When students plan to study MBBS abroad, one of the most important concerns they face is about the recognition of their qualification in their home country. For Indian and Pakistani students, the concern is even more critical because they must ensure that the MBBS degree they earn abroad is equivalent to the local medical qualification.
In Pakistan, students are familiar with the Foreign Medical and Dental College (FMDC) equivalence rules. These rules set the standard for students who pursue their MBBS or BDS abroad and then return to Pakistan to practice medicine. The question often arises—Does Bangladesh follow a similar equivalence system for MBBS, especially for international students from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and other countries?
The answer is yes, Bangladesh has its own recognition and eligibility framework, but it is different from Pakistan’s FMDC rules. This blog will explain in detail the equivalence rules for MBBS in Bangladesh, how they work for foreign students, the admission process, the role of eligibility certificates, and what students need to understand before applying.
Before comparing Bangladesh, it’s important to briefly understand FMDC equivalence in Pakistan. The FMDC or Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) earlier introduced equivalence rules to evaluate whether the foreign medical degree aligns with Pakistan’s MBBS program. This equivalence determines whether a returning graduate is eligible for licensing exams like the National Licensing Exam (NLE) or other local assessments.
Equivalence ensures:
Standardized quality of education.
Equal opportunities for local and foreign medical graduates.
Verification of curriculum, duration, and clinical exposure.
Unlike Pakistan’s FMDC equivalence, Bangladesh operates under the guidance of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. For foreign students, admission is granted through a centralized application system managed by the Bangladesh High Commission/Embassy in their respective countries.
Key points about equivalence in Bangladesh:
Eligibility Criteria: Students must meet specific requirements in their 10th and 12th grade (or equivalent).
Minimum 60% aggregate in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
Must have studied these subjects in high school.
For Indian students, NEET qualification is mandatory.
Equivalence Certificates: Issued by the DGHS for students coming from education systems other than Bangladesh. This certificate validates that their academic background is equivalent to Bangladesh’s Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or A-Level.
Curriculum Matching: Foreign students must pursue the same MBBS syllabus as Bangladeshi students, ensuring there is no difference in degree recognition.
Global Recognition: MBBS from Bangladesh is recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India, WHO, UNESCO, and other international bodies.
Thus, while Bangladesh doesn’t have an FMDC-like system exactly, it does have strict equivalence rules at the admission stage itself.
Equivalence rules in Bangladesh ensure:
Only qualified students are admitted.
Foreign degrees match Bangladeshi standards.
Students are eligible to appear in licensing exams in their home country.
International credibility of MBBS graduates.
Application Submission: Students apply through the Bangladesh Embassy in their home country.
Eligibility Certificate: Students must submit their 10th and 12th mark sheets to obtain equivalence certification from DGHS.
NEET Requirement (For Indian Students): Mandatory qualification.
Seat Allotment: Seats in private and government colleges are distributed based on merit and availability.
Final Admission: After DGHS approval, students can enroll in the respective college.
| Feature | FMDC (Pakistan) Rules | Bangladesh Equivalence Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Regulatory Body | PMC/FMDC | DGHS (Bangladesh) |
| Stage of Equivalence | After MBBS (before practice) | Before Admission (eligibility check) |
| Purpose | To assess foreign graduates | To screen eligible candidates |
| NEET/Entry Exam | NLE after graduation | NEET required for Indian students |
| Recognition | National practice eligibility | International + Bangladesh approval |
For foreign students, including Indians and Pakistanis, the cost structure is transparent and fixed by the government.
Tuition Fees:
Government Colleges: $8,000 – $12,000 annually.
Private Colleges: $6,000 – $10,000 annually.
Living Costs:
Hostel Accommodation: $60 – $120 per month.
Food & Other Expenses: $100 – $150 per month.
This makes Bangladesh one of the most affordable MBBS destinations compared to many countries.
Prevents admission of underqualified students.
Ensures international students meet the same standards as locals.
Protects credibility of Bangladeshi medical degrees.
Creates a level playing field for licensing exams.
Builds trust with international medical councils.
Many students are unaware of the DGHS equivalence process.
Misunderstandings regarding NEET exemption (NEET is compulsory for Indians).
Delay in obtaining equivalence certificates may affect admission deadlines.
Q1. Does Bangladesh have equivalence rules like FMDC Pakistan?
Yes, Bangladesh has equivalence rules, but they are applied before admission, not after graduation.
Q2. Who issues equivalence certificates in Bangladesh?
The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) issues them.
Q3. Is NEET compulsory for MBBS in Bangladesh?
Yes, for Indian students, NEET qualification is mandatory.
Q4. Do Pakistani students need NEET for Bangladesh MBBS?
No, Pakistani students do not need NEET but must fulfill DGHS eligibility.
Q5. Are A-Level students eligible for MBBS in Bangladesh?
Yes, A-Level students can apply if they have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Q6. What is the minimum percentage required for admission?
At least 60% in Biology and overall 60% aggregate in PCB.
Q7. Do students need to pass an entrance exam in Bangladesh?
Foreign students do not appear for an entrance exam; they are admitted based on academic merit.
Q8. Are MBBS degrees from Bangladesh recognized internationally?
Yes, they are recognized by WHO, UNESCO, NMC (India), and many others.
Q9. What happens if a student doesn’t meet equivalence criteria?
They will not be eligible for admission.
Q10. Is the equivalence process complicated?
No, it is straightforward but requires timely document submission.
Q11. Do Nepali students need equivalence certificates?
Yes, all foreign students, including Nepali students, need DGHS clearance.
Q12. Is English the medium of instruction in Bangladesh MBBS?
Yes, English is the teaching medium in most colleges.
Q13. What is the role of the Bangladesh Embassy in admission?
The embassy processes applications of foreign students and verifies documents.
Q14. Can foreign students apply directly to colleges?
No, they must apply through the Bangladesh Embassy.
Q15. Do FMDC rules apply to Bangladeshi MBBS degrees for Pakistani students?
Yes, after graduation, Pakistani students must follow FMDC/PMC rules for recognition.
Q16. Are scholarships available for MBBS in Bangladesh?
Yes, some government colleges offer scholarships for international students.
Q17. What is the average cost of MBBS in Bangladesh?
$35,000 – $50,000 for the entire course.
Q18. Can foreign students practice in Bangladesh after MBBS?
Generally, no. They must return to their home country for licensing.
Q19. Is FMGE required for Indian students after MBBS from Bangladesh?
Yes, Indian students must pass FMGE/NExT to practice in India.
Q20. How long does it take to get an equivalence certificate?
It usually takes a few weeks if all documents are complete.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English