According to India Today, over 12 lakh aspirants qualify for NEET UG. However, in 2025, only 1.18 lakh seats are available. This has made the competition extremely intense and has been a major reason why students are opting for international options.
However, this is not the only reason behind students opting for international medical colleges. Studying MBBS abroad comes with plenty of perks like well-equipped medical facilities, no separate entrance exams, affordable fee structures, and so much more!
Before making this life-changing decision, it’s important to understand, investigate, comprehend, and compare MBBS in India and abroad.
MBBS in India vs MBBS Abroad
Admission Dilemma
MBBS in India: Students need to clear NEET with the required cut-off marks, which is mandatory for enrollment in both government and private medical colleges. While only 5% of candidates secure a government seat, the rest have to look for private medical colleges, and the cost builds up to 1 crore or more, which is pretty expensive for most Indian families.
MBBS Abroad: Here, admissions are much smoother. With a valid NEET score and a good academic background in science, you can get enrolled in MBBS colleges abroad. The competition is much less cutthroat, which means students are not missing out just because of seat shortage.
MBBS abroad is a better choice as the focus is on educating students rather than making them face impossible odds – like fighting for a seat, even though they clear NEET.
Cost of MBBS in India & Abroad
MBBS Cost in India: While getting into a government medical college is affordable and a dream come true for most students, it’s almost impossible because of seat shortage. On the other hand, private universities are extremely expensive and sometimes more costly than studying abroad.
MBBS Cost Abroad: Universities abroad, especially for medical education, are cheaper than private colleges, as many colleges support deserving students with scholarship programs, monetary prizes, and academic awards. This signifies that even premium medical universities have a more competitive fee structure than Indian private institutions.
Contrary to popular belief, MBBS abroad is more affordable and offers value for money compared to private Indian medical colleges, not to mention that admissions are easier!
Education and Facilities: India Vs Abroad
India: In top institutes, the quality of education and facilities is excellent, but for private colleges, many have outdated infrastructure, limited patient exposure, and overcrowded classes.
Abroad: Universities here offer early clinical exposure, modern labs, and simulation centers. U.S. or European-based curriculum is followed, giving students a competitive edge globally in the field of medicine.
With updated facilities and international teaching standards, MBBS abroad is a better choice for Indian students.
Global Career Opportunities: India Vs Abroad
India: After completion of MBBS, students need to crack NEET-PG for specialization, and again, due to limited seats, thousands of deserving doctors are either waiting or compromising their careers.
Abroad:
Here, there are dual pathways. The first choice is when aspiring students appear for FMGE or NEXT to practice in India. The second choice is to attempt exams like USMLE (USA), MCCQE (Canada), or PLAB (UK) to widen career horizons beyond India.
Again, MBBS abroad is much preferred as it offers global flexibility and mobility to make career choices.
Personal Growth
Studying abroad can prove to be a life-changing experience as students adapt to new cultures and become more independent with improved communication skills. Students interact with peers from multiple countries and get the chance to build a global perspective.
MBBS abroad is a better choice for students than MBBS in India as it offers better personal growth and international exposure.
Final Verdict: MBBS Abroad Gives You The Edge
Securing a government seat in India might be the best option, but the reality is 95% of students can’t make it and for them MBBS Abroad is the next best thing!
- Lower costs than private medical colleges
- Global exposure and more opportunities
- International curriculum and modern facilities
- The choice of practising both in India and abroad
St. Martinus University deserves a special mention here! We are ECFMG-approved and the University has also been listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, recognised by WHO.
With an affordable fee structure and a multi-cultural environment, we prepare medical students for a brighter career.
Now turn your ambition into reality, check out St. Martinus University to build a global medical career. Become a doctor in the US, UK, India or anywhere round the globe!