What is the Local vs Foreign Student Criteria for MBBS in Bangladesh?

Bangladesh has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for pursuing MBBS among South Asian and international students. The combination of quality medical education, affordable fees, English-medium teaching, and globally recognized degrees makes Bangladesh an attractive choice. However, one of the most common questions aspirants ask is: What is the difference between the admission criteria for local students of Bangladesh and foreign students who want to study MBBS here?

The criteria indeed differ depending on whether the applicant is a Bangladeshi citizen (local) or an international student (foreign). Understanding these requirements is crucial because the admission process, eligibility, fee structure, and reserved seats vary for these two categories.

This blog explains in detail the local and foreign student criteria for MBBS in Bangladesh, along with a clear comparison, admission process, and essential points for students aspiring to join medical education in Bangladesh.

Importance of MBBS in Bangladesh

Over the last decade, Bangladesh has positioned itself as a reliable hub for MBBS education. The country has more than 100 medical colleges, out of which around 50 are private institutions, and several are government-funded. The recognition by international bodies such as WHO, NMC (India), and UNESCO ensures that MBBS graduates can pursue higher studies or practice medicine in different parts of the world.

But before applying, one must understand that local and foreign students follow different routes to secure admission.

MBBS Admission Criteria for Local Students in Bangladesh

Local Bangladeshi students compete in a highly competitive environment because MBBS seats in government medical colleges are limited and highly sought after. Below are the main eligibility conditions:

1. Nationality

• The applicant must be a Bangladeshi citizen.

2. Academic Requirements

• The student should have completed SSC (Secondary School Certificate) and HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) or equivalent.

• Minimum GPA requirement:

  • GPA of 9.00 (combined in SSC and HSC).

  • A minimum GPA of 3.5 in Biology in HSC is compulsory.

• Candidates from tribal or rural quotas may have some relaxation in GPA.

3. Admission Test

• Local students must appear for a nationwide admission test conducted by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

• The admission test is MCQ-based and assesses Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, and General Knowledge.

• The competition is intense, with lakhs of students appearing for only a few thousand seats.

4. Quotas for Local Students

• There are reserved quotas for:

  • Children of freedom fighters.

  • Rural or tribal candidates.

  • Specific underprivileged regions.

• These quotas reduce the cut-off score for some applicants.

5. Fees

• Government medical colleges charge highly subsidized fees for Bangladeshi students.

• Private medical colleges charge more, but still less compared to foreign students.

MBBS Admission Criteria for Foreign Students in Bangladesh

Foreign applicants do not compete in the national admission test. Instead, their admission process is managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education in Bangladesh.

1. Nationality

• The student must be a foreign citizen or a Non-Resident Bangladeshi (NRB).

2. Academic Requirements

• Students should have completed 10+2 education or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

• Minimum requirement:

  • An aggregate GPA of 7.00 (combined in 10th and 12th).

  • GPA of at least 3.5 in Biology in 12th grade.

• For Indian students: Minimum 50% marks in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) in Class 12, along with NEET qualification.

3. Admission Test

• Foreign students are not required to sit for the national admission test.

• Admissions are based on academic scores and documentation.

4. Documentation Process

• Students must apply through the Bangladesh High Commission or Embassy in their respective countries.

• Key documents include:

  • Valid passport.

  • Mark sheets of Class 10 and 12.

  • NEET scorecard (for Indian students).

  • Photographs and application forms.

5. Quotas for Foreign Students

• Around 25% of seats in private medical colleges are reserved for foreign students.

• Certain government medical colleges also offer limited seats under the SAARC and Non-SAARC quota.

6. Fees

• Foreign students usually pay more compared to local students.

• Fees for MBBS in Bangladesh for foreign students range between USD 35,000–50,000 for the entire course.

Direct Comparison: Local vs Foreign Student Criteria

Admission Process in Short

For Local Students

1. Register with DGHS for the admission test.

2. Appear and qualify for the nationwide test.

3. Secure a seat based on merit list and quotas.

4. Complete admission formalities at the allotted college.

For Foreign Students

1. Prepare academic and identification documents.

2. Apply through the Bangladesh Embassy or High Commission.

3. Wait for seat allocation by the Ministry.

4. Pay admission fees and confirm the seat.

Benefits of Studying MBBS in Bangladesh

• Globally recognized MBBS degree.

• Affordable cost compared to Western countries.

• No donation or hidden charges.

• Similar curriculum and culture for South Asian students, especially Indians.

• English is the medium of instruction.

• High FMGE/NExT pass percentage compared to many other countries.

FAQs

Q1. Do foreign students have to take the MBBS entrance exam in Bangladesh?
No, foreign students are exempt from the DGHS entrance test. Admission is merit-based on Class 10 and 12 scores.

Q2. What is the minimum GPA required for local students in Bangladesh MBBS?
Local students need a combined GPA of 9.0 in SSC and HSC with Biology GPA of at least 3.5.

Q3. What is the minimum GPA for foreign students?
Foreign students require a combined GPA of 7.0 with at least GPA 3.5 or 50% in Biology.

Q4. Do Indian students need NEET to study MBBS in Bangladesh?
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for Indian students to get admission and later practice in India.

Q5. Are MBBS degrees from Bangladesh recognized abroad?
Yes, they are recognized by WHO, NMC, UNESCO, and many international medical councils.

Q6. How many seats are reserved for foreign students in Bangladesh?
About 25% of private college seats and limited government seats are reserved for foreign students.

Q7. Do foreign students pay higher fees than locals?
Yes, foreign students generally pay between USD 35,000–50,000 for the complete MBBS course.

Q8. What is the admission process for local students?
Local students must clear the DGHS medical admission test conducted nationwide.

Q9. Can foreign students apply directly to the college?
No, they must apply through the Bangladesh High Commission or Embassy.

Q10. Do local students get any quota benefits?
Yes, locals have quotas such as freedom fighter quota, tribal quota, and rural quota.

Q11. Is English the medium of instruction in MBBS Bangladesh?
Yes, medical colleges in Bangladesh teach MBBS in English for both local and foreign students.

Q12. Is there a donation system for foreign students?
No, Bangladesh does not have a donation-based admission system.

Q13. Can NRIs apply as foreign students?
Yes, NRIs are considered foreign students and fall under foreign quota.

Q14. How long is the MBBS course in Bangladesh?
The MBBS program is 5 years plus 1-year compulsory internship.

Q15. Do foreign students also have to do an internship in Bangladesh?
Yes, they must complete a 1-year internship for degree recognition.

Q16. Is it easier for foreign students to get MBBS admission in Bangladesh compared to locals?
Yes, because foreign students are not required to appear for competitive entrance exams.

Q17. Can local students also study in private colleges?
Yes, but they must qualify for the national admission process.

Q18. Are SAARC students given preference in government colleges?
Yes, certain seats in government colleges are reserved for SAARC countries.

Q19. Do local and foreign students study together in the same class?
Yes, both categories attend the same classes and follow the same curriculum.

Q20. What is the main difference between local and foreign student criteria?
Local students must clear a national entrance exam, while foreign students are selected based on their school marks and embassy applications.