… Cost, Recognition & NEET-Free Alternatives Drive Trend
New Delhi : As competition for medical seats intensifies in India, a growing number of students are opting for countries like Iran and Ukraine to pursue their MBBS degrees. Affordable tuition, globally recognised programs, and fewer entry barriers have made these nations increasingly attractive destinations for aspiring doctors, especially from middle-income families.
Iran: Affordable Education with Global Recognition
According to data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), approximately 2,050 Indian students were enrolled in Iranian universities in 2022, with most pursuing medicine at top institutions such as Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, and Islamic Azad University.
One of the primary reasons is the high competition in India, where around 23 lakh candidates appear for the NEET-UG exam every year to compete for just 1.1 lakh MBBS seats, including only about 55,000 seats in government colleges. The remaining seats in private institutions often come with a price tag of ₹50 lakh or more—well beyond the reach of average Indian households.
In comparison, Iranian medical universities offer five-year MBBS programs at a much lower cost—around ₹14-15 lakh, including living expenses and tuition, especially when factoring in scholarships. According to Aadil Shaikh, MD of Education Zone, this cost advantage is now drawing students who earlier considered Bangladesh as an option.
Iranian institutions are also recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, making Indian students eligible to practice in India after passing the FMGE (NEXT) exam. Additionally, many are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), enhancing global credibility.
These universities also offer modern medical infrastructure, early clinical exposure, and integrated curricula. The cost of living in Iran remains low, further easing the financial burden for Indian families.
Ukraine: Decades-Long Hub for Indian Medical Students
Before the 2022 war, Ukraine hosted nearly 20,000 Indian medical students. Its longstanding popularity stems from the low cost of education (around $35,000 for a six-year MBBS course), lack of competitive entrance exams, and recognition by global medical bodies such as the WHO, European Council, and more.
Indian students in Ukraine also eye long-term opportunities like permanent residency or further education in Europe, making it a strategic academic and migration decision.
A Word of Caution Amid Geopolitical Risks
While Iran remains a viable option academically, the escalating Israel-Iran conflict has raised fresh concerns about student safety.
Indian Embassy Evacuates Students from Tehran Amid Israel-Iran Tensions
Amid rising tensions in the region, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has taken precautionary measures to ensure the safety of Indian students. Several Indian students in Tehran have been evacuated from the city through arrangements made by the embassy. The External Affairs Ministry (MEA) confirmed that other Indian residents who can manage their own transport have also been advised to relocate, given the uncertain security situation.
Some students and residents were assisted in exiting Iran via the Armenia border, and the embassy is maintaining constant communication with the Indian community there. The MEA stated that further advisories may be issued, depending on the evolving situation, and all feasible assistance will be extended to Indian nationals in the country.
