Question 1

Why should I study MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Studying MBBS abroad offers affordable education, no donation fees, global recognition, quality infrastructure, and easier admission compared to India.

Question 2

Is NEET mandatory for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students to study MBBS abroad as per NMC guidelines. You also need NEET to practice medicine in India after returning.

Question 3

Which is the best country for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Philippines are among the best countries for MBBS abroad, offering NMC-approved universities, affordable fees, quality education, and good FMGE pass rates.

Question 4

Can I study MBBS abroad without NEET?

Accepted Answer

You can get admission in some countries without NEET, but you CANNOT practice medicine in India without NEET qualification. NMC has made NEET mandatory for registration and licensing in India.

Question 5

What is the eligibility for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

You need 10+2 with PCB, minimum 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC), NEET qualification, minimum age 17 years by Dec 31 of admission year, and a valid passport.

Question 6

How long is the MBBS duration abroad?

Accepted Answer

MBBS duration is typically 5-6 years including internship, depending on the country and university. Some countries have 5 years 1 year internship.

Question 7

Is there any entrance exam for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Most countries accept students based on NEET scores without additional entrance exams. Some countries like China may require HSK (Chinese language test), while Russia and Georgia accept students directly based on 12th marks and NEET qualification.

Question 8

What documents are required for MBBS abroad admission?

Accepted Answer

Required documents include: 10th & 12th mark sheets, NEET scorecard, passport, birth certificate, medical fitness certificate, HIV test report, passport size photos, and bank statement showing financial capability.

Question 9

Is there any age limit for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Minimum age is 17 years by December 31 of admission year. There is no upper age limit for most countries, but NMC requires you to be at least 17 years to be eligible for registration in India.

Question 10

Can I get direct admission without any donation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MBBS abroad offers direct admission based on merit (12th marks and NEET score) without any donation or capitation fees, unlike many private Indian colleges.

Question 11

When should I apply for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

The ideal time to apply is between April to July for September intake. Some universities also have February intake. It's recommended to apply as soon as NEET results are declared.

Question 12

What is the average cost of MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

The total cost ranges from ₹15 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs for the entire 5-6 year program, depending on the country. Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are the cheapest (₹15-25 lakhs), while Georgia and Russia cost ₹25-45 lakhs total.

Question 13

Are there any hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

At iAMBBS, we maintain complete transparency. All costs including tuition, hostel, visa fees are clearly mentioned upfront with no hidden charges.

Question 14

Can I get an education loan for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many Indian banks offer education loans for MBBS abroad including SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, PNB, and Canara Bank. Loans range from ₹7.5 lakhs to ₹1.5 crore depending on the bank and collateral.

Question 15

Which banks provide loans for MBBS abroad without collateral?

Accepted Answer

Banks like ICICI, HDFC, and Axis Bank provide loans up to ₹40 lakhs without collateral for NMC-approved universities. NBFCs like Avanse and HDFC Credila also offer collateral-free loans up to ₹40 lakhs.

Question 16

What is the EMI for education loan?

Accepted Answer

EMI depends on loan amount and tenure. For a ₹20 lakh loan at 10% interest for 10 years, EMI would be approximately ₹26,000/month. Use our Education Loan EMI Calculator for accurate estimates.

Question 17

Are scholarships available for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some universities offer scholarships of 10-25% based on 12th marks and NEET scores. Government scholarships like ICCR are also available for select countries. We help students identify and apply for scholarships.

Question 18

What is FMGE and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) is a mandatory screening test conducted by NMC for Indian students who completed MBBS abroad. Clearing FMGE is required to practice medicine in India, pursue PG (MD/MS), and register with State Medical Council.

Question 19

What is the FMGE exam pattern?

Accepted Answer

FMGE is a computer-based test with 300 MCQs (1 mark each) covering all 19 MBBS subjects. Duration is 3.5 hours, passing marks are 150/300 (50%), and there is no negative marking. The exam is conducted twice a year (June and December).

Question 20

What is the FMGE pass rate?

Accepted Answer

The overall FMGE pass rate is around 25-30% (about 28.86% in the Dec 2024 session). However, students from top universities in Russia, Georgia, and Philippines have higher pass rates with proper preparation. The pass rate varies by country, university quality, and individual preparation.

