Medical College
10. Germany
Getting admission in German medical
colleges is slightly hard. To get a seat in any university, the student must
pass the exams like IELTS or TOEFL and should be fluent in the German language.
But once you get admission in German universities, your career will be assured
and secure.
Germany has the top colleges in the world
with the most advanced treatments and technology provided there. Many
universities also provide financial assistance to international students by
providing scholarships. Students who study medicine in Germany will have
universal exposure and experience in the medical field. The best part of
studying there is that the tuition fees in Germany are budget-friendly. Most of
the state-funded universities charge zero fee or a very nominal fee (i.e a
maximum of INR 40,000 per year).
In Germany, there are no separate UG and
PG programs for Medicine. It takes a span of six years and three months to
finish a Medical degree in Germany, and that comes to end with the State
Examination (later you can apply for the license for practicing medicine).
After that, you could continue your education to become a “medical
specialist” depending on the subject of
specialization, which can take another three to six years.
Stages of Medical Studies in Germany (Source: QS)
Eligibility Criteria for Studying Medicine in Germany
(Source: QS)
There are 30 different areas of medicine
that you can choose to specialize. Medical specialist training programs are not
degree programs and not offered at any university or institute. You have to
work as a doctor in full-time employment, either at a doctor’s practice, a
university clinic or medical center or other “institution authorized to provide
medical treatment”, and will be paid as an assistant physician.
It would be best if you contact the
university of your choice at least 12 months in advance for your admission
process. Knowing German language is a requirement there. You can learn German
language from anywhere. But taking language courses in Germany itself would be
a better idea. These courses usually take place between June and September. The
German language proficiency will not only help you to get admission at the
universities but will also enhance your job prospects in Germany.
Some of the best medical colleges in Germany:
●
Ruprecht Karls University
Heidelberg
●
Charite – Medical
University of Berlin
●
University of Munich
●
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität
Freiburg
●
Rheinische
Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
●
LMU Munich
●
Humboldt University of
Berlin
●
Hannover Medical School
●
TU Munich
●
Eberhard Karls University
Tubingen
●
University of Leipzig
●
Wurzburg University
●
Magdeburg University
11. Belarus
Belarus is a small country in Eastern
Europe. It has some of the popular colleges with affordable fees. The colleges
in Belarus are approved by MCI and WHO. They are famous for their quality of
education system. The prime advantage for Indian students is that the medium of
instruction is English in Belarus.
Most famous medical universities of Belarus-
●
Belarusian State Medical
University
●
Gomel State Medical
University
●
Vitebsk State Medical
University
●
Grodno State Medical
University
In addition to these, there are still
numerous countries that are popular for studying medicine. The countries
mentioned above are very fair and modest for Indian students wishing to apply
abroad for medicine.
Attention MBBS Abroad Candidates!!!
Every Consecutive year, almost 7,000
students go abroad to pursue medicine. Most of the students opt for China and
Russia.
But, only 15% – 25% of the graduates, who
return back after completing medicine abroad, tend to clear the Foreign Medical
Graduates Examination (FMGE). Not clearing FMGE means that they would not get
registered to practice medicine in India.
Thus it should be considered primarily as
they spend a lot of money to study abroad and return back to not being able to
serve the country.
So, do an efficient research before
opting a medical school in foreign countries and beware of the dodgy and greedy
education agents.
RELATED LINKS GIVEN BELOW-
MBBS Abroad checklist MBBS abroad things to check (gkworks.in)
MBBS destinations, mbbs country optioins for indian students (gkworks.in)
