Can I Do an MD Abroad After MBBS in India?

Introduction

Yes, you can do an MD abroad after completing your MBBS in India. Every year, thousands of Indian medical graduates choose to follow this path. This is due to the rising prospects of advanced education, better career opportunities, exposure, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

In this blog, you will get to know the whats, whys, hows and everything about pursuing an MD abroad after completing your MBBS in India. Know about the eligibility criteria, top universities, fee comparison, admission procedure and the advantages and disadvantages of studying abroad.

Why pursue an MD Abroad?

You must invest in pursuing an MD abroad to:

• Specialise in a field with global demand

• Get trained in advanced healthcare systems

• Increase your chances of practising in countries like the US, UK, Canada or Australia

While Indian postgraduate medical education is highly competitive and restricted by NEET-PG quotas and strict cut-offs, it is advisable to apply to international universities that offer a more accessible pathway for further education and permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for MD Abroad

Best Countries to Pursue MD After MBBS in India

United States of America

Pros:

• The USA facilitates a healthcare system that is globally recognised as top-tier, and doctors trained there are highly sought after worldwide.

• People who pursue higher education from abroad earn potentially more than medical graduates from their home country.

• The opportunities for advanced training and specialization in the USA are unparalleled, allowing doctors to become experts in their chosen fields.

Cons:

• The USMLE's difficulty level is quite high. Doctors from other countries must clear this exam to practice in the USA.

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• Obtaining PR in the USA is a time-consuming process, often taking between 3 to 7 years.

United Kingdom

Pros:

• The PLAB exam is the primary pathway for International Medical Graduates. This includes those from India who wish to practice medicine in the United Kingdom.

• The UK has many postgraduate options for doctors.

Cons:

• The cost of living in the UK is very high.

• The number of seats can be limited. It might result in intense competition.

Don’t worry! Educafic will be with you throughout this journey to not only help you clear the exams but also secure a place in your dream UK medical college.

Germany

Pros:

• Germany offers FREE tuition for both state and international students.

• Germany has a robust healthcare system, providing doctors with excellent training and numerous work opportunities.

Cons:

You might need to know basic German language for daily conversation with localites.

Russia

Pros:

• Medical education in Russia is generally affordable.

• Many Russian universities offer MD programmes taught in English.

Cons:

• The extreme cold weather in Russia can be a challenge for some students to adapt to.

• Some Russian universities require Indian students to clear the FMGE to practice medicine in India after completing their MD.

Philippines

Pros:

• The medical curriculum in the Philippines is similar to that in India, making the transition for Indian students relatively smooth.

• Universities teach in English.

Cons:

People might have daily conversations in Tagalog which might create language barrier among international students.

Kazakhstan

Pros:

• Kazakhstan offers medical education at one-fifth of what you pay in Indian private and govt. Medical colleges.

• The FMGE pass rates for Indian students who have studied in Kazakhstan are reportedly good.

Cons:

A lot of people do not have the right awareness about the country.

Georgia

Pros:

• The admission process for medical universities in Georgia is generally straightforward.

• Georgian medical universities are globally approved, ensuring that the degrees are recognised internationally.

Cons:

Many people lack awareness about the country.

MD Fees Abroad: A Quick Overview

Pro Tip: Always convert currency to Indian rupees before budget planning.

Top Medical Universities Abroad

Some of the most reputed institutions include:

Harvard Medical School, USA

• Ranked #1 to #3 University under QS World University Rankings for over a decade.

• Harvard produces eminent leaders, CEOS, and award-winning personalities across various fields.

• You can access state-of-the-art facilities equipped with cutting-edge technologies. 

• Get access to well-equipped libraries featuring peer-reviewed journals and books.

A steep acceptance rate of less than 5% makes it a competitive med school. Employment rates from Ivy League institutes are the highest.

University of Toronto, Canada

• Ranked #1 university in Canada and #17 in US News and World Report.

• The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto imparts life-changing knowledge about medicine, health research, and innovation.

• The University of Toronto has produced world leaders not just in the field of medicine, but in a wide variety of disciplines.

• With an acceptance rate of 43%, the competition is moderate among candidates aspiring to pursue a medical degree from this institution.

University of Cambridge, UK

• Founded in 1209. 

• It is an institution of great history that connects eras through the disciplines of medicine, science, history, and language.

• The MBBS degree programme in Cambridge is called MB, BChir.

• Many eminent doctors qualified medical grad studies at this university. They have earned acclaim worldwide for their skills and talent.

• Has an acceptance rate of 15-16%

• It highly competitive for international students to gain admission.

Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia

• Georgia’s oldest and most renowned medical university

• Modern teaching methods and real-world clinical exposure

• One of the popular choices

• Tuition fees: Annually ₹6.8 lakhs

• Acceptance rate: 100% (for international students)

• Employment rate: Very high

Lomonosov Moscow State University

• Established in 1755, Russia’s oldest university, Lomonosov, is known for its grandeur legacy and high-quality education for centuries.

• Get access to peer-reviewed journals as old as the 17th century, state-of-the-art facilities, cutting-edge medical infrastructure and more.

• Academicians have an enriched background over the years, training the finest medical leaders.

• With an acceptance rate of 12%, it is one of the most competitive institutions to get into.

Dhaka Medical College and Hospital

• Located in the Bakshibazar area of Dhaka. Renowned for its history, which dates back over 70 years. 

• Highly esteemed faculty members and lab technicians 

• You get access to peer-reviewed journals that date back to the days of Independence. 

• Comprehensive lessons, state-of-the-art infrastructure, a hospital and equipped laboratories

Exams Required for MD Abroad

Step-by-Step Admission Process for MD in abroad countries

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Scholarships & Funding

DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

Fulbright Programme (USA)

Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Australia Awards Scholarship Programme

Pro Tip: Always check the university's website for country-specific funding options.

Pros & Cons of Pursuing MD Abroad

Pros:

• Global exposure

• Advanced tech & clinical training

• Opportunity to work abroad

• Less competition than NEET PG
  

Cons:

• Licensing exam pressure

• High cost in certain countries

• Cultural/language barriers

Also Read: NEET Admit Card 2025