Blog / How to Finance Your MBBS Abroad: Scholarships and Education Loans for Indian Students to  study MBBS Abroad
How to Finance Your MBBS Abroad: Scholarships and Education Loans for Indian Students to  study MBBS Abroad

Obtaining a medical degree from an international college or university has become a popular option for Indian students. However, the financial burden of getting an MBBS degree Abroad can be daunting. Fortunately, students can attain their goals with a variety of financial aid choices, including scholarships and education loans. Let’s explore various options for  scholarship for MBBS students to study abroad, loan facilities, and other financial aid opportunities.

1. Scholarships for MBBS Students to Study Abroad

Scholarships are one of the most effective ways to ease the financial pressure of studying MBBS abroad. These scholarships are either offered by governments, universities, or private organizations. Here are some of them those  MBBS scholarships for Indian students:

a) Indian Government Scholarships

The Government of India provides several scholarships to help deserving students pursue their  higher education abroad. These scholarships often cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs.

  • National Overseas Scholarship (NOS): This scholarship is for students from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other minority communities. It covers the expenses related to studying MBBS overseas , including tuition fees, living costs, and travel.
  • Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: This scholarship is offered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for students from minority communities who wish to pursue professional courses abroad, including medicine.

b) International Government Scholarships

Many countries offer scholarships to international students, including Indian medical aspirants, to attract global talent. Some examples are:

  • Russian Government Scholarships: Russia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian medical students. The Russian government offers scholarships that cover the entire cost of tuition and living expenses for students with merit.
  • China Government Scholarship (CGS): The Chinese government provides scholarships to international students, including Indians, for various courses, including MBBS. The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, and health insurance.

c) University-Specific Scholarships

Several universities abroad offer their own scholarships for Indian medical students:

  • Ningbo University Medical Scholarship (China): This scholarship is available for international students who wish to pursue medical courses, providing partial or full tuition waivers.
  • Russian Universities: Many universities in Russia offer scholarships in collaboration with the government, reducing the cost of studying MBBS Abroad significantly.

d) Private Scholarships

Numerous private organisations in India and abroad provide scholarships aimed at helping Indian students pursue MBBS abroad:

  • J. N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarships: The Tata Trusts offer loan scholarships to Indian students aspiring to pursue higher studies abroad, including MBBS.
  • The Tata Trusts Medical and Healthcare Scholarship: This scholarship is specifically for students who wish to pursue medical courses abroad. It offers partial financial aid to cover tuition and living expenses.

e) Country-Specific Scholarships

Various countries offer study abroad financial aid for medical students, helping to cover tuition and living costs. For example:

  • Turkey Scholarship: Turkey offers scholarships that cover the tuition fees and living expenses for international students, including those pursuing MBBS.
  • Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS): This scholarship supports international students studying in Malaysia and covers part of the tuition fee and other living expenses.

2. Education Loans for MBBS Abroad

While scholarships can give tremendous relief, not all students may be fortunate enough to get them. For such students, education loans are a critical financial resource. Several Indian banks and financial institutions provide specialised education loans to students seeking MBBS overseas. These loans cover a variety of expenses, including tuition, travel, and housing.

a) Secured Education Loans

Secured loans require the student or their family to offer collateral, such as property or fixed deposits, to the bank. These loans typically have lower interest rates and longer repayment periods. Public sector banks such as State Bank of India (SBI) and Punjab National Bank (PNB) offer secured loans for MBBS studies abroad.

  • SBI Global Ed-Vantage Scheme: This is a secured education loan offered by SBI for Indian students pursuing education abroad, including MBBS. It offers a maximum loan amount of ₹1.5 crore with competitive interest rates.
  • PNB Udaan: This is another popular loan scheme that offers education loans for Indian students pursuing professional courses abroad, including MBBS.

b) Unsecured Education Loans

Unsecured loans do not require collateral but generally have higher interest rates. Many private banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) offer unsecured loans for Indian students.

  • HDFC Credila: A leading provider of unsecured education loans, HDFC Credila finances students pursuing MBBS abroad. The loan amount depends on the course and university, and the interest rates vary accordingly.
  • Avanse: Another NBFC that specialises in education loans for students pursuing higher education, including MBBS. Avanse offers both secured and unsecured loans.

c) Loan Repayment Options

Education loans for MBBS typically come with a moratorium period, which allows students to start repaying the loan after completing their degree or securing a job. Most banks offer flexible repayment periods ranging from 5 to 15 years.

3. Key Factors to Consider While Choosing Financial Aid

While financial aid can make pursuing an MBBS abroad possible, students must consider several factors before opting for scholarships or loans. Here are some important aspects to evaluate:

a) Scholarship Criteria

Scholarships are often merit-based, need-based, or both. Students should thoroughly research the eligibility criteria for each scholarship. For instance, some scholarships may be specifically for students from a particular region, while others may require a certain academic performance.

b) Loan Repayment Terms

If opting for an education loan, students should carefully examine the repayment terms, including interest rates, moratorium periods, and the possibility of pre-payment without penalties. Secured loans generally offer lower interest rates but require collateral, while unsecured loans do not require collateral but have higher interest rates.

c) Country-Specific Costs

The cost of pursuing MBBS can vary greatly depending on the country and university chosen. For instance, studying MBBS in countries like Russia, China, or the Philippines may be more affordable compared to Western nations like the US, UK, or Canada. While some scholarships and loan amounts may seem attractive, ensure they cover the total cost of education and living expenses.

4. Best Scholarships for MBBS Abroad

Here are some of the best scholarships for MBBS abroad available to Indian students:

  • Russian Government Scholarship: Covers full tuition and offers stipends to students studying in Russian universities.
  • China Government Scholarship (CGS): Offers full and partial scholarships to international students, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and medical insurance.
  • J. N. Tata Endowment Scholarship: Provides loan scholarships for Indian students pursuing higher education abroad, including MBBS.
  • Tata Trusts Medical and Healthcare Scholarship: Supports Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad by providing partial funding for tuition fees and other expenses.

Conclusion

Many Indian students aspire to study MBBS abroad, but doing so presents major financial hurdles. By exploring various options for  scholarship for MBBS students to study abroad, as well as financial help and school loans. Whether you receive a government scholarship, a university grant, or an education loan from a reputable institution, comprehensive research and planning are required. With the correct financial help, you can pursue your MBBS degree overseas, paving the way for a global medical career.

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