Study in United States
MS, MBA, engineering, computer science
- Indicative cost
- ₹25–50 lakh / year
- Tests
- GRE or GMAT + TOEFL / IELTS
Application fees run $50–100 per university; the F-1 SEVIS and visa fees together come to roughly ₹45,000.
Free overseas education counseling
Study abroad consultants in India for MBBS, master’s & UG admissions
Merit Bridgeis a study abroad consultancy based in India that advises Indian students on MBBS in Russia, Georgia or Central Asia, and master’s and bachelor’s programmes in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany and Ireland. Country shortlist, tests, applications, scholarships and visa, planned end to end.
Destinations
Where Indian students go, and what it costs
Indicative annual costs for Indian applicants, covering tuition and living expenses. Treat them as planning ranges — actual figures depend on the university, city and intake.
Study in United Kingdom
Business, law, humanities, one-year master's
- Indicative cost
- ₹25–50 lakh / year
- Tests
- IELTS; GMAT for some business schools
Most master's degrees run a single year, and the Graduate Route currently allows two years of post-study work.
Study in Canada
Engineering, IT, health sciences, business
- Indicative cost
- ₹12–35 lakh / year
- Tests
- IELTS / PTE; GRE for some programmes
Mid-band tuition with a large established Indian student community.
Study in Australia
Business, IT, nursing, hospitality
- Indicative cost
- ₹12–35 lakh / year
- Tests
- IELTS / PTE
February and July are the main intakes, which suits students who miss a September start.
Study in Germany
Engineering, automotive, data science
- Indicative cost
- ₹1–3 lakh / year
- Tests
- IELTS / TOEFL; German for some courses
Public universities charge little or no tuition — the cost is living expenses and the blocked-account requirement.
Study in Ireland
Technology, pharma, business analytics
- Indicative cost
- ₹12–35 lakh / year
- Tests
- IELTS / PTE
One-year master's programmes with strong technology and pharmaceutical employer bases.
What we advise on
Three routes out of India
Each route has a different entry test, a different budget and a different set of rules to satisfy. Start from the one that matches where you are now.
Route 01
MBBS abroad
A six-year English-medium degree including internship, at roughly a third of the cost of an Indian private medical seat. The regulatory conditions are strict and non-negotiable — read the NMC section below before you shortlist a single university.
- NEET UG is mandatory
- 6 years including internship
- FMGE / NExT required to practise in India
Route 02
Master's abroad (MS, MBA, MSc)
The largest Indian outbound segment. Country choice drives everything: a UK master's finishes in one year, a US master's usually takes two but opens deeper research and internship pipelines, and Germany can cost a fraction of both at public universities.
- GRE or GMAT, plus IELTS/TOEFL/PTE
- Fall and Spring intakes
- Post-study work rules vary sharply
Route 03
Bachelor's abroad
Longer and costlier than a postgraduate route, so the financial plan matters more than the brochure. Applications open a full year ahead, and scholarship deadlines usually close before the admission deadline does.
- SAT where required, plus English test
- Apply 12+ months ahead
- Scholarships close early
Side-by-side
Study abroad costs and tests compared
The same six destinations in one table — indicative annual cost, what Indian students go for, and the tests each country expects.
| Country | Indicative cost | Popular for | Tests | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | ₹25–50 lakh / year | MS, MBA, engineering, computer science | GRE or GMAT + TOEFL / IELTS | Application fees run $50–100 per university; the F-1 SEVIS and visa fees together come to roughly ₹45,000. |
| United Kingdom | ₹25–50 lakh / year | Business, law, humanities, one-year master's | IELTS; GMAT for some business schools | Most master's degrees run a single year, and the Graduate Route currently allows two years of post-study work. |
| Canada | ₹12–35 lakh / year | Engineering, IT, health sciences, business | IELTS / PTE; GRE for some programmes | Mid-band tuition with a large established Indian student community. |
| Australia | ₹12–35 lakh / year | Business, IT, nursing, hospitality | IELTS / PTE | February and July are the main intakes, which suits students who miss a September start. |
| Germany | ₹1–3 lakh / year | Engineering, automotive, data science | IELTS / TOEFL; German for some courses | Public universities charge little or no tuition — the cost is living expenses and the blocked-account requirement. |
| Ireland | ₹12–35 lakh / year | Technology, pharma, business analytics | IELTS / PTE | One-year master's programmes with strong technology and pharmaceutical employer bases. |
Last reviewed: November 2026
MBBS abroad
The NMC rules that decide whether your degree counts
Most MBBS-abroad disappointment comes from ignoring regulation, not from picking the wrong country. A degree that does not satisfy the National Medical Commission cannot be registered in India, however good the university looked in the brochure. Four conditions matter:
- NEET UG is compulsory. You must qualify NEET UG before joining any foreign medical university. The score remains valid for three years.
