Every year, thousands of Indian students aspire to study to be doctors, but the shortage of MBBS seats in the government quota and the high fees charged by the private colleges become a barrier. Fortunately, MBBS abroad offers a much cheaper and internationally accepted option, but the first step towards this is obtaining a student visa.
Every country has different visa requirements, procedures and eligibility criteria, and therefore, students and parents need to stay informed about these requirements. However, an error or lapse would take away a whole year of your academic progress.
So, we will take you through country-wise Visa procedures of the popular MBBS destinations and give you professional tips so that you can fill out your visa application process.
Why is the Student Visa Process Important?
A student VISA:
- Gives you a legal right to remain in a foreign country and study.
- It is commonly associated with your enrollment and health insurance at your university.
- Decides your entry, stay and permission to re-enter.
- This must be well documented to be accepted officially.
In that way, being aware of country specifications can save both time and money and frustration.
Country-Wise Student Visa Guide for MBBS Aspirants
Explore visa requirements, documents, timelines, visa advice and best tips to get top MBBS abroad destinations without any trouble.
Russia
MBBS in Russia has always been one of the top choices for Indian students due to its quality medical education, affordability, and MCI/NMC recognition.
- Type of Visa: Student visa (initially single-entry, converted to multiple-entry after arriving at the destination)
- Processing Time – 2-4 weeks
Documents Required:
- Original invitation letter to a medical university in Russia (including the Ministry of Education approval)
- Valid passport (18+ valid)
- HIV-negative certificate
- Health insurance policy
- Passport-size pictures and the visa application form
Tips:
- To apply, an invitation letter is required.
- Check the guidelines of the Russian Embassy / Consulate again.
- A basic knowledge of Russian is useful when dealing with the embassy and can be especially helpful during the MBBS in Russia visa process and after arriving in the country.
South America (Guyana)
Guyana, situated in South America, is an emerging choice of Indian students because it follows the English-speaking environment, the US pattern of medical study, and enables clinical experience in hospitals which are registered by international medical organisations.
- Type of Visa: Student Visa (Applied before departure)
- Processing Time: 2-4 weeks
Documents Required:
- Admission/Acceptance letter from a known medical university (e.g., Lincoln American University)
- Valid passport
- Financial sponsorship or bank statements
- Police clearance certificate
- Health fitness certificate
- Visa application form with passport-size photographs
Tips:
- To avoid delays in your MBBS abroad visa process, ensure that every document is either in English or has been officially translated by a certified authority.
- The visa applications are done at the Guyanese Embassy in India. Moreover, it is advisable to make appointments early.
- To make the entry convenient, health insurance and funds should be provided.
- Given the fact that MBBS in Guyana follows a USMLE-aligned structure, it is an ideal option for Indian students wishing to practice within the US or the Caribbean.
Georgia
Georgia has become a popular destination among Indian medical aspirants due to its English medium programs and state-of-the-art facilities available in it.
- Type of Visa: D3 (Study Visa)
- Processing Time 10-20 working days
Documents Required:
- Admission/Acceptance letter of the University
- Passport valid for more than half a year
- Bank Statements (sponsorship)
- Medical and Health insurance
Tips:
- Georgia offers both an e-visa system and an offline visa process, depending on the applicant’s nationality, making it a flexible option when applying for a student visa for MBBS abroad.
- Apply for the application at least 6-8 weeks in advance.
- Get every document notarised and translated into the Georgian or English language.
Philippines
The Philippines also has a US-based curriculum and English-speaking MBBS programs; it is the best place to study MBBS.
- Visa Category: 9(f) Student Visa (applied after entering on a tourist visa)
- Processing Time: Takes up to 8 weeks
Documents Required:
- Notice of Acceptance (NOA) of a CHED-recognized medical university
- Passport, birth certificate (PSA) and transcripts
- Indian police clearance
- NBI clearance (Philippines)
- Documents of medical exams from Doh-accredited clinics
Tips:
- Begin with a tourist visa, and change it to a student visa within the country.
- There can be several stages and face-to-face interviews.
- There might be a need for a local sponsor.
Kazakhstan
The fees are affordable, and the universities in Kazakhstan are approved by the MCI and NMC, making it a reliable destination for students applying for a medical student visa.
- Visa Type: Student Visa (Type C9)
- Processing time: 7-10 working days
Documents Required:
- University invitation letter
- Visa application form
- HIV test, medical certificate
- Proof of financial means
Tips:
- Admission visa processing is easy and quick, suitable for last-minute admissions.
- Take several copies of your passport and academic papers.
- Cross-check attest amendments with the university.
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a great option because of inexpensive tuition, close proximity to India and English-taught MBBS programs.
- Visa Type: Type S (Student Visa)
- Processing Time: 7-14 days
Documents Required:
- Admission letter
- A passport that has validity of not less than 2 years
- HIV report and medical tests
- Photos and Visa fee
Tips:
- In some MBBS abroad destinations, students are granted visa-free entry for short durations, which must then be converted into a student visa upon arrival in the country.
- Stay informed on the visa-free arrangement for Indian nationals.
Armenia
A rapidly developing destination having low expenses and MBBS courses in English.
- Visa Type: Student Visa (Long-Term)
- Processing: 15- 20 days
Documents Required:
- Admission letter
- Education (translated) certificates (translated)
- Financial documents
- Medical reports
Tips:
- A large number of universities are helping students right away with processing the visas.
- Make your application early enough since verification of documents is time-consuming.
General Visa Tips for All MBBS Abroad Aspirants
- Do it early – A visa procedure is touch and go. Make your application early enough.
- Keep organised – Maintain established copies + photocopies of all documents.
- Medical Tests –The entire body and HIV screen in accredited laboratories.
- Document Translation & Apostille – A compulsory need in the majority of non-English papers.
- Adhere to the Embassy Rules – Every embassy has slightly different regulations.
- Consult Experts – Authorised education partners can eliminate the risk of mistakes and accelerate the work.
On the Whole
Since you already know the country-wise requirements and tips, there is no doubt that learning the MBBS abroad visa process is equally a considerable part as knowing the right university. Every state has its regulations, yet if you are well prepared in time, if all your documents are properly written, and your advisor provides you with the necessary help, your dream of studying abroad in order to get your medicine degree can come true without a hitch.
Further, is there something you still do not understand, or are you unconvinced about the visa procedure? Contact Rus Education in India, which is a reputable MBBS abroad consultant with all assistance with the admissions, documentation, visa and travel. Take your first step to be a globally certified doctor with the help of our professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. What is the visa for MBBS?
Ans – The MBBS visa is a student visa, and it enables international students to come into a foreign country, not just to stay but also to study medicine in a foreign land throughout the years of their course.
Q.2. How to go abroad after doing MBBS?
Once you have completed MBBS in India or in another country, you can travel abroad after passing medical licensing exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK) or MCCQE (Canada) specific to each country. The next step will be to apply to either a residency program or a postgraduate course on a relevant student or work visa.
Q.3. What type of visa do I need to study MBBS abroad?
A student visa will be required, and this will enable you to reside and study in the selected country throughout your MBBS course.
Q.4. Do I need to appear for an interview for a student visa?
It depends on the country to country. Some countries, like US or Philippines interviews are needed, while others, like Russia or Kazakhstan, do not require any interview.
