Why Kyrgyzstan Is Becoming Popular Choice Among Indian Students To Study MBBS
In recent years, a lot of students from India have been choosing to study MBBS abroad. Many of the reasons have contributed to this fact such as limited availability of MBBS seats in India, rise in tuition fees in private colleges in India and some of other factors that have stirred uncertainties among prospective Indian medical students such as the 2024 NEET controversy. It is important to acknowledge that the total number of medical seats in India under the government, which do not require tuition fees or only require a small quantity of medical fees, is approximately 55,000. This number includes seats from all states. The tuition fees associated with pursuing educational programs at a private medical college in India can be substantial, often paralleling those found in certain Central Asian nations. It is in light of these events that Kyrgyzstan emerges as the best spot for studying medical programs. There are a large number of Indian students studying in Kyrgyzstan, which can help the new students feel quite welcoming during their initial days of study. Kyrgyzstan is the best option for anyone who is interested in studying MBBS abroad because the educational fees there are quite affordable.
Competition for Medical Seats in India
In India, medical professions such as doctors are seen as having a higher reputation compared to many other fields. This comes with a heavy price for aspiring doctors. They have to face a tough competitive examination after their higher secondary schooling, named NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Examination), conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency). The success rate of the NEET varies annually, and only 10-15% of students who appear for the NEET exam qualify. It must be noted that India doesn’t have enough medical seats to accommodate all these students who have scored above the cutoff. Many of these students, who are still aspiring to pursue their dream of becoming doctors, are forced to go abroad for their studies or repeat the NEET exam. It is a fact that must be taken into consideration that the medical seats in India are very limited in comparison with the competition that is going on.
How Does Kyrgyzstan Stand Out From Other Countries?
Kyrgyzstan is not only an ideal but also an excellent choice for Indian students aiming to pursue MBBS abroad. In addition to the government’s assistance for foreign students in the form of scholarships and grants, the citizens themselves present a warm and welcoming atmosphere to foreign students, generating a sense of belonging among students. As previously stated, the living costs in Kyrgyzstan are bearable for middle-class families as well as lower-middle-class families who can easily afford the tuition fees through bank loans.
When anyone thinks about studying abroad, the first option that comes to their mind might be an American or European country, as these are the most popular and well-opted study destinations in the world. But this is the case for bachelor’s as well as master’s degrees in various fields where the study duration ranges from 2-4 years, which is entirely different from the situation of MBBS, which usually has a duration of 5–6 years. This means a huge difference in total cost, including tuition as well as living expenses. Compared to Asian countries, pursuing an MBBS degree in Europe or America may incur double the expenses. Many Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan, have the same living costs in comparison to India, which makes it an excellent choice for your MBBS studies abroad.
Living Expenses as a Student
The tuition fees as well as living costs in central Asian nations including Kyrgyzstan are far less compared to that in European and other Western nations. Compared to the monthly living expenses for students ranging from $1100 to $1500 in certain European countries, the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan, at $400 to $800 per month, is considerably more affordable, making it feasible even for middle-class Indian families. This is one of the factors that makes Kyrgyzstan a favorite choice for Indian students considering studying MBBS abroad. Financial constraints are one of the many reasons that keep many from achieving their dream of becoming doctors. Another significant point to consider is that the total expenditure, covering both tuition fees and living expenses in Kyrgyzstan, remains notably lower compared to private colleges in India. This is particularly important given the considerable strain many students endure due to the fierce competition within India’s educational sphere, compounded by the scarcity of seats in government-funded institutions.