Why Indian Students Are Choosing to Study MBBS Abroad
Every year, over 15 lakh students appear for NEET in India, but there are only around 1 lakh medical seats available. Out of these, government seats are few, and private colleges are often too expensive—costing up to ₹1 crore for an MBBS degree.
So what’s the alternative?
That’s where MBBS abroad comes into the picture.
Thousands of Indian students are now exploring options outside India. And it’s not just about the cost. Students are looking for:
- Better student-teacher ratios
- Early clinical exposure
- English-medium instruction
- Global degree recognition
- A good lifestyle with safety and comfort
If you’re in Class 12 or have taken NEET, and wondering whether to wait another year or try a private college you can’t afford, MBBS abroad is worth exploring.
And among all the options available, Vietnam is becoming one of the top choices—for all the right reasons.
Top Countries to Study MBBS Abroad for Indian Students
There are many countries offering medical education to Indian students, but not all are the same. Some are cheap but lack recognition. Some have language issues. Some are good but expensive.
Here’s a look at the most popular destinations—along with where Vietnam stands out.
1. Vietnam – The Rising Star
Vietnam is quickly becoming the preferred destination for Indian students. Why?
- English-medium MBBS programs
- Approved by NMC and WHO
- Affordable tuition: ₹20–47 lakhs total
- Indian hostels with Indian food
- Safe and friendly environment
- Early clinical training from 1st or 2nd year
- Cultural comfort (festivals, food, weather)
- Strong hospital tie-ups
- Degree valid in India, US, UK, and more
It’s one of the few countries that balances quality + affordability + student comfort so well.
2. Russia – Popular but Cold and Costly Over Time
Russia has been a go-to option for decades.
- Large number of Indian students
- NMC-approved universities
- Low tuition (₹15–25 lakhs)
- Long history of foreign student intake
But there are issues:
- Many universities use bilingual medium (Russian + English)
- Extremely cold climate (–10°C to –30°C in winter)
- Internships and final year often in Russian
- Rising cost of living due to currency fluctuations
3. Georgia – Stylish, But Recognition Concerns
Georgia became popular in recent years.
- Fully English-medium programs
- Tuition around ₹25–35 lakhs
- Beautiful European lifestyle
But:
- Multiple universities are not NMC compliant under new 2021 rules
- Recognition for PG may be a problem
- Fewer government hospital tie-ups compared to Vietnam
4. Philippines – American Style, but BS+MD Format
The Philippines is attractive due to its US-style education:
- English is widely spoken
- High FMGE passing rate (previously)
- Friendly for Indian students
But:
- Requires a BS + MD course (1.5 yrs + 4 yrs MBBS), which adds time
- Medical licensing rules are changing
- Recent FMGE pass rate has dropped
Vietnam offers a direct 6-year MBBS course, no BS+MD confusion.
5. Kazakhstan & Uzbekistan – Cheap but Basic
These countries offer some of the cheapest MBBS options:
- Tuition fees: ₹12–18 lakhs total
- Easy admission process
- English medium available in some universities
But:
- Less developed infrastructure
- Bilingual classes in many colleges
- Harsh weather, especially in Kazakhstan
- Fewer clinical exposure opportunities
In Vietnam, you get better hospitals, safer cities, and English-only instruction.
6. Nepal & Bangladesh – Close to India, Limited Seats
- Similar education system
- Recognized by NMC
- Easier for Indian students to adjust
But:
- Very limited seats for international students
- Admission is highly competitive
- Some colleges are more expensive than Vietnam
7. China – Reputable but Language Barrier Exists
China has some world-class universities.
- Advanced medical infrastructure
- Affordable fees (₹25–35 lakhs)
- Recognized by WHO and NMC
But:
- MBBS taught in Mandarin after a few years
- Strict FMGE results (low pass rates)
- Cultural and food challenges for many Indian students
Vietnam, on the other hand, offers full-English MBBS with Indian food and cultural comfort.
MBBS Abroad vs MBBS in India – What’s the Real Difference?
Let’s face it—getting a medical seat in India is tough. Even if you score decently in NEET, there’s no guarantee of a government seat. And private colleges? They can burn a hole in your pocket.
So how does MBBS abroad compare? Let’s break it down.
1. Cost of Education
| Option | Total Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| MBBS in India (Govt College) | ₹1–2 lakhs (highly competitive) |
| MBBS in India (Private) | ₹50 lakhs – ₹1 crore |
| MBBS in Vietnam | ₹20–47 lakhs (total package) |
| MBBS in Russia | ₹15–30 lakhs |
| MBBS in Georgia | ₹25–35 lakhs |
| MBBS in Kazakhstan | ₹12–18 lakhs |
In Vietnam, you get top-quality education with full hospital training, in English, at a price lower than Indian private colleges.
