If you’re aiming for a career in medicine and want an international degree, you’re in the right place. Study Medicine abroad is more accessible than ever, whether you’re eyeing Europe, Central Asia, the UK, or East Asia.
From world-class campuses and English-medium programs to globally recognized degrees and diverse clinical exposure, MBBS abroad is no longer just a dream—it’s a smart move with real opportunities.
But let’s talk numbers. How much does it actually cost? What’s included (and what’s not)? And how do you plan financially without the guesswork?

Studying MBBS abroad can fit a range of budgets—you just need to know where to look. Whether you’re aiming for a European education or a more affordable option in Asia, there’s a destination for every type of student.
While tuition is the biggest chunk of the cost, don’t ignore living expenses like rent, food, transport, and health insurance. These vary widely depending on the country, city, and even your lifestyle.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what you can expect to spend annually, combining both tuition and basic living costs:
Country |
Tuition Fees (INR/year) |
Living Expenses (INR/year) |
Estimated Total (INR/year) |
Highlights |
Kazakhstan |
₹3.5–5 L |
₹1.5–2 L |
₹5–7 L |
Low cost, English-medium, NMC approved |
Russia |
₹3.5–6 L |
₹1.5–2 L |
₹5–8 L |
Historic, affordable, well-equipped |
Moldova |
₹2.8–4 L |
₹3.6–4.8 L |
₹6.4–8.8 L |
Low cost, English-medium, WHO and MCI/NMC approved |
Bangladesh |
₹3.5–6 L |
₹1.5–2 L |
₹5–8 L |
High FMGE pass rate, cultural familiarity |
China |
₹3–7 L |
₹2–2.5 L |
₹5–9.5 L |
Modern infrastructure, some bilingual instruction |
Hungary |
₹10–12 L |
₹4–6 L |
₹14–18 L |
EU-based, strong international presence |
Malaysia |
₹17–22 L |
₹4.8–6 L |
₹21.8–27 L |
Globally recognized MBBS degrees (NUMed offers UK curriculum), English-medium |
UK |
₹25–40 L |
₹10–15 L |
₹35–55 L |
Top global rankings, clinical excellence |
Source: University websites and QS University Rankings

Studying medicine abroad isn’t just about going global—it’s also a smart financial decision. While a private MBBS seat in India can cost ₹1 crore or more, many international universities offer quality education at a fraction of the price—without the stress of donations or hidden charges.
Here’s why thousands of Indian students are choosing to go international:
Lower Tuition Fees:
Countries like Russia, China, and Kazakhstan offer full MBBS programs starting at just ₹3.5 lakh/year. That’s less than half what private medical colleges in India charge.
No Donation or Capitation Fees:
Forget “seat money.” Abroad, what you see is what you pay—just tuition + living expenses: no under-the-table payments or admission scams.
Affordable Living Costs:
In countries like Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, and the Philippines, the cost of rent, food, and daily living is often lower than major Indian cities—making it easier on your family’s wallet.
Work While You Study:
In some countries like Germany, international students are allowed to work part-time—helping you cover living costs and gain real-world experience along the way.
Global Degree = Global Opportunities:
A recognized international MBBS degree can lead to career options in countries like the UK, US, Australia, and more—expanding your return on investment far beyond Indian PG courses.
Scholarships & Financial Aid:
Many universities abroad offer merit-based or need-based scholarships specifically for Indian students—something rarely seen in Indian private medical colleges.

