How to Study MBBS in Abroad for Indian Students at Low Cost

MBBS is one of the most sought-after career options for science students in India. While many students aim for government medical seats, others explore options abroad to access quality education at a lower overall cost. Studying MBBS in abroad for Indian students at low cost has become a smart and practical choice.

Countries like Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines offer affordable MBBS programs that are NMC-approved, taught in English, and designed for international students. These universities provide the right mix of academic training, global exposure, and clinical experience.

In this blog, we’ll explain how Indian students can study MBBS abroad without spending beyond their budget. You’ll find details on:

• Top low-cost MBBS destinations
• Tuition fees and living expenses
• Eligibility and application steps
• Recognized medical universities and career options after MBBS

Let’s begin with the top countries offering MBBS in abroad for Indian students at low cost.

Suggested Read: Top 4 Countries to Study MBBS Abroad 2024

Best Countries to Study MBBS in Abroad for Indian Students at Low Cost

It is estimated that more than 20,000 Indian students go abroad every year to pursue MBBS. Here's a look at the most preferred low-cost destinations.

1. Russia

Russia offers well-established MBBS programs with solid infrastructure and affordable tuition. Most universities have dedicated Indian student departments, English-speaking faculty, and strong clinical exposure from the fourth year onward.

Details	Information
Tuition Fees	₹2.5–5 lakh per year
Course Duration	6 years (incl. internship)
Medium of Instruction	English
NMC-Approved	Yes
Work Options	Not permitted for international students on student visa
Visa Process	Invitation letter required from university; visa granted for full course duration with yearly renewals if needed

Why Russia works:

• Long-standing medical education system
• Indian food and hostels in most universities
• Globally recognised MBBS degree
• Safe and structured academic environment

Also Read: MBBS in Japan 2025

MBBS in UK 2024

MBBS in China

MBBS in Canada

2. Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan is known for its compact course duration and low cost of living. Medical universities here are gaining recognition for quality training and increasing FMGE pass rates among Indian students.

Details	Information
Tuition Fees	₹3–5 lakh per year
Course Duration	5 years
Medium of Instruction	English
NMC-Approved	Yes
Work Options	Part-time work is restricted for foreign students; focus remains on academics
Visa Process	Straightforward; usually processed within 15–20 days after receiving university admission letter and invitation

Why choose Kazakhstan:

• 5-year program helps save time and cost
• Budget-friendly for Indian families
• Growing popularity among Indian students
• Safe cities and Indian-friendly university campuses

Read: FMGE Exam for Foreign Medical Graduates

3. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan offers one of the most affordable MBBS options abroad. The universities are well-suited for Indian students, offering English-taught programs, experienced faculty, and a peaceful academic environment.

Details	Information
Tuition Fees	₹2.5–4.5 lakh per year
Course Duration	5–6 years
Medium of Instruction	English
NMC-Approved	Yes
Work Options	No official work permits during study; part-time jobs not allowed under student visa
Visa Process	Visa issued after receiving university-issued invitation; usually single entry, renewed annually or converted to multi-year after arrival

Why Kyrgyzstan makes sense:

• Very low tuition and living cost
• English-medium MBBS with NMC-listed colleges
• Indian mess and hostel facilities widely available
• Easy admission process, no donation or entrance test

4. Ukraine (Note: Many universities are temporarily operating from alternate locations due to conflict. Check current updates before applying.)

Before the conflict, Ukraine was one of the top MBBS destinations for Indian students. The education system followed European medical standards, and universities were known for practical exposure and affordable fees. Some institutions continue to offer hybrid/alternate options.

Details	Information
Tuition Fees	₹3–5 lakh per year
Course Duration	6 years
Medium of Instruction	English
NMC-Approved	Yes (check updated list)
Work Options	Official part-time work not available for medical students
Visa Process	Visa was previously easy with university invitation; current status may vary based on embassy operations and safety guidelines

Why Ukraine was popular:

• European-style medical training
• Good FMGE performance from select colleges
• Strong clinical exposure from early years
• Affordable fee + living combo

5. China

China offers advanced medical training, government-funded universities, and modern campus facilities. Many Chinese universities are included in WHO, MCI (now NMC), and global rankings. However, only select universities are NMC-approved, so students must double-check the latest list.