Question 21

When should I start preparing for FMGE?

Accepted Answer

It's recommended to start FMGE preparation from 4th year onwards. Minimum 6 months of dedicated preparation is required, but 12-18 months is ideal. Many students enroll in Marrow or PrepLadder during their final year.

Question 22

What is NExT exam?

Accepted Answer

NExT (National Exit Test) is the upcoming unified exam that will replace FMGE and serve as both a final year MBBS exam and a licensing exam for all medical graduates (including Indian and foreign graduates). It will be mandatory from 2024-25.

Question 23

Can I practice in India after MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can practice in India after clearing the FMGE/NExT exam and completing provisional/permanent registration with your State Medical Council. The process takes 2-3 months after passing FMGE.

Question 24

How many attempts are allowed for FMGE?

Accepted Answer

There is no limit on the number of FMGE attempts. You can appear for the exam as many times as needed until you clear it. Most students clear FMGE in 2-4 attempts.

Question 25

Are foreign medical degrees recognized in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, degrees from NMC (National Medical Commission) approved universities are recognized in India after clearing the FMGE/NExT exam.

Question 26

What is NMC approval?

Accepted Answer

NMC (National Medical Commission) maintains a list of approved foreign medical universities. Studying from these universities allows you to practice in India after clearing FMGE. We only recommend NMC-approved universities.

Question 27

How do I verify if a university is NMC approved?

Accepted Answer

You can check the official NMC website (nmc.org.in) under "Foreign Medical Graduates" section for the updated list of approved universities. We provide this verification for all our recommended universities.

Question 28

What is WHO recognition?

Accepted Answer

WHO (World Health Organization) maintains a directory of medical schools worldwide (WDOMS). WHO recognition means the university is listed in this directory, which is one of the criteria for NMC approval. However, WHO listing alone doesn't guarantee NMC approval.

Question 29

Is the degree valid globally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, degrees from NMC-approved universities are generally recognized globally. However, you need to clear respective country's licensing exams (USMLE for USA, PLAB for UK, AMC for Australia) to practice in those countries.

Question 30

Which is the cheapest country for MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Kyrgyzstan is the most affordable with total fees of ₹15-20 lakhs for 6 years. Kazakhstan (₹18-25 lakhs), Bangladesh (₹20-28 lakhs), and Nepal (₹22-30 lakhs) are also budget-friendly options.

Question 31

Why is Russia popular for MBBS?

Accepted Answer

Russia has 30NMC-approved universities with 60years of experience teaching Indian students. It offers high-quality education, excellent clinical exposure, affordable fees (₹25-40 lakhs total), English medium instruction, and 35-45% FMGE pass rate.

Question 32

Is Georgia good for MBBS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Georgia is excellent for MBBS with 20NMC-approved universities, European-standard education, English medium instruction, no entrance exam, safe environment, and good FMGE pass rates (30-40%). Total cost is ₹25-35 lakhs.

Question 33

Should I choose Philippines for MBBS?

Accepted Answer

Philippines is a great option due to English being the primary language, similar curriculum to the USA, American-style teaching, and good FMGE results. However, total cost is higher (₹40-60 lakhs) compared to Russia or Georgia.

Question 34

What happened to Ukraine for MBBS?

Accepted Answer

Due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war since February 2022, Ukraine is currently not safe for Indian students. Most Indian students have been evacuated. We recommend safe alternatives like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, or Kyrgyzstan.

Question 35

Is China still accepting Indian students for MBBS?

Accepted Answer

China has strict COVID-19 travel restrictions and has not been issuing student visas regularly since 2020. The situation is improving gradually, but Russia and Georgia are more reliable options currently.

Question 36

What are the living expenses in Russia/Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Monthly living expenses including hostel, food, and transport: Russia ₹15,000-25,000, Georgia ₹12,000-20,000, Kazakhstan ₹10,000-18,000, Kyrgyzstan ₹8,000-15,000. Indian food is widely available.

Question 37

Is hostel accommodation safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, university hostels are safe with 24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, and separate wings for boys and girls. We personally verify all accommodations before recommending them to students.

