There has been a significant increase in the number of Indian students studying overseas in order to become doctors due to lower tuition fees and more flexibility offered by institutions in other countries as compared to the cost of medical training in India (where there is less flexibility). Unfortunately, the complicated rules and regulations concerning foreign education, and the respective laws and regulations in the host country, add to the complexity of the overseas medical education process, which means that it is essential that students are fully informed of the rules, regulations and requirements for their overseas studies to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations when studying in the respective host country.
As a result, most Indian students studying medical degrees abroad rely heavily on the guidelines provided by the Indian Embassy in the respective host country. These guidelines provide Indian students with vital information on the documentation required to undertake overseas medical education, as well as access to all necessary resources to ensure compliance with the various local laws and regulations.
When registering with the Indian Embassy and Consulate of the host country (where students will be studying), students will have an ongoing connection to the Indian Authorities while they are studying in the host country. This connection allows students to easily access the services of Indian Authorities for all of their needs and helps to facilitate the registration of Indian citizens studying in the host country, thereby creating a database of Indian citizens in the host country and providing Indian Authorities with the ability to assist Indian Citizens during times of natural disasters and political unrest. Furthermore, this connection to the Indian Authorities acts as a safety net or access point to consular services while students are studying medicine abroad.
Key Documents Required for Embassy Registration
If you plan on travelling before you apply for an Embassy registration, then you should gather and carry all legal documents that will fulfil your registration requirements. According to the Indian Embassy’s Guidelines, the following documents must be presented by all applicants after arriving in the International Students’ Residency Area:
- Original passport with a valid visa.
- Official letter of acceptance/registration to an accredited Medical/Health University.
- Proof of accommodation in the country in which you are going to attend the Medical School.
- Passport-sized photographs.
As well as the above documents, you should also be in possession of photocopies of all your educational qualifications, including your 12th Grade Marksheet and scorecards from any entrance exams. Many Embassies now allow applicants to send their applications in an online format, which may provide additional flexibility for International Students; however, you should ensure that you complete the application for Embassy registration in the first few weeks following your arrival.
Medical University Recognition and NMC Approval
The following issue addressed in the Indian Embassies’ Documents Guide is the requirement for International Students to study at a University that has been recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The Embassy strongly advises all applicants to check that their selected University is on the list of approved Medical/Health universities before applying to study there. Without studying at an NMC-approved University, you will not be able to take the NMC Licensing Examination, which is a requirement to practice as a Doctor in India after graduation. The Embassy maintains an up-to-date list of NMC-recognized institutions, and can therefore assist you in choosing a legitimate Medical/Health University and can prevent you from falling victim to fraudulent Universities that offer Medical degrees without accreditation.
Certificate Attestation Requirements
To have your educational documents attested by an Indian Embassy, you must submit your original degree certificate(s), transcripts, and any other related academic documentation along with payment of the fee. The guidelines for the attestation procedure recommend that you submit the necessary documentation a sufficient amount of time prior to when you plan on returning to India to prevent unnecessary delays in your career path.
Financial and Scholarship Information
The vast majority of students do not know that the Indian Embassy abroad is usually able to share information on available scholarships, grants and financial aid for Indian students going to study abroad. The Indian Embassy Guidelines suggest that the students should check the embassy’s website regularly for current information or attend orientation programs hosted by the embassy that will announce such opportunities.
Some embassies provide banking services and can assist students in opening bank accounts, transferring funds from India and managing their finances in accordance with local laws and regulations.
Safety and Security Protocols
The safety of the student is the top priority of the Indian Embassy Guidelines. The embassies also provide advice to avoid places, observe local laws, and take actions that will ensure their safety while living in the host country.
The embassy requires that all students provide contact information and their local addresses to the embassy. The students are encouraged to keep their contact information current. If an emergency occurs that requires the student to be evacuated, the embassy can quickly contact the student through this contact information in order to assist.
Cultural Programs
In addition to administrative support, the Indian Embassies also conduct cultural programs, national celebrations and community events that help maintain the connection of students to their heritage. These events provide an opportunity for Indian medical students to meet other Indian professionals and students in their new country.
Grievance Redressal Mechanism
In case of any issues regarding your institution, accommodation or discrimination, you are encouraged to contact the embassy representatives at the Education or Student Welfare division as per the guidelines issued by the Indian Embassy. You may also be able to access a mediation process between you and the institution regarding academic issues; the embassy cannot interfere in the institution’s internal academic decisions, but can assist all Indian students in receiving equitable treatment and preventing any type of abuse while they are studying abroad.
Health Insurance and Medical Emergencies
The Indian Embassy Guidelines further note that most countries require students to purchase health insurance coverage while studying abroad. It is recommended that students maintain full and adequate coverage throughout their period of study. In the event of a medical emergency, you should contact the embassy so that they may coordinate with local hospitals and notify your family in India.
Some embassies keep a current list of hospitals where Indian doctors work or speak Hindi or other Indian languages, which may be of great assistance to you during a medical emergency when you are likely to have communication difficulties.
EOCL India
Eocl India has the complete Indian Embassy Guidelines for MBBS Abroad Students. We explain even the smallest details clearly to the students so that they can focus solely on their studies and not on unnecessary stress. All this is very important so that students do not get lost and do not face any problems related to support, university and finances. Eocl India provides the cheapest MBBS admission with the best support.
