30 May 2023
The medical industry is ever flourishing. Thousands and Lakhs of students in India gear themselves to land the best medical college. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) remains a dream for many; make sure to find yourself an established institute for a bright future. Another factor that backs this dream is because of the high ROI the career offers. So, when it comes down to choosing the best country for MBBS for Indian students, one needs to invest smartly.
Although people instantly look up to the USA and Britain to attain the prestigious degree, there are other (equally good) options. In this blog, we have covered the best countries for MBBS for Indian students. Take a look.
Canada
Canada remains among the top destinations for international students. The duration for a medicine degree or MD in Canada ranges from 3 to 5 years. Indian students qualify for enrolment in Canadian medical institutions as long as they possess a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. If the background does not happen to be from a similar field then the duration goes up to 5 years.
Eligibility criteria to study MD in Canada
- TOEFL
- IELTS 7 bands minimum
- MCAT medical test
Best colleges for Doctor of Medicine in Canada (based on QS rankings)
⮚ University of Toronto
This university has managed to constantly remain on the list of the world’s top universities for medicine. Its rank in 2023 is 15th and has alumni from all over the world. It is known for its eminent faculty members and research partners. The duration of the course is 4 years and the approximate fee is about CAD 367,041.
⮚ McGill University
McGill University is a public university that has managed to rise from the 31st position to the 22nd position in the list of the world’s top universities for medicine in just two years. This speaks volumes about its distinguished and deemed faculty and teaching programs. The duration of the course is 4 years and the approximate fee is about CAD 183,004.
⮚ University of British Columbia
Ranking strong at 28, UBC is among the leading universities in the world. The expertise of faculty members comes from only the best clinical skills. What makes this university exceptional is its stress on hands-on practice in a patient-centric environment. The duration of the course is 4 years and the approximate fee is about CAD 163,060.
⮚ McMaster University
Another splendid institution is McMaster University, Hamilton. Its rank in 2023 is 40th in the list of the world’s top universities for medicine. It is known for its finesse when it comes to teaching and practising medicine. The duration of the course is 3 years and the approximate fee is about CAD 287,991.
Eligibility criteria to practice in Canada
The scope for medical practitioners and physicians is pretty good with almost 80 vacancies rolling out every day. An average doctor in Canada makes about 300,000 CAD annually.
- Qualify for MCAT, NAC, and part 1 and part 2 of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination.
- Separate qualifying exams as per province.
Germany
Students around the world choose Germany for its quality education at affordable or nearly nil tuition fees. Therefore, to pursue MBBS, it is considered among the best destinations in the world. The course duration would take about 6 years. Basic knowledge of the German language is necessary and if you are planning to settle there, then it is mandatory.
Eligibility criteria to study MBBS in Germany
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- TestDaF
Best colleges for Doctor of Medicine in Germany (based on QS rankings)
⮚ Universität Heidelberg
Among the oldest universities in the world, Heidelberg University is operating since 1386. It ranks 36 on the list of the world’s best universities for medicine. Given its prestige, it has connections with major research institutes. This exposure to medical practice and research works as a catalyst for the enrolled students. The approximate fee is about € 20,000.
⮚ Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
Founded in 1472, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is home to 43 Nobel Laureates and nearly 8000 international students. It has only the best and most advanced teaching and research facilities. It ranks 43rd in the list of most distinguished institutions in the world for medicine. The approximate fee is about € 183,000.
Germany offers some great opportunities when it comes to job prospects in the medical field. MBBS graduates in Germany earn approximately 7000 Euros per month.
China
China is known for its quality education and esteemed educational intuitions. The prestige of Chinese colleges and universities is no less than the distinguished universities of the world. Yet it costs less than half of their tuition fees. MBBS courses in China are taught in Mandarin or English. The country follows a UK style of education which makes it one of the best countries to study MBBS for international students.
Eligibility Criteria to Study MBBS in China
- A minimum of 60% in your senior secondary
- NEET qualification
- Standardized test scores
Best colleges for MBBS in China (based on QS rankings)
⮚ Peking University
This university is one of the leading schools for Western medicine in the country. With its long and prestigious history since its foundation in 1912, Peking University offers a wide range of medical sciences, including forensics, paediatrics, and human anatomy, among others.
