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Why study MBBS abroad?
Many students study abroad to experience the educational quality and diversity of medical fields from various countries. The top medical universities, quality education, modern equipment, cutting-edge practical technologies, and low tuition fees are the main draws for students to study at these international universities. Let’s take a look at the top countries to study MBBS abroad.
United Kingdom
Every year, thousands of international students study medicine in the United Kingdom. The medical study will last between four and six years. Students must complete two years of foundation training after completing two years of undergraduate study.
After completing four years of study in the area where one wishes to specialize, one requires a specialty training program of up to seven years. After completing the specialty training, the university awards a Certificate of Completion Training (CCT).
Course duration | 4-6 years |
Medium of instruction | English |
Language test | 7 bands of IELTS |
Medical tests required | UKCAT |
Average fees | USD 13,000-50,000 |
Top Universities to study MBBS in the UK
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London
- Imperial College London
- King’s College London
United States of America

The United States of America comes next. In the United States, one can choose from 172 medical schools. In contrast to other countries, you must have a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or neuroscience to study MBBS in the United States. The degree conferred upon completion is M.D., not MBBS.
Admission depends on an excellent academic record, MCAT scores, recommendation letters, and a good academic record. International students must apply through the American College Application Service for an MD. For a DO, they must apply through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service.
Course duration | 4 years |
Medium of instruction | English |
Language test | TOEFL, IELTS |
Medical tests required | MCAT, USMLE |
Average fees | USD 25, 000-34,000 |
Top universities to study medicine in the USA
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- Yale University
Canada
Canada offers a Doctor of Medicine degree that lasts 3-4 years. International students who want to study medicine in Canada must appear for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
In Canada, the medical course is a 3-year to 5-year program that varies according to each student’s university and medical background. Students with a bachelor’s degree in the relevant field are eligible for the 4-year program, while those without the degree must choose the 5-year program. Additional residency training is also necessary, which can take anywhere from two to seven years.
Course duration | 3-5 years |
Medium of instruction | English |
Language test | TOEFL, IELTS 7 bands minimum |
Medical tests required | MCAT |
Average fees | USD 16, 000-23,000 |
Top universities to study medicine in Canada
- University of Toronto
- McGill University
- University of British Columbia
- McMaster University
- Université de Montréal
Germany
Studying at public universities in Germany is nearly free of charge, making it one of the best names and the top country for MBBS. Germany has the best universities in the world, with the most advanced treatments and technology.
Scholarships are available from many universities to international students. Students who study medicine in Germany will gain global medical exposure and expertise. The best part is that there are no exorbitant tuition fees. The majority of state-funded universities charge no or minimal cost.
Course duration | 6 years |
Medium of instruction | English, German |
Language test | TOEFL, IELTS, TestDaF |
Medical tests required | TMS (not compulsory) |
Average fees | USD 8300-11200 |
Top universities to study medicine in Germany
- Heidelberg University
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Charite
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Tubingen
France

The smooth admission system is one of the essential reasons why students prefer to study medicine in France. The similarity between the course curriculums of French medicine universities and those prescribed by MCI makes it quite easy for students to clear the exams.
Furthermore, France is one of the best countries for MBBS because of its low living costs, low tuition fees, high-quality infrastructure, and job prospects. World-class faculty and a welcoming environment are essential factors in the country’s popularity.
Course duration | 3-8 years |
Medium of instruction | French |
Language test | TFI |
Medical tests required | After 1st-year |
Average fees | USD 1000-8000 |
Top universities to study medicine in Germany
- Pierre and Marie Curie University
- Paris Descartes University
- Claude Bernard University Lyon 1
- Paris Diderot University
- University of Paris Sud
China
China offers excellent education and has 45 colleges approved by the MCI, with tuition costs less than a tenth of those in the US or the UK. In China, the medium of language to teach MBBS is either English or Mandarin. The UK education structure, combined with a qualified faculty, makes China a very affordable option for students looking for the best country for MBBS.
Course duration | 5 + 1 year |
Medium of instruction | English, Chinese (Mandarin) |
Language test | Not necessary |
Medical tests required | SET |
Average fees | USD 3000-5000 |
Top universities to study MBBS in China
- Peking University
- Fudan University
- Shanghai Jiao University
- Tsinghua University
- Sun Yat-Sen University
Ukraine
Due to its low cost/quality ratio in terms of faculty and infrastructure, Ukraine is widely known as one of the best countries to study MBBS. It has the fourth most graduate and post-graduate specialization courses in medicine in Europe.
Ukraine is a popular destination for MBBS students because of the institutions’ emphasis on practical skills, MCI approval for all colleges, and an affordable fee structure.
The low cost of living and exposure to international conferences and medical workshops provide students with advanced knowledge of the subject. Another primary reason for the country’s rising popularity is a financially supportive administration that ensures the quality of education.
Course duration | 5 + 1 year |
Medium of instruction | English, Ukrainian, Russian |
Language test | Not necessary |
Medical tests required | Not necessary |
Average fees | USD 4500-7500 |
Top universities to study MBBS in Ukraine
- Bogomolets National Medical University
- Ternopil State Medical University
- Uzhgorod State Medical University
- Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University
- Kyiv Medical University
Key takeaways
- Medicine of one of the most respected professions in the world.
- Ukraine, China, and France are the most affordable countries to study MBBS abroad.
- The universities abroad provide high-quality education, high-tech technological equipment, and more.
Did you find this blog helpful? Please share your thoughts and perspectives in the comments section below. For more information on top countries to study MBBS abroad, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by clicking here. We would be delighted to assist you with your queries.
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FAQs
Q1. Can I study MBBS abroad without NEET?
Answer- Several international students are considering pursuing MBBS studies in other countries. To study there, Indian students must first pass the NEET exam. While this is required in the country when applying to MBBS institutes abroad, Indian students can study MBBS without taking the NEET.
Q2. What is MBBS called in the USA?
Answer- In the United States, MBBS is known as Doctor of Medicine (MD). To practice as a doctor in this country, students must complete a residency program after receiving their MD.
Q3. Which country has the best doctors?
Answer- The United States of America has the best doctors in the world.