Discipline · Health & Medical Sciences
Study MBBS & Medicine abroad.
Compare MBBS and MD programmes from the UK, Ireland and Germany to Georgia, Russia, Central Asia and the Philippines, and see which degrees are licensable at home and where doctors are hired and paid best.
Updated October 2026 · Indicative data for international students
At a glance
Medicine abroad: the quick answer.
To study MBBS abroad, students complete a 5–6 year primary medical degree (MBBS, MBChB or MD) in another country and then pass that country’s or their home country’s licensing exam. Indian students choose Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan and the Philippines for cost, or the UK, Ireland and Australia for career mobility. Junior doctors earn roughly GBP 38–50K in the UK and USD 65–80K as US residents.
- MBBS / MD duration
- 5–6 years plus 1-year internship
- Graduate-entry MD
- 4 years after a bachelor’s (USA, Australia)
- Top study destinations
- UK, Ireland, Georgia, Russia, Uzbekistan
- Junior doctor salary
- GBP 38–50K (UK), USD 65–80K (US residents)
- Key licensing exams
- NExT/FMGE, USMLE, PLAB/UKMLA, AMC, Prometric
- Best for
- Science students committed to a 10-year path
About the programme
What is Medicine?
When you study MBBS abroad, you earn a primary medical qualification such as an MBBS, MBChB or six-year MD that makes you eligible to sit licensing exams and train as a doctor. Programmes combine two to three years of pre-clinical science (anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology) with clinical rotations in hospitals. Indian, GCC, Nepali and African students go abroad because domestic seats are scarce or expensive, or because they want to practise in the UK, Australia or the USA.
The degree is only half the decision. Your medical school must be recognised by the licensing authority where you plan to work, and for Indian students it must meet the National Medical Commission’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations 2021: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same university, English-medium teaching and eligibility for a licence in that country.
Medicine suits students with strong biology and chemistry, resilience and a long-term view. From admission to independent specialist practice usually takes 10–14 years, so choose a country by where you want to be licensed, not only by tuition fees or ranking lists.
What you will study
- Human Anatomy & Embryology
- Physiology
- Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine
- Pathology & Microbiology
- Pharmacology & Therapeutics
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery
- Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Paediatrics
Types of courses
Types of courses to study Medicine abroad.
From short diplomas to doctoral research, here is how Medicine qualifications are structured across major study destinations.
Pre-medical foundation year
Foundation or pre-med years in Ireland, the UK and Russia build science and English skills for students whose school qualifications do not meet direct entry requirements.
MBBS / MD (undergraduate entry)
Primary medical degree taught in English. Indian students must check the NMC rule of 54 months’ study plus a 12-month internship at the same institution.
Graduate-entry MD / MBBS
Accelerated route in the USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland and the UK for graduates. Competitive and costly, but leads directly to local internships and residency.
Residency / specialty training
Paid postgraduate training such as US residency via the NRMP Match, UK Foundation and specialty training, Germany’s Facharzt or Australian college training programmes.
Licensing exams
NExT or FMGE in India, USMLE Steps 1–3, PLAB or UKMLA, AMC exams, MCCQE Part I, Germany’s Kenntnisprüfung and DHA, DOH, MOH or SCFHS Prometric exams.
Accreditation & recognition
Medicine accreditation and professional bodies.
A medical degree is only useful if a licensing authority accepts it. Before you study MBBS abroad, confirm your university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, accredited by a WFME-recognised agency (required for ECFMG and USMLE eligibility), compliant with NMC rules if you are Indian, and accepted by the regulator where you plan to work.
