MBBS abroad: Benefits, Eligibility, Fees, and Top Colleges

Despite India having numerous top medical colleges and a great market supporting MBBS, the number of Indian students applying for MBBS abroad has increased in recent years. The cut-throat competition at government medical colleges and high fees at private medical institutions is the main reason for this rise in MBBS abroad for Indian students. In 2020, more than 15 lakh students appeared for the NEET exam to be eligible for the 79,855 medical/dental available seats.

With the world education system advancing, students have realized that they can complete MBBS from a university abroad despite getting a preferred seat in one of the medical colleges in India. The foremost reason being the MBBS abroad fees is incomparable to Indian medical college fees. The MBBS abroad fees of many medical colleges are lower than the fees of most Indian private medical colleges. Also, these colleges abroad are recognised by Medical Council of India (MCI).

Now, let us briefly go through a few reasons why you should study MBBS abroad.

Why study MBBS Abroad?

If you still doubt your decision about pursuing MBBS abroad, skims through the following points and understand the benefits of studying MBBS abroad:

Infrastructure

MBBS abroad colleges are known for their modern facilities and world-class infrastructure. These MBBS abroad colleges are equipped with the latest medical equipment and have state-of-the-art medical laboratories furnished with the latest resources that enhance the learning experience of the students. These MBBS abroad colleges have enough resources for experiments and research and their infrastructure is better than most Indian medical colleges.

MBBS abroad fees

The cost of completing MBBS at a private medical college in India is quite high. At the same cost and sometimes even lower, students can complete their MBBS abroad with better resources and exposure.

MCI recognized medical colleges abroad

The degree received from MBBS study abroad colleges is approved by the MCI. Meaning, students holding a foreign university medical degree can appear and qualify for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) to be allowed to practice in India.

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No Separate Entrance Exam

Students aspiring to study MBBS abroad aren’t required to appear for any separate entrance exam for admission. NEET entrance test is considered for admission in MCI recognized medical colleges abroad. If you qualify for the NEET UG entrance exam and get above 50% in PCB and have had English as a subject in 10+2, you will be eligible to study MBBS abroad.

International Recognition

Students who study MBBS abroad from MCI recognized medical colleges abroad get international recognition post returning to India. While pursuing MBBS abroad, students interact with people from different communities, cultures, and countries. This interaction leads to growth on both personal and professional levels.

What are MBBS abroad eligibility criteria?

Every country has its eligibility criteria for international students pursuing MBBS abroad. Here, we will discuss a few general eligibility guidelines that Indian students must be aware of if they wish to pursue MBBS among the top MCI recognized medical colleges abroad.

Academic requirements

To pursue MBBS abroad, students must have:

• Completed 10+2 from a recognized board.
• Scored above 50% in PCB and have had English as a subject in 10+2.
• An eligibility certificate from the MCI if you want to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) after graduation to practice in India, You must obtain this before enrolling in any institution for MBBS Abroad. This certificate also needs to be presented to the MBBS abroad institution.

Age Requirements

For applying for MBBS abroad, a student must have attained the age of 17 before applying and there’s no upper age limit.

Exam(s) required to study MBBS abroad

It is mandatory for all Indian students wanting to study MBBS in India or abroad to appear for the NEET. The upper age limit is 25 for ‘General Candidates’ and 30 for ‘SC/ST/OBC Candidates’. NEET score is valid for three years.

In some cases, students could be required to appear for an English proficiency test to pursue MBBS abroad. Depending on the requirements of the university you wish to study MBBS abroad, you can opt for IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or others.

Documents for admission process

Applicants are required to upload most of the following documents as part of the application procedure:

• Class 10 and 12 marks sheet
• NEET Score Card
• Language Proficiency Certificate
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Resume (CV)
• Personal Financial Statements
• Migration Certificate
• Passport Size Photographs

Medical Requirements

At the time of admission, the applicant is required to submit a medical report stating that he/she isn’t suffering from any contagious diseases.

Best medical colleges abroad for Indian students

If you have dug this deep into the article, you are interested in studying MBBS abroad. So, here are the 5 best medical colleges abroad for Indian students:

Harvard University

This study MBBS abroad university prepares students to excel in the rapidly changing modern medicine landscape. Its curriculum is grounded in clinical experiences and the study of leading biomedical science.