Question 38

Is Indian food available in Russia/Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most cities with Indian students have Indian restaurants and grocery stores selling Indian ingredients. University hostels usually have kitchens where students can cook their own food. Many students form cooking groups.

Question 39

How is the weather in Russia and Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Russia has extreme winters (-20°C to -30°C) from November to March and mild summers (15°C to 25°C). Georgia has milder winters (-5°C to 5°C) and pleasant summers (20°C to 30°C). Proper winter clothing is essential.

Question 40

Is it safe for female students to study MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, countries like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Philippines are safe for female students. Universities have separate hostels for girls with strict security. Cities with universities have low crime rates and good public safety.

Question 41

Is there racism against Indian students?

Accepted Answer

Most countries are welcoming to Indian students. Russia and Georgia have large Indian student communities. While minor incidents can occur anywhere, universities and local authorities are generally supportive. We provide 24/7 support to handle any issues.

Question 42

What language is used for teaching?

Accepted Answer

All NMC-approved universities offer MBBS programs in English medium. You don't need to learn the local language for academics, but learning basic phrases helps with daily life and patient interaction during clinical rotations.

Question 43

How do I manage language barrier during clinical years?

Accepted Answer

Universities provide translators during clinical rotations. Additionally, learning basic medical terms in the local language helps. By 4th-5th year, most students pick up conversational language skills naturally.

Question 44

Can I do MD/MS in India after MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after clearing FMGE and registering with State Medical Council, you can appear for NEET PG to pursue MD/MS in India. The process is same as for Indian MBBS graduates.

Question 45

What are job opportunities after MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

After clearing FMGE, you can work in government hospitals (through NEET PG counseling), private hospitals, start your own clinic, join pharmaceutical companies, or pursue higher studies (MD/MS/DNB) in India or abroad.

Question 46

What is the salary after MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Starting salary for MBBS graduates in India: Government hospitals ₹60,000-80,000/month, Private hospitals ₹40,000-60,000/month, Own clinic depends on location and patient flow. Salaries increase significantly after MD/MS.

Question 47

Can I practice in USA, UK, Canada after MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you need to clear respective licensing exams: USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), MCCQE (Canada), AMC (Australia). Many NMC-approved universities are also recognized by these medical councils, making graduates eligible to appear for these exams.

Question 48

Can I do PG abroad after MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can pursue MD/MS/residency programs in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or European countries after clearing their licensing exams. Many Indian students complete MBBS in Russia/Georgia and pursue residency in USA or UK.

Question 49

How long does visa processing take?

Accepted Answer

Visa processing time varies by country: Russia (30-45 days), Georgia (15-20 days), Kazakhstan (20-30 days), Philippines (30-40 days). We assist with complete visa documentation and application process.

Question 50

What is student visa validity?

Accepted Answer

Student visas are typically issued for 1 year initially and need to be renewed annually while studying. Universities assist with visa renewal process. Some countries offer multi-year visas for the entire course duration.

Question 51

What documents are needed for visa application?

Accepted Answer

Required documents: Passport (valid for 2years), admission letter from university, medical fitness certificate, HIV negative certificate, bank statement showing financial capacity, police clearance certificate, passport photos, and visa application form.

Question 52

Can visa get rejected?

Accepted Answer

Visa rejection is rare if all documents are in order and submitted correctly. Our thorough document verification and embassy liaison help maximize approval chances. If rejected, we assist with reapplication.

Question 53

Is MBBS abroad valid in India?

Accepted Answer

Yes, MBBS abroad is completely valid in India provided you study at an NMC-approved university listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). After graduation, you must clear the FMGE screening test (or upcoming NExT exam) to obtain a license to practice medicine in India. Once you pass FMGE and register with your State Medical Council, your foreign MBBS degree carries the same legal weight as an Indian MBBS for clinical practice, government jobs, and PG entrance exams like NEET PG.

Question 54

What is the total cost of MBBS abroad including all expenses?

