Medical education is a long journey that often requires commitment, stability, and consistency. However, there are situations where students need to transfer from one medical university to another, either within their own country or across international borders. Bangladesh has emerged as a prominent destination for MBBS education, attracting thousands of international students due to its affordable fees, globally recognized curriculum, and English-medium teaching.
But what if a student has already started an MBBS program elsewhere and now wants to transfer to Bangladesh? This raises the important question: What are the eligibility criteria for transfer students in MBBS programs in Bangladesh?
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of transfer rules, eligibility requirements, step-by-step procedures, challenges, and opportunities for students looking to continue their MBBS in Bangladesh after beginning studies in another country.
Before understanding the eligibility, it’s important to know why transfer students choose Bangladesh as their destination:
Affordable Tuition Fees – Medical education in Bangladesh is comparatively cheaper than in Western countries, while offering a similar quality of education.
Globally Recognized Degrees – MBBS degrees from Bangladesh are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
English-Medium Instruction – The curriculum is taught in English, making it suitable for international students.
Cultural Proximity for South Asians – Indian, Nepali, Bhutanese, and other Asian students find the culture, food, and lifestyle similar to their home country.
Strong FMGE Success Rate – For Indian students, Bangladesh medical graduates have one of the highest Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE) pass percentages compared to other foreign destinations.
While Bangladesh medical universities are open to admitting transfer students, eligibility depends on both government regulations and university-specific policies. Below are the core requirements:
The medical college from which the student is transferring must be recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and preferably listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
For Indian students, the institution should also be recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to ensure degree validity.
Students must have successfully completed one or more years of MBBS (depending on the transfer stage).
Transferring students should not have any academic backlogs in their previous institution.
A minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) as required by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) must be maintained.
The curriculum followed in the previous university must align with the MBBS structure in Bangladesh.
Universities in Bangladesh follow a five-year MBBS program divided into several phases; students can only transfer if their credits match these modules.
Transfer students must present official documents including:
Academic transcripts from the previous medical university.
A formal migration or transfer certificate.
Clearance letter from the previous university stating no pending dues or disciplinary actions.
Passport, visa, and other identity proofs.
Some government and private universities may require transfer students to sit for an internal entrance test or personal interview to assess eligibility.
All applicants, including transfer students, must submit a valid medical fitness report to ensure physical and mental fitness for the MBBS program.
Although courses are taught in English, students may need to demonstrate adequate English proficiency if their previous medium of study was different.
The process involves multiple steps to ensure smooth migration:
Identify universities in Bangladesh that accept transfer students. While most private colleges are flexible, government institutions may have stricter policies.
Submit transcripts, certificates, and supporting documents to the admissions office.
The university evaluates whether your completed coursework matches the Bangladeshi MBBS syllabus.
If approved, the student receives an official transfer acceptance letter.
International students need to apply for a student visa under the transfer category.
After admission, students must register with the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) to ensure recognition of their studies.
Credit Non-Equivalence – Not all subjects studied abroad may align with Bangladesh’s MBBS syllabus.
Limited Seats – Universities may limit the number of transfer admissions per academic year.
Time Delays – Document verification and approval may take several months.
Financial Adjustments – Previous tuition fees may not be refunded, and new fee structures will apply in Bangladesh.
Cultural Adjustment – Although closer to South Asian culture, students from far-off regions may need time to adjust.
While each university has its own policy, generally private medical colleges are more open to transfers. Examples include:
Dhaka National Medical College
Bangladesh Medical College
East West Medical College
Jahurul Islam Medical College
Green Life Medical College
Government colleges, however, often have stricter guidelines and limited flexibility for transfers.
Cost-effectiveness compared to continuing studies in expensive destinations.
Higher success rate in FMGE/Next (India), ensuring better chances of returning as a licensed doctor.
Proximity to home countries like India, Nepal, and Bhutan reduces travel and cultural barriers.
Stable academic environment with less risk of fraudulent institutions.
Due to conflicts, many Indian students sought transfers from Ukrainian medical universities. Bangladesh provided one of the safest and most academically compatible options.
A student dissatisfied with language barriers in China found it easier to adapt in Bangladesh due to English instruction and cultural similarity.
Start Early – Apply at least 6 months before the academic session begins.
Organize Documents – Ensure transcripts and certificates are properly attested and notarized.
Consult BMDC Guidelines – Verify recognition rules before applying.
Avoid Agents – Directly contact universities for transparency and to avoid fraud.
Financial Planning – Prepare for additional costs like migration fees, visa charges, and document processing.
Eligibility for transfer students in Bangladesh MBBS depends on academic performance, credit compatibility, documentation, and university policies. While private medical colleges are generally more flexible, government colleges follow strict guidelines.
Students who wish to transfer must ensure that their previous medical institution is recognized, their academic record is strong, and all supporting documents are in place. Despite challenges like credit mismatch and limited seats, Bangladesh remains one of the most attractive destinations for transfer students due to its affordability, English-medium instruction, and global recognition.
With proper planning, timely application, and adherence to BMDC rules, transfer students can successfully continue their MBBS journey in Bangladesh without compromising on education quality or global career opportunities.