No country is without any disadvantages when it comes to studying MBBS abroad. The same is the case for Kazakhstan. On this page, we will learn about the disadvantages of studying MBBS in Kazakhstan for an Indian student.
Kazakhstan has rapidly grown in its popularity among Indian students. More and more students are choosing to study MBBS in Kazakhstan, mainly because of the following reasons –
- 5-year course duration
- low budget and cost of living
- already an established destination for Indian students if you choose the right university
- no visa issue
- less travel time
- degree recognized in India, you will be eligible for NExT
- you will be eligible for exams such as PLAB and USMLE
- hostel facility available
- Indian mess facility at many universities
These are just some of the reasons why Indian students are choosing to study in Kazakhstan. Also, due to the decline in the popularity of China and its low FMGE passing ratio, Kazakhstan is the best alternate option for studying in 5 years and at a low budget.
Disadvantages of studying MBBS in Kazakhstan
As mentioned before, every country has its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, we must look at both and make the right choice for us. Let us look into the disadvantages of studying MBBS in Kazakhstan for an Indian student:
- learning a new language
- cold climate
- different disease pattern
- FMGE passing percentage
- a lot of the universities have less experience
- better options available
Let us elaborate on these points.
Learning a new language
Apart from giving time to your medical studies, you will also have to give time to learning a new language. Yes, the local language is a part of the course curriculum and it is mandatory for the students to learn the local language. This can be avoided if students choose to study MBBS in Philippines. The Philippines is one country where there is no need to learn an additional language.
The local language will help the students in day-to-day interaction with the locals. For eg. during shopping or taking a taxi. Also, it is required for having conversations with patients when you will go to the hospitals during clinical training.
Cold climate – A big MBBS in Kazakhstan disadvantage
The difference in the general weather conditions of cities in India and in Kazakhstan is well known. It is one of the biggest disadvantages of studying MBBS in Kazakhstan.
As most of the popular universities are in Almaty, Astana (now Nur-Sultan), or in Semey, we will focus on the weather conditions in these three states. Here is the monthly average temperature in these cities –
The monthly average temperature in Almaty –
The monthly average temperature in Astana (now Nur-Sultan) –
The monthly average temperature in Semey –
As you can see, the climate in Kazakhstan will not suit everyone. Though the rooms and buildings are centrally heated, it becomes difficult to walk outside in such low temperatures. Almaty is slightly better and therefore, we will suggest taking admission to the universities in Almaty if you want to choose to study in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh National Medical University is a top choice.
Different disease pattern
As the climate is completely different, the diseases which are more prevalent in Kazakhstan are also different. The students are theoretically taught the same syllabus as in India but during clinical, they do not get the best exposure as the diseases might be different. Again, this problem is solved by the Philippines.
FMGE passing percentage
In recent years, the FMGE passing ratio of Indian graduates who studying MBBS in Kazakhstan has seen ups and downs. However, overall, it has been decent if not great. Still, there are countries from which the FMGE passing ratio has been better. These include MBBS in Ukraine and the Philippines. Here is the FMGE 2020 passing ratio of the Indian graduates who studied MBBS in Kazakhstan –
Please note that in 2020, the overall passing ratio of all the countries was about 16%. In that respect, the students have performed well from Semey State Medical University and Kazakh National Medical University (above mentioned as JSC National Medical University).
A lot of the universities have less experience
As you can see from the FMGE passing percentage screenshot above, the majority of the students have appeared from three universities only. In fact, these are the 3 universities where traditionally all the Indian students have been going to. You will find the name of only these 3 universities plus Kazakh-Russian Medical University in the FMGE passing ratio till 2019. However, there are many other universities from which Indian students are yet to graduate from. In fact, some universities have just started teaching the MBBS course. These include Al-Farabi Kazakh National University (2018), International Medical School (2020). Some of the others have only recently started teaching in the English medium. We recommend choosing the university carefully.
Better options available
Yes, there are better options available than MBBS in Kazakhstan. This does not mean that they will be better in every respect. For eg., the Philippines has double the FMGE passing ratio when compared to the Philippines. But, the Philippines is costlier and you need to do the pre-medical course first before you get admission to the medicine course. Similarly, in Ukraine, the duration is 5.8 years. If you are looking for something in 5-years, then Kazakhstan is amongst the best options for an Indian student.
Global Medical Foundation can help you with admission in Kazakhstan and in other countries as well. Get in touch with us at 9999404348.
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| Cheapest Medical University In Ukraine | Entrance Exam for MBBS in Russia |
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