The study of medicine and health sciences, otherwise referred to as MBBS, has grown over the years among the youth in India. Today, the number of students applying to study MBBS abroad is far greater than what it was a couple of years back. Why so?

 Lack of government seats coupled with exorbitant tuition fees charged by private medical colleges has  pushed a segment of Indian students to pursue MBBS abroad.

As per the Medical Council of India (MCI), a total of 542 government and 79,855 private colleges seats (for  the year 2020) have been provided to students who have successfully cleared the now mandatory National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). The number of seats offered by MCI is only a fraction of the total number of candidates that register for NEET every year. In 2020, a record total of over 15 lakh students registered for the NEET-UG. Private medical institutions with their exorbitant tuition fees become the only option for students who are unable to make the cut.

State-of-the-art medical universities clubbed with unmatched amenities and complete with world-class faculty make studying MBBS abroad a major success among Indians. Studying MBBS abroad not only provide students with international exposure, an opportunity to practice in a foreign land, but also a holistic experience that is cherished lifelong.

MBBS abroad eligibility and requirements

While each country would have its own set of rules and eligibility criteria for international students wanting to pursue MBBS abroad,  we are going to talk about the general eligibility guidelines for Indian students wanting to pursue MBBS among the top countries overseas.

Age Requirements

The student is required to have attained the age of 17 as of December 31 of the year he is pursuing his admission. There is no  upper age limit to apply for MBBS abroad.

Academic requirements

Candidates looking to pursue MBBS abroad are required to satisfy the below mentioned academic requirements.

The student must have completed his 10+2 from a recognized board.

The student must have an aggregate percentage of at least 50% or above in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and must have studied English as a compulsory subject during his 10+2 years.

Students are also required to qualify the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). This is mandatory even if the student is planning to pursue his medical studies abroad.

The candidate would also be required to produce an Eligibility Certificate issued by the Medical Council of India at

the time of admission to Foreign Medical Universities.

Medical Requirements

The candidate would be required to submit a medical certificate at the time of admission stating that the applicant is not suffering from any contagious diseases.

Exam(s) required to study MBBS abroad

From March 2019, an order passed by the Medical Council of India (MCI) made it mandatory for all Indian students wanting to study MBBS abroad to appear for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Candidates should note that the

upper limit for appearing for the NEET is 25 years for General candidates and 30 years for SC/ST/OBC candidates. The NEET score is valid for a period of three years.

Candidates wanting to pursue medical studies abroad could also be required to appear for an English proficiency test to prove their knowledge of the English language. Depending on the English language requirements of the university, the candidates can opt for TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or OET.

Admission process for studying MBBS abroad

Once the candidate has satisfied the eligibility requirements. He can move on to the next step which is the application process to study MBBS abroad. Candidates are required to select his preferred MBBS University and fill out the online international student application form to start his admission process.

Applicants would be required to upload a set of documents as part of the application procedure to further strengthen their academic profile. These include:

Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

School Leaving & School Migration Certificate NEET Score Card

Personal Financial Statements

Statement of Purpose (SOP) Resume (CV)

Letter of Recommendation (LOR)

Language Proficiency Certificate (if any) Passport Size Photographs

Medical Certificate

On the successful submission of the online application form along with the fee, candidates would hear back from the university with an admission letter. They would be then required to apply for their Student Visa along with their passport, original documents, and their letter of acceptance from the university.