For students seeking quality medical education without the hefty price tag, the following countries offer accredited programs with reasonable tuition fees and living costs.
Country |
Top Universities |
Tuition Fees (INR/year) |
Living Expenses (INR/month) |
Total Estimated Cost (INR/year) |
Russia |
Kazan Federal University, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University |
₹2–5 lakh |
₹10,000–20,000 |
₹3.2–7.4 lakh |
Kazakhstan |
Kazakh National Medical University, Astana Medical University |
₹2.5–5.5 lakh |
₹10,000–20,000 |
₹3.7–7.9 lakh |
China |
Wuhan University, Peking University Health Science Center |
₹2.5–7 lakh |
₹12,000–25,000 |
₹4.9–10 lakh |
Philippines |
University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines |
₹3.5–6 lakh |
₹20,000–35,000 |
₹6.9–10.2 lakh |
Bangladesh |
University of Dhaka, Dhaka Medical College |
₹5.8–8 lakh |
₹10,000–18,000 |
₹7–10.2 lakh |
Kyrgyzstan |
Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Osh State University |
₹2.2–4 lakh |
₹13,000–22,000 |
₹3.8–6.6 lakh |
Georgia |
Tbilisi State Medical University, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University |
₹3.2–5.8 lakh |
₹20,000–30,000 |
₹5.6–9.4 lakh |
Ukraine |
Bogomolets National Medical University, Lviv National Medical University |
₹3–5 lakh |
₹15,000–25,000 |
₹4.8–8 lakh |
Moldova |
Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Free International University of Moldova, Moldova State University |
₹2.8– ₹4 lakh |
₹30,000 – ₹40,000 |
₹6.4–₹8.8 lakh |
For those aiming for globally renowned institutions and are prepared for higher investments, the following countries offer top-tier medical education with extensive research opportunities and international recognition.
Country |
Top Universities |
Tuition Fees (INR/year) |
Living Expenses (INR/month) |
Total Estimated Cost (INR/year) |
United Kingdom |
University of Edinburgh, King’s College London |
₹20–50 lakh |
₹80,000–1.2 lakh |
₹29.6–64.4 lakh |
United States |
Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University |
₹43–70 lakh |
₹1–1.5 lakh |
₹55–88 lakh |
Canada |
University of Toronto, McGill University |
₹10–25 lakh |
₹80,000–1 lakh |
₹19.6–37 lakh |
Australia |
University of Melbourne, University of Sydney |
₹25–40 lakh |
₹1–1.2 lakh |
₹37–54.4 lakh |
Germany |
Heidelberg University, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin |
₹1.2–16.5 lakh |
₹20,000–40,000 |
₹3.6–21.3 lakh |
Malaysia |
Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed), University of Malaya, International Medical University (IMU) |
₹17–22 lakh |
₹40,000–50,000 |
₹21.8– 27 lakh |
Hungary |
University of Debrecen, Semmelweis University, University of Szeged |
₹10–14 lakh |
₹45,000–55,000 |
₹15.4– ₹20.6 lakh |
For Indian students considering studying medicine abroad in 2025, scholarships and financial aid can make premium destinations more accessible and budget-friendly options even more affordable. Below is a targeted guide covering the countries discussed in our breakdown, along with ways to reduce the cost of studying medicine abroad in 2025.
Kazakhstan
- Some universities like Kazakh National Medical University offer early-bird tuition discounts or merit-based partial scholarships for international students.
- Occasional financial assistance or spot scholarships are arranged via educational fairs and embassy tie-ups.
- Even without scholarships, tuition + living costs remain around ₹3–₹5L/year.
Russia
- Open Doors Scholarship Project (Govt. of Russia): Full tuition waiver for eligible students with high academic merit. Read more about it onopendoors.study
- ICCR (Govt. of India) Scholarships: Covers tuition, hostel, and stipend – limited to select top institutions.
- Institutions like Kazan Federal University offer 10–20% merit-based tuition reductions for Indian students.
- Loans: Widely eligible under SBI, PNB, HDFC Credila loans with low interest due to the affordable fee structure (~₹3–6L/year).
Moldova
- Moldovan Government Scholarships: Fully funded scholarships for Indian students at the Technical University of Moldova in select fields.
- Erasmus+ Programme: Provides funding for study exchanges in Europe via Moldovan partner universities.
China
- CSC (Chinese Government Scholarships): Full funding (tuition + housing + stipend) through China Scholarship Council. Apply via Chinese Embassy or host university. Read more about it on campuschina.org
- Provincial Scholarships: Offered by Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Hubei provinces (₹2L–₹4L waivers).
- University-Specific Grants: Top schools like Wuhan University provide partial merit-based tuition relief.
- Loans: MPOWER or Prodigy Finance for top-tier institutions; Indian banks fund up to ₹20–30L.
Bangladesh
- SAARC Quota Scholarships: Offered to Indian students under government-sponsored seats in public medical colleges (partial tuition coverage).
- University-Level Waivers: Some private institutions give 5–15% tuition relief for Indian students based on NEET scores.
- Affordable Costs: MBBS fees range ₹25–₹40L total, often making loans from Bank of Baroda or Canara Bank sufficient.
Hungary
- Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungarian Govt.): Fully funded scholarship covering tuition, accommodation, and living allowance. Apply through Tempus Public Foundation.stipendiumhungaricum.hu
- Semmelweis University Grants: Limited tuition discounts for international students with exceptional academic records.
- Loans: Eligible for HDFC Credila, Axis Bank, and ICICI loans (up to ₹75L+).
Malaysia
- Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS): Covers full tuition, RM 1,500/month allowance, and airfare for postgraduate studies.
- RUMC Scholarships: 20% tuition waiver for Indian students scoring 95%+ in CBSE/equivalent.
- MITRA Medical Scholarships: Financial aid for Indian students from Malaysia’s B40 income group.
- Indian Scholarship and Trust Fund (ISTF): One-time grant for financially needy Indian nationals in Malaysia.
United Kingdom
- Brunel Medical School Scholarships: 15% tuition discount for international MBBS students.
- British Council GREAT Scholarships: Partial funding (~₹10–₹15L) for students applying to partner universities.
- Limited University Bursaries: Available at select institutions (e.g., King’s College London) but highly competitive.
UK medical programs are premium (₹60L–₹1.2Cr), so loans are nearly always essential. Here are a few to consider:
- SBI Global Ed-Vantage, ICICI Bank, HDFC Credila – cover up to ₹1.5 Cr.
- MPOWER Financing / Prodigy Finance – no collateral options for select institutions.

