Nepal has become a popular destination for Indian students seeking affordable and quality MBBS education. With no language barrier, proximity to India, NMC/WHO recognition, and NEET-based admissions, many students are choosing Nepal over costly private colleges in India or other countries.
This guide covers five top NMC-approved medical colleges in Nepal:
- Birat Medical College, Biratnagar
- Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara
- Kathmandu Medical College (KMC), Kathmandu
- Lumbini Medical College, Tansen (Palpa)
- National Medical College, Birgunj
We’ll provide you with their 2025 fee structures, hostel costs, admission criteria, course details, clinical training, FMGE/NExT support, and life for Indian students.
1. Birat Medical College (Biratnagar)
Overview
Established in 2014, Birat Medical College is affiliated with Kathmandu University. It is close to the Bihar border and admits 100 MBBS students annually (33 international seats, mostly Indian).
Fee Structure (2025)
- 1st Year: ~$24,186 (₹20.8 lakh)
- From 2nd Year: ~$12,093 annually
- Total MBBS Fees: Approx. ₹55 lakh
Hostel & Living Costs
- Hostel (compulsory for foreign students): ₹1.8 lakh/year (with food)
- Monthly living expenses: ₹5,500 to ₹12,000
Admission Process
- 10+2 with PCB and minimum 50% marks
- NEET-UG (50th percentile) mandatory
- Apply through college → Admission letter → Nepal student visa → Fee payment
Course Details
- Duration: 5.5 years (4.5 academic + 1-year internship)
- Language: English
- Curriculum: Follows Kathmandu University MBBS syllabus
Clinical Training
- Attached to a 550-bed teaching hospital
- Over 1,000 daily patients
- Strong exposure in Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynaecology, and more
Recognition
- Recognized by NMC (India) and NMC (Nepal)
- Listed in WHO/WDOMS/FAIMER
FMGE/NExT Support
- Offers review classes; no dedicated FMGE coaching
- 2023 FMGE pass rate: ~17%
Life for Indian Students
- English-medium classes; some Nepali during clinical work
- Strong Indian student presence
- Indian-style food and support community
2. Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara
Overview
Founded in 1994, MCOMS is one of Nepal’s most reputed colleges. It is affiliated with Kathmandu University and has a strong legacy in medical education.
Fee Structure (2025)
- Total MBBS Fees: Approx. ₹75 lakh (USD $75,000)
- Year-wise: ₹27.6L (1st), ₹21.5L (2nd), ₹14.6L (3rd), ₹2.6L (4th), internship years – no tuition fees
- Hostel + Mess: ₹1.8 lakh/year
Living Costs
- Rent: ₹90,000 to ₹1.87 lakh/year
- Food: ₹45,000 to ₹75,000/year
- Total: ₹2–3 lakh/year
Admission Process
- 10+2 with 50% in PCB
- NEET-UG is compulsory
- Apply via Nepal’s MEC portal
- No donation or hidden charges
Course Structure
- 4.5 years academics + 1-year internship
- Taught in English
- Based on KU syllabus
Clinical Exposure
- Attached to a 750-bed Manipal Teaching Hospital
- Strong patient flow
- Excellent training in major departments including emergency and specialty care
Recognition
- Approved by NMC (India & Nepal), WHO, and WDOMS
FMGE/NExT Support
- Dedicated coaching, mock tests, and resources
- 2024 FMGE pass rate: 44% (above national average)
Indian Student Experience
- Indian mess, Hindi-speaking locals, English lectures
- Around 22% of students are Indian
- Popular choice for its results, facilities, and support
3. Kathmandu Medical College (KMC), Kathmandu
Overview
KMC is a prestigious college in Nepal’s capital, affiliated with Kathmandu University. It runs a 700-bed hospital offering top-tier medical education.
Fee Structure (2025)
- Total Fee: Approx. ₹55 lakh (USD ~$67,000)
- Hostel (mandatory): ₹1.44 lakh/year with food
Living Expenses in Kathmandu
- Rent: ₹12,500–₹25,000/month
- Food: ₹6,000–₹10,000/month
- Total: ₹2–3 lakh/year
Admission Process
- 10+2 with PCB and 50% marks
- NEET-UG required (or MEC entrance for others)
- Pre-booking seats possible by paying ₹10 lakh early
Course Details
- 5.5-year course (4.5 academic + 1-year internship)
- English medium, KU syllabus
Hospital Facilities
- KMCTH (700 beds), modern infrastructure
- High patient flow ensures great clinical training
- Community outreach and rural programs included
Recognition
- Approved by NMC (India), NMC (Nepal)
- WHO-listed and WDOMS-registered
FMGE/NExT Support
- On-campus coaching, mock tests
- 2023 FMGE pass rate: ~42%
Life for Indian Students
- Indian students present in good numbers
- Indian food available in hostels
- Festivals celebrated; easy adaptation
4. Lumbini Medical College, Tansen (Palpa)
Overview
Lumbini Medical College is a private institution in a quieter hill town. It is affiliated with Kathmandu University and offers an affordable MBBS course.
