Top countries with high standard Universities for MBBS
Medicine has become one of the most favoured careers paths across the world including India. The path to become a doctor always begins with achieving an MBBS degree. But securing a Medical seat is often competitive.
There is a drastic gap between the total number of MBBS seats available in India and the number of students who apply every year. In the previous year, nearly 13 lakh students attempted NEET exam while nearly 60,000 seats were only allocated. In NEET 2019, a total of 15 lakh candidates appeared out of which approximately 90,000 seats were given at UG level. Thus one out of seventeen students become successful in getting a seat. The situation is not too different every year.
So studying abroad is one of the best options for those students who couldn’t score required ranks in the NEET examination. Practising medicine abroad can be most economical and has a high ROI. Foreign universities stay focused in maintaining high esteem in the quality of education at minimum fees when compared to India.
Eligibility to study abroad
Every university in every country has their own unique criteria. The following are the general criterias to study MBBS abroad.
➢ Applicant should be above 17 years as on 31st December of the year in which the admission is being taken.
➢ Applicants must have completed the class 12th.
➢ Applicants must have an overall grade of at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and must have English as a compulsory subject if they are from the General category.
➢ Applicants must have an overall grade of at least 40% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and must have English as a compulsory subject if the student is from SC/ST/OBC.
➢ He/She also needs to clear NEET from 2018 onwards for admission in any country abroad.
Popular destination to pursue MBBS abroad
In contrast to other career paths such as engineering, business studies, or arts, the popular destinations for pursuing MBBS are not typically US, Canada, UK, Australia, etc. In countries like the US, UK, New Zealand, Singapore, Australia, France, Canada, and Malaysia it is compulsory for you to take a local entrance exam for admission to MBBS courses. The required eligibility may vary for each country. For example, in the US, you need to have completed your graduation (ideally a 4-year Pre-Medical program) before you can apply for the MBBS entrance exam.
➔ Medical colleges in USA
A neat academic record and good scores in Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), are necessary besides recommendation letters. Foreign students are required to apply through the American College Application Service, for an MD, or the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service for a DO degree.
The four years of the pre-medical program consists of pre-clinical and clinical courses. The final degree achieved is MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine).
Students also apply for a postgraduate specialization in the final year of studies. The postgraduate study starts with a one-year standalone internship followed by a license to practice. In recent times, an internship is a part of the first year of residency, called the Traditional Rotating Internship or Transitional Year.
For the purpose of practising medicine in the US, students need to clear USMLE as well. After clearing the USMLE, students can go for residency. The Residency has its own time period of study depending on the specialty. Sometimes students continue the training with a Fellowship, that is a full-time training program in a particular specialty.
➔ MBBS in the UK
Thousands of international students apply for MBBS in the UK every year. The time span of the course ranges from four to six years. After finishing two years of study in an undergraduate programme, the students are needed to complete a foundation training of two years.
Then after the completion of four years of study in the chosen area of speciality, the students have to take a specialty training which may last up to seven years. A Certificate of Completion Training (CCT) is awarded upon successful completion of the specialty training.
There are three stages in the medical course of study in the UK. Below is the course syllabus at the Imperial College London.
In Stage One, students will concentrate on both the scientific basis of health and disease and the foundations of clinical practice, including early clinical exposure. The course of study also includes modules on lifestyle medicine and prevention and case-based learning, with opportunities to take on clinical improvement and research projects.
During Stage Two, students will work regarding the Bachelor's degree by completing a set of modules and research works under supervision in a scientific/medical subject of their selection. This gives them the chance to thrive on their scientific knowledge and researching skills.
At Stage Three, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and behaviors acquired in the first four years of the MBBS. In hospital and community settings, students will experience how clinical teams work together to deliver patient care from beginning to the end of life. Throughout Stage Three, significant emphasis will be placed on preparing students for clinical practice.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for MBBS in the UK
There is a strict deadline for the applications and it closes on October 15 every year for the start of the study in September of the next year.
Students must apply via UCAS. Applicants should have a minimum of 85% – 90% in their 12th Board exams. In addition to that, applicants also need to appear for an entrance exam – UKCAT,or BMAT, or GAMSAT.
International students wanting to study Medicine at the Undergraduate level must have an IELTS score of more than 6.5 among all four categories – reading, writing, speaking, and listening – with an overall grade 7.0, that is a common requirement at most universities.
