Beginning an MBBS degree in a foreign country is a gigantic step that can only be taken by an individual who has a passion for the medical line of work and a desire to go the extra mile in gaining exposure from other countries in the world. However, the reality is that life is inherently unpredictable. Whether it is brought on by the unexpected geopolitical scenario experienced in Ukraine in the last year or so, a change in finances, or the ultimate recognition that a country just does not make the ultimate destination for an individual embarking on a medical degree course, the million-dollar question often arises: Can you switch countries during MBBS abroad for Indian students 2026? The short answer is yes, but it is complicated. For Indian students, in particular, the regulations have recently tightened considerably under the latest National Medical Commission (NMC) regulations.
The Reality of Mid-Course Transfers
In the past, it was easy to transfer to a university in Georgia from Russia or to Kazakhstan from Kyrgyzstan; all I had to do was to “buy” my place in the second or third year at the new university.
But the scenario changes in the year 2026. Though the international universities accept you as a student, the medical councils of your home country may not accept the final course unless the transfer was done appropriately.
Essential Factors to Achieve a Successful Change
- Curriculum Matching: The new university needs to accept the credits you completed before. For instance, your old university might have offered an “Anatomy” course in the first year, while the new one might offer the course in the following year. This might mean you’ll need to retake a year.
- Language of Instruction: It is not possible to move from one bilingual program, such as the Russian-English program, to an English-only program if the country of origin–India, for example–requires English to be taught 100% on day one.
- Visa & Immigration: When you switch countries, it involves an altogether different student visa process. It is a time-consuming and cost-intensive process.
The NMC "Bombshell": Rules for Indian Students
If you plan to practice medicine in India, the National Medical Commission (NMC) is your most important stakeholder. Under the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, the rules regarding transfers are very strict.
The "Special Circumstances" Exception
The only major exception provided in recent years was for students displaced by the war in Ukraine. In such cases, the NMC allowed a “Transfer Scheme” to other countries. Outside of such extraordinary humanitarian crises, a “voluntary” switch to a different country just for a change of scenery can disqualify you from appearing for the NExT (National Exit Test) or the FMGE in India.
Top Reasons Why Students Switch Countries
Despite the challenges involved in the transfer process, thousands of students explore their possibilities each year. Some of the most common reasons are:
- Safety & War: Civil unrest or conflict in the host country.
- Quality of Education: Discovering that the clinical exposure or lab facilities were not as represented at the initial university.
- Financial Shifts: Major devaluation of currency and/or a sudden increase in fees.
- Language Barriers: Inability to clear the local language exams needed before clinical rotations in the home country.
The Step-by-Step Migration Process
If you have weighed the risks and have made up your mind to go ahead, here’s the protocol to follow:
- Step 1: Obtain Your Transcripts
You may not go without a formal record of your grades as well as the number of hours spent in each subject (called ECTS, European Credit System).
- Step 2: Get a No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Your current university has to release you. If you do not have an NOC, the new university may treat your application as a case of a “dropout.”
- Step 3: Syllabus Mapping
Submit your current syllabus to the target university. They will evaluate how many of your credits they can “exempt.”
- Warning: You will almost always lose at least one semester during an international transfer.
- Step 4: Legalization & Translation
Documents must be apostilled (legalized for international use) and often translated into the local language of the new country.
- Step 5: New Visa Application
You must return to your home country to apply for a fresh student visa for the new destination. You cannot usually switch from a “Russia Student Visa” to a “Georgia Student Visa” while standing in Moscow.
Financial Implications
Switching countries isn’t often budget-friendly! What to prepare for:
- New Admission Fees: Transfers generally enter most schools as new students.
- Translation & Notary Fees: These can total up to $500–$1,000.
- Travel & Relocation: Relocation of your life is not an inexpensive process.
- Academic Loss: If a student is forced to repeat a year, he is also required to pay an additional year’s fees.
Final Verdict: Should You Do It?
If there is a war going on in your home country or your medical university has lost the accreditation approval of the relevant body, it is desirable. But in your case, since you are trying to change because you found a way that’s “cheaper,” then you have to be very careful.
Always consult a legal expert or a verifiable medical counselor who is conversant with 2026 NMC and WFME (World Federation for Medical Education) standards.
EOCL INDIA
EOCL India (Education Orbit Counseling & Link) is the flagship operation of the organization focused on advising and guiding Indian students in the pursuit of higher education in the sought-after field of MBBS from countries like Russia and Kazakhstan. They are associated with many of the NMC-approved institutions in these countries. Contact us now.
