Nepal, India’s close neighbor nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, has emerged as a top destination for Indian students aspiring to study MBBS abroad. With its affordable fee structures, quality education, MCI/NMC-recognized colleges, and cultural similarities, Nepal offers an ideal blend of convenience and value.
As the competition for MBBS seats in India grows fiercer each year, Indian students are increasingly considering Nepal for medical education. This blog offers an in-depth overview of the top MBBS colleges in Nepal for Indian students in 2025, helping students and parents make informed decisions.
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Why Study MBBS in Nepal?
Before diving into the list, let’s understand why MBBS in Nepal is a smart choice for Indian students:
1. No Language Barrier
Most colleges in Nepal offer MBBS courses in English, and Hindi is widely understood, making communication easy for Indian students.
2. MCI/NMC Recognition
Many colleges are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) (previously MCI), which allows Indian students to return to India and take the FMGE/NExT for practicing in India.
3. Affordable Fees
Compared to private colleges in India and other countries like the USA or Australia, Nepal offers low tuition fees, ranging from INR 45–75 lakhs for the full course.
4. Similar Curriculum
Nepal follows a medical curriculum similar to India, often based on the MCI/NMC guidelines.
5. High-Quality Faculty
Many medical colleges in Nepal employ Indian faculty, enhancing academic familiarity and quality.
6. Geographic Proximity
Nepal is close to northern and eastern India, and students can travel via road or air easily.
Course Structure and Duration
Degree Awarded: MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
Duration: 5.5 years (including 1-year internship)
Medium of Instruction: English
Eligibility:
Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (minimum 50% marks)
NEET qualification mandatory (as per NMC rules)
Top MBBS Colleges in Nepal for Indian Students (2025)
Let’s explore the most reputed and NMC-approved medical colleges in Nepal that are favored by Indian students.
1. Institute of Medicine (IOM), Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Established: 1972
Affiliated To: Tribhuvan University
Location: Maharajgunj, Kathmandu
Seats for International Students: Limited, highly competitive
Overview:
Considered Nepal’s premier government medical institute
Top choice for meritorious Indian students
High academic standards and extensive clinical exposure
Highlights:
Government-funded
Very affordable tuition
Excellent faculty and hospital exposure
2. B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan
Established: 1993 (as a joint Indo-Nepal project)
Autonomous: Yes
Location: Dharan, Eastern Nepal
Seats for Indians: 33% for international students, including Indians
Overview:
An autonomous institution with international reputation
Conducts its own entrance test for foreign students
Highlights:
NMC recognized
English medium
Indian faculty and students
Highly reputed entrance-based selection
3. Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences (KUSMS), Dhulikhel
Affiliated To: Kathmandu University
Location: Dhulikhel, Kavre
Overview:
Academic wing of Kathmandu University
One of the leading medical education centers in Nepal
Offers MBBS through various affiliated colleges
Highlights:
Research-oriented education
Strong academic collaborations
MBBS program conducted with rigorous standards
Affiliated Colleges under Kathmandu University
Kathmandu University (KU) is affiliated with several private and semi-private medical colleges that are popular among Indian students:
4. Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara
Established: 1994
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
Location: Pokhara
Overview:
Operated by the Manipal Education Group (India)
Highly reputed among Indian students
One of the oldest private medical colleges in Nepal
Highlights:
Indian faculty and students
Excellent clinical exposure at affiliated teaching hospital
Hostel and Indian food available
Approx. Fees: USD 75,000 (approx. INR 62–65 lakhs)
5. Nepal Medical College, Jorpati, Kathmandu
Established: 1997
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
Overview:
Located in the capital city
Provides a peaceful learning environment with modern infrastructure
Highlights:
Affiliated teaching hospital
Cultural comfort for Indian students
6. Kathmandu Medical College (KMC), Kathmandu
Established: 1997
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
Location: Sinamangal and Duwakot
Overview:
