Thousands of prospective doctors are denied admission to government colleges in India every year.
Many of these students either fall short of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test cut-offs or are unable
to pay for private medical school (NEET UG). Consequently, many students are now looking into opportunities overseas, especially in Central Asia.
Statistics released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data, in April 2025 revealed that the total number of postgraduate seats and MBBS seats in the country stood lower at 74,306 and 1,18,190, respectively.
Russia, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, the Philippines, and Bangladesh are very popular among Indian students.
These countries have universities approved by India’s National Medical Commission and provide reasonably priced MBBS programs taught in English. The majority of programs in the area are six years long, with one year of clinical internship and five years of academic instruction.
According to Kadwin Pillai, Managing Director of Transworld Educare, fierce competition in NEET and limited government seats are leading thousands of Indian students to pursue medical education abroad.
With intense competition in NEET and limited government seats in India, thousands of students each year are turning to international destinations to pursue their dream of becoming doctors,” he said.
He adds that affordability is only one factor. Today’s students also weigh curriculum relevance, clinical exposure, NMC compliance and living conditions when choosing where to study medicine.
Philippines
Recent confirmation from the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has cleared uncertainties about eligibility for Indian graduates. “This confirmation, shared with the Embassy of India in Manila, clears the way for Indian students graduating from CHED-recognised colleges to appear for FMGE and NExT in India — and removes previous uncertainties around eligibility,” Pillai notes.
Why students pick the Philippines: an NMCaligned M.D. programme taught in English, tropicaldisease exposure similar to India, high patient loads for strong clinical practice, cultural familiarity, and generally lower fees (tuition around Rs 3–6 lakh/year; total costs roughly Rs 25–35 lakh).
Russia
Russia remains a main choice due to long-standing ties with Indian students, governmentrun universities, reliable infrastructure and strong hospital networks. Key points include over 30 NMC-approved universities, 6-year MBBS programs (some fully in English) and total costs typically between Rs 17–30 lakh. Students should note that local language skills and harsh winters can be factors during clinical postings.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh is popular because its MBBS curriculum and clinical protocols closely mirror India’s. Pillai highlights its high FMGE pass rates and cultural familiarity, with total costs usually in the Rs 30–40 lakh range. Admission typically requires strong Class 12 marks, and seats for foreign students are limited.
Georgia
Georgia appeals to Indian aspirants seeking a Europeanstyle curriculum at a lower cost. Universities offer English-medium programmes, ECTS alignment, and safe modern campuses. Costs tend to be in the Rs 30–40 lakh range, but applicants must confirm the full programme length and internship structure meet NMC requirements.
Kyrgyzstan
For budget-conscious students, Kyrgyzstan offers 6- year MBBS programs taught in English and several NMCrecognised colleges. Total costs are often Rs 15–25 lakh. Students should be prepared for local language use in hospitals and very cold winters.
NMC requirements
Pillai stresses checking NMC compliance first. Valid overseas MBBS programs must include at least 54 months of classroom training plus a 12- month clinical internship in the same country, be registrable there, and have English as the medium of instruction. Students will still need to appear for NExT or FMGE in India after returning.
“Considering MBBS overseas can mean opening doors to great possibilities—but the choice must involve more than merely financial factors,” Pillai says. He urges aspirants to research clinical exposure, regulatory status, teaching medium, cultural fit and career prospects carefully before committing.