| Body / accreditation | Where it counts | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| National Medical Commission (NMC) | India | FMGL Regulations 2021 require 54 months’ English-medium study, a 12-month internship abroad, then a 12-month Indian internship and passing FMGE or NExT. |
| General Medical Council (GMC) | United Kingdom | Registers doctors in the UK. International graduates pass PLAB 1 and 2 or the UKMLA and need an acceptable primary medical qualification. |
| ECFMG / USMLE | United States | ECFMG certifies international graduates after USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK and requires schools accredited by a WFME-recognised agency. |
| Australian Medical Council (AMC) | Australia | Accredits Australian and New Zealand schools and assesses overseas doctors through AMC MCQ and clinical exams for Medical Board of Australia registration via AHPRA. |
| Medical Council of Canada (MCC) | Canada | Runs the MCCQE Part I and verifies credentials. International graduates also compete for residency through CaRMS or provincial assessment programmes. |
| German Approbation authorities | Germany (federal states) | State offices grant the Approbation licence. Non-EU graduates usually pass the Kenntnisprüfung plus a C1 medical German Fachsprachprüfung. |
| GCC health regulators (DHA, DOH, MOHAP, SCFHS, DHP) | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar | License doctors after DataFlow verification and Prometric exams such as the SMLE in Saudi Arabia; some routes exempt holders of UK, US or Australian licences. |
Current trends
What is shaping Medicine right now.
- NMC rules have reshaped choices. Since the FMGL Regulations 2021, Indian students who study MBBS abroad favour universities offering a full English-medium 6-year MD with internship included, such as those in Georgia, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
- NExT is replacing FMGE. India’s National Exit Test is planned as a single licensing and postgraduate entrance exam for Indian and foreign graduates alike, raising the importance of strong clinical training abroad.
- UKMLA aligns home and international doctors. The UK now uses the Medical Licensing Assessment content for its own graduates and aligns PLAB with it, giving international graduates a clearer, standardised route into NHS jobs.
- Western regulators are fast-tracking IMGs. Australia’s expedited specialist pathway, the UK’s large international recruitment and Canadian practice-ready assessment schemes are making it easier for qualified overseas doctors to move and register.
- GCC healthcare is expanding rapidly. Saudi Vision 2030, new UAE hospitals and Qatar’s health system growth create strong demand for doctors with UK, US, Australian or recognised specialist qualifications, paying tax-free salaries.
Programme options
Best Medicine courses to study abroad.
The most widely offered and highly ranked bachelor’s and master’s specialisations in Medicine, with a short note on what each one focuses on.
Top bachelor’s degrees
MBBS
UK, Australia and Asia primary medical degree
MBChB
UK and New Zealand equivalent to MBBS
MD (6-year General Medicine)
Georgia, Russia and Central Asia standard
MB BCh BAO
Irish primary medical qualification
BMBS / BM BCh
UK variants at Nottingham, Oxford, Southampton
Graduate-entry Medicine (GEM)
Four-year route for existing graduates
BS + MD (Philippines)
US-style pre-med then four-year MD
Staatsexamen Humanmedizin
German-taught six-year state exam degree
BSc Biomedical Science
Pre-med route to graduate-entry medicine
Intercalated BSc (Medical Sciences)
Extra research year within UK MBBS
Top master’s degrees
MD (graduate-entry, USA / Australia)
Professional doctorate leading to residency
US Residency + Board Certification
Specialist training after USMLE and Match
MRCP (UK)
Membership exam for physicians
MRCS (UK)
Membership exam for surgical trainees
MRCGP (UK)
General practice specialist qualification
Facharzt (Germany)
Specialist recognition after 5–6 years’ training
Fellowship (FRACP / FRACS)
Australasian specialist college qualifications
Master of Public Health (MPH)
Population health for doctors and leaders
MSc Tropical Medicine & Global Health
Infectious disease and global health
MSc Medical Education
Teaching and training future doctors
Where to study
Best countries to study Medicine abroad.
North America, the UK and Ireland, Schengen Europe, Australia and New Zealand, Asia and the GCC each offer a different mix of programme strength, cost, work rights and industry access for Medicine students.
United Kingdom
Five-year MBBS or MBChB at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Edinburgh, Manchester and newer schools. International places are capped and fees are high, but UK graduates enter the Foundation Programme and are registrable widely.
