Scholarships & Education Loans for Indian Students Pursuing MBBS Abroad

Pursuing an MBBS degree abroad is a dream for many Indian students, but the financial burden often becomes a major concern. While studying medicine in foreign countries like Russia, Georgia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan is more affordable than private medical colleges in India, the overall expenses—including tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs—can still be significant.

Fortunately, there are several financial aid options available, including scholarships and education loans, that can help students manage their expenses and focus on their studies. In this detailed guide, we will explore the various scholarships, grants, and loan opportunities that Indian students can avail of when pursuing an MBBS abroad.

Scholarships for Indian Students Studying MBBS Abroad

Several governments, universities, and private organizations offer scholarships to international students, including Indians, to support their medical education abroad. These scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or specific eligibility criteria set by the awarding body.

1. Government Scholarships for MBBS Abroad

The Indian government, as well as the governments of foreign countries, offer scholarships to meritorious students. Some of the prominent ones include:

✔ National Overseas Scholarship (NOS) – Provided by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, this scholarship is for students from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and other marginalized sections to study abroad.

✔ J.N. Tata Endowment Scholarship – This loan scholarship is granted to Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, including MBBS. It provides partial financial assistance, which must be repaid after completing the course.

✔ Russian Government Scholarships – The Russian government offers fully and partially funded scholarships to international students, including Indians, covering tuition fees and sometimes accommodation expenses.

✔ Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Government Scholarships – These countries provide partial scholarships for Indian students enrolling in MBBS programs in select universities.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Many universities abroad provide scholarships based on academic excellence, entrance exams, or financial need. Some well-known medical universities offering scholarships to international students include:

✔ Kazan Federal University, Russia – Offers merit-based scholarships to high-achieving students.

✔ Tbilisi State Medical University, Georgia – Provides financial aid to students with outstanding academic records.

✔ Moldova State University of Medicine and Pharmacy – Grants partial fee waivers to international students based on academic performance.

✔ Astana Medical University, Kazakhstan – Offers scholarships to international students in collaboration with government programs.

✔ Samarkand State Medical University, Uzbekistan – Provides need-based scholarships for international students.

3. Private and Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Scholarships

Apart from government and university scholarships, several private organizations and NGOs support Indian students studying MBBS abroad.

✔ KC Mahindra Scholarships for Postgraduate Studies Abroad – Although primarily for postgraduate students, this scholarship may also support undergraduate medical students in exceptional cases.

✔ FAEA Scholarship – The Foundation for Academic Excellence and Access (FAEA) provides financial assistance to Indian students pursuing higher education, including MBBS, based on merit and financial need.

✔ Medical Scholarships from Educational Trusts – Various Indian trusts, such as the Sahu Jain Trust and Sir Ratan Tata Trust, offer interest-free loans and scholarships to students studying abroad.

Education Loans for MBBS Abroad

If students are unable to secure scholarships, education loans can be an excellent alternative to fund their MBBS abroad. Many Indian banks and financial institutions provide education loans specifically for students pursuing medical degrees overseas.

1. Eligibility Criteria for Education Loans

Before applying for a loan, students must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, which usually include:

• Admission confirmation from a recognized foreign medical university.

• The applicant should be an Indian citizen.

• The co-applicant (usually a parent or guardian) must have a stable source of income.

• The university should be listed under NMC/WHO-recognized institutions.

• The student must meet the minimum academic qualifications set by the bank.

2. Top Indian Banks Providing Education Loans for MBBS Abroad

Several banks in India offer education loans to students aspiring to study medicine abroad. Some of the top options include:

✔ State Bank of India (SBI Education Loan for MBBS Abroad) – Offers up to INR 30-50 lakhs under the Global Ed-Vantage Scheme, with a repayment period of up to 15 years.

✔ Punjab National Bank (PNB Udaan Education Loan) – Provides loans covering tuition fees, hostel expenses, and other costs, with interest rate concessions for female students.

✔ Bank of Baroda (Baroda Scholar Loan Scheme) – Offers education loans for students pursuing MBBS abroad in NMC/WHO-recognized universities.

✔ ICICI Bank Education Loan – Provides loans up to INR 1 crore for studies abroad, including MBBS.

✔ HDFC Credila Education Loan – Offers customized loan options for MBBS students with flexible repayment terms.

✔ Axis Bank Education Loan – Provides funding with a moratorium period, allowing students to start repayment after completing their studies.

3. Loan Repayment and Moratorium Period

Most education loans for MBBS abroad come with a moratorium period, which means students do not have to start repaying the loan immediately. The moratorium period usually extends up to 6 months to 1 year after completing the course or after securing a job.

Students can repay their loans through EMIs (Equated Monthly Installments) over a tenure of 5 to 15 years, depending on the bank’s policies. Some banks also provide interest subsidies under government schemes for economically weaker sections.

Tips for Securing Scholarships and Education Loans

To increase the chances of getting a scholarship or loan, students must follow a well-planned approach:

✔ Start early – Research and apply for scholarships as soon as possible, as deadlines vary across institutions.

✔ Maintain a strong academic record – Most scholarships are merit-based, so scoring well in exams is crucial.

✔ Prepare a compelling application – Write a strong personal statement and gather recommendation letters to support your application.

✔ Apply to multiple scholarships – Do not rely on just one; apply to as many as possible to increase your chances.

✔ Consult financial experts – Seek guidance from education loan consultants to find the best loan options with lower interest rates.

Conclusion

Funding an MBBS abroad is a significant investment, but with the right financial planning, scholarships, and education loans, students can achieve their medical dreams without financial stress. Various government and private scholarships, along with education loans from reputed banks, make studying MBBS abroad more accessible for Indian students.

At Saarthi MBBS, we assist students in securing scholarships, applying for education loans, and guiding them through the entire admission process.

💡 Need help financing your MBBS abroad? Contact us today for expert guidance on scholarships and education loans!