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.

Enquiry Now: 9355910750

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)

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.