Nepal has emerged as one of the most sought-after destinations for Indian students and international aspirants who dream of pursuing MBBS abroad at affordable costs. The country’s proximity to India, cultural similarities, globally recognized medical universities, and competitive fee structures make it an attractive option.
While many students focus on fees, admission criteria, or the recognition of the medical colleges, one key factor often overlooked is the language requirement. Language plays an essential role in medical education since the medium of instruction determines how well a student can understand concepts, interact with faculty, and communicate with patients during clinical training.
Most recognized Medical colleges in Nepal follow English as the primary medium of instruction for the MBBS program. This is done to ensure inclusivity and attract international students, especially from India, Bangladesh, Maldives, and other countries.
Theoretical Classes – Delivered in English to ensure that students from different linguistic backgrounds can grasp the medical curriculum.
Examinations – All written and viva exams are conducted in English, ensuring standardization for both local and international students.
Books and Study Materials – The curriculum uses globally recognized English textbooks, the same as used in India or other international institutions.
Thus, students do not need to worry about learning Nepali as a prerequisite for admission to MBBS colleges in Nepal.
Global Acceptance – English is the international language of medicine. Research papers, journals, and medical terminologies are widely published in English.
Ease for International Students – A majority of students in Nepalese MBBS colleges are from India and other SAARC countries, making English the common ground.
Examination Standards – Since graduates must later appear for licensing exams like FMGE/NExT (India), USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or AMC (Australia), English ensures they are already familiar with the medium of these exams.
Faculty Interaction – Most professors and doctors are well-versed in English, making academic communication smooth.
While English is the teaching medium, students eventually interact with patients during clinical rotations and internships. In hospitals, many patients are from local communities and may not understand English. This is where a basic understanding of Nepali language becomes beneficial.
Patient History Taking – Students need to gather medical histories directly from patients. Knowing Nepali helps in accurate communication.
Doctor-Patient Relationship – Comfort and trust develop when patients can speak in their native tongue.
Community Medicine Programs – MBBS in Nepal often involves rural healthcare training, requiring basic knowledge of Nepali for effective service.
Thus, although Nepali language is not compulsory for admission, it is advisable for foreign students to learn conversational Nepali during their course.
Not necessarily. For academic learning, Indian students can rely entirely on English. However, during internships and hospital postings, having some level of Nepali knowledge can be very useful.
In practice:
Many hospitals employ translators or bilingual staff to help international students.
Indian students from border states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, or West Bengal often find similarities between Hindi and Nepali, making adaptation easier.
Colleges sometimes organize orientation sessions to familiarize students with common Nepali words used in hospitals.
Russia/Ukraine/China – Students must often learn the local language as part of their curriculum for clinical practice.
Philippines – The medium of instruction is English, but Filipino helps in patient interaction.
Nepal – Similar to the Philippines, the curriculum is fully in English, but Nepali is advantageous for clinical exposure.
This makes Nepal one of the easiest destinations linguistically for Indian students.
Unlike many European countries, Nepal does not require IELTS or TOEFL for MBBS admission. The basic eligibility focuses on academic marks (generally 50% in PCB in 12th standard) and NEET qualification for Indian students.
Thus, there is no official language exam requirement. Students only need to demonstrate proficiency in English, which is usually assessed through their academic records.
In some Nepalese medical universities, students must appear for an entrance test before admission. These entrance exams are also conducted in English, ensuring no barrier for foreign students.
Strengthen English Skills – Focus on medical vocabulary and fluency in English before joining.
Learn Basic Nepali Phrases – Simple greetings, symptoms-related words, and common medical terms in Nepali help a lot.
Observe Senior Students – Learn from seniors on how they interact with patients.
Use Translators Initially – Some hospitals allow interpreters for international students in the beginning.
Participate in Local Culture – Immersing in Nepalese culture helps students adapt faster.
While the annual tuition fees for MBBS in Nepal range between INR 45 to 65 lakhs for the complete course, there is no extra tuition fee for language learning. Students who wish to learn Nepali can do so informally through daily interactions or by taking up short courses offered locally.
Living Costs – Approximately INR 12,000 to 18,000 per month, which includes food, accommodation, and transportation.
Language Costs – Optional and minimal, since daily interactions are enough for basic learning.
1. What is the medium of instruction in Nepal MBBS colleges?
The primary medium of instruction is English across all reputed MBBS colleges in Nepal.
2. Do I need to know Nepali to get admission for MBBS in Nepal?
No, Nepali is not required for admission. English is sufficient.
3. Are entrance exams in Nepal MBBS colleges conducted in English?
Yes, entrance exams are in English, ensuring international students face no barriers.
4. Is IELTS required for MBBS admission in Nepal?
No, IELTS or TOEFL is not required.
5. Do Indian students face language issues in Nepal?
Not in academics, as English is used. For clinical practice, basic Nepali helps.
6. Can I complete MBBS in Nepal without learning Nepali?
Yes, academically it is possible, but for clinical exposure, Nepali is useful.
7. Are textbooks for MBBS in Nepal available in English?
Yes, globally recognized English textbooks are followed.
8. How do students interact with patients if they don’t know Nepali?
They may use translators, bilingual staff, or pick up basic Nepali words.
9. Is Nepali language training provided in MBBS colleges?
Some colleges organize orientation sessions for common medical terms in Nepali.
10. Is English used during hospital training?
Faculty communicate in English, but patients usually speak Nepali.
11. Is Hindi understood in Nepal hospitals?
In many regions, patients understand Hindi, especially near the Indian border.
12. Can Bangladeshi students manage MBBS in Nepal without Nepali knowledge?
Yes, since English is the academic medium.
13. Is learning Nepali compulsory for foreign students?
No, it is optional but recommended.
14. Do exams and assessments take place in English?
Yes, all assessments are conducted in English.
15. Is communication with faculty in English?
Yes, professors and doctors teach in English.
16. How long does it take to learn basic Nepali for hospital use?
Most students pick up basic communication within 3–6 months.
17. Does knowing Nepali improve clinical training experience?
Yes, it enhances patient communication and understanding of cases.
18. Do medical colleges in Nepal provide bilingual study material?
No, study materials are primarily in English.
19. Will lack of Nepali affect my MBBS degree completion?
No, it won’t affect academics, but it may affect ease in patient handling.
20. What is the best approach for Indian students regarding language in Nepal MBBS?
Focus on academics in English but learn conversational Nepali for clinical exposure.
WHO
Course Duration:
Average Fees:
Universities:
Medium:
6 years
$3,000 - $7,000 per year
2+
English