The MBBS culture in India is quite different from MBBS in abroad. The curriculum is voluminous, yet the teaching and course structure is different. Studying MBBS abroad for Indian students is not a minor feat of exercise. It takes a lot of patience to manage your life while studying a 5-8 year-long subject. The financial and mental aspects take a toll on most medical students. While the US and the UK may have different course structures, students nowadays opt for the Caribbean Islands to study MBBS abroad. Although the structure of MBBS in the USA and UK is similar to the Caribbean, the latter location offers exotic experiences that appeal a lot to the clinical understanding of the students.
The following article is a bird's eye view of the MBBS culture in the USA, UK, and the Caribbean for international students, especially Indian students.
MBBS in the USA
The course structure for MBBS in the USA for Indian students is tricky to understand. To study MBBS in the USA or to be eligible for an MD program in the US is equivalent to an MBBS degree in India. Generally, Indian students apply for MBBS in the USA after 10+2. Therefore, they must complete the MBBS duration in the USA for a BS degree for 4 trimesters or 16 months. MBBS is one of the best careers for Indian students
This BS degree is called a Pre-Medical Program in the USA. This program includes English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Anatomy, Medical Terminology, and Sociology.
The MBBS program or MD in the USA is for 2 years. The first stage imparts theoretical knowledge in subjects such as -
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Histology
- Medical Ethics
- Biochemistry
- Neuroanatomy
- Pathology
- Microbiology
- Clinical Science
Furthermore, the students have to appear for USMLE 1 (United States Medical Licensing Examination) to qualify for the second stage of this MD degree.
After their internship or Practical Stage, where students gain practical experience, they must apply for USMLE 2 to be accepted into the Residency Program. This latter program lasts for 3 to 5 years, depending on the chosen specialization.
After completing the USMLE 2, students have to appear for USMLE 3, also known as Licensee Exam. This is the final exam, wherein after passing it, one can practice as a doctor in the USA or in any other country that approves the US education system.
Eligibility Criteria for MD program:
- Completed 10th and 12th class
- Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry or medicine related field as a pre-medical course
- MCAT and NEET test scores
- Proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE)
Top Universities for MBBS in the USA:
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- John Hopkins University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Yale University
Average MBBS fees in USA for Indian Students: $18,000 - $65,000 (₹13.43 lakhs to ₹48.49 lakhs)
Top Scholarships for MBBS in the USA: Harvard Medical School Scholarship Stanford Institutional Aid Financial Aid for Non-US Medical Students
MBBS in the UK
To get an MBBS degree in the UK is to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, or Bachelor of Pediatrics (BAO), which is also called MB ChB or MB BCh at some UK Universities. The course duration of MBBS in the UK is 5-6 years. Mostly, British medicine courses have a six to twelve-week elective period where students will get an opportunity to study outside their home medical university.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 years or above
- Excellent academic records from a recognized Indian University, preferably with subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Complete any of the required entrance exams in the UK, such as the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), or GAMSAT.
Top Universities for MBBS in the UK:
- University of Oxford
- University of Cambridge
- University College London
- Imperial College London
- King's College London
Average MBBS fees in the UK for Indian Students:
22,800 to 52,000 GBP (₹22.96 lakhs to ₹52.36 lakhs)
Top Scholarships for MBBS in the UK:
MBBS in the Caribbean
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The course duration of MBBS in the Caribbean universities is between 4 to 7 years. The curriculum is similar to the United States curriculum for medical sciences.
The first three years cover subjects like -
- Medicine
- Microbiology, and Immunology
- Respiratory and Cardiovascular
- Endocrine and Reproductive Systems
- Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
- Hematology, Muscle Disorders
- Pathology
- Dermatology
- Behavioral Sciences
- Tropical Disease
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Legal Issues in Clinical Science
- Introduction to Epidemiology and Biostatistics
- USMLE Step 1 Preparation
- Part 2 of CAP and Clinical Preparation
The latter years will focus on fields such as -
- Internal Medicine
- Surgery
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pediatrics.
- Psychiatry, etc.
Students will also focus on specializing in their area of interest.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have passed 12th with 50% or above
- Subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology may be mandatory.
- An undergraduate degree in any science-related fields
- NEET, TOEFL/IELTS (in some cases)
Top Universities for MBBS in the Caribbean:
- St. George's University, Grenada
- Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica, West Indies
- Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
- The University of West Indies
- University of Guyana
- American University of Antigua
Average MBBS fees in the Caribbean for Indian Students
$8000- $12000 (₹58.39 lakhs- ₹87.59 lakhs)
Top scholarships for MBBS in the Caribbean:
Apart from these scholarships, all the universities in the Caribbean offer individual scholarships, which may vary each year accordingly. Much of the focus is now on this place because the course of MBBS in the USA, or the UK, becomes quite expensive. Add to that the living and food costs, most students fear the financial wreck they may have to face at the end. Since the Caribbean offers the best with lesser expenses, the MBBS trend for studying abroad is changing.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q.1) How to study MBBS in the USA after 12th class?
To study MBBS in the USA or to be eligible for an MD program in the US is equivalent to an MBBS degree in India. Generally, Indian students apply for MBBS in the USA after 10+2. Therefore, you must complete the MBBS duration in the USA for a BS degree for 4 trimesters or 16 months. This BS degree is called a Pre-Medical Program in the USA. And the MBBS program or MD in the USA is for 2 years. To be eligible, you must have completed the 10th and 12th classes. You must have a Bachelor of Science degree in biology, chemistry, or medicine-related field as a pre-medical course. You will be required to display your MCAT and NEET test scores and proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE).
Q.2) Which is the best MBBS university in the USA?
There are many best MBBS colleges in the USA since it is a magnet for international students worldwide for almost all fields of subjects. However, some of the popular MBBS colleges in the USA are Harvard University, Stanford University, John Hopkins University, University of California (Los Angeles), and Yale University.
Q.3) How much does it cost to study MBBS in the UK for Indian students?
The average MBBS fees in the UK for Indian students is approximately 22,800 to 52,000 GBP (₹22.96 lakhs to ₹52.36 lakhs). The best MBBS colleges in the UK include the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, University College London, etc.
Q.4) Can I study MBBS in the UK after the 12th?
Yes, definitely. The eligibility for studying MBBS in the UK is that you must be 18 or above. You must complete any of the required entrance exams in the UK, such as the UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT), or GAMSAT. Additionally, you must showcase excellent academic records from a recognized Indian University, preferably with subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology.
Q.5) Which is the cheapest country to study MBBS?
Students today are considering the Caribbean for studying MBBS abroad. The food and accommodation costs and the tuition fees are cheaper than studying MBBS in the USA or MBBS in the UK. Some famous Caribbean universities for MBBS abroad include St. George's University, Grenada; Ross University School of Medicine, Dominica, West Indies; The University of West Indies; American University of Antigua; International American University, Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia.