Medical education is a dream for many students across South Asia, but the limited number of government MBBS seats and high tuition fees in private colleges make it difficult to secure admission in their home countries. Bangladesh, with its affordable tuition structure, English-medium instruction, and internationally recognized medical degrees, has emerged as a popular destination for MBBS studies.
One of the biggest advantages for students from South Asian countries is the SAARC quota system for MBBS in Bangladesh. Through this scheme, students from SAARC nations such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan can pursue medical education in Bangladesh with subsidized fees and reserved seats.
This article provides an in-depth, step-by-step guide on how students can benefit from the SAARC quota for MBBS in Bangladesh in 2025. From eligibility criteria to application procedures, documentation, seat allocation, and advantages, everything you need to know is explained here.
The SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) quota is a reserved admission system created by the Government of Bangladesh to strengthen regional cooperation and provide educational opportunities for students from SAARC countries.
It ensures that a percentage of MBBS seats in government medical colleges are set aside for students from neighboring countries at subsidized tuition fees.
To promote cultural and educational ties between South Asian nations.
To give students access to affordable medical education.
To ensure diversity in Bangladesh’s medical institutions.
To help students from countries with limited medical seats fulfill their career aspirations.
Reserved Seats – Every year, hundreds of MBBS seats are earmarked for SAARC students in Bangladesh.
Subsidized Tuition Fees – Students admitted under the quota often pay the same fee as Bangladeshi citizens or only a nominal tuition compared to international fees.
Eligibility Requirement – Applicants must be citizens of a SAARC nation and fulfill academic requirements.
Government-to-Government Admission – Applications are processed through the embassies and Ministries of Education/Foreign Affairs of the applicant’s home country.
Preference for Merit – Even within the quota, selection is merit-based, usually determined by marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12.
Students must meet the following conditions:
Citizenship – Must be a citizen of a SAARC member nation (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, or Pakistan).
Academic Qualifications –
Completion of Class 10 and Class 12 (or equivalent).
Minimum GPA of 7 combined in SSC and HSC (10th and 12th).
Minimum GPA of 3.5 in Biology.
At least 60% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for Indian students.
NEET Qualification (for Indians) – As per Indian NMC regulations, students must qualify NEET in the admission year to study MBBS abroad.
Age Limit – Typically between 17 to 25 years at the time of admission.
Medical Fitness – Students must be physically and mentally fit, with medical certificates to confirm eligibility.
The process of applying under the SAARC quota involves government-level coordination and requires early preparation.
Ensure you meet the GPA and age requirements, along with NEET qualification (for Indian students).
Passport-sized photographs.
Valid passport (with at least 6 months validity).
Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates.
Equivalence certificate from Bangladesh Education Board (obtained via embassy submission).
Birth certificate.
Medical fitness certificate.
Police clearance certificate.
NEET scorecard (for Indian students).
Recommendation letter from the Ministry of Education/Foreign Affairs of your country.
Applications must be submitted to the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission in your home country. The embassy forwards the applications to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health.
The Bangladeshi government shortlists candidates based on merit and country-wise allocations. Selected students receive admission offers through their respective embassies.
Students are assigned to specific government medical colleges under the SAARC quota. They must confirm admission and complete fee payments.
Once admission is confirmed, students apply for a student visa at the Bangladesh Embassy.
Every year, Bangladesh reserves a few hundred seats for SAARC students across government medical colleges.
Distribution depends on bilateral agreements between Bangladesh and individual SAARC nations.
For example, India often receives the largest share of seats due to high demand, followed by Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.
Each medical college usually has 5 to 10 seats for SAARC quota candidates.
One of the biggest benefits of this quota is low tuition fees.
In many cases, SAARC quota students are treated at par with Bangladeshi nationals, paying only registration fees and nominal charges.
Compared to international student fees (USD 35,000 – 50,000 for the entire MBBS), SAARC quota students may pay only USD 2,000 – 5,000 in total.
This makes MBBS in Bangladesh one of the most affordable options for students from neighboring countries.
Extremely Low Tuition Fees – Major financial relief compared to studying abroad without quota.
Globally Recognized Degree – MBBS from Bangladesh is recognized by WHO, UNESCO, and medical councils of India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other countries.
Cultural and Linguistic Similarity – SAARC students, especially Indians and Nepalis, find it easy to adjust to the environment, language, and food.
High Quality of Education – Curriculum and teaching standards are similar to India, with English as the medium of instruction.
Geographical Proximity – Bangladesh is close to other SAARC nations, making travel affordable and convenient.
Government Support – Since admissions are facilitated by governments, the process is transparent and reliable.
Better Clinical Exposure – Students get hands-on training in densely populated regions with diverse medical cases.
While the SAARC quota offers immense benefits, students must also be aware of potential challenges:
Limited Seats – Demand is very high, and the number of seats is restricted.
Highly Competitive – Selection is merit-based, so only top academic performers secure seats.
Documentation Hassles – The application process involves embassy verification, equivalence certificates, and multiple approvals.
Strict Deadlines – Missing the embassy submission date means losing the chance to apply.
Service Obligations – In some cases, students may be required to return to their home country and serve in healthcare sectors after graduation.
Maintain Strong Academic Performance – Focus on achieving high marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Qualify NEET Early – Indian students must clear NEET with a good score to be eligible.
Prepare Documents in Advance – Collect and verify all certificates, passports, and medical fitness reports early.
Track Embassy Announcements – Keep in touch with the Bangladesh embassy for application deadlines.
Apply Through the Correct Channel – Submitting applications via recognized government departments is mandatory.
Stay Flexible About College Allocation – Since you cannot choose colleges under this quota, be prepared to study in whichever college is allotted.
Seek Guidance – Consult education counselors who specialize in Bangladesh MBBS admissions to avoid mistakes.
| Feature | SAARC Quota | General International Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Very low, subsidized | Higher (USD 35,000 – 50,000) |
| Application Process | Through embassy and government | Direct to college |
| Seats Reserved | Limited, fixed annually | More available in private colleges |
| Competition | Very high | Moderate |
| Recognition | Same degree, NMC & WHO approved | Same degree, NMC & WHO approved |
The SAARC quota has proven to be a success, and it is expected to continue in the future with possible enhancements:
Increase in Seat Allocation – To accommodate rising demand from India, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Digitalized Application Process – Online submissions may simplify documentation.
Enhanced Collaboration – Bangladesh may sign new agreements with SAARC nations to expand quotas beyond MBBS, covering nursing and postgraduate studies.
The SAARC quota for MBBS in Bangladesh is one of the most rewarding opportunities for South Asian students seeking affordable, high-quality medical education. It provides reserved seats, minimal tuition fees, and international recognition, making it one of the most competitive but beneficial schemes for aspiring doctors in the region.
To truly benefit, students must plan early, achieve high academic scores, qualify NEET (for Indian students), and follow the embassy-led application process carefully. With dedication and preparation, securing a seat under this quota can make the dream of becoming a doctor both affordable and achievable.