How To Choose Medical Colleges Abroad For Indian Students

As per the National Medical Commission (NMC), there are a total of 706 MBBS colleges in India. These 706 MBBS colleges offer a total of 108,915 MBBS seats. This can’t accommodate the dreams of people 5 times the total number of seats available. Options are to study MBBS in foreign nations, but how to select the college, which country will suit them, what would be the budget, are there any scholarships, duration of the program, and accreditation of the university making their degree valuable, are some common questions.

Well this is not always the case, many of the students only aspire to study MBBS abroad just to experience the top medical universities in the world and their education system. In 2024 a record total of over 23.81 lakh students registered for the NEET-UG. Private medical institutions with whooping tuition fees become the only option for students who are unable to secure government seats.

World class medical universities equipped with unmatched amenities, top-class faculty mainly makes studying MBBS abroad a best option. How would you select a medical college abroad for MBBS and which country is best, is explained in this article in detail.

Key Factors While Choosing Medical College Abroad

Below I have listed some key factors to consider while selecting a medical college abroad;

Also Read: What Are the Requirements to Study Medicine Abroad?

1. Recognition and Accreditation: Firstly you must ensure that the medical university abroad is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India. This step is crucial if you decide to come back to India for a job as your degree is valid in India and globally.
2. Curriculum and Teaching Methods: The curriculum outlined must align with international standards, and teaching processes must include theoretical and practical in similar proportions which ensures an effective understanding of the subject.
3. Language of Instruction: The language and the medium of instruction holds the utmost importance. Universities which offer MBBS courses in English are mostly preferred by Indian students to ensure no language barriers while learning.
4. Quality of Faculty: Make sure you research the college/university’s faculty efficiencies from knowing their qualifications and experience. Being with seasoned medical professionals as instructors always helps in downloading quality education.
5. Infrastructure and Facilities: Relevant and not generic infrastructure, when it comes to well-equipped labs, modern libraries, and clinical training facilities, are more than critical for practical training sessions.
6. Clinical Exposure: Go through the university’s affiliations with the local hospitals for the clinical rotations. Hands-on clinical exposure is an important part of the medical education system.
7. Global Recognition and Mobility: A degree attained from a globally recognized college/university provides more chances for a secured future in various countries, subject to clearing the local medical licensing tests.
8. Cost of Education: You must consider and compare the tuition fees and also calculate the accommodation cost. Pursuing MBBS abroad could be more affordable than in a private medical college in India.
9. Safety and Environment: Check the safety standards and other general environment of the country and college you have decided to get admitted to. Check the city where the college/university is located.
10. Student Support Services: Check with universities that provide comprehensive & strong support services for international students which include assistance with accommodation, visa processes, along with adaptation to the local structure.
11. Alumni Network: A sustained, well established and strong network of alumni always offers guidance and a great deal of support while you take your course of learning.
12. Research Opportunities: Universities mostly provide research opportunities to better facilitate students with additional experience.
13. Visa Regulations: Know and understand the visa norms/regulations of the country you decide on and make your to be compliant with them throughout your stay. We at SA Visa central, take care of anything ranging from, selecting, country, to college, to admission, and to get accommodations.
14. Pass Percentage in FMGE: Know the pass percentage of the university’s graduates in the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) in India.

Top scholarships for MBBS Abroad

Starting a medical career is always filled with excitement, but we cannot afford to overlook the  financial aspects. Many dreams just come true because there were transparent and comprehensive scholarship programs established. Many prestigious scholarships are also available to facilitate international MBBS students to ease the struggle with finances and rightly focus on their learnings. Below I have listed some of the top scholarship programs;

Affordable Countries To Study MBBS Abroad

We have conducted a survey, as we enable many students from India to live their dreams of studying and settling abroad. I have formed comprehensive and effective plan of colleges in abroad for Indian students, take a look below;

MBBS In USA

The United States has been one of the most sought after dream destinations for Indian students looking for medical colleges to study abroad, especially in the field of medicine. The most common reasons are the top-class infrastructure, clinical exposure, high standards of education sustained by world’s top ranking medical schools like Harvard, Stanford and many more.

Eligibility criteria for MBBS admissions in the USA

• – Candidates should have a score of at least 50% in the 12th
• – Students, who are willing to study MBBS in the USA, must come from a science background with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as the primary subjects.
• – It’s essential to have a qualifying score of NEET.
• – Priorities are given to students with qualifying MCAT scores.
• – Qualified TOEFL or IELTS score is compulsory for studying in the USA.

MBBS in Bangladesh

Indian students who need another cheaper option and which is also at a lesser travel distance can go for Bangladesh. The average tuition fee for studying MBBS in Bangladesh is INR 15.79 Lakhs.

Documents Required for MBBS Abroad

To secure your spot in one of the prestigious medical colleges abroad you will be required to submit a specifically defined set of documents along with the admission application form. Different countries have a different set of document rules and requirements as per their policies. I have listed below, some of the basic documents which almost every medical college/university will ask about;

Also Read: Merit vs. Need-Based Study Abroad Scholarships: Which Should You Target?

• Official academic transcripts like certificates, degrees and other related documents. If you’re applying to a country which has an official language different from that of your academic transcript, ensure that you get the same translated
• A valid passport which has its validity intact
• Language proficiency certificate, if required (IELTS, TOEFL and OET)
• Proof of funds to cover your complete cost of studying and living
• Personal Financial Statements
• Student visa
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume (CV)
• Standardized test scores
• NEET Score Card
• Medical certificate which will serve as proof of your sound mental and physical health
• Passport-sized photos
• PCC or Police Clearance Certificate

Conclusion

Studying MBBS abroad is considered a best option by many because it provides the student with global exposure, access to top class university campuses, superior laboratory access, along with a much better student-teacher ratio. SAVisa has admitted thousands of students in different medical colleges of the world, with a simple process for visa and admission, it’s always ensured that you settle seamlessly.