NMC approved medical colleges abroad: Complete list for international students

Overview

Studying medicine in another country has become one of the most sought after choices for Indian students who wish to pursue their MBBS courses. There are many Indian students who wish to become medical professionals. However, due to the low number of seats and the high fees of medical courses in India many students look for medical courses abroad. So it is extremely important to select the right medical university that meets the criteria of the National Medical Commission. Choosing NMC approved medical colleges abroad will allow Indian students to receive their medical degree and become medical professionals in India after passing the licensing examinations. This article will allow you to learn everything about the NMC approved medical colleges abroad.

About National Medical Commission

The National Medical Commission is the governing body that regulates medical education and practitioners in India. In 2020 the Medical Council of India was replaced by the National Medical Commission. This was in an attempt to increase transparency, quality and regulations in medical education. The NMC has an important role in monitoring medical education standards for Indian students. It is specifically for India and abroad. It ensures that medical graduates are adequately trained and competent enough to practice medicine. Before applying for the NMC inrecognised medical colleges abroad you need to be aware of it. 

The NMC is responsible for regulating medical education in India and approving top-notch MBBS colleges. They are responsible for setting the appropriate guidelines for the MBBS education abroad. Nowadays they also conduct the licensing examinations for international medical graduates. Students pursuing MBBS in NMC approved medical colleges abroad must follow strict guidelines. By following the NMC guidelines you can check whether the degree holds any value in India.

Benefits of choosing NMC approved medical colleges abroad

Choosing an NMC approved medical colleges abroad has a lot of advantages for Indian students. Indian medical authorities approve these universities for their academic standards. They provide proper training to students. Besides that there are some additional benefits mentioned below: 

Eligibility for practising in India 

Graduates from NMC recognised medical colleges abroad can appear for the licensing exam in India. Earlier students had to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination. The National Board conducted this examination. The National Exit Test will now replace this examination. After passing this exam, students receive a license to practice in India.

Globally recognised medical degree 

Many NMC approved medical colleges abroad are also recognised by other international agencies. The agencies are the World Health Organisation and are listed in international medical directories. This enables students to pursue a medical profession not only in India but also in other countries.

Cost-effective medical education 

The cost of medical education abroad is relatively lower than that of private medical colleges in India. For instance, countries like Russia, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan are offering MBBS courses at a lower fee structure. It is one of the most important reasons why MBBS Abroad for Indian students visit abroad for medical studies.

Contemporary infrastructure and facilities 

Enhanced laboratories, simulation centres and research opportunities at foreign universities entice many Indian students. Additionally, the college has well equipped hospitals to provide you with a comprehensive clinical experience. Therefore, when choosing NMC approved medical colleges abroad you will gain more practical knowledge. 

International exposure 

Studying abroad is a better experience for Indian students. In simple terms, the students are familiar with diverse cultures, global medical practices and healthcare systems. You will experience something you have never experienced before. The major highlight is that you have practical knowledge.

NMC guidelines for studying MBBS abroad

Before pursuing an MBBS course abroad, you have to follow a few guidelines. These guidelines ensure that the NMC approved medical colleges abroad provide you with a degree that is valuable in India: 

Course duration

The minimum period for the MBBS course must be 6 years or 4.5 years. 

Mandatory internship

The students must complete a 12-month internship either abroad or in India. It is the most important NMC norm.

Medium of instruction

The entire course must be in English so students can understand the medical curriculum properly.

Compulsory subjects 

Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Psychiatry and Community Medicine are the compulsory subjects. Without these subjects, an MBBS course is not valid. 

Licensing exam 

To secure a medical license in India, MBBS graduates have to pass the licensing exam. It includes the FMGE or the upcoming NExT.

Eligibility criteria to be met

Some eligibility requirements need to be met by the students who want to enrol in the NMC approved medical colleges abroad. Here are a few of them: 

Minimum age

The student should be of minimum age of 17 years as on the admission date.

NEET qualification

Indian students must qualify for the NEET to pursue MBBS courses in the NMC approved medical colleges abroad.

Academic qualification

The students must have completed their class 12 education in the subjects Physics, Chemistry and Biology with minimum 50% marks. For the reserved categories it is 40%.

Passport requirement

The students must possess a passport to apply for the admission.

Top destinations with NMC recognised medical colleges abroad

Some countries have medical universities that comply with NMC guidelines. These countries are now popular among Indian students.

