MBBS: A viable option for study abroad

by Mariyam Akmal
7 min read

Much of the youth today has seen and experienced the aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve understood deeply the lacking in the infrastructure for health services, and many of us strive to be the ones able to fix them. Many students now want to become doctors and want to study in this field from internationally-acclaimed universities. However, each country and university has its own set requirements and programs for potential students. We’ve compiled a list below of some of the more common countries that students are curious about, and some facts you should know before applying: 

USA: 

The United States is famous for the competitive education programs they offer. In the US, you’ll find many internationally acclaimed universities offering programs for MD degrees which can be 4 years long, however most universities integrate MBBS/MD and residency programs together, which can last for 7-9 years. You will need to appear for the American MCAT to apply for the programs. These courses will cost approximately between $18,442 USD to $64,984 USD per annum. 

UK: 

The UK is known as a hub for medical studies, because of the highly skilled professionals they produce. MBBS programs in the UK are 5-6-year programs offered as MB (Bachelor of Medicine) in BS, ChB, BCh, and BAO.To be eligible for these programs you need to appear and clear the UKCAT or BMAT exams. Studying medicine in the UK can cost approximately $39,700 (in USD) per annum.

Canada: 

Many Canadian universities offer internationally accepted MD degrees that take up 3-4 years. You are required to have a bachelor’s degree before applying to medical programs in Canada. If you are applying for a medical degree in Canada without a background in Science, the duration of the course will be 5 years. To apply for a 4 year medical degree to study medicine in Canada, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree in biology or related subjects. You also need to pass the MCAT exam in Canada. Average tuition fees can cost from about CA$30,000 to CA$125,000 (in CAD) per year.

Turkey: 

Turkey is a wonderful option for students who want to study medicine abroad. Most universities don’t require any kind of entrance examinations, however state universities require you to pass the YÖS Exam. The duration of medicine programs are 6 years and can cost $15,000 – $30,900 per annum.

UAE: 

The UAE may be a popular tourist destination, but it is also well-known for the competitive and high-standard degrees that universities here offer. MBBS programs here would cost about $30,000 – $45,000 per year, with the program lasting about 6 years. To be eligible for this program, you must take the EmSAT, and some universities have their own admission tests. 

Germany

Germany is every student’s must-have on their checklist for international and budget-friendly universities. It ticks off all the checks that any student requires from their universities. For MBBS in Germany, there is a unique application procedure with strict admission requirements, but public universities offer free tuition. MBBS in Germany is not a degree such as the bachelor/master system but more of a state examination. They have a uniform course structure that extends 6 years. German Language Proficiency is required as most courses are in German and TestAS scores are also required by some universities, but other than that there are no entrance examinations. 

Australia: 

Australia is a hub for international students with all religious or racial backgrounds, for all kinds of academic programs available. For MBBS, medical universities in Australia offer a dual degree of 5-6 years combining BMed (Bachelor of Medical Science) and MD. Tuition fees for MBBS in Australia range between 255,200 AUD to 630,000 AUD for the entire program course for international students, which is approximately $22,000 AUD to $62,000 AUD per annum. To be eligible to apply for these programs, you need to score high on the GAMSAT or MCAT. 

France:

France may be known as a must-go for the extremely posh and elite, however it is also another country in Europe that offers affordable education. Medical programs in France can last from 8-11 years, because these studies are divided into three courses known as PCEM, DCEM and General Medicine/other specialized qualifications. The course ends with a PhD certificate in Medicine.  International students may be required to pay about 2,500 to 4,000 Euros per year for public medical universities, or 19,000 Euros per year for MBBS in private medical universities. 

Italy: 

Italy is famous for its food and rightly so, but did you know that it also offers budget-friendly degrees for international students? The starting fees for medical programs in Italy for international students are $1,500 (in USD) per year. These programs are 6 years long and require applicants to provide a high IMAT score. 

Russia: 

Russia is known for its cold but along with the harsh winters it also presents internationally acclaimed medical degrees that can cost from $19,000 to $35,000 (in USD) for the entirety of the 6-year programs. They also don’t require entry examinations, and the eligibility criteria is quite simple. 

China: 

China has proved time and time again how competent they are, especially in the industry of medical sciences. The hard work and effort put in by their researchers and doctors alike is unmatched, which is why China is a popular option for many students to go to for studying medicine. The medical programs in China are about 5 years of studies and 1 year of an internship at a hospital, and have no entry test requirements. These courses can cost up to $3,000 to $10,000 (In USD) per annum.

If you want to get more help applying in medicine-related programs, book a consultation with us today!

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