Countries You Should Not go for MBBS abroad 2026
Studying MBBS abroad in 2026 is one of the most popular options for Indian students who couldn’t secure a seat in India due to limited availability and high competition. Every year, thousands of students explore opportunities in countries like Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Georgia, Nepal, and more. While studying medicine overseas can open global opportunities, not every destination is the right choice.
Choosing the wrong country for MBBS abroad can result in wasted time, money, and effort especially if the degree is not recognized by India’s National Medical Commission (NMC) or has poor FMGE pass rates. In this blog, we highlight the countries you should avoid for MBBS abroad in 2026, the reasons behind it, and safer alternatives you can consider.
Countries You Should Not Go for MBBS Abroad
When planning for MBBS abroad in 2026, it’s important to carefully evaluate the destination. While many countries advertise affordable fees and easy admissions, not all provide recognized, quality medical education. Below is a detailed explanation of why certain countries should be avoided by Indian students.
Pakistan
Studying MBBS in Pakistan is not advisable for Indian students because the National Medical Commission (NMC) does not recognize medical degrees from Pakistani universities. Without NMC recognition, graduates cannot appear for the FMGE/NExT exam, which is mandatory to practice in India. Apart from this, ongoing political tensions and security concerns between India and Pakistan make it an unsafe and uncertain choice.
Philippines
The Philippines has been a popular choice for MBBS aspirants, but the structure of the course poses a big problem. Students must complete a 1.5–2 year BS program before moving to the MD (MBBS equivalent). However, the NMC does not accept the BS portion as part of the medical curriculum. As a result, many Indian students returning from the Philippines face rejection of their degrees in India.
Ukraine
Due to the ongoing war and instability, Ukraine has become a high-risk destination for MBBS studies. Universities have been forced to shift to online learning, but according to NMC guidelines, online MBBS degrees are not valid. Furthermore, hospitals and medical infrastructure have been heavily affected, leading to weak clinical training and uncertainty for international students.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is another country that Indian students should avoid for MBBS. The FMGE pass percentage of Indian graduates from Azerbaijan is extremely low, reflecting inadequate preparation and poor alignment with the Indian medical curriculum. Even though some universities promote English-medium teaching, many switch to the local language during clinical rotations, which creates difficulties in patient care and clinical exposure.
China
China attracts many students because of its low fees and advanced infrastructure. However, several universities conduct online or hybrid classes, which are not valid under NMC rules. In addition, while the classroom teaching may be in English, hospital training usually requires fluency in Mandarin, leaving Indian students at a disadvantage. This language barrier, combined with low FMGE success rates, makes China a risky option.
Turkey
Medical education in Turkey is largely conducted in Turkish, especially during clinical years, making it difficult for Indian students who lack proficiency in the language. Patient interaction, which is a critical part of medical training, becomes almost impossible. On top of that, political instability and strained diplomatic relations make Turkey an unreliable choice for MBBS abroad in 2026.
Iran
In Iran, the majority of MBBS programs are conducted in Persian (Farsi), which is a major hurdle for Indian students. Beyond the language barrier, limited global recognition of Iranian medical degrees reduces career opportunities abroad. The country’s political instability and economic sanctions further worsen the environment for international students, making it an unfavorable destination.
Best Alternate Countries to Study MBBS Abroad in 2026
If you’re planning MBBS abroad in 2026 but want to avoid risky destinations, there are several safe and reliable countries where Indian students have been pursuing medicine successfully for years. These countries provide NMC-approved universities, English-medium education, affordable tuition, and better FMGE pass rates.
1. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students to study MBBS abroad. The country offers affordable tuition fees, low cost of living, and NMC-recognized universities. Most medical colleges follow an English-medium curriculum, and the admission process is straightforward with no entrance exam required. The duration of MBBS is usually 5–6 years, with excellent clinical exposure in government hospitals. Thousands of Indian students are already studying in Kyrgyzstan, making it a safe choice with a supportive student community.
How to study MBBS in Kyrgyzstan
2. Russia
Russia has a long history of welcoming Indian students for medical studies. With globally recognized universities, advanced infrastructure, and a high number of NMC-approved colleges, it remains one of the top choices for MBBS abroad. The course duration is 6 years, and students gain strong clinical training. Russia’s FMGE pass rate is also comparatively better, and the degree is accepted worldwide.
3. Georgia
Georgia has quickly become a hotspot for MBBS aspirants because of its modern medical universities, English-medium programs, and affordable fees. The country offers world-class infrastructure, a European lifestyle, and globally recognized medical degrees. Clinical rotations in affiliated hospitals ensure quality training.
4. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is growing in popularity among Indian students due to its low cost of education, simple admission process, and NMC-approved universities. The MBBS duration is 5 years, and many universities provide English-medium teaching with good clinical practice opportunities.
5. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan offers affordable MBBS programs, well-equipped universities, and globally recognized medical degrees. The country is culturally welcoming, and its proximity to India makes it a convenient option. English-medium teaching and a safe student environment are added advantages.
Conclusion:
Studying MBBS abroad in 2026 can be a life-changing decision if you pick the right destination. Avoid countries where medical degrees lack recognition, have low FMGE success rates, or suffer from language/political issues. Instead, choose safer options like Georgia, Russia, Nepal, or Kazakhstan where Indian students have established successful careers.
Read More Blogs: Click Here
