Becoming a doctor is my dream, but NEET didn’t go as planned.
Can I really study MBBS abroad under 20 Lacs?
If this sounds like you, breathe easy. Forget the myth that studying medicine overseas is only for the wealthy.
Countries like Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Russia now offer globally recognized MBBS degrees under ₹20 Lacs – including tuition, accommodation, and living costs. But wait – how do you pick the right university?
Is the degree valid in India?
Let’s cut through the noise and explore budget-friendly MBBS options that won’t trap you in hidden fees or scams.
Why MBBS Abroad? The Budget vs. Quality Debate
Indian private medical colleges charge ₹50 Lacs to ₹1 crore for MBBS, leaving middle-class students stranded. Meanwhile, countries like Georgia, Uzbekistan, and Russia offer the same degree at 80-90% lower costs.
But skeptics ask: “Is it safe?
Will I pass the FMGE/NExT exam?” The answer? Yes – if you choose wisely.
- NMC/WHO-approved colleges ensure your degree is valid in India.
- English-medium programs eliminate language barriers.
- High FMGE pass rates (e.g., Bangladesh’s Dhaka Medical College has a 40% pass rate vs. India’s 15% average).
5 Countries Offering MBBS Under 20 Lacs (2025 Update)
- MBBS in Georgia
- Tuition: ₹3 – 4.5 Lacs/year
- Total cost (6 years): ₹12-18 Lacs
- Top picks: Alte University, Georgian National University SEU
- Perks: English-medium programs, globally recognized degrees (WHO/NMC), and safe student environment.
Top Medical Universities in Georgia
| University | Tuition Fees | Medium of Instruction | Duration |
| Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University | ₹4 – 5 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Caucasus International University | ₹3 – 5 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| European University | ₹4 – 5 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| New Vision University | ₹4 – 6 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Georgian National University (SEU) | ₹3 – 4 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| East European University | ₹3 – 4 Lacs | English | 6 years |
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- Tuition: ₹3 – 5 Lacs/year at universities like Crimea Federal University.
- Total cost: ₹12 – 15 Lacs (early payment discounts available).
- Bonus: Degrees recognized by WHO and NMC, with options for clinical rotations in Europe.
Top Medical Universities in Russia
| University | Annual Tuition Fees | Medium of Instruction | Duration | |
| Kabardino Balkarian State University | ₹2.10 Lacs | English | 6 years | |
| Kemerovo State Medical University | ₹3.83 Lacs | English | 6 years | |
| Crimea State Medical University | ₹3.07 Lacs | English | 6 years | |
| Altai State Medical University | ₹4.50 Lacs | English | 6 years | |
| Mari State Medical University | ₹4.92 Lacs | English | 6 years |
3. MBBS in Uzbekistan
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- Tuition: ₹2 – 3.5 Lacs/year
- Total cost (6 years): ₹10 – 15 Lacs
- Top picks: Tashkent Medical Academy, Andijan State Medical University.
- Edge: No entrance exams, affordable living (₹10k-15k/month), and growing Indian student communities.
Top Medical Universities in Uzbekistan
| University | Tuition Fees | Medium of Instruction | Duration |
| Tashkent Medical Academy | ₹2 – 3 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Samarkand State Medical University | ₹2 – 3 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Bukhara State Medical Institute | ₹2.5 – 3.5 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Andijan State Medical Institute | ₹3 – 4 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Fergana Medical Institute of Public Health | ₹2.5 – 3.5 Lacs | English | 6 years |
4. MBBS in Philippines
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- Tuition: ₹2 – 3 Lacs/year at schools like AMA School of Medicine.
- Total cost: ₹9 Lacs (excluding flights).
- Advantage: Ideal for students aiming for the USMLE after MBBS, with English-language curriculum.
Top Medical Universities in Philippines
| University | Total Tuition Fees | Medium of Instruction | Course Duration |
| University of Northern Philippines | ₹10-12 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| AMA School of Medicine | ₹18.5 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| UV Gullas College of Medicine | ₹16.5 Lacs | English | 5.8 years |
| Bicol Christian College of Medicine | ₹11-12 Lacs | English | 5.5-6 years |
| Lyceum Northwestern University | ₹14.5 Lacs | English | 5.5 years |
| Emilio Aguinaldo College – School of Medicine | ₹18-20 Lacs | English | 5.5-6 years |
5. MBBS in Ukraine
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- Tuition: ₹2.5 – 4 Lacs/year (pre-war rates honored for 2024).
- Top pick: Bukovinian State Medical University.
- Note: Ensure your university is in a conflict-free zone.
Top Medical Universities in Ukraine
| University Name | Total Tuition Fees (6 years) | Medium of Instruction | Duration |
| Bukovinian State Medical University | ₹18.26 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Ternopil National Medical University | ₹19.50 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University | ₹19.92 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Odessa National Medical University | ₹17.85 Lacs | English | 6 years |
| Sumy State Medical University | ₹17.02 Lacs | English | 6 years |
How to Apply: Check 5-Step Checklist
- Verify NMC Approval: Cross-check your college on NMC’s official list.
- Scholarship Hacks: Apply for ICCR Scholarships (for Bangladesh/Russia) or university-specific aid.
- Avoid Middlemen: Contact universities directly via email to dodge ₹1–2 Lacs in agent fees.
- Documentation: Keep ready—Class 12 marksheets, NEET scorecard, passport, birth certificate.
- Pre-Departure Prep: Learn basic local phrases (e.g., Russian numbers) and pack winter gear for cold climates.
Conclusion
An MBBS under ₹20 Lacs isn’t a fairy tale – it’s a strategic choice. Focus on NMC-approved colleges, budget for hidden costs, and start prepping for FMGE/NEXT exam from Day 1.
