What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Abroad?

There are both advantages and disadvantages of MBBS abroad. While studying MBBS from a foreign country, students are able to take advantage of advanced technology, global exposure, and practical experience. However, language barriers, cultural differences, climatic conditions, etc., are some of the disadvantages of pursuing MBBS abroad. 

Students from India wish to study MBBS abroad for a variety of reasons. One of the motives could be to practice medicine in a foreign country and eventually settle there. In many cases, the lack of availability of medical seats in India is what motivates students to apply to an MBBS program abroad.

Table of Contents

• Advantages of Studying MBBS Abroad
• Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Abroad

Advantages of Studying MBBS Abroad

This section will help you understand why you should consider pursuing an MBBS program in a foreign country. Some of the advantages of studying MBBS abroad are listed below:

• Top Class Universities
• Advanced Technology
• Plenty of Seats
• No Donation
• Budget-friendly
• Global Exposure
• Objective Exam Pattern
• Case Study Based Analysis
• Scholarships and Financial Aid
• Better ROI

Top Class Universities

International students can gain access to world-class facilities and globally recognized degrees offered by foreign universities. These universities are equipped with excellent infrastructure and modern amenities so that students can have a wholesome learning experience. Furthermore, colleges and universities abroad provide students with a high degree of safety and security so they can feel comfortable in a foreign country.

Advanced Technology

The majority of those universities that offer MBBS overseas adhere to high standards of quality and technology to suit the needs of the locals and foreign students. International universities have improved their technical standards to attract and retain foreign students. The use of 3D technology or other advanced technologies such as human simulation models is extremely beneficial to medical students to gain additional knowledge and skills.

Plenty of Seats

A number of medical aspirants are not able to pursue an MBBS in India due to the limited number of seats at government colleges and high tuition fees at private universities. However, international universities keep their tuition fees low, maintain high education standards, and provide plenty of seats for international students.

No Donation

Private institutes in India charge a large amount as a donation or a capitation fee in addition to their annual fees. International colleges and universities do not charge such fees. Only the admission/enrolment fees for the colleges are to be paid by the students. As for the tuition fee, it ranges from Rs. 2.5 lakhs to Rs. 4.5 lakhs a year, which is very affordable when compared to Indian private colleges.

Budget-friendly

Based on where you choose to study abroad, the overall cost of the medical course and other living expenses is very affordable. Therefore, it is important to carefully choose a country that offers high academic standards as well as affordable living costs if one wants to pursue a budget-friendly medical course abroad. 

Global Exposure

It can be difficult for students studying abroad at first to adjust to the new environment and to be away from home, but it gives them excellent exposure to global cultures. During this course, they will become familiar with all the latest clinical techniques and will gain firsthand experience that will greatly benefit them in the future.

Objective Exam Pattern

India's examinations are all based on subjective methodologies, and children have been accustomed to this pattern since childhood. Indian medical colleges typically use an objective question pattern only for competitive exams such as NEET. However, international medical universities mostly use this method for their daily assignments and examinations that require a thorough understanding of concepts. 

Case Study Based Analysis

Case study-based and interaction-based studies are used by most medical colleges overseas, which allows the students to observe and learn about diseases and treatment methods firsthand. Indian medical colleges do not use case study analysis very often. Therefore, studying MBBS abroad will help students gain more practical experience.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

A number of scholarships and financial grants have been announced by universities and institutions in an effort to encourage students to study MBBS abroad. These scholarships are offered by the government, universities, as well as private and public organizations. Scholarship amounts and benefits vary depending on the country and university.

Better ROI

Comparatively, MBBS abroad is on par or even cheaper than at private universities in India. Students may practice in a foreign country upon successful completion of their course. As a result, they can earn a large amount of money and have a better return on investment in the long run.

Disadvantages of Studying MBBS Abroad

The experience of studying MBBS abroad can vary from one student to another. Some students might face difficulties due to certain reasons. Here are some disadvantages of studying MBBS abroad:

• Language Barrier
• Risk of Fraud Universities
• Varying Standards of Study
• MCI Screening Test
• Extreme Climatic Conditions
• Internship Training

Language Barrier

Some of the popular countries for studying MBBS abroad include China, Russia, Poland, Ukraine, etc. In these countries, English is not spoken widely. Due to this, Indian students who do not speak the local language would have a limited range of options. While English classes will be offered at universities catering to the international diaspora, students with local language skills will always have an advantage.

Risk of Fraud Universities

There is no doubt that studying MBBS abroad has a number of merits, but it has also given rise to several fake universities or universities that are simply not up to the mark. These types of universities often claim to provide admission without any entrance exams. Students must be cautious and stay away from such scams. 

To address this concern, the Medical Council of India (MCI) has provided a list of top-notch universities that are recognized by the body and provide quality education to students applying for MBBS abroad.

Varying Standards of Study

Each country will impart MBBS students with a unique experience. Hence, it is imperative to understand the curriculum before applying to any foreign university. Medical practices will also vary from university to university, alongside educational standards. Therefore, it is always advisable for students to conduct extensive research before applying to the universities of their choice. It would also be beneficial to speak to the alumni and university students during such times.

MCI Screening Test

It is always possible for students to return to India and practice. To practice in their home country, students who have completed their MBBS abroad need to qualify for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination FMGE, an examination approved by the MCI.

The FMGE might seem challenging to some Indian students. However, it's not hard to qualify for any licensing exam with some preparation from a medical student, and the good news is that the pass percentage for current aspirants is on the rise.

Extreme Climatic Conditions

In a few countries, the climate is quite extreme, making it difficult for Indian students to adapt. Some countries do, however, have climate conditions similar to India. Therefore, students must choose their institution carefully so they can live and study in the country with ease.

Internship Training

During internships in hospitals, international students are not permitted to touch patients. In such cases, the internship takes the form of an observer-ship only. Students are not able to gain real experience because they only train on dummies and not dead bodies.