Russia 

Russia is one of the most sought after destinations for Indian students who want to pursue their MBBS from abroad. The country has a long standing reputation for offering quality medical education at relatively low fees. There is no doubt that the medical universities in Russia are well equipped with necessary facilities for medical training. Also, most medical universities in Russia are government funded. It indicates that students can receive quality medical education at lower fees than at other medical colleges in India. Moreover, most medical universities offer medical courses in English for international students making it easy for Indian students to adapt to the course. In simple words, the country is the best epitome of NMC approved medical colleges abroad. 

Popular MBBS universities in Russia are: 

• Kazan Federal University
• Bashkir State Medical University
• Crimea Federal University

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has emerged as one of the most probable countries for Indian students who wish to study MBBS abroad at an affordable rate. The country offers an affordable MBBS in the world while still maintaining a high standard of academic quality. Kyrgyzstan has multiple universities that offer MBBS programs taught in English. This system enables Indian students and students from various countries to study medical programs without facing any language obstacles. The medical universities place a high emphasis on practical learning. The students get exposure to hospitals and healthcare centers during their course. Hence, if you are looking for NMC approved medical colleges abroad Kyrgyzstan is also a preferred destination.

Popular MBBS universities in Kyrgyzstan are: 

• Osh State University
• Asian Medical Institute

Kazakhstan

Undoubtedly, Kazakhstan has become a medical education hub in Central Asia. The country has invested a lot over the last decade in making the quality of its medical universities, infrastructure and research facilities better. The medical universities in Kazakhstan offer state-of-the-art infrastructure, modern techniques of education and experienced educators who guide the students through their advanced education. Medical education in Kazakhstan is also conducted according to international medical education standards which ensures that the students are prepared for a career in the medical field anywhere in the world. The country also offers a safe environment, developed infrastructure and a low cost of living. This is how it becomes a viable option for international students looking for NMC approved medical colleges abroad.

Popular MBBS universities in Kazakhstan are: 

• North Kazakhstan State University
• Kazakh National Medical University

Uzbekistan

Indian students now prefer Uzbekistan as a new destination for medical education which has become increasingly popular since the country gained independence. The country offers top-notch MBBS programs which combine modern teaching methods with experienced faculty members. Moreover, the medical universities have also improved their infrastructure to a great extent. The universities have well equipped laboratories, digital learning materials and clinical training for a practical exposure. They also offer MBBS education in English medium for international students. The universities are also associated with clinical training for their students at various clinical centers. Uzbekistan is also known for the best NMC approved medical colleges abroad.

Popular MBBS universities in Uzbekistan are: 

• Namangan State Medical University
• Samarkand State Medical University

 Georgia 

Georgia has become a popular destination for students seeking European standard medical education. It is famous for modern universities, high-tech teaching methods and globally recognised medical degrees. The medical universities in Georgia adhere to international academic standards and focus on research oriented medical education. Many universities offer English medium courses for international students. This is why Georgia is a feasible option for Indian medical aspirants. Another major advantage of pursuing MBBS in Georgia is the significant emphasis on clinical practice. Students are trained in modern hospitals and healthcare centres where they gain hands on experience in diagnosing and treating patients. Georgia also provides a safe and cosy environment for international students along with a multicultural environment that helps in the development of a global learning platform. Georgia is also famous for the best NMC approved medical colleges abroad.

Popular MBBS universities in Georgia are: 

• Tbilisi State Medical University
• Georgian American University

Philippines

Another popular destination for Indian students seeking medical education abroad is the Philippines. The Philippines follows a US based medical education system. This is why it is a popular destination for students who wish to pursue a medical career in the US or in other countries that follow the US system. Medical colleges in the Philippines use modern teaching techniques that students highly appreciate. The second advantage of pursuing MBBS in Philippines is that English is the official language. There is no doubt that English is used as the primary mode of communication. This makes communication easy for international students as there are no language barriers.

Popular MBBS universities in the Philippines are: 

• Davao Medical School Foundation
• University of Santo Tomas 

NMC approved medical colleges abroad list

Indian students can prefer this NMC approved medical colleges abroad list. It will give them a transparent idea before securing admission. Students need to verify whether the NMC recognises the university: 

NMC approved medical colleges abroad fee structure

One of the major highlights for the NMC approved medical colleges abroad is their fee structure. The fee is affordable:

Besides tuition fees these are also some expenses that cannot be overlooked: 

• Hostel accommodation
• Food and living costs
• Medical insurance
• Travel expenses

Factors to consider before choosing NMC approved medical colleges abroad

Before selecting the NMC approved medical colleges abroad you have to consider these factors: 

University recognition 

In addition to NMC recognition, a student must also check whether other international medical directories recognise the medical university. It needs to be approved by organisations like the World Health Organisation. It is clear that if a medical university is recognised by several organisations worldwide, it has adhered to the criteria. The international medical organisations set these criteria for the practice of medicine. Therefore, a student must verify the recognition status of a medical university before applying for a course.