Best for: GMC registration and global career mobility
Ireland
RCSI, Trinity College Dublin, UCD, UCC and University of Galway offer 5–6 year undergraduate and 4-year graduate-entry medicine in English, with clinical training in Irish hospitals and a route into intern posts.
Best for: English-medium medicine with UK-style training
Germany
Public universities such as Heidelberg, Charité Berlin, LMU Munich and Hamburg charge little or no tuition, but medicine is taught in German, places are scarce and admission needs top grades and C1 German.
Best for: Low-cost medicine for fluent German speakers
Australia
Monash, Sydney, Melbourne, UQ, UNSW and Adelaide offer undergraduate MBBS/MD (UCAT ANZ or ISAT) and 4-year graduate MD (GAMSAT or MCAT). Fees are high and internship places for internationals are not guaranteed.
Best for: AMC-accredited degree and Australian residency
United States
MD programmes at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, Stanford and state schools require a US-style bachelor’s and MCAT. Few schools admit international students and costs exceed USD 300K, but residency access is strongest.
Best for: Graduates aiming for US residency and top pay
Russia
Six-year MD (General Medicine) at Kazan Federal, Sechenov, Pirogov RNRMU, Volgograd and Kursk State Medical University. Fees are moderate, but confirm the whole course and internship are taught in English.
Best for: Established universities at moderate cost
Georgia
Tbilisi State Medical University, Ivane Javakhishvili TSU, David Tvildiani and New Vision University offer six-year English-medium MD programmes with internship, a European curriculum and lower living costs than Western Europe.
Best for: NMC-aligned 6-year English MD in Europe
Philippines
A US-style BS pre-med followed by a four-year MD at schools such as UV Gullas, Davao Medical School Foundation and University of Perpetual Help. Teaching is in English, but Indian students must verify NMC duration compliance.
Best for: English-speaking clinical exposure, USMLE preparation
Kazakhstan
Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Astana Medical University and Kazakh National Medical University offer English-medium general medicine with affordable fees and a large Indian student community in Almaty, Astana and Karaganda.
Best for: Affordable English-medium MD in Central Asia
Uzbekistan
Tashkent Medical Academy, Samarkand State Medical University and Bukhara State Medical Institute run six-year English-medium MD programmes with low tuition and living costs, popular with Indian students since the 2022 Ukraine evacuation.
Best for: Low-cost 6-year MD with internship
UAE
Mohammed Bin Rashid University, Khalifa University, UAE University, Gulf Medical University and University of Sharjah offer MBBS or MD degrees with clinical training in modern hospitals and local licensing routes.
Best for: GCC students who want to practise in the Gulf
Bangladesh
Five-year MBBS plus one-year internship regulated by the BMDC, with a curriculum and disease profile very similar to India’s. Private colleges in Dhaka admit NEET-qualified students at moderate fees, close to home.
Best for: Curriculum close to India for FMGE/NExT
Jobs after graduation
Best countries to get a Medicine job after your course.
Ranked on graduate demand, salary, post-study work rights and long-term residency options for international students.
- 1
Australia
Persistent shortages of GPs and rural doctors, high salaries and structured college training. Overseas graduates enter via AMC exams or competent authority pathways, often starting in regional hospitals or Distribution Priority Areas.
Pathway: Medical practitioner roles on skilled lists; 482 or 186 visa routes
- 2
UK
The NHS is the largest recruiter of international doctors, with tens of thousands of IMGs in trust-grade, Foundation and specialty posts. PLAB or UKMLA plus GMC registration opens jobs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Pathway: Health and Care Worker visa; settlement after five years
- 3
USA
The highest physician pay in the world and residency in every specialty. International graduates need USMLE scores, ECFMG certification and a successful NRMP Match, with internal medicine, family medicine and paediatrics most IMG-friendly.
