Cheapest Country for MBBS: Many students dream of becoming doctors, but high fees can be a big challenge. Choosing the Cheapest Country for MBBS can help you study medicine at a lower cost. Countries like Russia, China, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, and the Philippines offer good medical education at affordable fees.
Their universities are well-recognized, have modern facilities, and provide quality teaching. In this guide, we will explore the Cheapest Country for MBBS, including fees, course duration, and top universities, to help you choose the best place for your medical studies.
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10 Cheapest Countries for MBBS
There are several affordable countries to study MBBS abroad, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose. To help you out, we’ve put together a list of the 10 cheapest Country for MBBS, including average fees, course duration, and the most popular universities in each country.
Russia
Russia is one of the cheapest country for MBBS, with fees as low as USD 1750 per year. It offers high-quality medical education, focusing on clinical training. With various scholarships like the Education Future International Scholarship, studying in Russia becomes even more affordable. The country also has several reputable medical universities, and its degrees are globally recognized.
- Average Fees: USD 1750 – USD 2000 per year
- Average Duration: 5.8 – 6 years
- Popular Universities: Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University and Pskov State University
China
China is another cheapest country for MBBS with tuition fees starting at around USD 2600 per year. The country is home to some of the best and most affordable medical colleges, offering world-class programs. Chinese universities are known for their advanced medical education and modern facilities, which are recognized internationally. Additionally, medical degrees from China are accepted in many countries, including the US, UK, and India. Various scholarships are available for international students, making China an attractive destination for affordable medical studies.
- Average Fees: USD 2600 – USD 3000 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: Nanjing Medical University, Capital Medical University and Dalian Medical University
Ukraine
Ukraine is one of the most affordable countries for MBBS, with fees ranging between USD 4000 and USD 6000 per year. The medical education system in Ukraine is well-regarded, and the degrees are recognized by the WHO (World Health Organization). The country’s low cost of living, combined with affordable tuition fees, makes it an ideal choice for international students seeking a budget-friendly medical education.
- Average Fees: USD 4000 – USD 6000 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: Kharkiv National Medical University, Kyiv Medical University of UAFM, Ivano-Frankivsk National Medical University and Ternopil National Medical University
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is quickly becoming one of the most popular cheapest country for MBBS, with fees starting at just USD 2000 per year. The country offers affordable medical education with many universities that are well-regarded for their medical programs. It’s a great option for international students due to its low tuition fees and quality education.
- Average Fees: USD 2000 – USD 7000 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: Kyrgyz State Medical Academ and Jalal-Abad State University
Philippines
The Philippines is another great option for international students looking for an affordable MBBS degree. Tuition fees for MBBS in the Philippines range from USD 6000 to USD 12000 per year. The Philippines is renowned for its excellent medical education system, with many universities offering programs in English, making it easier for international students to study.
- Average Fees: USD 6000 – USD 12000 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: Angeles University Foundation, Manila Central University, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan
Poland
Poland is an emerging choice for students who want to study medicine at an affordable price. The tuition fees in Poland range from USD 7000 to USD 15000 per year, making it an excellent option for students looking for cheapest countries for MBBS.
- Average Fees: USD 7000 – USD 15000 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: Wroclaw Medical University and Medical University of Silesia.
Belgium
Belgium offers affordable medical education, with tuition fees in public universities ranging from USD 2000 to USD 3000 per year. This makes Belgium one of the cheapest countries for MBBS in Europe. Besides its affordable fees, Belgium is known for its high standard of medical education, making it an attractive destination for international students.
- Average Fees: USD 2000 – USD 3000 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: Ghent University and University of Antwerp
Germany
Germany is renowned for its world-class medical education and is also one of the cheapest country for MBBS. Public universities in Germany often offer education without tuition fees or at a very low cost (around USD 4000 per year). Even with the low or no tuition fees, Germany’s medical programs are highly respected globally. Private universities may charge higher fees, but Germany remains one of the most affordable and high-quality options for medical students.
- Average Fees: Free to USD 4000 – USD 16000 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: Heidelberg University and RWTH Aachen University
Italy
Italy is a popular destination for international students seeking affordable MBBS programs. The country offers some of the cheapest MBBS courses in Europe, with tuition fees ranging from USD 2000 to USD 5000 per year. The education system in Italy is highly regarded, and medical programs are taught in English in many universities.
- Average Fees: USD 2000 – USD 5000 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: University of Parma, University of Rome La Sapienza and University of Padua
Hungary
Hungary offers affordable MBBS programs, with tuition fees ranging from USD 16000 to USD 16900 per year. Despite slightly higher tuition fees than other countries on this list, Hungary remains one of the cheapest countries for MBBS due to its lower cost of living. Hungary has several well-regarded medical universities offering quality education at affordable rates.
