What are the Cheapest Countries to Study MBBS?

Author: Stdy Hub

Here's a detailed guide to the cheapest countries to study MBBS, including tuition fees, living costs, advantages, and why they are popular among international students:

1. Russia
  • Tuition Fees: $3,000 – $6,000 per year
  • Living Costs: $100 – $300 per month
  • Language of Instruction: Many universities offer programs in English and Russian.
    • Why Study in Russia?
  • Russia has a long history of medical education and is home to top medical universities like Sechenov University, Peoples’ Friendship University, and Kazan Federal University.
  • No entrance exam required in most universities.
  • Degrees are recognized by WHO, NMC (India), ECFMG (USA), and GMC (UK).
  • Clinical training is strong and starts early in the course.
  • Cultural diversity and large international student community.
2. Philippines
  • Tuition Fees: $3,000 – $5,000 per year
  • Living Costs: $200 – $300 per month
  • Language: English is the primary medium of instruction and communication.
    • Why Study in the Philippines?
  • Follows the American medical education system, ideal for students planning to take USMLE or move to the USA.
  • No language barrier for most students.
  • Most MBBS programs are divided into BS + MD, similar to the U.S. model.
  • High success rate for Indian students passing FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination).
3. Kazakhstan
  • Tuition Fees: $2,000 – $4,000 per year
  • Living Costs: $100 – $200 per month
  • Language: English medium courses are available.
    • Why Study in Kazakhstan?
  • Universities like Kazakh National Medical University and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University are gaining global recognition.
  • Affordable education and cost of living.
  • Shorter travel distance and cultural familiarity for Central Asian and South Asian students.
  • High-quality clinical education with modern hospitals.
4. Bangladesh
  • Tuition Fees: $4,000 – $6,000 per year
  • Living Costs: $100 – $200 per month
  • Language: English for foreign students; Bengali locally.
    • Why Study in Bangladesh?
  • Syllabus and textbooks are very similar to Indian MBBS, making it easier for Indian students.
  • High FMGE passing rate (among the highest for Indian students).
  • No donation or capitation fee.
  • Culturally and geographically close to India and other South Asian countries.
5. Kyrgyzstan
  • Tuition Fees: $1,500 – $3,000 per year
  • Living Costs: $100 – $150 per month
  • Language: English medium options widely available.
    • Why Study in Kyrgyzstan?
  • One of the cheapest MBBS destinations in the world.
  • MCI/NMC approved colleges like Osh State University, Jalalabad State Medical University.
  • 5–6 year programs with practical exposure.
  • Simple admission process and no donation required.
6. China
  • Tuition Fees: $3,000 – $6,000 per year
  • Living Costs: $150 – $300 per month
  • Language: MBBS taught in English, but Chinese language classes are mandatory for clinical practice.
    • Why Study in China?
  • Many top-ranked medical universities like China Medical University, Dalian Medical University, and Jilin University.
  • Well-equipped infrastructure and large teaching hospitals.
  • Chinese government scholarships available.
  • Wide international recognition.
7. Ukraine (pre-war situation)
  • Tuition Fees: $3,500 – $5,000 per year
  • Living Costs: $150 – $250 per month
  • Language: English, Ukrainian, and Russian options.
    • Why Study in Ukraine? (Note: Check current safety and visa updates)
  • High number of international students due to affordable fees and good quality of education.
  • Medical universities like Bogomolets National Medical University were quite reputed.
  • European lifestyle and diverse campus life.
Summary Table: CountryTuition (Annual)Living Costs (Monthly)LanguageRecognitionRussia$3,000 – $6,000$100 – $300English/RussianWHO, NMC, ECFMGPhilippines$3,000 – $5,000$200 – $300EnglishWHO, NMC, USMLEKazakhstan$2,000 – $4,000$100 – $200EnglishWHO, NMCBangladesh$4,000 – $6,000$100 – $200EnglishWHO, NMCKyrgyzstan$1,500 – $3,000$100 – $150EnglishWHO, NMCChina$3,000 – $6,000$150 – $300EnglishWHO, NMCUkraine$3,500 – $5,000$150 – $250EnglishWHO, NMC