2. Language of Instruction
- India: English
- Vietnam: English throughout (no bilingual teaching)
- Russia/China/Kazakhstan: Bilingual in many universities
- Georgia/Philippines: English, but check carefully
Language matters. Studying in English makes it easier to crack exams like NEXT, USMLE, or PLAB later. That’s why students prefer Vietnam, where all teaching is in English.
3. Clinical Exposure
- In India, clinical postings often begin from 3rd year
- In Vietnam, students get hospital exposure from 1st or 2nd year
- Vietnam has universities with their own hospitals, simulation labs, and real patient interaction
- In countries like Georgia or Kazakhstan, hospital tie-ups may be fewer or delayed
4. Seat Availability & Admission Process
- India: Extremely competitive, even with NEET qualification
- Abroad: Easier if NEET qualified (no cutoff drama)
- In Vietnam, Aieraa Overseas Studies simplifies the entire admission process—no donation, no hidden fees
5. FMGE/NEXT Preparation
The new rule in India requires all foreign graduates to pass NEXT before practicing here.
In Vietnam:
- The universities align their syllabus with Indian medical standards
- Some like Phan Chau Trinh University even offer USMLE-based training, which also helps with NEXT
Bottom line:
If you don’t get a government seat in India, MBBS abroad—especially in Vietnam—is a smart, practical, and affordable option.
Why Vietnam is the Best Country to Study MBBS Abroad in 2025
Among all the countries offering MBBS to Indian students, Vietnam is standing out—for all the right reasons.
Here’s why you should seriously consider it.
1. NMC & WHO Approved Universities
The top universities in Vietnam like:
- Can Tho University (Govt)
- Phan Chau Trinh University (Private)
- Dai Nam University (Private)
…are all approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
This means you can come back to India and appear for NEXT, or even take international exams like USMLE and PLAB.
2. Full English-Medium MBBS Programs
Unlike many countries where you start in English but later shift to the local language, Vietnam offers full 6-year MBBS programs in English.
- No need to learn Vietnamese to study
- Easy communication with professors and patients (interpreters are available during early years)
- Better focus on academics without language barriers
3. Hospital Training Starts Early
Vietnam is serious about practical training.
- Can Tho University: Training from 2nd year
- Phan Chau Trinh University: Training from 1st year
- Dai Nam University: Training from 2nd year
Students don’t just sit in classrooms. They work in real hospitals, simulation labs, and get hands-on experience from day one.
This gives them an edge in FMGE/NEXT and future clinical work.
4. Affordable Yet High Quality
Let’s talk numbers.
- MBBS in Vietnam costs ₹20 to ₹47 lakhs total, including tuition, hostel, and all one-time fees
- No donation or hidden charges
- Indian food is included in the hostel plan
Compared to ₹80 lakhs+ in India for a private MBBS seat, Vietnam is a no-brainer.
5. Indian-Friendly Living Environment
You’ll feel at home in Vietnam:
- Indian food (veg, non-veg, Halal) served daily in hostels
- Indian festivals like Diwali, Pongal, Holi, Eid are celebrated
- Safe cities, clean hostels, and polite, respectful locals
- Supportive community of Indian students across universities
Students say it feels more like a “second India” than a foreign country.
6. Great Location & Climate
- Just a few hours flight from India
- Weather is similar to South India—no extreme cold
- No visa headaches—Aieraa Overseas Studies handles the entire process
7. Best Support System via Aieraa Overseas Studies
Aieraa is the only company officially authorized by the Embassy of Vietnam to send Indian students for MBBS.
They take care of:
- University admission
- Visa and ticket
- Hostel, food, airport pickup
- Local support in Vietnam throughout 6 years
You focus on studies. They handle everything else.
Vietnam is no longer just an “alternative.”
It’s one of the best destinations for Indian students who want to study MBBS abroad without stress or financial burden.
Best Universities to Study MBBS in Vietnam
Vietnam offers three top universities that are tailor-made for Indian students. These universities provide high-quality education, real hospital experience, and complete comfort during your stay.