Details	Information
Tuition Fees	₹3.5–6 lakh per year
Course Duration	6 years (with internship)
Medium of Instruction	English (for international programs only)
NMC-Approved	Only selected universities (check latest list)
Work Options	Part-time work not permitted during study under student visa
Visa Process	X1 visa issued for long-term study; requires JW202 form and university admission letter

Why China stands out:

• Government universities with advanced labs and infrastructure
• Global rankings and international collaborations
• Fast-growing Indian student community
• Low hostel and food expenses compared to private Indian colleges

6. Philippines

The Philippines follows a US-based medical curriculum with a strong focus on clinical training. English is widely spoken, which makes classroom learning and patient interaction easier for Indian students. The country also reports a higher FMGE passing rate among Indian graduates.

Details	Information
Tuition Fees	₹3–6 lakh per year
Course Duration	BS+MD program: 1.5–2 years pre-med + 4 years MD
Medium of Instruction	English
NMC-Approved	Yes (as per new regulations, MD must meet NMC norms)
Work Options	Part-time jobs not allowed under student visa
Visa Process	Student visa issued after initial tourist visa conversion; handled with university support once in the country

Why Indian students prefer the Philippines:

• English-speaking country with familiar culture
• Strong clinical exposure, especially in final years
• Good FMGE results in recent years
• Follows the American medical education pattern

7. Georgia

Georgia has become a popular MBBS destination due to its modern universities, English-medium instruction, and easy admission process. The medical programs follow European standards, and many universities are NMC-approved. It's also one of the safest and most student-friendly countries in the region.

Details	Information
Tuition Fees	₹4–6.5 lakh per year
Course Duration	6 years
Medium of Instruction	English
NMC-Approved	Yes (check updated NMC list)
Work Options	Part-time work legally allowed up to 20 hrs/week; limited roles for international students
Visa Process	E-visa system; simple process with offer letter and financial documents. Visa usually issued for full course duration or yearly renewals through university support

Why Georgia is a smart choice:

• English-taught MBBS with a European-style curriculum
• NMC-recognised degrees and high academic standards
• Clean, safe cities with affordable living costs
• Easy visa process and part-time work permitted

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Abroad for Indian Students at Low Cost

Planning to study MBBS abroad? Before you apply, make sure you meet the basic requirements set by both the foreign university and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Most of these are simple, but missing even one can delay your application or affect your NMC registration later.

Here’s what Indian students need to qualify:

Minimum Academic Requirements

Requirement	Details
Class 12 Subjects	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English (PCB)
Minimum Marks	At least 50% in PCB (General category); 40% for SC/ST/OBC
Board	Must be a recognized board like CBSE, ISC, or State boards

Tip: A few top universities abroad may ask for 60% or higher in PCB, especially in the Philippines or Europe.

Is NEET Mandatory?

Yes. Indian students must qualify NEET (UG) if they plan to:

• Study MBBS abroad
• Return to India and appear for the FMGE/NExT
• Practice as a doctor in India in the future

There’s no minimum NEET score required by most universities abroad, but qualifying it is compulsory as per NMC rules.

Do You Need to Take an Entrance Exam?

In most countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, and the Philippines, there’s no entrance test. Admission is usually based on:

• Class 12 PCB marks
• NEET qualification
• Valid passport and documentation

Some Chinese and European universities may conduct an online interview or screening test, but it’s rare.

What’s the Age Limit?