Fee Structure (2025–26)
- 1st Year: ₹23 lakh
- Total Tuition Fees: ₹46–50 lakh
- Hostel: ₹1.75 lakh/year (with food)
Cost of Living
- Living expenses: ₹1–2 lakh/year (very affordable)
Admission Criteria
- 10+2 with PCB (min. 50%)
- NEET-UG qualified
- Apply through KU/MEC; no donation fees
Course Duration
- 6 years (includes longer internship rotation)
- English medium instruction
Clinical Training
- 600-bed teaching hospital
- Exposure to ICU, NICU, MRI, CT scan, and major departments
- Rural outreach enhances practical training
Recognition
- Recognized by NMC (India), WHO, FAIMER, and WDOMS
FMGE Support
- Offers internal tests and guidance
- 2021 pass rate: ~55%, 2023: ~24%
- Students often supplement with online coaching
Life for Indian Students
- Friendly campus, Indian-style food
- Locals speak Hindi, Nepali, Bhojpuri
- Smaller batches for focused learning
5. National Medical College (NMCTH), Birgunj
Overview
NMCTH is a well-established college affiliated with Tribhuvan University. Located near the Bihar border (Raxaul), it is highly preferred by Indian students.
Fee Structure (2025)
- Total Fee: ₹55 lakh
- ₹25L at admission
- ₹20L in 2nd year
- ₹10L in 3rd year
- Security deposit (refundable) + Yearly charges: ₹2.5 lakh
- Hostel: ₹1.75 lakh/year (compulsory; includes food)
Admission Process
- 10+2 with PCB and 50%
- NEET-UG score ≥ 137 (50th percentile)
- Can apply through MECEE-BL (if NEET score is low)
- Official payment via NMC bank accounts only
Course Details
- 5.5 years total (4.5 academic + 1-year internship)
- English medium, follows TU syllabus
Hospital & Clinical Exposure
- 1,050-bed hospital (one of Nepal’s largest)
- Over 800 daily outpatients
- Equipped with ICU, NICU, diagnostics, and specialty care
Recognition
- Recognized by NMC (India), WHO, TU
- Degree valid for FMGE/NExT, PLAB, USMLE
FMGE/NExT Coaching
- Regular coaching and alumni mentoring
- High FMGE pass rates
- Students can join Delhi-based programs too
Indian Student Environment
- Indian mess, Hindi-speaking staff
- Easy travel to and from Bihar
- Celebrates Indian festivals; strong peer community
Comparison at a Glance
| College | Location | Total Fee (₹) | Hospital Beds | FMGE/NExT Support | Pass Rate (Recent) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birat Medical College | Biratnagar | ₹55L | 550+ | Basic review classes | ~17% (2023) |
| Manipal, Pokhara | Pokhara | ₹75L | 750 | Strong coaching support | 25–44% |
| Kathmandu Medical Coll. | Kathmandu | ₹55L | 700 | Group classes, mock tests | ~42% |
| Lumbini Med. College | Tansen, Palpa | ₹46–50L | 600 | Internal prep tests | 24–55% |
| National Medical College | Birgunj | ₹55L | 1,050 | Regular coaching, alumni | High success |
How to Choose the Right Medical College in Nepal
When comparing options, consider these points:
- Recognition: Ensure the college is NMC-approved and listed in WHO/WDOMS.
- Total Cost: Don’t just look at tuition. Add hostel, food, and living costs. Rural colleges cost less.
- Clinical Exposure: More hospital beds and patients = better training. NMCTH and KMC lead in this area.
- FMGE/NExT Prep: Manipal and National offer structured preparation. KMC and Lumbini also offer good support.
- Student Support: All five colleges have separate hostels, Indian mess, and supportive environments.
- Location & Language: Urban cities like Kathmandu offer more amenities, while towns like Tansen are budget-friendly. All teach in English.
- Admission Timeline: Apply early to secure preferred colleges. Track MEC deadlines (usually around August).
Nepal offers Indian students a cost-effective, quality MBBS path without language or cultural barriers. All five colleges listed are NMC-approved and provide degrees valid for FMGE/NExT and global licensing exams. Choose based on clinical training, location, fee affordability, and FMGE support.
