Many Indian students dream of pursuing a medical career, but the admission process to the medical colleges in India is quite stringent and highly competitive owing to limited seats and high cutoffs. For this reason, more and more students are thinking of pursuing their medical studies abroad where the admission process is less competitive and medical education more affordable in cost. Most students prefer to join in the fall intake, but a number of countries have started winter intakes also for MBBS now. This is, therefore, a good option for this Indian student who could not get into an institute for fall intake or who prefers some other academic calendar.
In this blog, we will have a look at the top countries, among many, that offer a winter intake to MBBS and talk about the opportunities such courses open to Indian students and the benefits of joining the winter session.
1. Russia
Russia has always been one of the favorite destination nations for the MBBS students pursuing their postgraduate qualifications abroad. With an array of universities offering such medical education with highly affordable tuition fees and globally recognized degrees, Russia ranks as one of the favourite destination nations. Many Russian universities have fall and winter intakes; therefore, it becomes easy for those students who miss the traditional intake or need more preparation time.
Why Choose Russia for MBBS Winter Intake?
Cheap Fee Structures for Tuition: The medical universities in Russia are easily accessible at reasonable budget when compared to their Indian private counterparts. Normally, the tuition fees range around INR 3 to 6 lakhs in a year.
Approved by NMC and WHO: Most of the Russian universities are approved by National Medical Commission of India and WHO and other internationally known medical councils, so the students who complete their course will be able to practice abroad as well.
Indian Food and Cultural Adaptation: Generally, most universities have a huge group of Indian students, and hostels offer Indian cuisine; hence students will encounter fewer challenges of getting socialized with the culture and weather of the country.
World-Class Infrastructure: Russia’s medical universities are renowned for having state-of-the-art laboratories and research centers and highly sophisticated teaching models.
Popular Russian Universities with Winter Intake:
- Kazan Federal University
- Crimean Federal University
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN)
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
2. Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has emerged as one of the fast-growing centers for Indian students wishing to pursue MBBS abroad. The nation has seen a quickly developing education system and low living costs, which is a great reason for Indian students looking for a winter intake.
Currently, there are medical universities in Uzbekistan that have acquired recognition on an international level. A majority of the medical universities provide courses in English medium, which makes ease for students across the globe.
Why Uzbekistan for MBBS Winter Intake?
Low Cost: The tuition fees offered in Uzbekistan’s medical universities are the cheapest in that region. The annual budget goes from INR 2.5-4 lakhs.
NMC and WHO Accredited Universities: Many of the Uzbek universities are NMC and WHO approved. Thus, students are eligible to sit for the licensing exams at FMGE, USMLE, and PLAB after passing the graduation exams.
Cultural Similarity: Uzbekistan shares more or less the same historical and cultural background that makes adaptation easier for Indian students in becoming accustomed to the local climate. The availability of Indian food and cultural events also contributes to their feeling of being at home.
High-Class Medical Programmes: Uzbekistan medical institutions follow an international syllabus and emphasize practical training and research significantly.
Popular Uzbekistan Universities for Winter Admission:
- Samarkand State Medical University
- Tashkent Medical Academy
- Bukhara State Medical Institute
- Karakalpak State Medical Institute
3. Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has emerged as the new destination for Indian students aspiring to pursue MBBS abroad. The country is significant for offering degrees recognized across the globe with low tuition fees and carrying out education through the medium of English at its medical universities. Many institutions facilitate winter intakes as well, which help students fit in their schedules.
Why Choose Kazakhstan for MBBS Winter Intake?
Low Tuition Fees: The average tuition fees in Kazakhstan range between INR 3-5 lakhs per year.
English-Medium Instruction: There are many universities that give MBBS courses in the English language. This eliminates language barriers while providing MBBS education to students.
NMC and WHO Accredited: Kazakhstan has officially acknowledged medical studies with international bodies like NMC, WHO, and UNESCO. Kazakhstan students are allowed to continue their studies or work as physicians anywhere in the world.
Medical Education Facility: Kazakh Universities provide quality education due to modern teaching methods and highly professional faculty members from foreign countries.
Kazakh Universities for Winter Admission:
- Kazakhstan National Medical University
- Astana Medical University
- South Kazakhstan Medical Academy
- Semey State Medical University
4. Georgia
Georgia has gained ground within a short period of time among Indian students studying medicine as it offers high-quality medical education and reasonably priced living costs. Many universities in Georgia have winter intakes to welcome students who wish to start medical education in the second half of the year.
Why MBBS Winter Intake in Georgia?
No Entrance Examination: Unlike most countries, entrance examinations are not a factor in Georgia in terms of admitting students into MBBS courses. This makes it easier for admissions among the students.
NMC and WHO Recognized: Medical colleges in Georgia are recognized by NMC and WHO which actually enables the graduates to practice medicine from India or any other countries after completion of their course.
European Standard Education: Georgia ensures higher quality education with a European-style curriculum and research-based knowledge.
Affordable Living: Georgia shares a relatively low cost of living compared to other countries in Europe, which allows every day life for the students.
Top Georgian Universities Offering Winter Intake:
- Tbilisi State Medical University
- Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University
- David Tvildiani Medical University
5. Ukraine
They consider Ukraine a favorable destination to pursue medical education abroad as its tuition fees are very cheap and their universities are world class. Though the geopolitical situation of Ukraine has created concern, some universities are still offering winter intake for MBBS programs.
Why MBBS Winter Intake in Ukraine?
Affordable Education: The tuition fee for an MBBS course in Ukraine is rather low and ranges between INR 3-5 lakhs per year.
English-Medium Programs: All the Ukrainian medical universities provide MBBS in English, which reduced linguistic constraints for Indian students to sit in there without any hindrance.
NMC and WHO Approved : The degrees by Ukrainian Medical Universities are approved by the NMC, WHO, and other global medical bodies so that the candidates can practice medicine throughout the world.
Top Ukrainian Universities Which Provide Winter Intake.
- Bogomolets National Medical University
- Lviv National Medical University
- Vinnytsia National Medical University
Conclusion
Even for Indian students, MBBS overseas winter intake thus gives a second chance without losing another year. Countries like Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Ukraine are such places where the scope of further studies has become very popular by affordable fee, quality education, and acceptance globally. Those students who could not get into the fall intake or students having a preference for the other academic calendar also find these as the prospects and attractive options to do their MBBS in 2024.
With the long experience of supporting Indian students in guiding the way forward for MBBS abroad, Dream MBBS stands as one-stop guidance to MBBS abroad-related advice, including the selection of the right university up to walking them through the admission process. It’s time to boost your medical career abroad; send us a mail now for winter intake options.