• You must be 17 years old on or before 31st December of the year you are applying
• There is no upper age limit for MBBS abroad, but for NEET (and NMC registration), the age cap is 25 years (relaxed for reserved categories)

English Proficiency Requirements

Most MBBS in abroad for Indian students at low cost are taught in English. However, not all universities ask for IELTS or TOEFL. Here's how it varies:

Country	English Test Required?
Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan	No (taught in English; interview may be required)
Philippines	No (but English is used in classrooms)
Georgia	Sometimes (IELTS/PTE preferred by some universities)
China	Usually not, but varies by university

Documents Required for MBBS in Abroad for Indian Students at Low Cost

Make sure these are ready before applying:

• Class 10 and 12 marksheets
• NEET scorecard
• Valid passport
• Passport-size photographs
• Offer letter from university
• Birth certificate
• Medical fitness certificate
• Bank statement/proof of funds
• Visa documents (as per country)

Admission Process for MBBS in Abroad for Indian Students at Low Cost

Most universities don’t ask for entrance exams. If you’ve completed Class 12 with PCB and qualified NEET, you’re already eligible to apply.

Here’s how the admission process works for most universities offering MBBS in abroad for Indian students at low cost.

Step-by-Step Admission Process

Step	What You Need to Do
1	Shortlist countries and universities that fit your budget and NEET score
2	Check eligibility and course duration for each university
3	Fill the online application form on the university or authorized portal
4	Upload documents (Class 10, 12 marksheets, NEET scorecard, passport)
5	Wait for the admission letter or offer letter
6	Pay the initial tuition or registration fee (as required)
7	Receive the official invitation letter for visa
8	Apply for a student visa with the necessary documents and medical check reports
9	Book your flight and plan your arrival at least a week before classes start

A Few Things to Remember

• Apply early. Seats in top affordable universities fill fast
• Use official university websites or authorized representatives only
• Double-check if the university is NMC-approved and listed for FMGE/NExT eligibility
• Keep digital and physical copies of all documents ready for visa interviews and airport checks

Fees & Cost of Studying MBBS Abroad at Low Cost

Worried about how much MBBS in abroad for Indian students at low cost will actually cost? It’s one of the first things students and parents check. The good news is—many countries offer affordable medical education, and the total cost is often lower than private MBBS seats in India.

Here's a breakdown of tuition fees and common living expenses for Indian students studying MBBS abroad.

Tuition Fees in Top Low-Cost Countries

Country	Tuition Fee (Per Year)	Total Course Cost (5–6 years)
Russia	₹2.5–5 lakh	₹15–30 lakh
Kazakhstan	₹3–5 lakh	₹15–25 lakh
Kyrgyzstan	₹2.5–4.5 lakh	₹12–25 lakh
Georgia	₹4–6.5 lakh	₹25–35 lakh
Philippines	₹3–6 lakh	₹20–35 lakh (BS+MD structure)
China	₹3.5–6 lakh	₹22–35 lakh

Note: Tuition fees may vary slightly by university and city. Clinical years may have slightly higher charges.

Read: Cost of Studying Abroad for Indian Students in Rupees

Additional Costs to Plan For

Apart from tuition, there are yearly living and admin expenses. Here's what most students spend:

• Hostel/Accommodation: ₹80,000 – ₹1.5 lakh/year
• Food/Mess charges: ₹70,000 – ₹1.2 lakh/year (Indian food available in most countries)
• Visa + Medical Insurance: ₹25,000 – ₹50,000/year
• Flight Tickets: ₹40,000 – ₹60,000 (round trip)
• Books & Supplies: ₹20,000 – ₹30,000/year
• Personal expenses: ₹30,000 – ₹50,000/year (varies by lifestyle)

Want to Save More?

• Choose government or public universities — they’re usually more affordable
• Check for MBBS scholarships or tuition waivers
• Final-year students can apply for internship stipends in some countries
• Pick shared hostel rooms or stay on campus to cut rent
• Compare cities — capitals usually cost more to live in than smaller towns

Check Out: 

USA MBBS Fees 

Cost of MBBS in UK 

Cost of MBBS in Canada

FMGE & Licensing Exam Requirements After MBBS Abroad

You’ll need to clear a licensing exam to practice medicine. In India, it’s the FMGE for now, but NEXT is set to take over. If you're planning to work in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia, you'll also need to clear their respective exams.

Here’s what Indian students studying MBBS abroad need to know:

What is FMGE?

FMGE stands for Foreign Medical Graduate Examination. It’s a mandatory screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for Indian citizens who hold a medical degree from a foreign university.