Clinical training 

The role of clinical training is significant for medical students as it helps them to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations. While making a choice for an MBBS program abroad students need to analyse whether the university has good hospital affiliations for medical students to receive practical training. Generally the affiliated universities with larger hospitals allow students to have practical training. This is how medical students can observe surgeries, interact with patients and learn various clinical procedures under the guidance of experienced doctors. Such training is necessary for students to develop their skills. These skills help students diagnose, make medical decisions and properly handle patients. Majority of the NMC approved medical colleges abroad offer clinical training. 

FMGE passing rate

The other important factor to be considered while selecting NMC approved medical colleges abroad is the passing rate of students who appear for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination. It is an examination that is to be cleared by students who are pursuing their MBBS degree from an international university and who wish to practice medicine in India. The FMGE passing rate of a university is an important criterion to be considered while making a choice about a foreign medical university. This passing rate of a university reflects the academic performance of students who have graduated from that particular university. The previous FMGE results of students who have graduated from a particular university can be found before making a choice.

Safety and living conditions

International students need to consider both safety and living conditions when choosing NMC approved medical colleges abroad. Safety and living conditions cannot be compromised when you are studying abroad. The reason is that it involves adapting to a new culture. You need to consider whether the country or city where the university is located is safe. Factors such as crime rates, political stability and medical facilities cannot be ignored when choosing a medical destination for an MBBS program. You should also consider the availability of comfortable hostels. A few hostels provide Indian dishes and cultural support groups. Students who are adapting to a new lifestyle need to choose a safe environment. 

Language barrier 

While many universities offer MBBS programs in English students may still encounter language barriers during their studies. It is especially when they are in clinical rotations. In many countries patients may communicate in their own language. Medical students must be able to communicate with patients in their own language. In many hospitals patients, nurses and staff may not communicate in English fluently. So it is advantageous for medical students to learn the local language. At many universities language classes are offered to international students. It allows the medical students to communicate with patients in their own language. Thus, it enhances their educational experience in that particular country.

Admission process for NMC approved medical colleges abroad

The admission process for NMC approved medical colleges abroad involves: 

Step 1: Selecting the appropriate university 

On the internet you can search for NMC approved medical colleges abroad. After searching you will get an ample number of results in various countries. Before selecting the college you need to check the facilities provided and the tuition fee. You need to select the appropriate university for an MBBS abroad program. 

Step 2: Application submission 

Complete the application form and submit it with your required documents. The application form is available online on the university website. 

Step 3: Receive the admission letter via mail 

After submitting the admission letter the university officials will review your application and accept it. After acceptance you will receive the admission letter via mail. 

Step 4: Visa process 

Once you receive the admission letter you need to apply for the student visa. Students who apply for the NMC approved medical colleges abroad receive the student visa easily. It would never create any problems. 

Step 5: Travel and enrollment 

After receiving the visa students can travel abroad and enrol in the respective colleges.

Documents for admission in the NMC approved medical colleges abroad

Here are the documents required for admission in the NMC approved medical colleges abroad. Some universities also require additional documents. 

• NEET scorecard
• 10th and 12th mark sheets
• Passport copy
• Passport-size photographs
• Medical fitness certificate

Valuable career opportunities after an MBBS program

These are the two valuable career opportunities after pursuing MBBS from the NMC approved medical colleges abroad: 

Medical practice in India 

The students who have completed their MBBS degree from foreign universities and want to practice their profession in India need to abide by the NMC regulations. After completing their MBBS degree from NMC approved medical colleges abroad they need to take a licensing examination. This licensing examination ensures that their knowledge and skills are up to the mark for practicing medicine in India. The students need to pass the licensing examination in the first attempt. It ensures a successful medical practice in India.

Postgraduate education 

Graduates of NMC approved medical colleges abroad can pursue further studies in various countries. The students can choose to study further in India by preparing for competitive entrance examinations for MD or MS programs in various medical fields. Some individuals choose to study medicine in countries that provide superior healthcare education and research facilities. Students who want to study in the United States need to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination. It is required for applying to the American hospital residency programs.

Conclusion

If you are planning to pursue an MBBS course from an international destination check for the NMC recognised medical colleges abroad. These colleges provide you with a valuable MBBS degree. After earning an MBBS degree abroad you can become a successful doctor. A few years later you can also open your private clinic.