MBBS in Uzbekistan for Indian Students

Uzbekistan has become popular with Indian medical students, but NMC has issued recent alerts about some universities. Read the facts carefully before you choose.

Read this first: recent NMC alerts about Uzbekistan

The number of Indian students in Uzbekistan has grown very quickly. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has since issued several notices about medical education there:

• 1 April 2026: NMC issued an alert note (No. U-15021/1/2024-UGMEB) about undergraduate medical courses in Uzbekistan. News reports say it names Bukhara State Medical Institute, Samarkand State Medical University and Tashkent State Medical University. The concerns reported include admitting more students than allowed, teaching that is not fully in English, and too little clinical training.
• 2025: NMC blacklisted the Chirchik branch of Tashkent State Medical University for not following the FMGL Regulations, 2021.

Some agents also offer "offshore campus" options where part of the classes happen in India. NMC rules say no part of the medical course, training or internship can be done in India. Avoid any such offer. Notices can change, so read the latest public notices on nmc.org.in and speak to our counsellors before paying any fee.

The medical course in Uzbekistan

Uzbek medical universities offer General Medicine to international students, usually as a six-year programme. In 2025, the government merged Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent Pediatric Medical Institute and Tashkent State Dental Institute into a new Tashkent State Medical University. If you see an older university name, ask which institution and campus will actually award your degree.

Medical universities in Uzbekistan on PSP's list

• Tashkent State Medical University, Tashkent
• Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand
• Bukhara State Medical Institute, Bukhara
• Fergana State University, Fergana

Three of these are named in news reports of the April 2026 NMC alert. Before applying anywhere, ask the university how it is responding to NMC's concerns, and read the notice yourself.

Questions to ask any university in Uzbekistan

1. Is my university or branch mentioned in any NMC notice?
2. Will every year, including clinical years and the internship, be taught in English?
3. Where will I do my clinical training and 12-month internship?
4. How many international students are admitted each year, and how big are the groups?
5. Which institution and campus will award my degree?
6. How will I become eligible for a licence to practise in Uzbekistan?
7. Will the university arrange my student visa? Students who arrive on tourist or other visas can lose their admission.

Who should consider MBBS in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan may suit NEET-qualified students looking for lower living costs in a culturally welcoming country, but only if the chosen university clearly meets every NMC condition. Families who want the lowest possible risk may prefer to compare options in other countries too.

Costs to plan for

Universities usually quote tuition in US dollars. Ask for a written fee schedule covering all years. Add hostel, food, medical insurance, visa and registration charges, documents and flights.

NMC rules for MBBS in Uzbekistan: read before you apply

If you want to practise medicine in India after studying in Uzbekistan, your course must meet the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021. These rules apply to students who joined a foreign medical course on or after 18 November 2021. The National Medical Commission (NMC) does not approve or publish a list of foreign universities. Instead, it sets conditions that your course must meet:

• The course is at least 54 months long.
• You complete a 12-month internship in the same foreign university.
• The whole course is taught in English.
• The entire course, training and internship happen outside India, at the same university. No part of it can be done in India.
• You study the subjects listed by NMC.
• You become eligible for a licence to practise medicine in Uzbekistan, on the same terms as its own citizens.
• You finish the course within 10 years of joining.

After returning to India, you must clear the licensing exam for foreign medical graduates and complete a 12-month supervised internship in India. Today this exam is the FMGE, conducted by NBEMS. NMC plans to replace it with the National Exit Test (NExT), but as of October 2026 NExT has not started for foreign graduates.

Eligibility for MBBS in Uzbekistan

• Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, with the marks needed for MBBS admission in India (lower for reserved categories; check the NEET-UG information bulletin).
• NEET-UG qualified. NEET is compulsory for Indian students who want to practise in India after studying abroad. For foreign admission, the result is valid for three years from the date it is declared. The Supreme Court upheld this rule in 2025.
• At least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year.
• A valid passport.

Universities may also set their own minimum marks, an entrance test or an interview. Do not trust anyone who offers MBBS admission without NEET if you want a medical career in India.

Documents usually required

• Passport
• Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets and certificates
• NEET-UG scorecard
• Passport-size photographs
• Medical fitness certificate and any tests the embassy asks for
• Admission letter and visa invitation or approval

Some documents may need translation, notarisation or apostille. Follow the exact list your university gives you.

MBBS admission process for Uzbekistan

1. Counselling: share your NEET score, Class 12 marks, budget and preferences with a counsellor.
2. Shortlisting: compare course duration, teaching language in every year, clinical training, hostel and the full cost.
3. NMC check: ask the university to confirm the NMC conditions in writing and read the latest notices on nmc.org.in.
4. Application: submit your documents through the university's official channel.
5. Admission letter: read the fee schedule and refund rules before paying.
6. Visa: apply for the student visa arranged through the university.
7. Travel: attend a pre-departure briefing and plan your arrival with the university.

