Bangladesh MBBS Local vs Foreign Student Admission Criteria

Bangladesh MBBS: Local vs Foreign Student Criteria Explained

Bangladesh is a popular destination for medical education, not only for local students but also for international aspirants, especially from India, Nepal, and other South Asian countries. If you are considering studying MBBS in Bangladesh, it is important to understand the key differences in the admission criteria between local (Bangladeshi) and foreign students.

This guide covers:

• Eligibility Criteria

• Admission Process

• Seat Allocation

• Fee Structure

• Documents Required

• SAARC vs Non-SAARC Differences

• Important Guidelines

1. Eligibility Criteria

For Local Students (Bangladeshi Nationals):

• Must have completed SSC and HSC (or equivalent) from Bangladesh.

• Minimum GPA in both SSC and HSC: 9.00 combined (out of 10).

• Must have Biology in HSC with a minimum GPA of 4.00.

• Entrance exam conducted by DGHS (Directorate General of Health Services) is mandatory.

• Quotas apply for district, freedom fighter, tribal, and female candidates.

For Foreign Students (SAARC and Non-SAARC):

• Should have completed 10+2 or equivalent education from a recognized board.

• Minimum GPA of 7.00 combined in Class 10 and 12 (or equivalent).

• Must have Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in Class 12.

• Minimum GPA in Biology: 3.5 out of 5.

• No entrance exam required.

• Should apply through the Bangladesh Embassy or authorized admission portals.

2. Admission Process

Local Students:

• Appear in MBBS Admission Test conducted by DGHS.

• Merit list is prepared based on test score and HSC/SSC results.

• Choice filling and seat allocation follows.

Foreign Students:

• Submit documents for equivalency certificate via Bangladesh Education Board.

• Apply through Bangladesh Mission (Embassy/High Commission) in their home country.

• Final approval by DGHS in Bangladesh.

3. Seat Allocation

• Total MBBS seats in Bangladesh: Approx. 11,000.

• Government colleges: Reserved mostly for local students.

• Private colleges: Have a 25% quota for foreign students.

• SAARC students usually pay subsidized fees.

• Non-SAARC students pay full tuition (higher).

4. Fee Structure

5. Documents Required

For Local Students:

• SSC and HSC mark sheets and certificates

• Citizenship certificate

• National ID card

• Recent passport-sized photos

• Admit card for entrance exam

For Foreign Students:

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates

• Valid Passport

• Birth certificate

• Equivalency certificate (from DGHS)

• Medical certificate

• Bank statement for financial proof

• Passport-sized photos

6. SAARC vs Non-SAARC Foreign Student Policy

7. Important Points to Remember

• English medium curriculum is followed for foreign students.

• Degree is MCI/NMC approved (check WHO/NMC listing).

• Internship in Bangladesh is not always available for foreign students.

• Students must appear in FMGE (India) or similar exam in their country to practice medicine after graduation.

• Minimum NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students.

Final Thoughts

Studying MBBS in Bangladesh is an excellent option for Indian and other foreign students because of cultural familiarity, food habits, and a similar disease pattern. However, admission criteria, fee structures, and seat allocation rules are different for local and foreign students. Understanding these clearly helps avoid confusion during the application process.

For official updates, always check with:

• Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Bangladesh

• Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BMDC)

• Your country’s Bangladesh embassy or authorized agents