Every aspiring doctor dreams of completing their MBBS and building a successful medical career. For Indian students, studying MBBS abroad has become one of the most practical choices due to:
Limited MBBS seats in India.
Extremely high tuition fees in private medical colleges.
Availability of affordable, NMC-approved medical universities abroad.
But before making the decision, one of the most important questions arises:
“How many years does it take to complete MBBS abroad?”
The answer depends on the country, the curriculum followed, internship requirements, and recognition norms in India. Unlike India, where MBBS is usually 5.5 years (4.5 years academic + 1-year internship), MBBS abroad can take anywhere from 5 to 7 years, depending on the destination.
This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of MBBS abroad course duration, country-wise timelines, and how it impacts your medical career.
India MBBS Duration → 5.5 years (4.5 years classroom + 1-year compulsory internship).
Abroad MBBS Duration → Varies by country:
5 years → Some Asian/Central Asian countries (Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan).
5.5 years → Philippines (BS + MD combined timeline).
6 years → Russia, Georgia, China, Ukraine, Armenia.
6+ years → USA/European Union (longer pathways with pre-med or residency).
On average, MBBS abroad takes 5–6 years for Indian students, plus internship/NExT exam preparation if they want to practice in India.
Let’s break down the timelines by major destinations where Indian students study MBBS abroad.
Duration: 6 years (including clinical rotation).
Structure: 3 years pre-clinical + 3 years clinical.
Internship: Usually integrated into course, but Indian students may still need 1-year internship in India as per NMC.
Total Time: 6 years abroad + 1 year in India = 7 years (if internship abroad not accepted).
Duration: 6 years.
Structure: Western-style curriculum, English medium.
Internship: Internship included, but NMC requires 1-year internship in India again.
Total Time: 6 years abroad + 1 year in India.
Duration: 5 years + 1-year internship.
Structure: 4 years theoretical + 1 year clinical.
Internship: Indian students must still do internship in India.
Total Time: 6 years (5 years abroad + 1 year India).
Duration: 5 years.
Structure: MBBS + clinical exposure integrated.
Internship: NMC requires a 1-year internship in India.
Total Time: 6 years.
Duration: 5 years.
Structure: WHO-recognized, English medium.
Internship: Internship done in India. Total Time: 6 years.
Duration: 5 years + 1-year internship (like India).
Structure: Syllabus almost identical to Indian MBBS.
Internship: Internship may be accepted in India depending on NMC updates, but usually Indian internship is required.
Total Time: 6 years.
Duration: 5 years.
Structure: Indian-like MBBS structure.
Internship: 1-year internship required in India again.
Total Time: 6 years.
Duration: 5.5–6 years (includes BS course + MD program).
Structure: US-based system. 1.5 years BS + 4 years MD.
Internship: Final year internship abroad + 1-year in India.
Total Time: 6.5–7 years.
Duration: 6 years.
Structure: 5 years theory + 1 year internship.
Internship: Indian internship required.
Total Time: 6–7 years.
Duration: 4 years Pre-med (Bachelor’s) + 4 years MD = 8 years.
Residency: 3–7 years extra for specialization.
Total Time: 8 years minimum, often 10+ years for complete training.
Duration: 5–6 years.
Internship: Foundation program required in UK; Indian internship required if student returns.
Total Time: 6–7 years.
| Country/Region | Course Duration | Internship Abroad | Internship in India Required? | Total Years for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 4.5 + 1 = 5.5 years | Yes | NA | 5.5 years |
| Russia | 6 years | Yes | Yes | 6–7 years |
| Georgia | 6 years | Yes | Yes | 6–7 years |
| Uzbekistan | 5 years | Yes | Yes | 6 years |
| Kyrgyzstan | 5 years | Yes | Yes | 6 years |
| Kazakhstan | 5 years | Yes | Yes | 6 years |
| Bangladesh | 5 years | Yes | Sometimes exempt | 5–6 years |
| Nepal | 5 years | Yes | Yes | 6 years |
| Philippines | 5.5–6 years | Yes | Yes | 6.5–7 years |
| China | 6 years | Yes | Yes | 6–7 years |
| USA | 8 years (Pre-med + MD) | Yes | Not required | 8+ years |
| UK | 5–6 years | Yes | Yes | 6–7 years |
Curriculum Differences – Some countries follow the Indian/UK model (5 years) while others follow the European model (6 years).
Internship Recognition – NMC requires students to complete 1-year internship in India, even if done abroad.
Pre-Med Requirements – USA and Philippines require an additional BS course before medicine.
Language Training – In some countries, extra months are spent on learning local languages for clinical rotations.
Shorter MBBS programs (5 years) – e.g., Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan → Early entry into career, but must add Indian internship (total 6 years).
Longer MBBS programs (6 years) – e.g., Russia, Georgia → More exposure, but adds an extra year compared to India.
Very long pathways (USA/Philippines) – Great for global careers, but time-consuming and expensive.
Students should balance time, cost, and career goals when selecting a country.
Check NMC Guidelines – Choose only universities approved by NMC.
Plan for Internship – Be ready to complete 1-year internship in India even if done abroad.
Don’t Rush for Shorter Courses – Quality of education matters more than saving 1 year.
Future Career Plans – If planning for PG abroad, a longer MBBS abroad duration may be worth it.
So, how many years does MBBS abroad take?
5 years → Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Uzbekistan (plus 1 year in India).
6 years → Russia, Georgia, China, European countries.
6.5–7 years → Philippines (BS + MD system).
8+ years → USA (Pre-med + MD + residency).
On average, Indian students complete MBBS abroad in 6–7 years including internship in India.
If you want affordability and quicker completion → Choose Central Asian countries (Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan).
If you want global exposure and recognition → Choose Russia, Georgia, China, or Europe.
If you want to practice in the USA → Philippines or USA pathway is better, though longer.