15 Hidden Costs of MBBS Abroad Parents Should Know Before Paying

Most families who struggle financially during MBBS abroad did not overspend. They simply planned for tuition and hostel, and then met a long list of smaller costs that add up to lakhs. Here are the ones we see most often, so you can budget for them from day one.

Before departure

1. Document costs. Apostille or embassy legalisation, certified translations, notarisation and courier fees for mark sheets, birth certificate and passport.
2. Medical tests. Many countries require a medical certificate, HIV test and vaccinations.
3. Visa and invitation fees. Some countries charge for the university invitation letter as well as the visa itself.
4. Processing or agent fees. Ask exactly what they cover and whether the university also pays the agent.
5. Winter clothing and luggage. Thermal wear, jackets, boots and a good set of suitcases can easily cost tens of thousands. Our packing list helps you buy only what you need; compare prices for luggage sets and thermal wear before buying.

Every year abroad

6. Visa extensions and residence registration. In many countries the student visa is renewed every year, with fees and paperwork each time.
7. Health insurance. Often mandatory and renewed annually.
8. Hostel increases and deposits. Hostel charges often rise faster than tuition, and private rent needs deposits.
9. Books, lab coats, instruments. A stethoscope, dissection kit and textbooks in the early years, more in clinical years.
10. Exam and re-sit fees. Some universities charge for repeating exams or subjects, and a repeated year means a full extra year of fees and living.
11. Flights home. Holiday fares can be high; booking early saves a lot. Compare flight prices across airlines and agencies well ahead.
12. Phone and data. A local SIM is cheapest for daily use; an Airalo eSIM is handy for the first days and for trips home or travel.

Money transfer costs

13. Exchange rate margins and fees. On six years of payments, even a 1-2% difference in the exchange rate adds up. Compare your bank’s rate with a student fee transfer service such as BookMyForex or a transparent provider such as Wise (check the destination is supported) before every payment. Also consider TCS: self-funded education remittances above ₹10 lakh in a financial year can attract TCS, which you can claim back in your income tax return but which ties up cash meanwhile.

After graduation

14. Licensing exam preparation. Coaching, test series and exam fees for the FMGE (or NExT later), and living costs while preparing. With recent pass rates between about 13% and 29% per session, plan for the possibility of more than one attempt. See FMGE preparation strategy.
15. The internship year in India. A 12-month supervised internship in India is required. Stipends vary by state and institution, and some students have reported paying fees for internship placements, so check the current rules and plan for living costs during this year. See internship in India after a foreign MBBS.

How to protect your budget

• Ask for a written list of all university charges for every year before admission.
• Keep an emergency fund equal to at least one year’s living costs.
• Track spending with your child monthly, especially in the first year.
• Run the numbers in our total cost calculator.

Sources

• TCS on foreign remittances (Budget 2025): Business Standard
• FMGE results: Medical Dialogues
• Income Tax Department: incometax.gov.in

Always verify: fees, tax rules and exchange rates change. Last checked: October 2026.