Most Indian families use an agent or consultant for MBBS abroad, and many consultants do honest, useful work. But the industry is lightly regulated, commissions are high, and a few bad decisions can cost a family its savings and a student six years. These are the warning signs we see most often.
10 red flags
- “Guaranteed admission”, “100% visa”, “100% FMGE success”. Nobody can guarantee a visa or an exam result. These claims are a sales technique.
- Only first-year fees. If you are shown a low first-year figure and vague answers for later years, expect surprises: higher hostel fees, “clinical fees”, exam fees and internship charges. Ask for a written fee schedule for every year.
- Pressure to pay quickly. “Only two seats left” and “price goes up tomorrow” are rarely true at large universities. A good university will still be there after you check it.
- Cash payments or payments to personal accounts. Tuition should go directly to the university’s official bank account, by traceable bank transfer, against an official invoice. Keep every receipt.
- Vague answers about NMC rules. If the agent cannot clearly explain course length, internship, teaching language and local licensing under FMGL 2021, or says “everything is NMC approved”, be careful. Read NMC rules in simple language so you can test them.
- No contacts of current students. A confident consultant will happily connect you with Indian students in their third, fourth or fifth year. Refusal is a warning sign.
- One country, whatever your profile. If every student is sent to the same country or university regardless of budget and goals, the recommendation probably follows the commission.
- Keeping your original documents. Agents may need copies, and sometimes originals briefly for apostille or visa. They should never hold your passport or mark sheets as “security”.
- No written contract. Services, fees, refund conditions and what happens if the visa is refused should all be in writing.
- Silence on licensing exam results. An honest advisor talks openly about FMGE pass rates for the universities they recommend. See how to read FMGE pass rates.
12 questions to ask any agent
Ask these in writing (email or WhatsApp) so you have a record:
- Are you paid by the university? How much, and does it change your recommendation?
- What is the total cost of tuition, hostel and all other university charges for each year?
- Where is tuition paid, and in which currency?
- What is the total duration, and when and where is the 12-month internship?
- Is every year, including clinical years, taught in English? Can I see this in writing from the university?
- Can graduates register as doctors in that country?
- Which hospitals are used for clinical training?
- How many of this university’s graduates took the FMGE in the last three sessions, and how many passed?
- Can you connect me with two current Indian students in senior years?
- What exactly do your service fees cover, and what is your refund policy?
- What support do you give after arrival, for example during a crisis?
- Can I see the university’s admission letter and fee invoice before paying you anything?
Safe payment habits
- Pay the university directly, against an official invoice, by bank transfer.
- Compare exchange rates before each payment. Specialist providers such as BookMyForex offer student fee transfers from India, and Wise shows its fee and exchange rate upfront. Check that the destination currency and purpose are supported.
- Keep invoices, receipts and bank confirmations in one folder, digital and paper. You will need them for education loan claims and tax records.
- Never pay an agent’s “university fee” into a personal account.
What a good consultant does
- Explains NMC rules clearly and gives you documents to verify them yourself.
- Shows total costs for all years, in writing.
- Recommends different options for different budgets and profiles, including telling some students not to go.
- Discloses how they are paid.
- Stays reachable after the student arrives.
We built this website around these principles. If you would like a second opinion on an offer you have received, we are happy to look at it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to take MBBS abroad admission without an agent?
Yes, many universities accept direct applications from international students. It takes more effort with documents and visas, but you avoid service fees and stay in control. Follow our admission process guide.
How much do MBBS abroad agents charge?
It varies widely. Some charge students a service fee, some are paid only by universities, and some take both. Ask for all fees in writing and ask whether the university pays them.
What should I do if an agent took money and stopped responding?
Collect all receipts and messages, contact the university directly to check whether any payment reached it, and file a complaint with the police and the consumer forum. Inform your bank if the payment was recent.
Should I pay tuition through the agent?
Avoid it where possible. Pay the university directly against its official invoice, using a traceable bank transfer.
Sources
- NMC public notices and FMGL Regulations 2021: nmc.org.in
- Ministry of External Affairs, student advisories: mea.gov.in
- National Consumer Helpline: consumerhelpline.gov.in