Popular private college with good hostel and hospital facilities
High number of Indian admissions every year
Highlights:
Urban campus with good connectivity
NMC-approved
Moderate fees with strong academics
7. Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar
Established: 2004
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
Location: Biratnagar (close to Bihar border)
Overview:
Among the top choices for Indian students from Eastern India
Offers a large patient inflow for clinical experience
Highlights:
Good infrastructure and hospital facilities
Affordable living cost
Easy access from India (especially Bihar, West Bengal)
8. Lumbini Medical College, Palpa
Established: 2006
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
Location: Palpa, near Lumbini (Buddha's birthplace)
Overview:
Rising in popularity for Indian students
Good student-faculty ratio and hostel amenities
9. Devdaha Medical College, Rupandehi
Established: 2014
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
Location: Near Lumbini, Southern Nepal
Overview:
Affordable option for Indian students with decent facilities
Clinical training in Devdaha Teaching Hospital
10. Birat Medical College, Biratnagar
Established: 2014
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
Overview:
Modern college with updated infrastructure
Affiliated to Biratnagar’s major hospitals
Attracts many students from Bihar and North Bengal
MBBS Fee Structure for Indian Students (Average)
College | Approx. Total Fees (INR) |
IOM, Kathmandu | ₹35–45 lakhs |
BPKIHS, Dharan | ₹55–60 lakhs |
Manipal, Pokhara | ₹60–70 lakhs |
Nobel Medical College | ₹50–60 lakhs |
Kathmandu Medical College | ₹55–65 lakhs |
Nepal Medical College | ₹55–60 lakhs |
Others (Average) | ₹45–60 lakhs |
Note: These fees are approximate estimates, and actual figures may vary yearly.
How to Apply for MBBS in Nepal (2025 Process)
Step 1: NEET Qualification
Indian students must qualify NEET-UG of the current academic year.
Step 2: Apply to Colleges
Apply directly to the university or via authorized admission offices. Some colleges conduct their own entrance exam, while others admit based on NEET.
Step 3: Submit Documents
Required documents:
10th and 12th Mark Sheets
NEET Score Card
Passport (recommended)
Photographs
Character & Migration Certificate
Step 4: Admission Letter
Once selected, students will receive an offer/admission letter from the college.
Step 5: Visa Process (if applicable)
Although Indians don't need a visa to enter Nepal, some colleges might require a student ID/permit for formality.
Step 6: Payment & Enrollment
Pay the first-year tuition fee and report to campus as per schedule.
Living and Lifestyle in Nepal
Cost of Living: ₹7,000–₹12,000/month (hostel, food, transport)
Food: Indian-style vegetarian and non-veg food available
Weather: Moderate to cold depending on city
Safety: Nepal is generally safe and student-friendly
Culture: Very similar to North Indian traditions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is NEET required for MBBS in Nepal?
Yes. As per NMC rules, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students to pursue MBBS abroad.
Q2: Are MBBS degrees from Nepal valid in India?
Yes, provided the college is NMC-approved, students can appear for FMGE/NExT to practice in India.
Q3: Can Indian students get scholarships?
Some colleges may offer merit-based discounts, but full scholarships are rare.
Q4: How is the quality of education in Nepal?
Medical education in Nepal is comparable to Indian standards, especially in top colleges like BPKIHS, IOM, and Manipal.
Q5: Is the internship valid in India?
Yes, if the student completes the 1-year internship in Nepal, it is generally recognized by the NMC (depending on rules at that time).
Pros and Cons of Studying MBBS in Nepal
Pros
NMC-recognized colleges
Indian faculty and curriculum
No language issues
Affordable fees
Easy travel and cultural comfort
Cons
Limited seats for Indians in top government colleges
Some private colleges may lack consistent clinical exposure
Requires careful selection to avoid non-accredited institutions
Conclusion
Studying MBBS in Nepal offers Indian students a golden opportunity to earn a globally recognized degree in a familiar and friendly environment. With colleges that follow Indian curricula, English-medium education, and significantly lower costs compared to private colleges in India, Nepal is an ideal destination for medical education.
However, due diligence is essential—choose only NMC-approved colleges, verify infrastructure and hospital tie-ups, and ensure proper counseling before applying. The journey to becoming a doctor is long and demanding, but the right choice of college makes all the difference.
