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2 September 2025

6 minutes read

How to Study MBBS Abroad for Free: A Complete Guide for Indian Students

Dirghayu Kaushik
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Dirghayu Kaushik

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Founder & CEO

Dirghayu Kaushik is the co-founder and CEO of Ambitio. He started this platform because he’s been in your shoes—navigating confusing websites, second-guessing college choices, and trying to make sense of what actually matters in an application. A graduate of IIT BHU, Dirghayu combines personal experience with data-backed guidance to help students apply smarter. Whether it’s choosing the right course, building a standout profile, or writing essays that don’t feel forced, his mission is simple: to make getting into your dream university less overwhelming, and a little more honest.

2 September 2025

6 minutes read

Key Takeaways

  • How to study MBBS abroad for free begins with knowing top destinations, tuition-free programs, and scholarships like CSC, DAAD, and Türkiye.
  • Limited MBBS seats in India make studying abroad a practical option, with universities offering fully funded opportunities.
  • Early planning and strong academics are essential to secure scholarships and reduce living expenses effectively.

Did you know that over 12 lakh Indian students applied for NEET in 2024, but only a fraction secured government MBBS seats? With rising tuition fees and living expenses, many families struggle to afford an MBBS degree. The harsh truth is studying medicine in India is brutally expensive, pushing students to explore MBBS in abroad.

Luckily, several scholarships for international students like the CSC Scholarship, Rhodes Scholarship, and MBBS scholarships for Indian students make it possible. Wondering how to study MBBS abroad for free? Let’s find out.

Why Indian Students Look for MBBS Abroad Options?

Many Indian students who want to pursue MBBS face limited seats and high costs in India, making them explore how to study MBBS abroad for free. Universities abroad like Anhui Medical University, University of Oxford, and University of Sydney attract medical students with affordable MBBS programs and scholarships abroad.

From the CSC Scholarship and Lester B Pearson Scholarships to the Brunel Medical School International Scholarships, several scholarships available for Indian students help cover tuition, living costs, and simplify the admission process for students pursuing international MBBS.

Eligibility Criteria to Study Free MBBS Abroad for Indian Students

If you are wondering how to study MBBS abroad for free, knowing the eligibility criteria is the first step.

how to study mbbs abroad for free

Many scholarships to study MBBS abroad are designed to help students lower costs, but only outstanding students who meet the requirements qualify.

  • Must have cleared NEET to pursue MBBS abroad.
  • Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, Biology for students pursuing an MBBS degree.
  • Students can apply for a government scholarship or international MBBS scholarship like the Anhui Medical University CSC Scholarship or Ibni Sina Medical Sciences Scholarship.
  • Some scholarship covers full tuition, while others include living costs.
  • MBBS students to study abroad may need IELTS/TOEFL.
  • Students studying in Germany or Europe must meet country-specific requirements for education abroad.
  • Applications for scholarships like Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship, Pearson International Scholarships, and MBBS scholarships abroad must be submitted on time.
  • Scholarships for MBBS students are usually merit-based, and students are given preference if they are outstanding international students.

Best Countries and Universities to Study MBBS Abroad for Free

If you’re exploring how to study MBBS abroad for free, knowing the best countries and universities is crucial. Many nations in Europe and Asia offer affordable or fully-funded scholarship for MBBS abroad, making it possible for Indian students to pursue MBBS without heavy financial pressure.

These programs not only reduce tuition fees but also offer scholarships that cover living expenses, helping students who wish to study MBBS abroad.

Germany

Study MBBS in Germany is one of the most popular choices as public universities charge zero tuition fees. With scholarships abroad for Indian students, it becomes an ideal option for Indian students looking to study medicine in a foreign country.

