MBBS Abroad: Countries, Fees and PM&DC Rules (2026–27)

Thousands of students go abroad every year to study medicine. Fees, entry rules and — most importantly — whether the degree will let you practise at home vary hugely between countries and universities. This guide compares the main destinations for self-funded (paid) MBBS and MD programmes taught in English, and explains the rules Pakistani students must follow before they pay anything.

Before you choose: the rules for Pakistani students

• Entry criteria: PM&DC requires at least 60% in FSc (Pre-Medical) or equivalent and at least 50% in MDCAT for students going abroad for medicine or dentistry.
• Register first: complete PM&DC’s mandatory online registration (srf.pmdc.pk) before you start studying at a foreign institution. Without it you may not be eligible for provisional registration or the National Registration Examination (NRE).
• Recognised institutions only: to sit the NRE and practise in Pakistan, your degree must come from an institution recognised by its own country’s regulator and accredited/listed with ECFMG. Check the university in the World Directory of Medical Schools and read the latest PM&DC notices.
• Language of teaching: in China, only universities on the Ministry of Education list may teach MBBS to international students in English, and bilingual English/Chinese teaching is not allowed. You will still need Chinese for clinical years.

Destinations compared

Fees are from the universities’ own pages and change every year — always confirm on the official site before you apply.

Can I study medicine abroad on a scholarship?

Yes — but fully funded MBBS places are rare and competitive. Options include the Russian Government quota, Türkiye Scholarships, Stipendium Hungaricum (some medical programmes), MEXT (medicine is taught in Japanese) and university scholarships such as Nanjing Medical University’s tuition awards. Browse all MBBS & medical opportunities.

Questions to ask every university

1. Is the programme listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools with an ECFMG note?
2. In which language are the clinical years and the internship taught?
3. What is the total cost for all years, including hostel, insurance, visa and exams?
4. How many international graduates passed licensing exams (NRE, USMLE, PLAB) last year?
5. Can I apply directly, without an agent? (Most universities accept direct applications.)

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