NMC-Approved Countries for MBBS in 2026: Complete List

Why the 2026 NMC update matters

The National Medical Commission of India rolled out revised foreign MBBS norms that took effect from 2026. One change still pending is the move from FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) to NEXT (the National Exit Test) — but the NMC deferred NEXT by about 3–4 years in October 2025, so FMGE remains the operative licensing exam in 2026.

The licensing exam (FMGE today; NEXT once it launches) is mandatory. If your university doesn't meet the NMC criteria, you cannot appear for it — meaning you cannot get an Indian medical licence, regardless of where you studied. NEXT, when introduced, will have two parts: Step 1 (theory) and Step 2 (clinical skills during your India internship).

This raises the stakes considerably. Getting the country and university right the first time is non-negotiable.

The four NMC criteria your university must meet

1. NEET qualification: You must have cleared NEET (50% PCB for general; 40% for SC/ST/OBC) before admission. No NEET = no FMGE/NEXT eligibility later.
2. WHO WDOMS listing: The university must be listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools at search.wdoms.org.
3. NMC India recognition: The university must appear on India's own approved list at nmc.org.in. A WDOMS listing alone is insufficient.
4. Programme duration: Minimum 54 months of academic study + 12 months internship. Any programme under 66 months total is disqualified.

NMC-approved countries — 2026 verified list

The following countries have universities on the NMC-approved register as of 2026. Remember: approval is university-specific, not country-wide.

Country	Region	Typical annual fee (USD)	English medium	NMC-approved universities
🇬🇧 UK	Europe	$54,000–$82,000	Yes	Select schools
🇮🇪 Ireland	Europe	$59,000–$66,000	Yes	Select schools
🇲🇹 Malta	EU	$28,000–$43,000	Yes	2+
🇷🇴 Romania	EU	$9,000–$11,000	Yes	6+
🇧🇬 Bulgaria	EU	$10,000–$11,000	Yes	5+
🇱🇻 Latvia	EU	$12,800–$14,600	Yes	2+
🇱🇹 Lithuania	EU	$13,500–$14,500	Yes	2+
🇬🇪 Georgia	Europe	$5,000–$8,000	Yes	15+
🇹🇱 Timor Leste	Asia	Verify	Verify	Verify
🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan	Central Asia	$3,500–$4,500	Yes	10+
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan	Central Asia	$4,000–$5,400	Yes	8+

Which country is right for you?

For the lowest total cost: Kyrgyzstan or Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan offers the lowest tuition for Indian students (from around $2,500/year), with established hostels and a large Indian community. Kazakhstan is similarly affordable with modern, English-medium universities. Both are NMC-approved and popular budget-conscious choices.

For a full EU-recognised degree: Romania, Bulgaria & the Baltics

Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia and Lithuania are EU member states whose degrees are recognised across Europe as well as by the NMC. Romania is the most affordable ($5,000–$8,000/year); the Baltics and Bulgaria offer highly reputed schools. See our full-EU MBBS guide.

For prestige & an English-speaking country: UK, Ireland or Malta

The UK (GMC), Ireland and Malta lead to globally respected, English-language degrees in a fully English-speaking environment. Costs are far higher ($35,000–$60,000/year), so these suit students prioritising reputation and language comfort over budget.

For the best all-round value: Georgia

Georgia balances affordable, English-medium tuition ($4,000–$7,000/year) with a safe, European lifestyle and a large Indian student community. See our Georgia guide.

The one step most students skip

After confirming the country, students must verify their specific university on both lists — not just one:

1. Search at search.wdoms.org — ensure the university is listed and its country regulator has approved it.
2. Check at nmc.org.in under the foreign medical institutions list.

A university can appear in WDOMS but not on the NMC register — and vice versa. Both are required. Skip either check and you risk spending 6 years and significant money on a degree you cannot use in India.