Accepted Answer

The total cost of MBBS abroad (tuition hostel food travel insurance) ranges from ₹15 lakhs to ₹60 lakhs for the complete 5-6 year program depending on country. Budget-friendly options: Kyrgyzstan (₹15-20L total), Kazakhstan (₹20-30L), Bangladesh (₹18-28L). Mid-range: Russia (₹25-40L), Georgia (₹30-45L). Premium: Poland (₹50-75L). Compare this with Indian private medical colleges which cost ₹70 lakhs to ₹2 crore with donations. Use our total cost calculator at /calculators/total-cost for country-specific breakdowns.

Question 55

How long is MBBS abroad for Indian students?

Accepted Answer

MBBS abroad duration varies by country: 5 years in Kazakhstan and Bangladesh, 5.5 years in Nepal, 6 years in Russia, Georgia, China, and Kyrgyzstan, and 8-9 years in Philippines (BS+MD structure). Most programs include a 1-year clinical internship within this duration. After returning to India, add 3-6 months for FMGE preparation. So the total time from enrollment to practicing in India is approximately 6-7 years for most countries.

Question 56

Can I do PG (MD/MS) in India after MBBS abroad?

Accepted Answer

Yes, after clearing FMGE and registering with your State Medical Council, you are fully eligible to appear for NEET PG and secure MD/MS/DNB seats in India. The process is identical to that of Indian MBBS graduates. India offers approximately 57,000 PG seats annually across government and private medical colleges. Popular specializations include General Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Radiology, and Orthopedics. Many FMGE-cleared graduates successfully match into top PG programs within 1-2 attempts of NEET PG.

Question 57

Is MBBS abroad safe for girls and female students?

Accepted Answer

Yes, several MBBS abroad destinations are very safe for female students. Georgia, Kazakhstan, and Philippines consistently rank highest on safety indices for Indian women students. Universities provide dedicated girls hostels with 24/7 security, CCTV surveillance, female wardens, and strict visitor policies. Cities with large Indian student populations (Tbilisi, Almaty, Kazan) have active Indian women student groups and community support networks. iAMBBS conducts safety audits of all recommended universities and can connect you with current female students for first-hand feedback.

Question 58

What is the difference between FMGE and NExT exam?

Accepted Answer

FMGE is the current licensing exam for foreign medical graduates — 300 MCQs, conducted twice yearly (June and December), pass mark 150/300. NExT (National Exit Test) is the upcoming replacement that will serve as a unified exit exam for all MBBS graduates (Indian and foreign). NExT will have two parts: NExT Step 1 (theory) and NExT Step 2 (practical/clinical). It is expected to be implemented by 2027-2028. Until then, FMGE continues. Students currently enrolling abroad will likely face NExT by the time they graduate.

Question 59

Is clinical training in foreign universities good?

Accepted Answer

Top universities in Russia, Georgia, and Philippines have excellent clinical training with attached teaching hospitals. Students get hands-on experience from 3rd year onwards with adequate patient exposure and modern medical equipment.

Question 60

When does internship start?

Accepted Answer

Internship typically starts in the final year (5th or 6th year depending on country). Duration is 12 months with rotations in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, OBG, and other departments.

Question 61

Can I do internship in India?

Accepted Answer

NMC allows foreign medical graduates to do internship in India if they have completed their academic curriculum abroad and received eligibility certificate from NMC. However, most students complete internship at their university hospital abroad.

Question 62

What is the patient load in clinical postings?

Accepted Answer

Good universities have high patient footfall in attached hospitals. For example, top Russian universities handle 500-1000patients daily, providing students with diverse clinical cases and practical experience.

Question 63

What services does iAMBBS provide?

Accepted Answer

We provide complete end-to-end services: university selection counseling, admission assistance, visa processing, accommodation arrangement, pre-departure orientation, airport pickup, post-arrival support, and continuous guidance throughout your MBBS journey.

Question 64

Is counseling free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our initial counseling and university selection guidance is completely free. We help you choose the right university based on your budget, NEET score, and career goals with no hidden charges.

MBBS Abroad FAQ 2026 | Common Questions About Studying Medicine Abroad Answered

General

Admission & Eligibility

Fees & Education Loans

FMGE/NExT & Practice in India

Recognition & NMC Approval

Country Selection

Living & Accommodation

Safety & Culture

Career & Postgraduate

Visa & Documentation

Important Questions for 2026

Clinical Training & Internship

Our Services

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