UniversityLocationType of ScholarshipCoverage
Heidelberg UniversityHeidelbergDAAD ScholarshipsTuition + Living
Charité – Universitätsmedizin BerlinBerlinGovernment & DAADTuition + Part Stipend
University of Munich (LMU)MunichPopular ScholarshipsTuition-Free
RWTH Aachen UniversityAachenScholarships to International StudentsTuition + Partial Support
University of HamburgHamburgDAAD & MeritTuition-Free

Russia

Russia is widely chosen for studying MBBS abroad for Indian students, offering low-cost education and scholarships to international students. Programs are affordable, and many universities abroad provide scholarship for medical students.

UniversityLocationType of ScholarshipCoverage
Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowGovernment ScholarshipTuition + Hostel
Kazan Federal UniversityKazanPopular Scholarships to Study MBBSTuition-Free
Saint Petersburg State UniversitySt. PetersburgScholarships AbroadTuition + Partial Stipend
Ural State Medical UniversityYekaterinburgScholarship for MBBS AbroadTuition-Free
Siberian State Medical UniversityTomskGovernment AidTuition + Living

China

China is home to several MBBS scholarships abroad, including the CSC Scholarship. Universities like Anhui Medical University offer scholarship covers tuition and accommodation, making it possible to study MBBS at minimal cost.

UniversityLocationType of ScholarshipCoverage
Anhui Medical UniversityAnhuiCSC ScholarshipTuition + Living
Peking University Health Science CenterBeijingScholarships to International StudentsTuition-Free
Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiInternational MBBS ScholarshipTuition + Partial Support
Wuhan UniversityWuhanPopular ScholarshipsTuition-Free
Fudan UniversityShanghaiMerit & CSCTuition + Hostel

Europe (Other than Germany)

For students planning to study MBBS in Europe, countries like Poland, Hungary, and Italy are excellent choices. Scholarships abroad for Indian students are widely available for international students, helping reduce costs significantly.

UniversityLocationType of ScholarshipCoverage
University of Warsaw Medical SchoolPolandErasmus+ & Govt. AidTuition-Free
Semmelweis UniversityHungaryPopular Scholarships to Study MBBSTuition-Free
University of DebrecenHungaryInternational MBBS ScholarshipsTuition-Free
Sapienza University of RomeItalyMerit-Based AidTuition + Partial Living
Charles UniversityCzech RepublicScholarships AbroadTuition-Free

Turkey

Turkey is becoming a popular destination for students who are looking for affordable MBBS scholarships abroad. The Türkiye Scholarships are among the popular scholarships that students can apply for to cover all costs.

UniversityLocationType of ScholarshipCoverage
Istanbul UniversityIstanbulTürkiye ScholarshipsTuition + Living
Hacettepe UniversityAnkaraScholarship for MBBS AbroadTuition-Free
Ankara UniversityAnkaraScholarships to International StudentsTuition-Free
Ege UniversityIzmirGovernment & Merit AidTuition + Hostel
Marmara UniversityIstanbulVice-Chancellor’s International MBBS ScholarshipTuition + Living

MBBS Scholarships and Financial Aid to Study Medicine for International Students

When exploring how to study MBBS abroad for free, the key lies in understanding the wide range of MBBS scholarships and financial aid. Many students interested in medicine are unaware that studying MBBS abroad offers more than just academics; it opens doors to scholarships available for Indian students to promote cultural exchange and gain global exposure.

But students need to check eligibility carefully, as MBBS scholarships are usually competitive and require strong academics. With the right approach, students to pursue MBBS abroad can secure full or partial funding.

