Studying MBBS in Bangladesh has become one of the most attractive options for Indian students. Affordable tuition fees, proximity to India, NMC-recognized universities, and cultural similarities make it a popular choice. While students adjust to their new academic life, many parents wish to visit them at least once during the course, either during the first year, for festivals, or at the time of graduation.
One of the key considerations before planning such a trip is understanding the average cost for parents visiting students in Bangladesh MBBS. The cost of travel and stay depends on several factors such as mode of transportation, length of stay, city of visit, and lifestyle preferences.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses parents are likely to incur when visiting their children in Bangladesh for MBBS studies.
Parents often travel to Bangladesh during their child’s medical studies for multiple reasons:
To ensure smooth settlement during the first year of MBBS.
To attend cultural or academic events organized by the universities.
For moral support during exams or difficult academic phases.
For graduation or white coat ceremonies.
To spend festivals together when students cannot travel back to India.
Regardless of the reason, planning such a visit requires estimating average costs so families can budget accordingly.
The total cost depends on the trip’s duration and lifestyle choices. Here’s a detailed look at each category:
The largest share of the expenses is air travel from India to Bangladesh.
Average Flight Fare: ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 per person (round trip).
Common Routes:
Kolkata to Dhaka (shortest and cheapest route).
Delhi/Mumbai/Chennai to Dhaka (slightly costlier).
Budget Airlines: Indigo, SpiceJet, US-Bangla Airlines, Biman Bangladesh Airlines.
Peak Seasons: Prices are higher during Durga Puja, Eid, and December holidays.
For a couple (two parents), average round-trip flight cost is ₹15,000 – ₹25,000.
Indian parents visiting Bangladesh need a valid passport and visa.
Visa Fee: ₹500 – ₹1,000 per person.
Processing Charges: If applied through agencies, add another ₹1,000.
For two parents, budget ₹2,000 – ₹3,000 for visas and documentation.
Accommodation is the next big expense and depends on comfort level:
Budget Hotels: ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per night.
Mid-Range Hotels: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000 per night.
Service Apartments/Guesthouses: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per night (popular with visiting families).
University Guesthouses: Some medical colleges provide guest accommodation for parents at subsidized rates, ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 per night.
For a 7-day stay, average hotel costs range from ₹10,000 – ₹25,000.
Food in Bangladesh is affordable and similar to Indian cuisine.
Street Food & Local Restaurants: ₹200 – ₹400 per meal per person.
Mid-Range Dining: ₹500 – ₹800 per meal per person.
Upscale Dining: ₹1,000+ per meal per person.
For two parents, the daily food expense ranges between ₹1,000 – ₹2,500.
For a 7-day trip, expect around ₹7,000 – ₹15,000.
Transportation expenses include airport pickup, taxis, or local rides.
Airport Taxi (Dhaka to city): ₹500 – ₹1,000.
Local Auto/Taxi Rides: ₹200 – ₹500 per trip.
Car Rental (with driver): ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per day.
For a week-long stay, local transport costs average ₹4,000 – ₹8,000.
Parents often shop for essentials for their children, souvenirs, or personal use.
Basic Shopping Budget: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000.
Gifts and Extras: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000 (optional).
While not always mandatory for short visits, travel insurance is advisable.
Travel Insurance (7–15 days): ₹500 – ₹1,500 per person.
Here’s a breakdown of the average one-week trip for two parents:
| Expense Category | Average Cost (₹) | Range (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Travel (2 persons) | 20,000 | 15,000 – 25,000 |
| Visa & Documentation | 2,500 | 2,000 – 3,000 |
| Accommodation (7 days) | 15,000 | 10,000 – 25,000 |
| Food & Dining | 10,000 | 7,000 – 15,000 |
| Local Transportation | 6,000 | 4,000 – 8,000 |
| Shopping & Miscellaneous | 5,000 | 3,000 – 10,000 |
| Insurance | 2,000 | 1,000 – 3,000 |
| Total (Approx.) | 60,000 | 45,000 – 90,000 |
Thus, parents can expect to spend around ₹60,000 for a one-week visit to Bangladesh to meet their child studying MBBS.
City of Travel – Costs in Dhaka are higher compared to smaller cities like Sylhet or Rajshahi.
Duration of Stay – Longer stays increase accommodation and food expenses.
Lifestyle Preferences – Choosing premium hotels and fine dining doubles the budget.
Season of Travel – Airfare spikes during festivals and holidays.
Number of Visits – Some parents visit annually, while others limit it to once or twice during the course.
Book Flights Early – Tickets are cheapest 2–3 months in advance.
Choose University Guesthouses – Affordable and safe accommodation near the campus.
Opt for Local Cuisine – Tasty and affordable compared to luxury restaurants.
Use Ride-Hailing Apps – Uber and Pathao in Bangladesh are cheaper than taxis.
Travel Off-Season – Avoid December and festival times when flights and hotels are costly.
First-Year Visit (Short Stay, Basic Needs): Around ₹50,000 – ₹55,000.
Graduation Visit (Longer Stay, Celebrations, Shopping): ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000+.
This variation shows why planning in advance helps in managing the budget.
While the expenses are significant, the emotional support and encouragement parents bring during their visits are invaluable. For students living away from home for the first time, even a short visit provides motivation, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
The average cost for parents visiting students in Bangladesh MBBS typically ranges between ₹45,000 to ₹90,000 for a week-long trip for two people. Airfare, accommodation, food, transport, and shopping form the bulk of the expenses. With smart planning, guesthouse stays, and early bookings, families can manage costs effectively.
For Indian families, the proximity of Bangladesh makes parental visits far more affordable compared to countries like Russia, Georgia, or Uzbekistan. These visits strengthen family bonds, boost student morale, and create cherished memories throughout the MBBS journey.