After MBBS in Uzbekistan

Most Indian graduates return to clear the FMGE and complete the internship in India, then practise or prepare for postgraduate entrance exams. Some take licensing exams in other countries. A foreign medical degree alone does not give you the right to practise anywhere. Read our MBBS abroad guide for the full rules.

Your MBBS journey in Uzbekistan, year by year

• Before you leave: qualify NEET, choose the university carefully, check the NMC conditions in writing, arrange documents and visa, and join a pre-departure briefing.
• First year: settle into hostel life, learn the local language seriously, and build strong basics in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.
• Middle years: focus on pathology, pharmacology and microbiology. Start reading Indian textbooks and solving FMGE-style questions alongside your university studies.
• Clinical years: attend every hospital posting, talk to patients in the local language, and keep a record of your clinical training.
• Final year and internship: complete the 12-month internship at your university, collect all certificates, and prepare for the licensing exam in India.
• After returning: apply for the FMGE, then the 12-month internship in India through your State Medical Council.

Common mistakes to avoid

1. Choosing only by the lowest fee. A cheap course that does not meet NMC rules can cost you your career in India.
2. Believing "NMC approved" claims. NMC does not approve foreign universities. Check the conditions yourself.
3. Ignoring the local language. Students who do not learn it struggle in clinical years.
4. Leaving FMGE preparation to the end. Start practising early.
5. Paying agents in cash or to personal accounts. Pay fees only to the university's official account and keep every receipt.
6. Not keeping documents. Save your syllabus, marksheets, attendance and internship certificates. You will need them in India.

Paying for your studies in Uzbekistan

Education loans

Many Indian families use an education loan for studies abroad. Banks and lenders usually ask for the admission letter, a cost estimate from the university, academic records, identity and address proof, and income documents of a co-applicant, usually a parent. Larger loans may need collateral. Interest rates, limits and repayment rules differ between lenders, so compare at least two or three offers and read the terms carefully.

Sending money abroad

Fees and living money are usually sent through a bank's foreign remittance service under the RBI's rules for education abroad. Keep the university's fee invoice and bank details ready, and always pay only to the university's official account. Never pay fees into a personal account.

Making a realistic budget

• Write down tuition for every year, not just the first year.
• Add hostel, food, transport, mobile, insurance, books and visa charges.
• Add flights home at least once a year.
• Keep 10–15% extra for exchange rate changes and emergencies.

How to prepare for the FMGE while studying in Uzbekistan

The FMGE tests your medical knowledge as per the Indian curriculum. Many students who study abroad find it challenging, so prepare steadily through your course:

• Use standard Indian textbooks alongside your university notes, especially for clinical subjects.
• Solve multiple-choice questions regularly from your second year onwards.
• Revise subject by subject after each semester, while the topics are fresh.
• Take mock tests in the final year to build speed and confidence.
• Study in a group with other Indian students to stay motivated.

MBBS in Uzbekistan or a private college in India?

• Cost: studying abroad is often cheaper than many private colleges in India, but compare the full cost honestly.
• Practice in India: an Indian MBBS lets you practise after internship; a foreign degree also needs the licensing exam and an internship in India.
• Patients and language: in India you train with patients who speak your language; abroad you must learn a new one.
• Experience: studying abroad builds independence and international exposure.

Discuss these points openly as a family before you decide.

Your application timeline for MBBS in Uzbekistan

Starting early gives you more choices and less stress. Here is a simple timeline most students can follow. Exact dates depend on the university and intake, so confirm them with your counsellor.

• 12 months before: talk to your family about budget and goals, and book a counselling session.
• 9–10 months before: shortlist universities, check eligibility and start preparing for any tests you need.
• 6–8 months before: get your passport ready if you do not have one, collect marksheets and certificates, and take English or entrance tests.
• 4–6 months before: submit applications, attend interviews and compare offers.
• 3–4 months before: accept your offer, pay the first fee only to the university's official account, and apply for an education loan if needed.
• 2–3 months before: apply for the student visa, book medical tests and arrange document translations.
• 1 month before: book flights, buy essentials, attend a pre-departure briefing and share your arrival details with the university.

If you are applying late, do not panic. Talk to a counsellor quickly, because some universities have later intakes or rolling admissions.

Living and studying in Uzbekistan: what to expect

Uzbekistan at a glance for students

Uzbekistan is a Central Asian country on the old Silk Road. Its capital is Tashkent, and well-known student cities include Samarkand, Bukhara, Andijan and Fergana. Samarkand and Bukhara are famous for their historic mosques and madrasas. The official language is Uzbek, and Russian is widely understood, especially in Tashkent. The currency is the Uzbek som (UZS).

