Pursuing an MBBS in Nepal has become one of the most preferred destinations for Indian students to pursue MBBS abroad. The combination of high-quality medical education, affordable tuition, NMC-approved universities, and cultural familiarity makes Nepal a standout choice. Another major reason why Indian students choose Nepal is its impressive list of recognized and reputed medical universities that follow the same curriculum as Indian medical colleges and offer globally accepted degrees.
This article provides a detailed guide to the top medical universities in Nepal, highlighting their rankings, recognition, affiliations, course structure, and why they are particularly suitable for Indian students.
Why Indian Students Prefer Medical Universities in Nepal
Before we dive into the university list, here’s why MBBS in Nepal is a smart choice for Indian aspirants:
NMC (India) recognized degrees
FMGE/NExT-friendly curriculum
No visa required for Indian students
Affordable fees and living costs
English-medium instruction
Cultural, religious, and dietary similarities
Close proximity to India
Top Medical Universities in Nepal: Rankings & Recognition
1. B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS)
Location: Dharan, Eastern Nepal
Established: 1993
Affiliation: Autonomous University
NMC Recognition: Yes
World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS): Listed
WHO Recognized: Yes
Ranking: Top 3 in Nepal
Notable Highlights:
Operates its own 700+ bedded hospital
Excellent FMGE/NExT preparation support
Community-based health curriculum
Strong research infrastructure
BPKIHS is considered the most prestigious medical university in Nepal and maintains strong collaboration with Indian institutions like AIIMS and PGIMER.
2. Kathmandu Medical College (KMC)
Location: Kathmandu
Established: 1997
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC Recognition: Yes
WDOMS Listed: Yes
Ranking: Among top 5 in Nepal
Key Features:
Associated teaching hospital with modern facilities
Strong clinical exposure from third year onwards
Highly experienced faculty from Nepal and India
In-campus hostel and Indian food availability
KMC is widely preferred by Indian students for its high academic standards, English instruction, and reasonable fee structure.
3. Manipal College of Medical Sciences (MCOMS), Pokhara
Location: Pokhara
Established: 1994
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC Recognition: Yes
WDOMS Listed: Yes
Ranking: Top 10 in Nepal
Highlights:
Backed by the Manipal Education Group (India)
Over 20 batches of successful Indian graduates
Excellent infrastructure, library, and labs
Emphasis on holistic development and global exposure
Manipal Pokhara is known for its brand reputation and produces high FMGE passing Indian graduates annually.
4. Nobel Medical College, Biratnagar
Location: Biratnagar, Eastern Nepal
Established: 2004
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC Recognition: Yes
WDOMS Listed: Yes
Ranking: Top 10 in Nepal
Special Features:
Over 800-bed teaching hospital
Advanced diagnostic and treatment units
Practical-based teaching model
Strong presence of Indian students and faculty
Nobel Medical College is gaining popularity due to its rapidly improving infrastructure and strong academic performance.
5. Nepal Medical College (NMC)
Location: Jorpati, Kathmandu
Established: 1997
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC Recognition: Yes
WDOMS Listed: Yes
Ranking: Consistently in top 8
Unique Features:
High patient inflow in the teaching hospital
Emphasis on skill development and clinical accuracy
Modern hostel, labs, and library facilities
NMC offers a robust academic framework and has consistently produced graduates who succeed in India’s FMGE and international medical exams.
6. Patan Academy of Health Sciences (PAHS)
Location: Patan, Kathmandu Valley
Established: 2008
Affiliation: Autonomous Institution
NMC Recognition: Yes
WDOMS Listed: Yes
Ranking: Among top universities in research and community medicine
Notable Attributes:
Strong focus on rural health and public service
Small batch sizes for personalized attention
Excellent clinical learning atmosphere
PAHS is best suited for students interested in community-based learning and public health leadership.
7. College of Medical Sciences (COMS), Bharatpur
Location: Bharatpur, Central Nepal
Established: 1993
Affiliation: Kathmandu University
NMC Recognition: Yes
WDOMS Listed: Yes
Rank: Top 7 in Nepal
Campus Highlights:
1000-bed hospital with various super-specialty departments
Indian management and cultural environment
One of the oldest private medical institutions in Nepal
COMS is popular among Indian students from UP, Bihar, and West Bengal for its familiar environment and quality education.
Comparison Table: Top Medical Universities in Nepal for Indian Students
University Name | Affiliation | NMC Approved | FMGE Success Rate | Hostel | Tuition Fee (INR) | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
B.P. Koirala Institute (BPKIHS) | Autonomous | Yes | High | Yes | ₹45–55 Lakhs | Dharan |
Kathmandu Medical College (KMC) | Kathmandu University | Yes | High | Yes | ₹45–50 Lakhs | Kathmandu |
Manipal College (MCOMS) | Kathmandu University | Yes | Very High | Yes | ₹50–55 Lakhs | Pokhara |
Nobel Medical College | Kathmandu University | Yes | Moderate-High | Yes | ₹42–48 Lakhs | Biratnagar |
Nepal Medical College | Kathmandu University | Yes | High | Yes | ₹45–50 Lakhs | Kathmandu |
Patan Academy (PAHS) | Autonomous | Yes | High | Yes | ₹48–52 Lakhs | Kathmandu |
College of Medical Sciences (COMS) | Kathmandu University | Yes | Moderate | Yes | ₹45–50 Lakhs | Bharatpur |
Recognition of Nepalese Medical Universities
All listed universities are:
Approved by the National Medical Commission (India)
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
Recognized by WHO and international bodies
Eligible for USMLE, PLAB, AMC and other global exams
Many of these institutions also have tie-ups with Indian hospitals and global universities for student exchange programs and collaborative research.
How to Choose the Best University in Nepal?
When selecting a medical university in Nepal, Indian students should consider:
NMC Approval Status
FMGE Pass Rates
Affiliated Hospital Infrastructure
English-Medium Curriculum
Hostel and Indian Food Availability
Location and Travel Accessibility
Alumni Network and Global Recognition
Final Thoughts
For Indian students seeking a cost-effective and high-quality MBBS degree abroad, Nepal stands out as one of the best options. The top medical universities in Nepal offer excellent academic infrastructure, real-time hospital exposure, NMC recognition, and a culturally comfortable environment that feels like home. With a growing number of Indian graduates clearing FMGE and pursuing postgraduate studies internationally, Nepal continues to be a reliable hub for medical education.
If you’re considering MBBS in Nepal and need help choosing the right university, University Insights can guide you with personalized counseling, admission assistance, and full support throughout your academic journey.