Students sometimes realise in the first or second year that their university is not what was promised: poor teaching, few patients, bad hostels or unsafe conditions. The natural question is, “Can I just transfer?” For Indian students who want to practise in India, the answer is complicated, and getting it wrong can cost the degree.
Why transfers are a problem under FMGL 2021
FMGL 2021 requires that the course, clinical training and the 12-month internship be completed at the same foreign medical institution, and that no part of the training be done in India or in a third country. A student who studies two years at University A and four years at University B is not, on the face of it, meeting that requirement. See FMGL 2021 in simple language.
The Ukraine exception
When the war in Ukraine forced thousands of Indian students home in 2022, NMC made special, one-time accommodations. These included accepting academic mobility arrangements under which students continued their studies at universities in other countries while their degree was awarded by the original Ukrainian university, as well as other relief measures. These were exceptions for an extraordinary situation, not a general right to transfer.
If you are unhappy with your university
- Write down the specific problems and raise them formally with the dean’s office and international office. Many issues, such as hostel problems or a weak teacher, can be fixed.
- Talk to senior Indian students about how they handled similar issues.
- Strengthen what you control: self-study, language skills (one-to-one practice with tutors on Preply helps you get more from clinical rotations), and Indian licensing exam preparation from early on, for example with DocTutorials.
- If you are still considering a transfer, write to NMC with your full details and ask whether the proposed move would affect your eligibility. Do not rely on an agent’s assurance.
- Weigh the alternatives: in some cases, starting again elsewhere, or returning to India and retaking NEET, may be safer than a transfer that leaves your degree in doubt.
If there is a safety emergency
Your safety comes first. Contact the Indian embassy or consulate and follow Ministry of External Affairs advisories. In past crises, NMC has issued special guidance for affected students. Keep all records of the disruption: university notices, travel documents and communications.
How to avoid needing a transfer
Most transfer problems start with a poorly chosen university. Before enrolling, verify the university properly (checklist), score it against alternatives (12 criteria), and talk to senior students.
Frequently asked questions
Can I transfer my MBBS from one country to another?
Under FMGL 2021 this generally risks eligibility, because the whole course and internship must be done at the same institution in one country. Exceptions have been made only in special circumstances.
Can I transfer from a foreign university to an Indian medical college?
Indian medical colleges do not generally accept transfers from foreign universities. In 2022 the government told the Supreme Court there was no provision to accommodate Ukraine-returned students in Indian medical colleges.
Can I change universities within the same country?
It still breaks the “same institution” condition. Seek written guidance from NMC before moving.
Sources
- NMC FAQ on FMGL Regulations 2021: nmc.org.in (PDF)
- NMC public notices: nmc.org.in
- Ministry of External Affairs: mea.gov.in
Always verify: get written guidance from NMC for your specific case. Last checked: October 2026.
