What is the Best Country for MBBS Abroad?
Fortunately for aspiring doctors and medical professionals, there are a lot of great options when looking for the best country for MBBS abroad. Several countries famous for their top universities offer diverse opportunities for those considering a career in the medical field.
A medical degree abroad has traditionally been one of the most popular choices for prospective international students. With the rising competition of applicants, heavy expenses, outdated curricula, and lack of experiential learning options in domestic universities, it is no surprise that many students now seek the best country for MBBS degrees abroad as an alternative. However, to be a successful applicant for these programs, you should consider various aspects of an MBBS degree that differ from one country to the next. Let's focus on the ins and outs of getting an MBBS degree in some of the best countries for the program.
About the MBBS Degree
In simple terms, an MBBS degree is the first stepping stone on the path to becoming a doctor. It is the starting line for higher education in the field of medicine. In most countries, you are eligible to start your MBBS program to study abroad after 12th grade. However, the course structure and graduation level of the MBBS degree depends on the country you study in.
MBBS in North America vs the UK
The MBBS degree is a postgraduate degree in the USA, Canada and Australia. These countries offer an equivalent MD or Doctor of Medicine degree, which plays a similar role in training doctors. On the flip side, an MBBS in the UK and Commonwealth countries is actually equivalent to an undergraduate entry and postgraduate completion level qualification.
The course structure and duration also make the distinction across countries. An MBBS in the UK will take you an extra couple of years to complete whereas an MD will require you to complete a bachelor’s degree first to qualify for admission. Here’s a comparison between these programs to consider when choosing the best country for MBBS abroad:
| Criteria | USA, Canada and Australia | UK and Commonwealth Countries |
| Degree Name | Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) |
| Duration | Requires 4 years | Requires 5-6 years |
| Entry Requirement | Bachelor’s Degree | High School Year 12 |
| Admissions Tests | GAMSAT or MCAT | UCAT, BMAT, NEET etc. |
| Study Level | Postgraduate | Undergraduate + Postgraduate |
Why Study MBBS Abroad?
Studying in the best country for MBBS abroad is unquestionably a popular route for aspirants. There are several strong reasons driving this decision. Take a look at the following advantages of studying for a medical degree abroad to see if they align with your motivations:
At the Cutting Edge of Learning
Universities in destinations like the UK, Australia, and the USA are at the forefront of the medical world. These universities are the birthing grounds of some of the most vital medical discoveries over the last couple of centuries. They are also leading the charge in the development of modern-day medical breakthroughs.
Where experts point to the often out-of-date curricula of domestic universities, you get to be at the cutting edge of medical research and learning when studying abroad. Experiential learning is a huge component of the experience at top med schools overseas - your education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms.
You can explore the best programs for medicine at the world’s top destinations for higher education with GRADSearch!
High-End Learning Facilities
One of the main reasons to consider going abroad for your MBBS degree is the step up in learning equipment and facilities. Studying in a high-income country can get you access to the latest technology and equipment at your university. Top universities around the world offer advanced medical facilities to train their students. You will receive hands-on experience with modern medical practices and have the opportunity to learn first-hand from innovative medical professionals.
More Affordable Than Private School
Another big myth about studying MBBS abroad is the cost. Yes, medical school can get pretty expensive in comparison to other majors. However, there are a number of affordable options where you can adjust your financial boundaries. Studying abroad opens up the opportunity to choose a university that you can afford more flexibly. Interestingly, medical school in certain countries can cost you less than private medical school in your own country. Remember to compare your options at home and abroad. Typically, a medical degree will cost more than other programs because of higher resource intensiveness and longer program duration, no matter where you enroll.
Better Chances of Getting Scholarships
Among all of the perks of studying MBBS abroad, the most important one is the availability of scholarships. Global universities offer a variety of scholarships to encourage international student application, particularly for high-tuition programs like medicine. These scholarships will help your journey of achieving MBBS abroad more affordable and accessible.
Opens Many New Career Opportunities
Studying abroad opens up the door to many new possibilities. This is especially the case when graduating with an MBBS, because medical professionals are among the highest-demand professionals globally. Getting an MBBS degree abroad means you get to explore career opportunities in that country and internationally as well. You will develop a meaningful network with medical professionals from around the world. These connections will help you enrich your career, explore other paths, and also participate in international projects. You can also choose to pursue a career in research, making use of the high-tech research facilities while studying abroad.
