Medical education in Nepal has gained international recognition due to its affordable cost structure, practical curriculum, and globally accepted MBBS degree. One of the unique aspects of pursuing MBBS in Nepal is the field posting program, which provides students with direct exposure to rural and community healthcare systems.
Field postings are an essential component of the medical curriculum, ensuring students gain first-hand experience in diagnosing, treating, and interacting with patients in different socio-economic settings. To support students during these programs, most universities and medical colleges in Nepal provide field posting allowances, either in the form of financial aid, travel reimbursement, or accommodation support.
This article explores the concept of field posting allowances in Nepal MBBS, the cost implications, types of support provided, and how students can plan their budgets effectively.
Field postings are practical training sessions conducted outside the main campus where students are assigned to community hospitals, rural health posts, or district clinics. These postings usually take place during:
Community Medicine rotations
Public Health projects
Internship year
Clinical exposure in rural/remote areas
The purpose is to:
Strengthen clinical and diagnostic skills.
Provide exposure to primary healthcare challenges in underserved areas.
Teach community interaction and communication skills.
Train students in preventive and social medicine.
While field postings are academically enriching, they also involve financial costs such as:
Travel expenses (bus, jeep, or air depending on location)
Accommodation charges in rural areas
Food and daily needs during posting
Medical kits or project-related expenses
To ensure students do not face a financial burden, colleges provide field posting allowances, which cover part or all of these costs.
The structure of allowances varies from one college to another, but generally includes:
Covers bus fare or local transportation from the college to the posting site.
In remote locations, partial airfare or jeep costs may be reimbursed.
Colleges often arrange hostels or shared guesthouses in the rural posting area.
Sometimes, a stipend is provided so students can arrange their own lodging.
A daily food allowance is provided, typically covering basic meals.
In some cases, students receive a lump sum for the posting duration.
If students are required to conduct surveys, health camps, or vaccination drives, the college provides material and financial support.
Final-year MBBS students may receive a monthly stipend during their internship postings.
Stipend amounts vary but usually cover food and travel needs.
On average, MBBS students in Nepal receive allowances that cover:
Travel: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 per posting (depending on distance)
Accommodation: ₹3,000 – ₹6,000 per month
Food: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 per month
Project/Survey materials: ₹1,000 – ₹3,000
Total allowance per posting: ₹7,000 – ₹15,000
While allowances are helpful, sometimes students may spend slightly more, depending on personal lifestyle and location of posting.
Travel (bus/jeep): ₹4,000
Accommodation (shared): ₹5,000
Food: ₹3,500
Miscellaneous: ₹2,000
Total Expense: ₹14,500
If allowance covers ₹10,000, the student may need to add ₹4,000–₹5,000 from personal funds.
Not all colleges in Nepal provide the same level of support.
Government Colleges (e.g., Institute of Medicine, BPKIHS): Higher allowances and organized accommodation.
Private Colleges: Allowances may be smaller, with students covering part of their expenses.
International Collaboration Programs: Sometimes provide additional funding for field postings.
Reduces Financial Stress – Students can focus on learning instead of worrying about expenses.
Encourages Participation – More students willingly engage in rural healthcare programs.
Promotes Equity – Students from modest financial backgrounds can equally participate.
Skill Development Without Burden – Exposure to practical healthcare without additional costs.
Insufficient Coverage – Allowances may not fully meet student expenses.
Remote Area Costs – Transportation to remote hilly regions can be higher than allowance.
Delays in Disbursement – Sometimes colleges reimburse after the posting, requiring students to spend first.
Variation by College – Lack of standardization in allowances.
Plan Budget in Advance – Estimate costs before leaving for posting.
Use College Accommodation – Cheaper than private guesthouses.
Cook in Groups – Saves food expenses.
Track Expenses – Keep receipts for reimbursement.
Minimize Unnecessary Travel – Stay focused on posting activities to reduce transport costs.
Since MBBS in Nepal lasts 5.5 years, students may face multiple postings in different semesters. On average:
Field posting allowance per year: ₹10,000 – ₹20,000
Over entire MBBS: ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000 (covered partly by colleges)
This means students should still keep aside ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 as backup funds in case allowances fall short.
Nepal: ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 per posting allowance
Bangladesh: Limited allowances, more student-funded
India: Stipend system in government colleges, less in private colleges
Russia/Georgia: Rarely provide field posting allowances, students usually self-fund
Thus, Nepal’s system is more student-friendly, especially in government institutions.
Field postings are an essential and transformative part of MBBS education in Nepal, allowing students to gain practical exposure in rural and community healthcare. To support this, most colleges provide field posting allowances covering travel, food, accommodation, and project-related expenses.
On average, students receive ₹7,000 – ₹15,000 per posting, which significantly reduces their financial burden. However, the actual expenses may sometimes exceed the allowance, requiring students to manage additional funds.
With proper financial planning and efficient use of allowances, MBBS students in Nepal can enjoy enriching field posting experiences without major economic stress. Ultimately, these postings prepare students for real-world medical challenges and help them develop into responsible, community-oriented doctors.