Pursuing higher education overseas has become quite the trend recently because it is the best option in terms of gaining exposure, among other things. Degrees in fields of engineering, technology, and creative arts are very popularly pursued overseas. However, students are often confused in the case of medical sciences. There are a lot of questions that come with the option of studying for an MBBS abroad. Is it worth it? Will you be able to practice back in India? Is it cost-friendly? Is the quality of education the same?
Answering these questions is a crucial part of your decision-making process and will help you gain a lot of clarity.
Advantages of pursuing an MBBS abroad:
No entrance exam
Admissions into universities abroad is relatively easier than compares to Indian institutes. Not only is the admission given entirely on the basis of your performance in 12th grade but preference is given to students with a grade point average of at least 75% in their last year of school.
Quality education with the best infrastructure facilities
Universities abroad offer world-class facilities and contemporary conveniences for students to have the best possible education. Most colleges abroad also follow strict quality and technology criteria in order to cater to both international and domestic students. Isha Mirchandani, who is a first-year medical student at the University of Melbourne, says that she has had the chance to work with 3D models and cutting-edge technologies which have helped her retain information in a better way and have introduced her to a whole new perspective to learning.
Lesser competition
The level of competition especially in the medical and engineering field is so high in India that many students don’t get an opportunity to pursue MBBS in India. However, not only do universities abroad maintain low tuition costs, but they also have a lot of options for highly rated universities that uphold strict academic standards.
Affordable cost
Living abroad is expensive. However, tuition fees are relatively lesser when compared to medical colleges in India. Also, it is worth noting that in addition to annual fees in Indian medical colleges, a lot of them also demand a donation fee of some sort, which is not the case abroad. Students are only required to pay the college tuition and enrollment fees. Here, it is important to do research on the countries that offer low-cost living facilities, so that you can choose the best university while also considering your financial situation.
Global recognition and exposure to diversity
Obtaining an MBBS degree from a renowned international institution can provide you with global recognition and it can open up opportunities for employment in various countries and increase your chances of pursuing further education or specialization abroad. Studying medicine abroad also exposes you to a diverse patient population, cultural practices, and healthcare systems. This experience can broaden your perspective and make you adaptable to different medical practices and patient care approaches.
Disadvantages of pursuing an MBBS abroad:
Licensing and certification
After completing your MBBS abroad, you will need to navigate the process of obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications to practice medicine in India. This may involve fulfilling specific requirements, exams, and paperwork to comply with Indian medical regulatory bodies. Students who have gotten their MBBS degree from outside their home country need to pass the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), which is quite a challenging exam.
Internships and practical experiences
International internships take the shape of an observership, as students are not allowed to touch real patients during the course of their internship, and can only practice on dummies till they graduate and get licensed. This means that there is a lack of practical experience that can and should be obtained during the graduate degree as it provides the student with an opportunity to get hands-on experience with patients.
Risk of fraudulent universities
A lot of universities abroad fall short of expectations. It is very important for students to do proper research and find out the best and most renowned universities. They can also talk to their seniors to get more information on overseas studies. The Medical Council of India (MCI/NMC) has supplied a list of prestigious colleges and universities approved by NMC. To decrease this worry, it offers top-notch instruction to students applying for MBBS overseas.
It is crucial to thoroughly research and consider these factors before deciding to pursue an MBBS degree outside of India. Each country and institution have unique characteristics, and it’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your individual circumstances and career goals.
