Is it Good to do MBBS from Abroad?

Is it good to do an MBBS from abroad: Medicine is one of the most sought-after career paths across the globe, and obviously, the journey of becoming a doctor starts with gaining an MBBS degree. However, many of us already know the drastic difference between the number of MBBS seats available in India and the number of applicants. On average, more than 12 lakhs of students try to attempt NEET, and the approximate number of seats available yearly is around 60,000. That makes about 22 students fight for one seat. Crazy, right? This is where MBBS from abroad comes into play. 

Studying in a foreign country has a unique appeal with its new cities, cultures, and experiences. It’s no wonder that pursuing an MBBS degree abroad is becoming increasingly popular among Indian medical students.

Many students are unsure about studying MBBS abroad. While the idea of studying in a foreign country is exciting, moving away from home can be daunting. Students and parents need to decide if studying MBBS abroad is the right choice. We’ll list the positives and negatives to help you understand everything and make a wise decision.

Reasons Why is it Good to do MBBS from Abroad?

Before deciding, it’s crucial to understand the key reasons why pursuing an MBBS degree abroad can be a beneficial option.

1. Less Competition

NEET is a highly competitive entrance exam required for applying to MBBS courses internationally. However, the competition is less intense compared to Indian institutes. In India, the number of students applying for MBBS is about three times the number of available seats, making the competition fierce, as admission is based on the rank secured in NEET. In contrast, Indian students applying for MBBS abroad face fewer requirements in terms of NEET, with a lower dependency on NEET rank.

2. Affordable Tuition Fees

Government medical institutes in India are affordable, but private colleges can be very expensive, often costing 50 to 60 lakhs for an MBBS degree. In contrast, countries like China, the Philippines, Russia, Germany, and others offer the same course at a lower cost, typically around 25 to 30 lakhs depending on the country. Studying MBBS abroad also tends to have more transparent costs compared to private colleges in India, which may include hidden fees.

3. NMC Approved

NMC-approved medical institutes abroad, when adhering to local education standards, provide high-quality education to MBBS students. While medical colleges abroad often face criticism for maintaining quality standards compared to domestic institutes, they are generally well-equipped with modern technologies that enhance learning and provide advanced practical knowledge. Additionally, many foreign medical institutes offer MBBS programs in English, enabling students from various countries to avoid language barriers on campus.

4. International Exposure

Studying abroad offers a valuable learning opportunity, regardless of the course. It allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture and adapt to a different environment. Pursuing an MBBS degree overseas exposes students to diverse medical conditions, advanced technology, and cutting-edge facilities. Indian students also benefit from interacting with peers from around the world, gaining insights from diverse perspectives and learning from different mindsets.

Points to Remember Before Applying for MBBS Abroad

Now that you know the benefits of studying MBBS abroad, here are some important points to keep in mind before applying:

1. Check NMC Approval

Medical colleges are sprouting everywhere, be it in India or abroad, but not all of them are recognised. Before selecting a country to study MBBS from abroad, students must know whether the college/university they choose is recognised in their own country and by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Visit the website of the NMC and know if the college you are interested in is recognised by the NMC or not. Along with the NMC, students must also check if the WHO admits them to the college or not. If the given organisations do not approve the college, then a degree from those colleges will most likely not be used in the student’s career.

2. FMGE Exam

After completing their MBBS degree abroad, students must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) to obtain a license to practice in India. The FMGE is based on the MBBS curriculum, and students must score at least 50% marks to qualify.

3. Practical Knowledge

Some colleges abroad do not provide their students with sufficient practical knowledge, which is essential for studying MBBS. Therefore, when researching colleges, be sure to evaluate the practical exposure offered by the institutes. Additionally, always check reviews from current and former students to gain comprehensive insights into the university.

4. Mandatory Local Language

Even in the medium of learning English in various nations, the local language plays an important role. In some countries, the students might also have to know the local language; for example, in China, the students must learn Mandarin; which is essential, etc. but there are countries where learning the local language is not mandatory, like Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan etc. Also, staying away from your family for more than five years is not easy and certainly takes a lot of time for students to adjust.  

Conclusion

In light of the fact that universities abroad provide high-quality education at affordable costs, There are many countries that are best for Indian Students for MBBS. MBBS abroad is unquestionably a fantastic option for Indian students. But all you need to do is apply for an MBBS programme overseas under professional guidance, which will simplify the admissions process and help you accomplish your goal of becoming a doctor.

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