Students get several opportunities to research at Harvard Medical School. The research work not only includes hypothesis-based research in clinical sciences but also research in the medical humanities, social sciences, and arts. The faculty at this MBBS abroad university are affiliated with hospitals and therefore offer great opportunities for the students.

Just because it’s Harvard, it’s not all studying! Student activities are an integral part of the Harvard experience. With several clubs and societies for drama, sports, music, journalism, etc., extracurriculars at Harvard complement your studies and creates opportunities for self-discovery and friendship.

University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is one of the best medical colleges abroad for Indian students as it offers well-rounded intellectual training with a special focus on basic science research that supports medicine. The MBBS course at Oxford consists of a three-year pre-clinical stage followed by a three-year clinical stage.

This study MBBS abroad university’s infrastructure is relatively small. This enables staff and students to get to know each other and also provides a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Oxford provides the appropriate equipment and facilities required for teaching and research, whilst also offering the opportunity for inspiration, interaction, and engagement.

This study MBBS abroad university mandates an experimental research project for all its Medical Sciences students. The research topic can be in the student’s field of interest. This offers valuable first-hand experience in scientific research. Students get to research laboratories from different departments within the Medical Sciences Division.

There are more than 400 societies and clubs at the University of Oxford covering a wide variety of interests. In other words, there is something for everybody. However, if a student thinks that there is a gap to be filled, they are allowed to set up their student society.

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University of Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is renowned for its medicine courses – the Graduate Course and the Standard Course. This study MBBS abroad college aims at educating students to become skilled, thoughtful, and compassionate, leaders of the medical profession.

The department of medicine at this best medical college abroad for Indian students is one of the largest in Cambridge with over 5 floors within the Addenbrooke’s Hospital. At the University of Cambridge, students learn everything from basic biomedical research to translational and clinical research regarding a diverse range of medical conditions. They get to learn directly from learned scientists throughout the Cambridge Campus.

The medicine department of this MBBS abroad college majorly focuses on spanning fundamental aspects of medicine by working on disease mechanisms and clinical translation. Besides, the department also plays a major role in helping with patient care at Addenbrooke’s and a few other hospitals.

This MBBS abroad college is renowned for its annual Boat Race against Oxford, but there’s more to sports at Cambridge than rowing. There are countless opportunities for people seeking to join sports, drama, music, and other clubs at Cambridge. It is considered a top medical college abroad for Indian students because of the numerous student choirs, music societies, drama clubs, and other curricular activities.

Stanford University

Stanford University makes it to the list of best medical colleges abroad for Indian students because of its world-class faculty and coursework in medicine that allows aspiring scientists and physicians to experiment across various disciplines (engineering, humanities, business, etc.).

This MBBS abroad college has a highly distinguished faculty. Students get to work alongside leading experts that support them in their development and help them in getting a clear understanding of different concepts.

Stanford Medicine has close ties with Silicon Valley which allows it to merge healthcare expertise with creative thinking and innovation. The beautiful spaces along with state-of-the-art facilities at this MBBS abroad university enables students to learn in the best environment.

Stanford supports a variety of student organizations through resources, funding, and advertising. Stanford medical students can become a part of more than 40 different student groups. These groups have a wide range of focus points, ranging from specialty interests to service. These groups are extremely diverse and engage students in a wide variety of activities in and outside the classroom.

Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is one of the best medical colleges abroad for Indian students. Here, students learn everything from the Genes to Society Curriculum – pairing academics and concurrent clinical experience.

Students at this best medical college abroad for Indian students are divided into one of four colleges- Nathans, Taussig, Thomas, and Sabin, in pursuit of fostering a community, feel among students. Each college has counselors and advisers to help students through the courses, career selection, and research participation.

This MCI recognized medical colleges abroad receive large amounts of research funding through the National Institutes of Health and other organizations. They run leading research centers including the Institute of Genetic Medicine and the Brain Science Institute.

This MBBS abroad university isn’t all about studying. Johns Hopkins University also hosts a day of kickball, tug-of-war, races, an annual Colleges Bowl, and other fun events.

Conclusion

Nowadays, several countries have started to offer high-quality medical education – some even at very affordable prices. Students from various countries including India have started to study MBBS abroad. So, if you have decided to opt for MBBS abroad, worry not! You aren’t alone and you have several options to choose from. But before you go ahead with a college or university, make sure you go through all the prerequisites and are well prepared for the admission process.