Bangladesh has become one of the most popular destinations for medical education in South Asia. Every year, thousands of students, both domestic and international, compete for admission into government and private medical colleges across the country. The MBBS degree in Bangladesh is globally recognized for its affordable fee structure, English-medium curriculum, and quality education.
However, the admission criteria differ for local and foreign students. While Bangladeshi nationals apply through the national competitive exam system, international students are admitted under a reserved quota with separate guidelines. Understanding these differences is crucial for applicants to prepare accordingly.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the criteria for local vs foreign students in Bangladesh MBBS admissions, covering eligibility, documentation, seat allocation, and other important aspects.
Before diving into the criteria, it is important to understand the MBBS structure in Bangladesh:
Course Duration: 5 years of academic study + 1 year of mandatory internship.
Medium of Instruction: English (especially for foreign students).
Approval: Recognized by the Bangladesh Medical & Dental Council (BMDC), WHO, NMC (India), and other global medical bodies.
Institutions: Government and private medical colleges across Bangladesh.
Seat Distribution: Separate quotas for local students, freedom fighters’ families, and foreign nationals.
Local students in Bangladesh undergo a highly competitive admission process due to limited seats and high demand.
Citizenship: Must be a Bangladeshi national.
Academic Background:
Must complete Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or equivalent (A-Level) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Must also have Secondary School Certificate (SSC) or equivalent.
Minimum GPA Requirement:
Combined GPA of 9.00 (SSC + HSC).
At least GPA 3.5 in Biology.
Age Limit: Generally below 25 years at the time of admission.
Conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
Covers Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and General Knowledge.
Highly competitive – only top scorers secure admission in government colleges.
Government Medical Colleges: Around 4,000–4,500 seats.
Private Medical Colleges: Around 6,000–6,500 seats.
Special Quotas:
Children of freedom fighters.
Tribal and rural candidates.
Students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Government colleges: Very minimal, heavily subsidized (approx. USD 500–800 for the entire course).
Private colleges: Around USD 30,000–40,000 for the full MBBS program.
Foreign students, particularly from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and African countries, form a large percentage of MBBS applicants in Bangladesh. The government reserves 25% of seats in private and government colleges for foreign nationals.
Citizenship: Must be a foreign national. Dual citizens may apply under the foreign quota.
Academic Background:
Completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Minimum 60% aggregate in PCB (varies for different countries).
Specific Requirements (for Indian Students):
NEET qualification is mandatory (as per Indian regulations).
GPA Conversion: Must secure at least GPA 7.0 (combined) in O-Level/10th and A-Level/12th equivalents.
Applications are submitted through the Bangladesh High Commission/Embassy in theapplicant’s home country.
Required documents include:
Academic transcripts and certificates (attested).
Passport and valid visa.
Migration certificate.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
Medical fitness certificate.
25% of seats in both government and private medical colleges are reserved.
Within this quota, 50% of seats are allotted to SAARC countries (India being the largest recipient).
The remaining 50% is available for non-SAARC students.
Government medical colleges: Around USD 6,000–10,000 for the entire course.
Private medical colleges: USD 30,000–50,000 depending on the institution.
Payment is often required in installments, with the first installment higher.
| Criteria | Local Students | Foreign Students |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility Exam | SSC + HSC (Bangladesh) | 10+2 or equivalent |
| Admission Test | DGHS national test | No admission test (selection based on grades) |
| Minimum GPA | 9.00 (SSC+HSC) | GPA 7.0 equivalent |
| Quota System | National quota + special reservations | 25% seats reserved |
| Fees | Subsidized in govt. colleges | Higher than locals |
| Application Mode | Direct via DGHS | Via Embassy/High Commission |
| Internship | Mandatory for all | Mandatory for all |
Extreme competition due to limited government seats.
High private college fees compared to average income levels.
Complex documentation and embassy verification.
Higher tuition costs compared to locals.
Cultural adjustment and language barriers in rural medical colleges.
Affordable compared to Western countries.
English-medium instruction.
Curriculum similar to India and other South Asian nations.
Recognized worldwide.
High FMGE (India) pass rates compared to other destinations.
The criteria for local vs foreign students in Bangladesh MBBS admissions highlight both similarities and differences. While local students must undergo a rigorous competitive exam with strict GPA requirements, foreign students are admitted under a reserved quota system through their respective embassies.
For locals, affordability and merit are the key determinants, whereas for foreign students, eligibility is based more on academic records and documentation. Despite the variations, Bangladesh continues to attract thousands of applicants each year, making it a preferred hub for medical education in Asia.