It’s important to consider not just tuition, but the costs of living when studying medicine abroad, which can vary significantly between countries and cities. The tuition fees for studying medicine abroad may be low, but things like lifestyle, accommodation, and local currency rates all affect your final budget. While tuition is a major factor, these often-overlooked expenses can make or break your budget:
A. Location Matters More Than You Think
City vs. Town Costs – Studying in New York or London is 2-3x costlier than smaller cities like Texas or Liverpool.
Country’s Economy – Weak local currencies (e.g., Russian Ruble, Chinese Yuan) can make living costs cheaper for INR spenders.
B. University Type & Recognition
Public vs. Private – Government universities in Germany and China have near-zero tuition, while private ones in the US and the UK charge premium fees.
NMC-Approved or Not? – Unrecognized colleges may seem cheaper, but could cost you lakhs extra in transfer fees or repeat exams. Only Choose colleges approved by NMC.
C. Lifestyle & Hidden Expenses
Food Habits – Vegetarian? Countries like Russia and China may force you to spend more on imported groceries.
Weather Preparedness – Cold countries need heavy winter gear, adding ₹20k–50k/year.
Travel & Visa Runs – Some countries (e.g., Russia) require exit/re-entry visas (₹10k–15k per trip), while countries like Germany offer the Schengen visa, which allows free travel across 26 EU countries.
D. Financial Policies for International Students
Part-Time Work Rules – Germany allows 120 full days/year work, while China bans part-time jobs for medical students.
Bank & Forex Charges – Sending money abroad? Currency exchange + wire fees can drain ₹5k–10k/month.

1. Is NEET required for MBBS abroad?
Yes, NEET is mandatory for Indian students.
2. Which country is cheapest for MBBS?
Germany, Russia, China, and Ukraine offer low-cost options (₹15-35L total).
3. Which is the best country to study medicine abroad?
It depends on your budget, language preferences, and future goals, but Germany, Russia, and the UK are often considered among the best countries to study medicine abroad.
4. Can I practice in India after studying abroad?
Yes, after clearing the NMC screening test (FMGE/NExT).
5. What’s the total budget for MBBS abroad?
Depending on the country, it can range from ₹ 15-40 L to ₹1Cr+.
6. Can I work while studying MBBS abroad?
Yes, some countries like Germany and the UK allow part-time work for international students.
7. How much does it cost to study medicine abroad in 2025?
The cost to study medicine abroad ranges from ₹15L to over ₹1Cr, depending on the country and university.
8. Are scholarships available?
Yes, there are plenty of scholarships available for medical students from universities, external organizations, and the Indian government
9. How long is the MBBS course abroad?
5-6 years (varies by country).
10. When should I apply?
6-12 months before intake (check deadlines).

Now that you clearly understand the cost to study medicine abroad including tuition fees, living expenses, and top destinations, the next step is to apply effectively. That’s where TC Global- The Chopras can make all the difference.
At TC Global (The Chopras), we specialize in helping students pursue their dreams of studying medicine abroad. Our expert counsellors guide you through the entire application journey — from shortlisting the best places to study medicine abroad to preparing the required documents and visa applications.
- Free Profile Assessment – Understand your eligibility for medical schools across countries like the USA, UK, Australia, Germany, and more.
- University Shortlisting – Get curated recommendations based on your academic background, preferences, and the study medicine overseas cost you’re targeting.
- Application Assistance – From personal statements to application forms, we support you at every step.
- Exam Preparation – Whether you need to take the MCAT, UCAT, or IELTS, we help you prep strategically.
- Scholarship Guidance – Learn how to reduce the cost of studying medicine abroad through financial aid and scholarships.
- Visa and Pre-departure Services – Our end-to-end support ensures a smooth transition to your dream university abroad.
Pursuing an MBBS abroad in 2025 is a major investment, and making the right decisions early can save both time and money. Whether you’re focused on the best country to study medicine abroad or want to study medicine abroad at low cost, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Connect with TC Global (The Chopras) today to get personalized, expert advice and make your dream of a medical career abroad a reality.