Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
- 02,Jun 2025
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Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
Introduction: MBBS Abroad—Is It Always a Good Idea?
Studying MBBS abroad has become a popular alternative for Indian students due to limited government seats and high fees in private medical colleges. Countries like Russia, Georgia, the Philippines, China, and Kazakhstan offer budget-friendly, NMC-approved medical programs. But while the advantages are widely promoted, disadvantages often go unnoticed.
This blog aims to shed light on the potential downsides of studying MBBS abroad so that students and parents can make informed decisions.
- Language Barrier
Most foreign universities claim to offer MBBS in English, but that’s only for classroom lectures. When it comes to clinical rotations in hospitals, patients speak in the local language.
Why It’s a Problem:
- Hard to interact with patients
- Limits practical learning
- Students may feel left out or confused during clinical rounds
Examples:
- In Russia, patients speak Russian
- In China, Mandarin is used in hospitals
- In Georgia or Kazakhstan, local languages dominate clinical practice
- FMGE/NExT Exam Pressure in India
Indian students with foreign MBBS degrees must pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming NExT exam to practice in India.
Challenges:
- Low pass rate (FMGE average pass rate is only 15–20%)
- Many foreign colleges don’t follow the Indian MBBS curriculum
- Students get less clinical exposure compared to India
Tip: Choose an NMC-approved college and start preparing for FMGE/NExT from your 3rd year itself.
- Hidden or Unexpected Costs
While MBBS abroad is marketed as affordable, the real costs can often be higher than expected.
Hidden Costs Include:
- Visa extensions
- Medical insurance renewal
- Food (especially Indian food is costlier)
- Internal transport and winter clothing
- Emergency medical care abroad
These small expenses add up, and parents often feel the financial pressure midway through the course.
- Homesickness and Cultural Shock
Living thousands of kilometers away from home isn’t easy. Students face a huge cultural difference in food, behavior, climate, and lifestyle.
Common Issues Faced:
- Difficulty in adjusting to cold weather (Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan)
- Food choices (Limited Indian options or expensive)
- Loneliness and mental health issues
- Racism or discrimination in some countries
- Long Travel Time and Costly Flights
Most medical universities abroad are located in Europe or Asia, requiring long-distance travel. This adds to:
- High travel costs (especially during holidays)
- Limited visits home
- Additional visa formalities in case of emergencies
Also, in case of family emergencies or personal problems, immediate return is not always possible.
- Low Clinical Exposure in Some Universities
While theoretical education may be decent, practical and clinical exposure is limited in several universities.
Why It Matters:
- Poor hands-on experience with patients
- Harder to compete with Indian medical graduates
- Affects your FMGE/NExT preparation and medical confidence
Some students come back with MBBS degrees but inadequate clinical skills.
- No Direct Entry to PG Courses in India
Even after clearing FMGE/NExT and obtaining a license to practice, foreign graduates must go through NEET-PG in India to pursue postgraduate medical education.
Key Point:
- No reservation or advantage for foreign MBBS graduates
- Highly competitive with Indian MBBS students
- Fake Agents and Unrecognized Universities
One of the biggest risks is falling into the trap of unauthorized agents or low-quality universities.
Consequences:
- Studying in a non-NMC-approved college (degree won’t be valid in India)
- Poor infrastructure and faculty
- No proper hostel or Indian food
- No support during visa issues
Always verify the university’s NMC status, and choose transparent, licensed education consultants.
- Limited Job Opportunities Abroad
Even after completing MBBS abroad, getting a job in the host country is not guaranteed.
Reasons:
- Local citizens are often preferred
- Need to clear local licensing exams (e.g., USMLE, PLAB, AMC)
- Language requirements
- Foreign graduates may not get internships or PG seats easily
Most students return to India for further studies or practice.
- Document and Legal Challenges
Studying abroad involves a lot of documentation. A single mistake in paperwork can cause delays or visa rejections.
Documents include:
- Apostilled academic documents
- Medical fitness reports
- Police clearance certificates
- Student visa and immigration documents
Many students face issues like visa delays, admission cancellation, or flight rescheduling due to document mishandling.
Real Student Experiences: What They Say
Ravi Kumar (MBBS student in Russia):
“The university is good, but understanding patients during clinicals is really tough. I’m taking extra Russian classes just to cope.”Priya Sharma (Returned from China):
“I thought I’d manage easily, but FMGE preparation was a nightmare. The syllabus was very different.”Key Takeaways
Disadvantage Impact Language Barrier Poor clinical interaction FMGE/NExT Mandatory Extra exam stress in India Cultural Differences Mental health issues, homesickness Hidden Costs Budget may exceed expectations Low Clinical Exposure Weak hands-on skills Limited PG/Job Scope Difficult to settle abroad Risk of Fake Universities Wasted time and money Final Thoughts: Should You Still Consider MBBS Abroad?
Despite these challenges, MBBS abroad is still a good option for many students who plan smartly. If you:
- Choose a top NMC-approved university
- Prepare for FMGE/NExT from early years
- Adjust to a new environment
- Avoid agent traps
Then your journey can be smooth and rewarding.
Need Help Choosing the Right University?
We offer free counseling, help with university selection, visa processing, and complete FMGE guidance.
Comment below or contact us to get started with your MBBS abroad journey—the right way.