⮚ Shanghai Jiao University
Shanghai Jiao University has been one of the most famous and oldest research establishments in China since its inception in 1896. Its medicine department offers some of the best research and clinical teaching infrastructure available globally.
⮚ Fudan University
Also known as the Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, or the SMCFU, this is a world-known educational institute due to its excellent research training and teaching faculties. The academic organization offers international students up to ten different academic disciplines in the field of medicine, the duration of each can be somewhere between 6 and 8 years. Additionally, Fudan University provides a master’s in 45 medical disciplines and a PhD in 68.
Eligibility criteria to practice in Canada
In China, an MBBS program takes around six years to complete, including a year-long internship. Once an international student graduates from a medical school in China, they obtain their degree for successful completion. The award of this degree makes them eligible to start practising in the country instantly.
USA
Probably the best country for education, the USA is home to thousands of international students due to its learner-focused environment and advanced infrastructure in medical schools. Medical schools in the United States of America require international students to hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as neuroscience, chemistry, or biology, before applying to study MBBS in the USA. This is because the country does not award MBBS degrees but rather offers an MD.
Eligibility criteria to study MD in the USA
- MCAT medical test
- TOEFL scores
- USMLE test scores
Best colleges for MD in the USA (based on QS rankings)
⮚ Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School at Harvard University is one of the best medical colleges globally. It offers generous financial aid and scholarship opportunities for MD programs for international students. The school offers international students the chance to learn from some of the best doctors and professors in the world.
⮚ Stanford University
Stanford University, or the Stanford University School of Medicine, provides a lot of different courses for medicine aspirants. The school also houses the most advanced stem cell and regenerative medicine and research facility on the continent.
⮚ John Hopkins University
A research-focused medical college, John Hopkins is one of the most prestigious academic institutes since its start in 1893. The university has some of the best faculty available in the country. Its alumni have been Nobel Laureates in Chemistry and Medicine. The tuition for an MD program at John Hopkins University is around 63,000 USD per annum. However, there are many different financial aid options available for international students.
Eligibility criteria to practice in the USA
The scope of medical specialists and doctors is excellent in the USA. On average, doctors earn around 294,000 USD per annum. To practice medicine in the USA, you need to:
- Obtain ECFMG certification
- Obtain an Observership Program for International Medical Graduates (IMG)
UK
One of the most preferred destinations for international students to study MBBS, the UK has some of the best medical colleges worldwide based on QS Rankings. International students who complete their MBBS from the UK are exempt from obtaining an FMGE to practice in India. The country promises affordable tuition with scholarships and financial aid, world-renowned infrastructure, and a high return on investment with its MBBS programs for international students.
Eligibility criteria to study MBBS in the UK
- UKCAT test scores
- TOEFL scores
- Minimum 7 Band score in IELTS
Best colleges for MBBS in the UK (based on QS rankings)
⮚ University of Oxford
One of the most reputed educational organizations globally and the second-oldest academic institute in history, Oxford University offers some of the best courses for MBBS. The University provides several different programs in medicine. On average, the tuition fee can be somewhere from £25,000 to £40,000 per annum, based on your course. In addition to its prestigious alumni, the institute has produced several Nobel Laureates winners in medicine.
⮚ University. of Cambridge
Home to more than 20,000 international students, the University of Cambridge is one of the finest MBBS colleges in the world. It houses more than 150 faculties, six schools, and 31 colleges. The University provides two programs for medicine, the Graduate course and the Standard course. Out of these, international students can enrol in the Graduate course. The overall fee for this program is approximately £58,000 each year.
⮚ University College London
UCL has been consistently ranked among the best schools for MBBS as per QS rankings since it was founded in 1826. The college provides MBBS courses at different levels of education, such as post-graduate and undergraduate research programs, post-graduate course-based programs offer undergraduate, short-courses, and CPD courses on medicine. The college even provides an online master’s program for medical students.
Conclusion
Each year more than 10,000 Indian students go abroad to study MBBS. More and more Indian students want to study MBBS in other countries that have a high standard of living, better infrastructure, and high-quality education. Graduating from your medicine courses in other countries can also provide Indian students with better job and career opportunities, both in terms of general practice as well as research.