Scholarship NameEligible StudentsCoverageKey Benefit
CSC Scholarship (China)Indian students to study at universities like Anhui Medical UniversityTuition, accommodation, stipendSupports students to promote cultural exchange
DAAD Scholarship (Germany)Students looking to study MBBS in EuropeTuition + LivingAllows students for pursuing free MBBS at public universities
Türkiye ScholarshipsStudents to pursue MBBS abroad in TurkeyTuition, living, health insuranceEncourages students interested in studying medicine in a foreign country
Rhodes Scholarship (University of Oxford)Outstanding students planning to study medical sciencesTuition + Full Living ExpensesGlobal exposure and leadership for students to promote cultural exchange
Vice-Chancellor’s International MBBS Scholarship (Australia)Students who are looking at University of SydneyPartial tuitionOne of the mbbs scholarships usually offered for students to pursue MBBS abroad
Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship (Canada)Indian students to pursue MBBS abroadTuition, books, livingA popular scholarship for students interested in medical education abroad
Ibni Sina Medical Sciences Scholarship (Turkey)Students for pursuing MBBSTuition + HostelPromotes education abroad and cultural diversity
Brunel Medical School International Scholarships (UK)Students planning to study MBBS abroadPartial Tuition WaiverHelps students apply for various scholarships to reduce costs

Cost of Living and Additional Expenses to Study Abroad 

Managing expenses is a big part of understanding how to study MBBS abroad for free. Even when tuition is waived, students still need to consider daily costs like housing, food, and transportation.

To make smart choices, students can do thorough research on living costs in different countries and also know which scholarships cover these additional expenses.

Expense CategoryAverage Monthly Cost (USD)Notes
Accommodation200 – 600Varies by country and city
Food & Groceries150 – 400Eating out may increase costs
Transportation40 – 120Public transport is cheaper than private
Health Insurance50 – 200Often mandatory for international students
Books & Supplies30 – 100Can be reduced through online resources
Miscellaneous (Internet, Clothing, Leisure)50 – 200Lifestyle-dependent

Tips to Secure Free MBBS Abroad Opportunities

Securing a fully funded medical education requires smart planning and awareness.

how to study mbbs abroad for free

If you’re exploring how to study MBBS abroad for free, the right strategy can make all the difference in winning scholarships and reducing costs.

  • Start Early: Research programs and funding options at least a year in advance to maximize your chances.
  • Maintain Strong Academics: High grades and consistent performance make your application stand out.
  • Craft a Strong Application: Highlight achievements, motivation, and commitment to medicine in essays and interviews.
  • Apply Widely: Submit applications to multiple universities and scholarships to increase opportunities.
  • Seek Guidance: Connect with mentors, alumni, or counselors who can guide you through the process effectively.

Conclusion 

Exploring how to study MBBS abroad for free is not just a dream; it’s a real possibility with the right guidance, scholarships, and preparation. While opportunities exist, the challenge lies in building a strong profile that stands out among thousands of applicants worldwide.

That’s where Ambitio comes in. As a trusted study abroad consultancy specializing in profile building, Ambitio helps you transform aspirations into reality. From identifying the right scholarships to crafting winning applications, we simplify your journey. Ready to pursue your MBBS abroad with confidence? Join Ambitio Elite today. Your future in medicine starts here!

FAQs

What is the main way for how to study MBBS abroad for free?

The primary way for how to study MBBS abroad for free is by securing a full government scholarship or a merit-based grant that covers tuition and living expenses.

Which countries offer opportunities for how to study MBBS abroad for free?

Some countries such as Germany, Russia, and China allow how to study MBBS abroad for free or at very low cost through government or institutional funding.

Can Indian students use how to study MBBS abroad for free through exchange programs?

Yes, how to study MBBS abroad for free is possible via select university exchange programs that sponsor students based on merit.

Is how to study MBBS abroad for free available for students with lower academic grades?

How to study MBBS abroad for free is mainly available for high-achieving students; those with lower grades may find fewer opportunities.

What is the eligibility for how to study MBBS abroad for free?

Eligibility for how to study MBBS abroad for free includes strong academic records, language proficiency (like IELTS/TOEFL), and meeting scholarship guidelines.

Are living expenses included in how to study MBBS abroad for free schemes?

Certain schemes offering how to study MBBS abroad for free also provide stipends for living expenses, though not all do.

Do I need to repay anything in how to study MBBS abroad for free programs?

You usually don’t need to repay anything in how to study MBBS abroad for free programs, unless it is a loan-based scheme; scholarships are typically non-repayable.

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