Is it a good option to study abroad for an MBBS?

Studying abroad for an MBBS should be a good option for you when you have the will to go for it.

Medicine is one of the most popular career paths across the world, and the journey to becoming a doctor typically starts with gaining an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree.

Unfortunately, there is a drastic difference between the number of MBBS seats available in India and the number of applicants. Last year, there were nearly 13 lakh students attempting NEET for admission to approximately 60,000 seats. That amounts to nearly 22 students competing for a single seat!

According to the Medical Council of India (MCI), there are 494 recognized colleges in India that offer MBBS courses, with a total of 63,050 seats. In comparison, there are 407 additional institutes located across the globe that are recognized by the MCI for MBBS courses

Couple all this with the considerable cost of MBBS in India at private institutes (the same degree is often cheaper internationally!) and the allure of traveling abroad, and you won’t be surprised to see that MBBS from abroad is becoming a popular option today.

Advantages of Pursuing an MBBS from Abroad

There are multiple benefits to pursuing an MBBS degree from abroad. Here are the most important ones.

1. Less Dependence on NEET Rank

Although from 2020 onwards the highly competitive NEET entrance exam has become compulsory for applying to MBBS courses internationally, the competition will still be considerably less compared to Indian institutes. There are nearly 3 times as many students applying for the MBBS course in India as the number of available seats, and the competition is cutthroat as admission takes place on the basis of rank secured. In comparison, students pursuing MBBS abroad have minimal requirements in terms of NEET ranking.

2. Lower Costs Compared to Private Indian Institutes

Government medical colleges in India are undoubtedly affordable, however, private medical colleges are expensive, with costs around Rs. 45 lakh to pursue an MBBS degree. In comparison, an MBBS degree in a foreign destination like Ukraine, Russia, or the Philippines would cost less than Rs. 30 lakh, based on the specific country. A medical degree in the US meanwhile would cost up to Rs. 70 lakh. Also, there are many hidden costs involved in studying at a private medical college in India, which can be eliminated by studying abroad where the costs are largely upfront.

3. High Quality of Education

Institutes that are recognized by the MCI and also meet the local standard of education regulations generally offer top-quality education to MBBS students. As compared to domestic institutes, medical colleges abroad face extensive censure to maintain quality standards. However, it’s best to verify the ranking and/or reviews of any institution you are considering applying to.

4. International Exposure

Studying abroad is a learning experience in itself, regardless of the course, as you learn about a new culture and how to adapt to a new environment. Specifically for an MBBS course, studying abroad gives exposure to a variety of medical conditions, along with advanced technology, state-of-the-art apparatus, and amenities. Apart from teachers, you will learn from interacting with students from different nationalities as well.

Challenges in Pursuing an MBBS from Abroad

Apart from the benefits of completing an MBBS degree internationally, there are a few challenges too:

1. College Recognition

Medical colleges are mushrooming everywhere, inside India and internationally, and not all of them are recognized. It is essential to thoroughly research any medical college you are considering applying to so that you can verify its recognition in its own country and in India. Visit the Medical Council of India website to confirm if the college you’re interested in is recognized by the MCI. Also, check that your prospective medical school is recognized by WHO (World Health Organisation). A degree from an unrecognized institute will most likely not be of any use in your career.

2. License to Practice

If you complete your MBBS degree outside of India, you will be required to pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) screening test in order to register with the MCI or any state medical council and practice medicine in India. The test is conducted twice a year by the National Board of Examinations for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). FMGE is based on the MBBS curriculum and you need to score 50 percent marks to qualify.

3. Practical Training

Learning practical clinical skills is an important part of studying MBBS. However, some international medical colleges have gained notoriety for offering very little practical training to medical students. When you research medical colleges, make sure to check the percentage of practical training as well as reviews from current and previous students so that you do not lose out on learning important practical skills.

4. Local Adjustment

The medium of instruction for MBBS generally remains English for the majority of nations, however, local languages also play an important role. You may also be required to study the local language, for example, Ukrainian in Ukraine, or Russian in Russia. Staying away from family in a new country for 5+ years is also not easy and you will most likely take time to adjust.