Pathway: J-1 or H-1B residency, then waiver jobs or green card
- 4
Ireland
The HSE recruits non-EU doctors into non-training and training posts. Registration with the Medical Council of Ireland, often via the PRES exam, leads to competitive pay and a route into specialist training.
Pathway: Critical Skills Employment Permit; Stamp 4 after two years
- 5
UAE
Rapid hospital expansion in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, tax-free salaries and strong demand for specialists. DHA, DOH and MOHAP licences require Prometric exams unless you hold recognised UK, US or Australian credentials.
Pathway: Employer-sponsored visa; Golden Visa for doctors
- 6
Germany
Germany has thousands of vacant hospital posts, especially in smaller towns. Non-EU doctors with C1 German who pass the Kenntnisprüfung receive Approbation and can join paid Facharzt specialist training in any state.
Pathway: EU Blue Card or recognition visa; settlement in 21–27 months
Average pay scale
Medicine salary by country.
Indicative annual gross salaries for Medicine graduates in local currency (K = thousand, M = million), with the post-study work rights available to international students.
| Country | Currency | Entry level (0–2 yrs) | Mid-career (3–7 yrs) | Senior (8+ yrs) | Post-study work rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | USD | 65–80K | 230–330K | 350–600K+ | OPT 12 months (+24 months for STEM degrees) |
| Canada | CAD | 60–85K | 250–350K | 350–550K+ | PGWP up to 3 years |
| United Kingdom | GBP | 38–50K | 60–85K | 110–150K | Graduate Route 2 years (18 months for applications from 2027) |
| Ireland | EUR | 45–60K | 65–95K | 200–270K | Stamp 1G: 1 year (bachelor’s) / 2 years (master’s) |
| Germany | EUR | 62–75K | 85–105K | 115–200K | 18-month job-seeker residence permit |
| Netherlands | EUR | 50–65K | 65–90K | 110–200K | Orientation year (zoekjaar) 12 months |
| France | EUR | 28–40K | 50–75K | 80–150K | 1-year post-study residence permit (master’s) |
| Australia | AUD | 80–100K | 120–180K | 250–450K | Temporary Graduate visa (485) 2–3 years |
| New Zealand | NZD | 75–95K | 110–170K | 220–320K | Post-study work visa up to 3 years |
| Singapore | SGD | 60–85K | 110–180K | 250–450K | 1-year job-search pass, then Employment Pass |
| Japan | JPY | 4.0–5.5M | 10.0–15.0M | 15.0–25.0M | Up to 1 year job-seeking status, then work visa |
| Malaysia | MYR | 48–65K | 70–120K | 150–400K | Employer-sponsored Employment Pass |
| UAE | AED | 180–300K | 420–660K | 720–1,200K | Employer-sponsored visa; Golden Visa for top graduates |
| Saudi Arabia | SAR | 180–300K | 400–600K | 660–1,100K | Employer-sponsored work visa (iqama) |
Salary ranges are indicative for 2025–26 and vary by employer, city, qualification and experience. UAE and Saudi Arabia salaries are generally tax-free. Visa rules change often, so always confirm with official government sources.
Official post-study work information: USA (Study in the States) · UK Graduate visa · Canada PGWP · Australia subclass 485 · Ireland Stamp 1G · Germany (Make it in Germany) · New Zealand Immigration
Careers & salaries
Top jobs after a Medicine degree.
The most common career paths, what each role involves, indicative USD-equivalent pay in strong markets, and where demand is highest.
| Role | What you do | Salary (USD equiv.) | Top hiring countries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Doctor / Resident | Supervised hospital doctor rotating through specialties during early training | 50–80K | UK, USA, Ireland |
| General Practitioner / Family Physician | First-contact community doctor managing chronic and acute illness | 150–300K | Australia, Canada, UK |
| Internal Medicine Physician | Diagnoses and treats complex adult disease in hospital | 200–350K | USA, UAE, Australia |
| Surgeon | Performs operations in general or subspecialty surgery | 250–600K | USA, Saudi Arabia, Australia |
| Anaesthetist | Manages anaesthesia, pain relief and critical care | 250–500K | USA, Australia, UAE |
| Psychiatrist | Treats mental illness; persistent shortage in most countries | 200–400K | UK, Australia, Canada |
| Emergency Medicine Physician | Leads urgent assessment and resuscitation in emergency departments | 200–400K | USA, Australia, Ireland |
| Radiologist | Interprets imaging and performs image-guided procedures | 300–600K | USA, Singapore, UAE |
USD figures are approximate conversions for comparison only. Always check current market rates before making career decisions.