The number of Indian students in Uzbekistan has grown quickly in recent years. Indian food is available in larger cities, and Indian students celebrate festivals together. Because the growth has been fast, it is especially important to check the quality and rules of each university carefully.

Weather and climate

Uzbekistan is dry and sunny for much of the year. Summers are hot, often very hot in the south, and winters are cold, with some snow. Spring and autumn are pleasant. Pack light cotton clothes for summer and warm clothes for winter.

Language in daily life

In daily life, people speak Uzbek or Russian. Few people outside universities speak English well. If you plan to do practical training with local patients, customers or companies, learning Russian or Uzbek is important. Ask your university what language classes it offers.

Student visa and arrival

Indian students need a student visa arranged through their university. The usual steps are:

1. Apply through the university's official admission channel and get your admission letter.
2. The university starts your visa process. Some universities send the visa approval directly to the embassy.
3. Apply for the student visa at the Embassy of Uzbekistan, or as the university instructs.
4. After arrival, the university helps with registration.

Universities have warned that students who arrive on tourist or other visas can lose their admission. Always travel on the visa your university arranges.

Cost of living

Living costs in Uzbekistan are usually lower than in many other study destinations. Tashkent is the most expensive city. Most students live in hostels or shared flats. Budget for accommodation, food, transport, mobile and internet, medical insurance and document charges.

Safety and culture

Uzbekistan is generally considered safe for students. People are hospitable and value respect, modest dress in religious places, and politeness towards elders. Follow hostel rules, carry your documents and stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Tashkent and your university's international office.

Travelling from India

Flights connect India with Tashkent, and trains and domestic flights link Tashkent with other cities. Confirm your arrival plan with the university and ask about airport pickup.

Practical tips for students in Uzbekistan

Where students live

Most universities offer hostels for international students. Some students rent flats in groups, especially in Tashkent. Make sure any rented flat is properly registered, because registration rules for foreigners are strict.

What to pack for Uzbekistan

• Light cotton clothes for very hot summers, and warm clothes for winter.
• Modest clothing for visits to mosques and historic places.
• A pressure cooker, Indian spices and some ready-to-cook food.
• Prescribed medicines with prescriptions.
• Copies of all documents and a universal plug adapter (European two-pin sockets).

Your first week: a simple checklist

1. Reach the university and collect your hostel room keys.
2. Submit your passport and documents to the international office for registration.
3. Buy a local SIM card and set up mobile data.
4. Save emergency numbers: the university contact, the hostel warden and the Indian Embassy.
5. Find the nearest grocery shop, pharmacy and bus or metro stop.
6. Join the Indian student group so you can ask seniors for help.
7. Confirm with the international office that your visa and registration are complete and correct.
8. Call your family and share your new address and contacts.

Learning Uzbek and Russian in Uzbekistan: simple tips

Learning the local language is one of the best things you can do for your studies and daily life in Uzbekistan. You do not need to be perfect. Aim to handle shopping, travel, basic conversations and, for healthcare courses, simple talks with patients.

• Start before you travel. Learn the alphabet, greetings and numbers using free apps and videos.
• Attend every language class your university offers, especially in the first year.
• Practise daily for 20–30 minutes. Small, regular practice works better than long sessions once a week.
• Speak with local people in shops, on campus and in hostels. Most people are happy when you try.
• Learn subject words for your course, such as body parts and symptoms for healthcare, or business terms for BBA and MBA.
• In Tashkent, Russian is very useful; outside the capital, Uzbek is more common.

Planning MBBS in Uzbekistan for the 2027-28 intake

If you want to start MBBS abroad in 2027, your plan starts with NEET-UG 2027. A qualifying NEET result is compulsory for Indian students who want to practise in India after a foreign medical degree. NEET has been held on the first Sunday of May in recent years, but NTA had not announced the 2027 date when this guide was updated. Watch neet.nta.nic.in for the official bulletin.

• October 2026 to January 2027: shortlist countries and universities, check that each course meets the NMC FMGL Regulations 2021, and get your passport ready.
• February to April 2027: register for NEET-UG 2027. Universities in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Italy run their own entrance tests or document reviews, often months before the course starts, so check their dates now.
• May to July 2027: appear for NEET, get your result, then apply. Most universities in Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia and Moldova accept applications in summer.
• August to October 2027: admission letter, visa, travel and joining. Most classes start in September or October 2027.

Your NEET result can be used for foreign admission for three years, so a NEET 2025 or 2026 result may also be valid for 2027 admission. Confirm this with your counsellor before you apply.

How PSP Education helps you

PSP Education has guided Indian students and parents since 1992. For MBBS in Uzbekistan, we help you compare options, check the rules that apply to you, prepare documents, apply on time and plan your visa and travel. We give honest advice, and we never promise seats, visas or jobs that no consultant can guarantee. Use the enquiry form on this page or call us to book free counselling.