- Minimum course structure. The programme must run at least 54 months, be taught entirely in English, and include a 12-month internship.
- Licensing exam in India. Graduates must clear the FMGE — being replaced by the NExT — before they can register and practise in India.
- FMGL 2021 compliance. The Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate regulations govern eligibility. A university that does not satisfy them ends your Indian career before it starts.
Still weighing an Indian seat against going abroad? Compare medical colleges in India and the entrance exam profiles first.
Common destinations and total cost
| Country | Indicative total cost |
|---|---|
| Kazakhstan | ₹15–25 lakh total |
| Russia | ₹18–40 lakh total |
| Georgia | ₹20–35 lakh total |
| Uzbekistan | ₹36–37 lakh total |
| Kyrgyzstan | around ₹39 lakh total |
| Philippines, Nepal & Bangladesh | varies by university |
Last reviewed: November 2026
Entrance tests
Exams you will need
English proficiency
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test
Required by universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Ireland. One test usually covers every application in that country.
Postgraduate aptitude
GRE, GMAT
GRE for most US graduate programmes — though many have made it optional — and GMAT for business schools. The GRE costs roughly ₹22,550.
Undergraduate aptitude
SAT
Asked for by many US and some international undergraduate programmes. Check each university, as test-optional policies are now common.
Medicine
NEET UG
Mandatory for any Indian student joining an MBBS programme abroad. The score stays valid for three years.
Intakes
September 2026 or January 2027?
September 2026 (Fall)
The larger intake, with the widest course choice and the most scholarship funding. Right for you if entrance tests are done and your documents are ready now.
January 2027 (Spring)
Fewer seats, but a genuine option if you still need time for final marksheets, IELTS preparation or arranging finances. Better than rushing a weak Fall application.
Australia runs on February and July intakes instead, which suits students who miss a September start.
How it works
From profile review to departure
Profile and budget review
Marks, test scores and a realistic annual budget, before any country is suggested.
Country and course shortlist
Where your profile and finances actually convert into an offer.
Tests and documents
Test booking, SOP, LORs, transcripts and financial paperwork on a dated plan.
Applications and offers
Filing to deadline, tracking responses, comparing offers and scholarships.
Visa and departure
Visa file, funds documentation, interview preparation and pre-departure checks.
Questions
Study abroad FAQs
Is NEET mandatory for MBBS abroad?
Yes. The National Medical Commission requires Indian students to qualify NEET UG before joining an MBBS programme at any foreign medical university. The qualification stays valid for three years. Without it you cannot sit the FMGE or NExT afterwards, which means the degree will not let you register or practise medicine in India.
What does an MBBS abroad cost for an Indian student?
Total programme cost typically falls between ₹15 lakh and ₹45 lakh depending on the country and university. Kazakhstan sits at the lower end at roughly ₹15–25 lakh, Russia spans ₹18–40 lakh, Georgia ₹20–35 lakh, and Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan sit near ₹36–39 lakh all-inclusive. Compare total cost including hostel and food, not tuition alone.
Which exams do I need to study abroad?
For most English-speaking destinations you need an English proficiency test — IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo. Master's applicants often add the GRE, or the GMAT for business schools. Undergraduate applicants may need the SAT. MBBS abroad requires NEET UG. Which combination applies depends entirely on your country and level of study.
How much does a master's abroad cost?
Annual costs vary widely by country. Germany can be ₹1–3 lakh a year because public universities charge little or no tuition, Canada and Australia typically run ₹12–35 lakh, and the US and UK range from ₹25–50 lakh. Budget separately for application fees, visa costs and living expenses.
Which intake should I apply for?
Apply for the September 2026 intake if your entrance tests are done and documents are ready. Choose January 2027 if you still need time for marksheets, IELTS preparation or arranging finances. Applying to the wrong intake in a rush usually costs more than waiting one cycle.
Do you charge students for study abroad counseling?
No. Profile evaluation, country and university shortlisting, and deadline planning are free for students and parents. We are compensated by partner institutions, so our guidance never carries a fee for you.
Free profile review
Get a free profile review
Profile evaluation, country and university shortlisting, and deadline planning are free for students and parents. Share your details and a counsellor will plan the first three steps with you.
- Profile and budget review. Marks, test scores and a realistic annual budget, before any country is suggested.
- Country and course shortlist. Where your profile and finances actually convert into an offer.
- Tests and documents. Test booking, SOP, LORs, transcripts and financial paperwork on a dated plan.
Request admission counselling
Share a few details and a counsellor will contact you with college matches.
Find out which country your profile actually fits
Share your marks, test scores and budget. You will get a country and university shortlist that matches all three — at no cost.