➔ MBBS in Canada
Most of the medical schools in Canada admit those students who have completed a degree in biological sciences except for the Quebec province. Quebec province admits students on the basis of completion of their class 12 exam and one year of diploma.
MBBS in Canada is known as MD (Doctor of Medicine, considered as an undergraduate degree). International students who are interested in applying for medicine in Canada have to clear the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
The medical course study here is a 3 to 5 year program and varies according to the university and medical background of each student applying there. Students with a bachelor’s degree in the required field are eligible for the 4-year course study while the others have to choose the 5-year course. Despite that, residency training is also required. It may take upto 2 to 7 years for completion.
➔ Other Famous Abroad Medical schools
We can see that opting for medicine in the US is a tedious process. Another major issue there is their cost of living. In the countries such as US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, etc., the expense of studying medicine may range from INR 3 to 4 crores. Besides that the scholarships provided there are very limited for MBBS programs. Thus now we will see some of the cost-efficient and affordable choices to pursue MBBS in foreign countries.
Top 11 Countries to Study MBBS Abroad at a Budget-friendly cost
1. China
China is one of the most favourable countries to pursue medicine for Indians. China has about 45 medical institutions that are approved by MCI. These universities provide high quality of education. The expense of studying in China is less when compared to India. Hence, it is a wise choice for studying medicine abroad.
Cost of the program varies from INR 20 lakhs to INR 35 lakhs (for the whole course of study)
Some of the best MBBS colleges in China:
● Ningbo University
● Jiangsu University
● Wuhan University
● Southeast University
● Huazhong University of Science & Technology
2. Philippines
The Philippines is the most economical for opting a medical career. The whole course fee is about 25% lesser when compared to the fees in India. The biggest advantage in the Philippines is that the education system there follows American accent. It is useful for the students to understand the subject easily and clear the exams well.
There are nearly about 40 authorized Medical Colleges in the Philippines. Graduating there also enables you to clear the Physician Licensure Examination to practice medicine. To apply for admission here you need an undergraduate degree with credits in biology and related courses.
You also need a decent score in the National Medical Admission Test (NMAT). The cut-off score in NMAT is usually higher for international students than locals and is based on the medical school’s discretion. Shortlisted candidates are later interviewed for a final selection.
The cost of education varies from $10,000 to $25,000 annually for a medical degree. The total cost of study would be around INR 25 – 40 Lakhs.
Some of the famous medical colleges in the Philippines
● University of Philippines
● Cebu Institute of Medicine
● University of Northern Philippines
● Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Medicine
● Saint Luke’s College of Medicine
● University of Visayas Gullas College of Medicine
● West Visayas State University College of Medicine
● Angels University Foundation
● AMA School of Medicine, Manila
● Bicol Christian College
● Our Lady of Fatima University
● University of Perpetual Help
3. Nepal
Nepal is a multiethnic and beautiful country. The climate there is similar to India. Therefore many Indians prefer Nepal as it is close to India and also due to its pleasant and charming weather. The Visa process is the prime advantage of studying in Nepal. Since India and Nepal have mutual considerations, visa and immigration processes are simple and speedy. The expense of lifestyle there is also less.
Expense of study is about INR 30 to 45 Lakhs for the whole program.
Some of the best colleges in Nepal to study MBBS are
● National Medical College
● Nepal Medical College
● Janaki Medical College
● Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS)
● Kathmandu Medical College
4. Caribbean
Caribbean medical schools are famous for their quality education, warmth and kindness they provide in bringing into the world the best doctors that can serve the world. Besides that, Caribbean Medical schools provide high standard education and excellent facilities to its students which enables them an opportunity to easily clear the USMLE exam to get into the USA. They also have strong partnerships with Medical Universities in Canada, UK, India, and other countries.
The Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and Other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) is an authorized body established in 2003 under the aegis of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). It is sanctioned the power to determine and prescribe standards to certified programmes of medical, dental, veterinary and other health professions education on behalf of the contracting parties in CARICOM.
Cost of pursuing medicine in the Caribbean Medical schools is around INR 80 Lakhs to 1.5 Crore (all-inclusive).
Top Caribbean Medical Schools (CAAM-HP accredited)
● American University of Antigua
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