MBBS Abroad Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Pursuing MBBS abroad has become an attractive option for Indian students due to affordable fees, quality education, and global exposure. If you’re planning to study MBBS in countries like Russia, Kazakhstan, or others, this comprehensive guide will walk you through eligibility criteria, university comparisons, fee structures, visa procedures, and success stories.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad
To secure admission in an international medical university, students must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Academic Requirements
✅ Minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) for general category students (40% for SC/ST/OBC).
✅ English as a compulsory subject in Class 12. - NEET Qualification
✅Qualifying NEET-UG is mandatory for Indian students to practice in India after completing MBBS abroad. - Age Criteria
✅ The minimum age should be 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year. - Additional Requirements
✅Some countries may require an English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL), but most universities in Russia, Kazakhstan, etc., do not have this requirement.
Country-Wise University Comparisons (Russia, Kazakhstan, etc.)
Russia
✅ Top Universities: Moscow State Medical University, Kazan Federal University, People’s Friendship University
✅ Course Duration: 6 years (including internship)
✅ Medium of Instruction: English & Russian
✅ Benefits: WHO & NMC recognized universities, affordable tuition fees, extensive clinical exposure
✅ Challenges: Harsh winters, need to learn basic Russian for clinical practice
Kazakhstan
✅ Top Universities: Kazakh National Medical University, Astana Medical University, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University
✅ Course Duration: 5-6 years
✅ Medium of Instruction: English & Kazakh/Russian
✅ Benefits: Lower tuition fees, proximity to India, good climate
✅ Challenges: Fewer universities compared to Russia, limited global recognition
Uzbekistan
✅ Top Universities: Tashkent Medical Academy, Samarkand State Medical University
✅ Course Duration: 5-6 years
✅ Medium of Instruction: English & Uzbek
✅ Benefits: Affordable tuition fees, increasing popularity, friendly environment for Indian students
✅ Challenges: Fewer universities with global recognition, need to learn basic Uzbek for patient interactions
Georgia
✅ Top Universities: Tbilisi State Medical University, European University, Caucasus International University
✅ Course Duration: 6 years
✅ Medium of Instruction: English
✅ Benefits: European-style medical education, advanced infrastructure, globally recognized degrees
✅ Challenges: Higher tuition fees compared to Russia & Kazakhstan, limited availability of scholarships
Philippines
✅ Top Universities: University of Santo Tomas, University of Perpetual Help, AMA School of Medicine
✅ Course Duration: 5.5-6 years (includes pre-med course)
✅ Medium of Instruction: English
✅ Benefits: Follows US-based medical curriculum, excellent FMGE passing rate, English-speaking environment
✅ Challenges: Pre-med course required, costlier than some other countries
China
✅ Top Universities: Peking University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Fudan University
✅ Course Duration: 5-6 years
✅ Medium of Instruction: English & Chinese
✅ Benefits: Advanced medical technology, affordable tuition fees, globally ranked universities
✅ Challenges: Chinese language learning required for patient interactions, strict visa policies
Bangladesh
✅ Top Universities: Dhaka Medical College, Chittagong Medical College, Rajshahi Medical College
✅ Course Duration: 5 years
✅ Medium of Instruction: English
✅ Benefits: Similar syllabus to Indian MBBS, good FMGE passing rate, cultural similarity
✅ Challenges: Limited seats for foreign students, relatively higher tuition fees
Cost of MBBS in Russia
Tuition Fees (Approximate Annual Cost)
Country | Tuition Fees (INR) | Hostel Fees (INR) |
Russia | 3-7 Lakhs | 60K-1.5 Lakhs |
Kazakhstan | 2-5 Lakhs | 50K-1 Lakh |
Uzbekistan | 2-4 Lakhs | 50K-1 Lakh |
Georgia | 5-8 Lakhs | 1-2 Lakhs |
Philippines | 4-7 Lakhs | 1-1.5 Lakhs |
China | 3-6 Lakhs | 80K-1.5 Lakhs |
Bangladesh | 5-7 Lakhs | 80K-1.5 Lakhs |
Cost of MBBS in Russia
Tuition Fees (Approximate Annual Cost)
Scholarships
✅ Some universities provide merit-based scholarships.
✅ Government scholarships (Indian and foreign government-sponsored programs).
Education Loan Options
✅ Nationalized banks like SBI, PNB, and private banks offer education loans.
✅ NBFCs and private lenders also provide student loans for MBBS abroad.
✅ Collateral-based loans have lower interest rates.
Visa Process & Required Documents
Visa Application Steps
- Receive an admission letter from the university.
- Apply for a student visa at the respective country’s embassy.
- Submit documents (original and notarized copies).
- Attend the visa interview (if required).
- Obtain visa approval and book flight tickets.
Required Documents
- Passport (valid for at least 18 months)
- Admission letter from the university
- NEET qualification proof
- Academic certificates (10th & 12th mark sheets)
- Bank statements (financial proof for tuition & living expenses)
- Medical certificate & HIV test report
- Visa application form and passport-size photos
Success Stories from Indian Students
From Small Town to MBBS in Russia
Rahul Sharma, from Uttar Pradesh, struggled with NEET but secured admission to Kazan Federal University in Russia. Today, he is completing his clinical training and preparing for FMGE to practice in India.
Achieving Dreams in Kazakhstan
Priya Reddy from Telangana chose Kazakhstan due to affordability. With quality education at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, she is now excelling in her medical studies and planning to specialize in cardiology.
A New Beginning in Uzbekistan
Amit Patel, after multiple attempts at NEET, opted for MBBS in Uzbekistan. With strong practical exposure, he is confident in clearing NEXT and practicing as a doctor in India.
Conclusion:
Studying MBBS abroad in 2025 is a great option for Indian students looking for affordable medical education. Choose your university wisely based on budget, country preferences, and career goals.
Need expert guidance for MBBS admissions? Contact Videshi Mentors today!