Best Countries for MBBS Degree
Now that you know why choosing the best country for MBBS matters, have a look at these top countries for MBBS degrees:
The UK
The UK is an international hub of higher education, with the field of medicine being no exception. Universities in the UK and Commonwealth countries offer world-class MBBS degrees to aspiring doctors. These MBBS degrees last between 5-6 years and qualify you to start your practice after foundation training. Getting an MBBS degree from the UK ensures you career opportunities in medicine in almost every country in the world.
Top Universities
| University Name | QS World Ranking for Medical Schools in 2025 |
| University of Aberdeen | =170 |
| University of Exeter | 201-250 |
| Lancaster University | 300-351 |
| St George's, University of London | 351-400 |
| Nottingham Trent University | 501-550 |
Admission requirements
● Level of education: Year 12 in high school
● Admission tests: UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) for undergraduates, GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) for graduates
Cost of studying
Annual Tuition: GBP 23,000 to GBP 55,000
The USA
The USA is the best in the business when it comes to higher education in medicine. Alongside enjoying the guidance of the best medical professionals in the world, you will also have access to the highest-end medical innovations. Medical school in the USA starts from the postgraduate level, offering degrees such as MD (Doctor of Medicine) instead of MBBS. Studying in medical school in the USA also tends to be on the more expensive side. However, it also guarantees a quick payback, as an MD from the USA is highly valuable in any country you decide to practice in. Medical professionals are in high demand in the USA, alongside other leading global job markets.
Top Universities
| University Name | QS World Ranking for Medical Schools in 2025 |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison | =122 |
| Michigan State University | 201-250 |
| The University of Arizona | 201-250 |
| Arizona State University | 301-350 |
| Thomas Jefferson University | 351-400 |
Admission requirements
● Level of education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject
● Admission tests: MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Cost of studying
Annual Tuition: USD 50,000 to USD 75,000
Canada
Canada offers a similar MD degree to its counterpart in the USA. You can expect a similar level of high-end facilities during your medical training in Canada. The country is home to world-ranking universities quickly climbing up the ladder every year as global leaders in higher education. You will find that tuition fees for an MD degree in Canada will tend to be more affordable than in the USA.
Top Universities
| University Name | QS World Ranking for Medical Schools in 2025 |
| Dalhousie University | 201-250 |
| Queen's University at Kingston | 201-250 |
| University of Manitoba | 251-300 |
| Simon Fraser University | 401-450 |
| University of Saskatchewan |
401-450
|
Admission requirements
● Level of education: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject
● Admission tests: MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), NEET test for Indian students.
Cost of studying
Annual Tuition: CAD 26,000 to CAD 95,000
Australia
Australia is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, with over 700,000 international students in 2023. As with other subjects in which Australia displays global leadership, Australian universities provide modern teaching facilities and cutting-edge resources in medicine. Equivalent to the MBBS, Australia offers MD degrees similar to its North American counterparts. These MD degrees require a Bachelor’s degree for admission. However, certain programs like the BMed/MD program allow students to take a 2-year Bachelor’s degree and an MD following that. This condenses the total time to complete training for doctors to 6 years.
Top Universities
| University Name | QS World Ranking for Medical Schools in 2025 |
| University of Western Australia | =132 |
| Australian National University | =150 |
| Griffith University | 251-300 |
| Macquarie University | 251-300 |
| Curtin University | 301-350 |
Admission requirements
● Level of Education: Year 12 in high school for BMed/MD, bachelor’s degree for MD
● Admission tests: UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) for BMed/MD
● GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) for MD
Cost of studying
Annual Tuition: AUD 10,000 to AUD 40,000
Ireland
Ireland is another excellent pick for the best country for MBBS abroad. The Irish medical schools require you to take an HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test) for admission. After graduation, you will need to complete a 1-year internship to earn your certificate as a doctor in Ireland.
Top Universities
| University Name | QS World Ranking for Medical Schools in 2025 |
| Trinity College Dublin | =78 |
| RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences | =163 |
| University of Galway | =198 |
| University College Cork | 201-300 |
| University of Limerick | 351-400 |
Admission requirements
● Study level: Year 12 of high school
● Admission test: HPAT (Health Professions Admission Test)
Cost of studying
Annual tuition: USD 35,000 to USD 55,000
Rounding Up
Medical degrees all around the world vary in course structure and admission requirements. However, the standard of teaching, opportunities for experiential learning, and program outcomes are more or less similar in the best medical schools of all the countries we explored in this blog. Finding the best country for MBBS depends on your needs as a student. A big consideration is affordability - some universities may be offering far more manageable tuition fee ranges and scholarship opportunities than others, for example. To explore the best options matching your needs, contact a Student Success Consultant at Gradstar Global Education for step-by-step guidance.
