Every year, lakhs of Indian students compete to secure MBBS admissions in India and almost all of them aim to get into a government medical college as private institutions’ fees are skyrocketing. If you are one such student, aspiring to be a medical professional, you must be aware that getting an MBBS degree requires dedication and commitment. It could take you four to seven years to complete the course. So when you are willing to spend so many years becoming a doctor, choosing the right university is very important. Why? Because the college you choose has a direct effect on your educational experience, quality of learning, and finances. 

In many cases, students prefer to study abroad not only because of the lack of MBBS seats in India but also to gain international exposure, get hands-on training, access world-class medical equipment and find better-paying jobs. Another crucial reason students choose to study abroad is the high fees and donations required for private admissions in India. Contrary to popular belief, studying an MBBS course in some of the countries abroad can prove to be less expensive than studying in India. It’s not a myth, Indian students can actually save money while studying MBBS abroad. There are many ways to pursue MBBS abroad for Indian students at a low cost.

Do You Know if You Are Eligible?

After you decide that you will study MBBS abroad, one of the first questions that pop up is “am I eligible?” So, before we start talking about the countries that offer MBBS at low cost, let’s take an eligibility test. If you meet the following basic eligibility criteria, you will be able to apply to almost all medical colleges abroad. 

  • You should be at least 17 years of age in most countries to apply for an MBBS.
  • You should have completed 10th and 12th grades in any science specializations (Biology, Physics, Chemistry, etc.) 
  • Your aggregate score should be at least 50%. This is accepted in most low-cost countries; however, this could vary from one university to another.
  • You should have a good MCAT score, which should not be more than four years old. Most foreign medical colleges do not specify a minimum MCAT score. However, scores above 510 are usually considered good. 
  • You must take an English proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL and obtain a good score in it.
  • If you are an Indian student, then it’s mandatory for you to clear the NEET exams.
  • You should have a medical certificate indicating that you are in sound health to study abroad.

Now that you are aware of the eligibility criteria let’s look at the top countries that offer low-cost MBBS abroad. 

Top Seven Countries Offering MBBS at Low Cost to Indian Students

While studying MBBS in the US, the UK, and Canada is quite common, and certain parts of the US, such as the Caribbean Islands, are popular for offering low-cost MBBS in the world, these are actually not budget-friendly options for all the Indian students. Let’s look at the top seven countries that offer MBBS abroad for Indian students at a low cost.

1. Russia

Apart from the heritage buildings and picture-perfect landscape, Russia is also known for its affordable education system. This is one of the reasons thousands of Indian students pursue their MBBS in Russia. An MBBS degree from Russia is recognised by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognise Russian universities. The annual average tuition fees for MBBS in Russia varies from Rs.3–8 lakh, while the duration of the course is six years, including a year-long internship. 

2. The Philippines

Unlike India, the Philippines offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree upon course completion. This MD is equivalent to MBBS offered in India and the duration of the MBBS course in the Philippines is five to eight years, including an internship. Philippines offers one of the most affordable MBBS courses in the world as the annual average fee is between Rs.3–5 lakh. The medium of instruction is in English, and an MD from the Philippines is recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC). 

3. Germany

Germany is known for not only low tuition fees but also advanced medical treatments and technology. International students are offered scholarships that reduce the tuition fees drastically. If one gets admitted into a state-run university, the maximum price that will be charged would be roughly Rs.40,000 per annum. Some of the best medical schools in Germany are as follows:

  • University of Munich
  • Heidelberg University
  • Luberck University
  • Wurzburg University
  • Charite – Medical University of Berlin

4. The Caribbean Islands

Caribbean medical schools are known for their diverse culture as students from across the world go there to become doctors. This is also a perfect place to find jobs after your course is complete. They collaborate closely with other countries such as Canada, the UK, and others. The average tuition fee per annum in the Caribbean varies from Rs.8–10 lakh. Some of the most reputable medical schools in the Caribbean are as follows:

  • American University of Antigua
  • International American University
  • American University of the Caribbean
  • St. George’s University
  • Saba University
  • Ross University
  • American University of Barbados

5. Ukraine

Ukraine has seen a significant increase in international MBBS applicants as the Ukrainian government welcomes international students. The annual average tuition fees in Ukraine is between Rs.3–5 lakh and the duration of the course varies from five to eight years, depending on the student and the internship period.

6. The Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for both its scenic beauty and quality of education. Although Dutch is widely spoken in the Netherlands, English is also a widely used medium of instruction and the course duration is six years. Further, studying in Europe is possibly one of the things on most Indian students’ bucket lists. Some of the top universities in the Netherlands are Leiden University, University of Amsterdam, Maastricht University, Erasmus University Rotterdam, and Utrecht University.

7. Poland

Poland follows the best-in-class European education system: It has high standards when it comes to education. The duration of an MBBS course in Poland is six years, including one year of practical experience. The average total fee for this six-year MBBS course is around Rs.50–75 lakh. 

So, What’s Your Decision Going to Be?

Apart from the above-listed seven countries, many others offer MBBS abroad to Indian students at a low cost. Some such countries include Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Kyrgyzstan, France, and Belarus. So if you are an Indian student aspiring to study MBBS abroad, there are a lot of low-cost options to choose from. 

Before selecting a medical school, consider the following:

  1. Make sure the school meets your individual requirements;
  2. Consider all factors before choosing, including the education system, course structure, fees, exposure and experience, cost of living, climate, language, and any other factor that may be important to you;
  3. Before applying, be aware of the accreditation and the countries that would recognise the degree.

In some cases, after you earn an MBBS degree, you will still require to clear an entrance exam in order to practice in a different country. Remember that you will be spending many years in this country, so choose a place where you would feel at home and one that offers the best education, of course!