The next decade
Scope of Medicine over the next 10 years.
What the structural shifts in the field mean for graduates entering it now.
- Shortages will persist for a decade. Ageing populations and doctor retirements mean the UK, Australia, Ireland, Germany, Canada and the GCC will keep recruiting internationally, making it a reasonable time to study MBBS abroad if you choose a recognised school.
- Licensing will get stricter, not easier. WFME accreditation requirements, NExT in India and standardised exams like UKMLA mean poor-quality schools will be filtered out, so the reputation of your university will matter more.
- Primary care and psychiatry lead demand. General practice, psychiatry, geriatrics, emergency medicine and rural medicine face the deepest shortages and offer the most visa sponsorship and incentives for internationally trained doctors.
- Doctors will work alongside AI. AI will speed up imaging reads, documentation and triage, but licensed doctors will remain accountable for diagnosis and treatment, increasing value for clinicians with digital literacy.
Frequently asked
FAQs: study Medicine abroad.
Which country is best to study MBBS abroad?
It depends on where you want to practise. For a career in the UK, Ireland or Australia, studying there is best but costly. For Indian students on a budget who will return home, Georgia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Russia offer NMC-aligned six-year English-medium MD programmes. Bangladesh and Nepal suit students wanting a curriculum close to India’s. Always check the specific university, not just the country.
Which country has the best jobs and PR prospects for doctors?
Australia, the UK and Ireland offer the clearest combination of jobs and permanent residency for international doctors, with visa sponsorship and settlement routes after a few years. The USA pays the most but requires USMLE and a competitive residency Match. Germany suits German speakers, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer tax-free salaries and long-term visas without a standard citizenship route.
Is it worth it to study MBBS abroad?
It can be, if you choose an NMC-compliant or GMC-acceptable university with real clinical exposure and prepare seriously for licensing exams. Many foreign graduates struggle because they pick schools on price alone and are underprepared for FMGE or NExT. Plan the whole journey, including licensing, internship and postgraduate training, before you enrol.
How much do doctors earn abroad?
Indicative 2025–26 pay: UK resident doctors earn about GBP 38–50K, rising to GBP 110–150K as consultants. US residents earn USD 65–80K, and attending physicians USD 230–600K. Australian interns earn about AUD 80–100K and specialists AUD 250–450K. UAE doctors earn roughly AED 180–300K as juniors and over AED 700K as consultants, tax-free.
What are the entry requirements to study MBBS abroad?
Most universities require Year 12 with physics, chemistry and biology; Indian students need at least 50% in PCB (40% for reserved categories) and a NEET qualifying score, valid for three years. The UK and Australia also use UCAT and interviews, and English-taught programmes typically ask for IELTS 6.5–7.5. Graduate-entry MDs require a bachelor’s degree plus MCAT or GAMSAT.
Will AI replace doctors?
No. AI is already helping with radiology reads, clinical documentation and decision support, but regulators require licensed doctors to examine patients, make decisions and take legal responsibility. AI is more likely to change how doctors work than to remove jobs, and graduates comfortable with digital health tools will have an advantage.
What NMC rules must Indian students follow for MBBS abroad?
Under the FMGL Regulations 2021, the course must be at least 54 months in English, followed by a 12-month internship at the same foreign university, completed within 10 years of joining. You must be eligible for a medical licence in that country. On return, you complete a 12-month supervised internship in India and pass the FMGE, to be replaced by NExT.
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