Studying MBBS abroad has become a growing trend among Indian, Nepali, African, and other international students who want quality education at affordable rates. Among the many destinations, Kyrgyzstan stands out as one of the most economical and practical choices for pursuing MBBS. Not only does the country offer globally recognized degrees and NMC-approved medical universities, but it also provides a relatively low cost of living compared to other countries like Russia, Georgia, or Bangladesh.
One of the most crucial aspects of planning your MBBS journey in Kyrgyzstan is understanding the average monthly living expenses. These costs go beyond tuition fees and cover day-to-day living like hostel rent, food, utilities, transportation, internet, healthcare, and leisure.
This article presents a complete breakdown of monthly living costs for MBBS students in Kyrgyzstan, helping aspirants and their families make informed financial decisions.
For most international students, the tuition fee is a one-time planned expense, but monthly living expenses determine the actual affordability of studying MBBS abroad.
Parents and guardians can plan finances in advance.
Students avoid unexpected budget shortfalls.
It helps in comparing Kyrgyzstan with other countries before finalizing.
Knowing average costs helps students manage money efficiently during their stay.
Accommodation is usually the largest monthly expense after food. MBBS students have two main options: university hostels and private rented apartments.
Most Kyrgyz medical universities provide hostel facilities within or near the campus.
Shared room (2–3 students): 30 – 70 USD per month.
Basic facilities include a bed, study table, common kitchen, and shared bathroom.
Security is better since hostels are managed by the university.
Some students prefer renting flats with friends for more independence.
Single-bedroom apartment: 150 – 250 USD per month.
Shared 2–3 bedroom flat (split among students): 80 – 120 USD per student.
Utilities like heating, water, and electricity are usually extra.
Hostel: 40 – 70 USD/month
Private apartment: 100 – 150 USD/month (shared)
Food is the next essential category of monthly living costs. Students can choose between mess facilities, cooking at home, or dining out.
Many universities provide Indian mess facilities for international students.
Cost: 100 – 120 USD per month (3 meals a day).
Convenient but limited in variety.
Groceries: 50 – 70 USD per month per student.
Common items like rice, bread, vegetables, fruits, eggs, and chicken are affordable.
Cooking with flatmates reduces costs further.
Local fast food/snack: 2 – 3 USD.
Full restaurant meal: 5 – 7 USD.
Students occasionally eat out, adding about 20 – 30 USD monthly.
Mess: 100 – 120 USD/month
Cooking + occasional dining out: 70 – 100 USD/month
Public transport in Kyrgyzstan is affordable and well-connected in cities like Bishkek and Osh.
Public Bus/Marshrutka (minibus): 0.2 – 0.3 USD per ride.
Monthly Pass for Local Travel: Around 10 – 15 USD.
Taxi Apps (like Yandex or Namba Taxi): 1 – 2 USD for short rides.
Students living in hostels near campus spend less on transport.
10 – 20 USD/month
If students live in rented apartments, utilities add an extra cost.
Electricity, Heating, and Water: 30 – 50 USD/month.
Internet (Wi-Fi): 8 – 12 USD/month for unlimited data.
Mobile Data Packages: 3 – 5 USD/month.
For hostel students, most utilities are included in rent, with only small charges for internet.
Hostel: 5 – 10 USD/month
Apartment: 40 – 60 USD/month
Health insurance is mandatory for international students.
Medical Insurance: 100 – 150 USD per year (8 – 12 USD/month).
Basic Doctor Consultation: 5 – 10 USD.
Medicines: 2 – 5 USD for common prescriptions.
Universities often have tie-ups with hospitals for affordable healthcare.
10 – 15 USD/month
Apart from basic needs, students spend money on clothes, leisure, and personal items.
Shopping/Clothing: 20 – 40 USD/month.
Movies, Cafes, Socializing: 20 – 30 USD/month.
Gym Membership: 15 – 20 USD/month (optional).
40 – 70 USD/month
Students also need to consider costs for academic resources.
Books & Stationery: 50 – 100 USD annually (4 – 8 USD/month on average).
Lab Coats, Instruments, and Equipment: One-time 100 – 200 USD during the first year.
Printing and Copying: 5 – 10 USD/month.
10 – 15 USD/month
While Kyrgyzstan does not allow international students to take full-time jobs, some students manage to earn through:
Online freelancing.
Tutoring.
Content writing or digital services.
This can help cover part of their monthly living expenses.
Here’s a summarized table of the average monthly living costs for MBBS students in Kyrgyzstan:
| Expense Category | Cost Range (USD/month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (Hostel) | 40 – 70 |
| Accommodation (Apartment) | 100 – 150 |
| Food/Mess | 70 – 120 |
| Transportation | 10 – 20 |
| Utilities & Internet | 5 – 60 |
| Healthcare/Insurance | 10 – 15 |
| Personal Expenses | 40 – 70 |
| Academic/Study Materials | 10 – 15 |
| Total (Hostel Option) | 200 – 250 |
| Total (Apartment Option) | 300 – 400 |
Kyrgyzstan: 200 – 400 USD/month
Russia: 300 – 500 USD/month
Georgia: 300 – 450 USD/month
Bangladesh: 250 – 400 USD/month
Kyrgyzstan clearly ranks among the most affordable destinations for MBBS studies.
Choose hostel accommodation to save money on rent and utilities.
Cook meals at home instead of eating out daily.
Use public transport or walk short distances.
Buy local brands instead of imported goods.
Share expenses with roommates wherever possible.
Plan monthly budgets and track expenses using mobile apps.
The average monthly living costs for MBBS students in Kyrgyzstan range between 200 – 400 USD depending on whether a student stays in a hostel or a private apartment. This covers accommodation, food, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and personal expenses.
Kyrgyzstan not only offers affordable tuition fees for MBBS but also ensures that daily living costs remain manageable for international students. Compared to other countries, it provides a perfect balance of low cost of living, quality education, and safe environment, making it an ideal destination for aspiring doctors.
Students who plan their budgets wisely and adopt cost-saving habits can enjoy a comfortable and enriching student life in Kyrgyzstan without financial stress.