Let’s take a quick look:
1. Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy (CTUMP)
- Type: Government
- Location: Can Tho City (close to Ho Chi Minh)
- Highlights:
- 83-acre campus
- 500+ bedded hospital
- 30,000+ outpatients per month
- Hospital training from 2nd year
- 11+ hospital tie-ups
- Full English-medium program
- Total cost (with 4-sharing hostel): Approx. ₹47.2 lakhs
2. Phan Chau Trinh University (PCTU)
- Type: Top private university in Da Nang
- Highlights:
- Only university with a Simulation Hospital
- Owns 9 hospitals
- Offers USMLE training
- Stem Cell Research Centre and Medical Museum
- Some subjects taught by American professors
- Hospital exposure from 1st year
- Total cost (with 4-sharing hostel): Approx. ₹43.3 lakhs
- One-time full payment discount available
3. Dai Nam University (DNU)
- Type: Top private university in Hanoi
- Highlights:
- Affiliated with 16+ multi-specialty hospitals
- Partnered with Hanoi Medical University (7th best in Asia)
- 2 teaching hospitals with modern equipment (like 2150-slice CT scanner)
- Simulation labs and hands-on training
- Hospital training starts from 2nd year
- Total cost (with 4-sharing hostel): Approx. ₹33 lakhs
- Lowest-cost option with quality education
Common Benefits Across All 3
- Indian food (veg, non-veg, Halal)
- Separate hostels for boys and girls
- Indian cultural festivals celebrated
- Full 6-year English-medium MBBS
- NMC and WHO approved
- Safe, polite, and student-friendly environment
These universities offer everything a student needs—from academic quality to daily comfort—and that’s what makes MBBS in Vietnam the best-balanced choice abroad.
How to Apply for MBBS Abroad – Step-by-Step Guide (With Focus on Vietnam)
Applying to study MBBS abroad might sound complicated, but with the right guidance, it’s actually quite simple—especially if you’re planning for Vietnam.
Here’s how you can go from student to medical aspirant in just a few steps.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Most countries follow a similar basic eligibility, including Vietnam:
- You must qualify NEET (any score)
- 60% or more in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in Class 12
- Must be at least 17 years old at the time of admission
No entrance test. No donation.
Step 2: Choose the Right Country & University
Here’s where many students get stuck.
Things to consider:
- Is the university NMC approved?
- Is the medium of instruction English throughout?
- How is the clinical exposure?
- Is the cost transparent?
- Does the university offer hostel with Indian food?
Vietnam checks all the boxes.
And with Aieraa Overseas Studies, you’ll get help in choosing between Can Tho, PCTU, and Dai Nam based on your goals and budget.
Step 3: Apply Through an Authorized Channel
This is very important.
- For Vietnam, Aieraa Overseas Studies is the only authorized company by the Embassy of Vietnam to handle MBBS admissions for Indian students.
- They directly coordinate with the university.
- No agents. No middlemen. 100% transparent.
Step 4: Submit Your Documents
Basic documents you’ll need:
- 10th and 12th marksheets
- NEET scorecard
- Passport (or apply immediately)
- Passport-sized photos
- Health and character certificates (if needed)
Aieraa will guide you on all paperwork, translations, and attestation.
Step 5: Get Admission Letter & Pay Fees
Once your documents are verified:
- You receive a conditional admission letter
- You make the first semester payment
- Then, you get the official invitation letter from the university
All payments are made directly to the university account.
Step 6: Visa, Travel, and Pre-Departure Support
This is fully handled by Aieraa:
- Student visa processing
- Flight ticket booking
- Pre-departure orientation
- Travel checklist, currency exchange tips, safety guidelines
- Airport pickup in Vietnam and university registration
You’ll feel fully prepared before you even board the flight.
Step 7: Begin Your Journey
Once you land:
- You’re welcomed by Aieraa’s local team
- Taken to your Indian hostel
- SIM card, food, and orientation arranged
- Introduced to seniors and classmates
- Full support till you settle down
This entire process—from application to campus entry—can be done smoothly in just a few weeks if you have the right support.
Want a stress-free MBBS abroad journey?
Let Aieraa Overseas Studies handle it for you.
Common Myths About Studying MBBS Abroad (And the Truth About Vietnam)
Many students and parents hesitate to consider MBBS abroad because of myths floating around. Let’s clear the confusion—especially when it comes to Vietnam.
❌ Myth 1: Degrees from Abroad Are Not Valid in India
✅ Truth:
As long as the university is NMC and WHO approved, the degree is valid. All three top universities in Vietnam—Can Tho, PCTU, and Dai Nam—are approved and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
After graduation, students must appear for NEXT (just like Indian MBBS graduates) to practice in India.
❌ Myth 2: MBBS Abroad Is Only for Students with Low Marks
✅ Truth:
Studying abroad isn’t a backup plan—it’s a smart plan. Many students choose countries like Vietnam for:
- Early clinical exposure
- Lower costs
- Better infrastructure
- Less competition
- International career options
It’s about opportunity, not just scores.
❌ Myth 3: You Have to Learn a Foreign Language
✅ Truth:
In Vietnam, the entire MBBS program is taught in English.
No Vietnamese language exam, no dual-language confusion. You can focus on your studies without a language barrier.
Compare that with Russia, China, or Kazakhstan where students often have to learn the local language mid-course.
❌ Myth 4: Food, Culture, and Living Will Be Difficult
✅ Truth:
Vietnam is one of the most Indian-friendly countries for students.