Exam Type	Screening test for Indian students with foreign MBBS degrees
Who conducts it?	National Board of Examinations (NBE)
Eligibility	Must have an MBBS from an NMC-approved foreign university
Pass Marks	50% (150 out of 300)
Frequency	Twice a year – June & December
Format	MCQ-based, no negative marking

What is NEXT?

NEXT stands for National Exit Test, introduced under the new NMC Bill. It will replace both the FMGE and the final MBBS exam in India.

Replaces	FMGE + Final-year MBBS exam + PG entrance (NEET PG)
Applies to	Indian and foreign medical graduates
Purpose	Licensing, internship clearance, and PG admission
Status	Yet to be officially implemented (expected soon)

If you're starting MBBS now, there’s a high chance you’ll appear for NEXT instead of FMGE.

Licensing Exams in Other Countries

Planning to work outside India? You’ll need to clear the relevant licensing exam based on the country:

Country	Exam	Purpose
USA	USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Exam)	Required for residency and medical license
UK	PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board)	Needed for GMC registration
Canada	MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam)	Required to practice in Canada
Australia	AMC (Australian Medical Council Exam)	Required for registration with AMC

What Should Students Do Now?

• If you're starting MBBS abroad now, check if your graduation year will fall after NEXT is introduced
• Choose only NMC-listed universities for MBBS abroad
• Prepare for FMGE or NEXT alongside your studies
• Track updates on official websites like NMC, NBE, or upGrad Abroad blogs

Scholarships for MBBS Abroad for Indian Students

Worried about MBBS expenses abroad? Many Indian students look for scholarships to manage tuition fees, living costs, and travel. While full scholarships for MBBS are rare, several government schemes, university-based waivers, and private funding options are available—especially if you have strong academics or financial needs.

Here’s what you should know.

Types of Scholarships Available

Scholarship Type	Who Can Apply	Covers
Merit-Based	Students with high PCB/NEET scores	Partial tuition fee, books, sometimes hostel
Need-Based	Students from low-income backgrounds	Tuition aid, travel allowance, living support
Govt. Scholarships	SC/ST/OBC or general category (with specific criteria)	Tuition, visa, travel, living expenses
University Grants	Offered by foreign universities	Tuition discounts or entry-level scholarships

Scholarships Indian Students Can Apply For

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Who It’s For
National Overseas Scholarship (NOS)	Govt. of India	SC/ST/OBC students pursuing MBBS abroad
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation	Private Trust	High-performing students with foreign admits
J.N. Tata Endowment Fund	Tata Trust	Indian students planning higher medical studies
University-Specific Waivers	Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, etc.	Offered based on marks + interview performance
MBBS Entry Scholarships	Philippines, Ukraine (pre-conflict), China	Based on academic record, sometimes auto-applied

How to Apply for MBBS Abroad Scholarships

• Shortlist universities offering MBBS scholarships for international students
• Visit official websites or speak with verified education consultants
• Keep your NEET scorecard, Class 12 marksheets, and passport ready
• Write a clear SOP or personal essay (some scholarships require this)
• Apply before deadlines; many scholarships close before course admission deadlines

A Few Quick Tips

• Apply early — most scholarships are first-come, first-reviewed
• Focus on NMC-approved universities that offer support to Indian students
• Don’t ignore partial waivers—they still save ₹2–5 lakh annually
• Always double-check eligibility on official sources

How upGrad Abroad Helps You Apply for MBBS Abroad at Low Cost

Applying for MBBS abroad? You need to find the right university, check NMC approval, fill out the forms, and sort your visa. upGrad Abroad helps you through every step.

Here’s what you get:

• Help with University Selection – We guide you in shortlisting affordable, NMC-approved medical colleges that fit your budget and NEET score
• Visa Support – Access useful visa blogs and step-by-step help so you don’t miss any important detail
• Scholarship Information – We share updated lists of scholarships and fee waivers you can apply for
• Easy-to-read Blogs – Find real answers on cost, eligibility, documents, FMGE/NEXT, and more
• 1:1 Counseling – Speak with our team to clear your doubts and plan your next steps with clarity

Want to get started? Talk to a counselor today.