- Average Fees: USD 16000 – USD 16900 per year
- Average Duration: 6 years
- Popular Universities: Debrecen University and University of Szeged
NEET Requirements for Pursuing Cheap MBBS Abroad
The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a key exam for students wanting to study medicine in India or abroad. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it consists of 180 questions with a total score of 720 marks, testing your knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
A good NEET score determines eligibility for top medical schools, and your score is valid for three years for enrolling in universities abroad. Interested in knowing the NEET score requirements for different countries? Check them out based on your preferred destination.
| Country | Minimum NEET Score Requirement |
| Russia | 164 |
| China | 300 |
| Ukraine | 360 |
| Kyrgyzstan | 288-360 |
| Philippines | 147 |
| Poland | 164 |
| Belgium | 164 |
| Germany | 180 |
| Italy | 164 |
| Hungary | 180 |
Why Pursue MBBS Abroad?
Research shows that the limited number of government medical seats and high fees at private colleges are pushing Indian students to study MBBS abroad. With government colleges in India charging around 4 Lakhs and private colleges up to 60 Lakhs, studying abroad offers affordable tuition, quality education, and global career prospects, along with a unique cultural experience. Apart from the reasons mentioned above, here are some other key factors that lead Indian students to pursue MBBS abroad:
- Quality Education: Top-ranked universities with modern infrastructure and experienced faculty.
- Affordable Fees: Lower tuition and living costs compared to private colleges in India.
- Global Recognition: Degrees recognized by WHO and MCI, enabling global practice.
- Diverse Clinical Exposure: Experience with a wide range of diseases and healthcare systems.
- Career Opportunities: Access to international job markets and hospital internships.
- Cultural Experience: Opportunity to learn new languages and cultures.
- Easier Admission: Less competitive entrance requirements compared to India.
- Scholarships: Availability of financial aid to reduce the cost burden.
- Post-Graduation Options: Excellent opportunities for specialization.
- English Medium: Many programs are offered in English, easing the learning process.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
Each country has its own rules and eligibility criteria for MBBS admissions, but here are the general eligibility criteria for Indian students to study in the cheapest countries for MBBS:
- The student must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
- Must have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects.
- Should have at least 50% marks in PCB and must have studied English as a compulsory subject.
- An Eligibility Certificate from the Medical Council of India (MCI) is required for admission to foreign medical universities.
- Clearing the NEET exam is mandatory, even for those studying MBBS abroad.
How to Choose the Best Affordable Country for MBBS?
Choosing the cheapest country for MBBS requires careful analysis of multiple factors to ensure quality education without breaking the bank. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Compare Tuition Fees & Total Cost of Study: The primary factor in deciding the cheapest country for MBBS is the tuition fees. Some countries offer affordable medical education while maintaining high standards of teaching. Along with tuition, consider the cost of living, which varies from country to country.
2. Check for University Recognition: When choosing a cheapest country for MBBS, ensure that the universities are globally recognized and accredited by medical bodies such as:
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- MCI (Medical Council of India)
- ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)
3. Medium of Instruction: Language can be a barrier in medical studies if you are not fluent in the local language. Many countries that are known for being the cheapest countries for MBBS offer courses in English, making it easier for international students.
4. Check FMGE/NExT & USMLE Passing Percentage: The passing rate for the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) and NExT exams is an important consideration for students planning to practice in India after completing their MBBS abroad.
Ultimately, studying MBBS abroad in 2025 offers affordable options in countries like Russia, Ukraine, China, and the Philippines. These countries provide quality education at lower costs, making them ideal choices for budget-conscious medical students. Ensure you consider both tuition fees and living expenses when choosing the right destination for your studies.
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FAQs on the Cheapest Country for MBBS
Russia is considered one of the cheapest countries for MBBS abroad, with tuition fees starting as low as USD 1750 per year.
Answer: As of 2025, the top 10 cheapest countries for MBBS are: Russia, Kyrgyzstan, China, Ukraine, Philippines, Poland, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Hungary.
Yes, China is considered one of the cheapest countries for MBBS abroad. The tuition fees for MBBS in China range from USD 2,600 to USD 7,000 per year. The cost of living is also relatively low, averaging USD 300 to USD 500 per month.
Kyrgyzstan is one of the most cost-effective countries for studying MBBS. The tuition fees for MBBS programs range from USD 2,000 to USD 7,000 per year, making it a highly affordable choice. The country is known for its quality education, and many universities offer programs in English.
The Philippines is a cost-effective destination for MBBS studies, with tuition fees ranging from USD 6,000 to USD 12,000 per year. The Philippines is popular for its medical education system that is taught in English, which makes it easier for international students to follow the curriculum. The cost of living in the Philippines is also low, typically between USD 300 to USD 500 per month, making it an affordable option for international students.
Countries like Russia, Kyrgyzstan, China, and the Philippines offer affordable MBBS programs with English-medium instruction.
Hungary is one of the more affordable countries for MBBS in Europe. Tuition fees for MBBS in Hungary range from USD 16,000 to USD 16,900 per year. While this is more expensive than countries like Russia or Ukraine, it is still affordable compared to other Western European countries.
Yes, countries like Russia, China, Ukraine, and Kyrgyzstan offer MBBS degrees that are globally recognized. These universities are accredited by international medical bodies, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI), ensuring that their degrees are valid worldwide.
Living expenses in countries like Russia, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Ukraine are relatively affordable. On average, students spend around USD 150 to USD 500 per month, depending on the country and city.
No, the quality of MBBS education in countries like Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and China is not compromised. These countries are known for their high educational standards and well-established medical universities.
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