- Indian food (South & North) is served in hostels
- Halal food is available
- Separate veg/non-veg kitchens
- Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, Pongal, Eid are celebrated
- Weather is similar to India
- Safe for girls and international students
It’s far more comfortable than colder or more culturally distant countries.
❌ Myth 5: There’s No Job or PG Scope After MBBS Abroad
✅ Truth:
Students graduating from Vietnam:
- Can write NEXT in India and pursue PG (just like any Indian MBBS graduate)
- Can appear for USMLE, PLAB, and other licensing exams abroad
- Some universities (like PCTU) offer USMLE-focused training
Your future depends on how well you study—not just where you study.
By clearing these myths, students can make more confident and informed decisions.
Vietnam isn’t just safe—it’s smart.
How Aieraa Overseas Studies Helps You From Start to Finish
Choosing the right country is just the first step.
But getting there, settling in, and surviving the 6-year journey—that’s where real support matters.
That’s why Indian students studying MBBS in Vietnam trust Aieraa Overseas Studies.
🇻🇳 Officially Authorized by the Embassy of Vietnam
Aieraa is the only company in India officially authorized by the Embassy of Vietnam to send students for MBBS.
This means:
- No third-party agents
- No hidden charges
- 100% genuine admissions
- Direct university connections
You’re in safe hands from day one.
📋 Step-by-Step Admission Support
From helping you pick a university to settling you in your hostel, Aieraa takes care of everything:
- Free counselling
- University shortlisting
- Documentation and form filling
- Visa application
- Flight booking
- Pre-departure guidance
You don’t need to run around for anything.
🛬 Arrival and Post-Arrival Support
Once you land in Vietnam:
- Airport pickup is arranged
- SIM cards, currency exchange, and basic setup is provided
- Hostel room with Indian food is ready
- You’re guided through university registration and orientation
- Support team in Vietnam stays available 24×7
You’re never alone.
🧑🎓 Continuous Student Support for 6 Years
This is where Aieraa really stands out.
- Regular check-ins with students and parents
- Emergency support in case of health or travel issues
- Celebration of Indian festivals to keep homesickness away
- Academic help and mentorship throughout the course
- Help with FMGE/NEXT preparation guidance
It’s not just an agency—it’s a second family in a new country.
✅ Why Parents Choose Aieraa
- Transparent process
- Verified by the Embassy
- Proper documentation and legal entry
- Safety assurance for students
- Presence of a local team in Vietnam
Many parents say they sleep peacefully because Aieraa is involved.
If you’re planning to study MBBS in Vietnam, don’t take chances.
Let Aieraa Overseas Studies make your journey smooth, safe, and successful.
Final Thoughts + Key Takeaways for Students and Parents
If you’re an Indian student dreaming of becoming a doctor but stuck with limited NEET options or unaffordable private colleges, MBBS abroad is your gateway.
And among all the countries out there, Vietnam stands out.
Let’s wrap it up with what really matters:
✅ Why MBBS in Vietnam Makes Sense
- Full English-medium MBBS programs
- NMC and WHO approved universities
- Real hospital training from early years
- Affordable fees: ₹20–47 lakhs total
- Indian food, hostels, and cultural festivals
- Safe, respectful, and welcoming environment
- Degree valid for NEXT, USMLE, PLAB, and more
It offers the perfect mix of quality education, practical exposure, and comfort—without the high cost.
✅ What Makes Vietnam Better Than Other Countries?
| Feature | Vietnam | Russia / China / Kazakhstan |
|---|---|---|
| Language of Teaching | Full English | Often Bilingual |
| Climate & Culture | Similar to India | Cold, unfamiliar |
| Food & Festivals | Indian-style setup | Limited Indian support |
| Hospital Training | From 1st/2nd year | Usually from 3rd year |
| Visa & Travel | Easy and quick | May involve more delays |
| Admission Process | Transparent via Aieraa | Often agent-based |
✅ Your Next Step: Act Early
Seats in good foreign universities fill fast—especially in countries like Vietnam where options are limited and strictly regulated.
Here’s what you can do now:
- Talk to your parents about this opportunity
- Book a free counselling session with Aieraa Overseas Studies
- Start your application early to get better hostel and batch options
- Don’t wait till the last minute—this is your future we’re talking about
🎯 Final Tip for Students:
You don’t need to be a topper to become a doctor.
You just need the right opportunity—and Vietnam gives you that.
Let Aieraa Overseas Studies guide your journey.
They’ll take care of everything. You just focus on becoming a great doctor.
📞 Contact Aieraa Overseas Studies
- Phone: +91 9344141424
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.aieraa.com
✅ 100% Embassy Verified
✅ Only Official Partner for Vietnam
✅ 6 Years of Full Support
