Studying MD or MS in Nepal has become a serious option for Indian doctors looking to specialize after MBBS. Over the past decade, Nepal has built a postgraduate medical education system that pairs rigorous clinical training with growing international recognition, making it an increasingly practical choice for candidates who want strong hands-on exposure without moving too far from home.
Edusterling's counseling team helps Indian doctors navigate the MECEE-PG admission process, shortlist the right college and specialty, and stay on top of application deadlines.
MD/MS in Nepal — An Overview
Nepal now hosts a network of undergraduate and postgraduate medical institutions, most of which fall under the oversight of Nepal's Medical Education Commission (MEC) and are recognized by the Nepal Medical Council. Degrees from these institutions also appear in the World Directory of Medical Schools, which matters for international recognition and future practice eligibility.
Among these, two institutions are the most established destinations for postgraduate study and carry recognition relevant to Indian candidates:
- Institute of Medicine (IOM), Kathmandu — part of Tribhuvan University
- B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan
Institute of Medicine (IOM), Kathmandu
IOM was established in 1972 as part of Tribhuvan University and has since grown into a network of campuses across Nepal, including its central Maharajgunj campus in Kathmandu. Its teaching hospital, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, is one of the largest in the country, giving postgraduate students access to a high volume of clinical cases across specialties.
Common Specializations Offered at IOM
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery
- Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Dermatology
- ENT (Otorhinolaryngology)
- Anaesthesiology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
Key Highlights
- Established in 1972 as part of Tribhuvan University
- Teaching hospital: Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital
- One of the largest teaching hospitals in Nepal
- High volume of clinical cases across specialties
- Recognized by Nepal Medical Council and World Directory of Medical Schools
B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS), Dharan
Established in 1993 and named after Nepal's former prime minister Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, BPKIHS became an autonomous health sciences university in 1998. It operates as a joint Nepal–India initiative and serves as the primary tertiary care and teaching center for eastern Nepal, running a large teaching hospital with intensive care, coronary care, and critical care units.
Common Specializations Offered at BPKIHS
- Internal Medicine
- General Surgery
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Pediatrics
- Orthopedics
- Radiodiagnosis & Imaging
- Dermatology & STD
- Psychiatry
- Anaesthesiology & Critical Care
- ENT / Head & Neck Surgery
- Pharmacology
- Community Medicine
Key Highlights
- Established in 1993, became autonomous university in 1998
- Operates as a joint Nepal–India initiative
- Primary tertiary care center for eastern Nepal
- Large teaching hospital with ICU, CCU, and critical care units
- Recognized by Nepal Medical Council and World Directory of Medical Schools
The MECEE-PG Entrance Exam
Admission to postgraduate medical seats for foreign candidates, including Indians, generally runs through Nepal's national-level postgraduate entrance test.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Full form | Medical Education Commission Entrance Examination (MECEE-PG) |
| Conducted by | Nepal's Medical Education Commission |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode | Online |
| Level | National |
| Courses covered | MD/MS across various specialties |
| Official portal | entrance.mec.gov.np |
Key Points for Foreign Applicants
- Applications must be submitted online through the official MEC portal.
- Foreign candidates are expected to appear for MECEE-PG to be considered for available seats.
- A minimum qualifying score (commonly cited around 50%) is generally required to be eligible for seat matching.
- Candidates who don't appear for MECEE-PG may only be considered against a qualifying national-level entrance result from their home country, as a secondary route, subject to seat availability.
- If the number of qualified foreign candidates is fewer than the seats reserved for foreign nationals, matching may be offered without further competition.
- Admitted candidates are expected to follow the academic institution's rules; private practice is typically not permitted during the training period.
Fee Structure — What to Expect
Postgraduate medical fees at Nepali institutions vary significantly by college, specialty, and whether the candidate falls under a SAARC or non-SAARC fee category. As a general pattern:
- IOM (Institute of Medicine) typically charges a lump-sum tuition fee for the full MD/MS program, payable partly at admission and the balance across subsequent installments, with SAARC-country candidates usually paying a somewhat lower rate than non-SAARC applicants.
- BPKIHS structures fees as a combination of one-time charges (registration, thesis evaluation, security deposits) and annual charges (tuition, library, laboratory, examination, insurance/welfare fees), with tuition varying considerably by specialty — surgical and high-demand clinical specialties tend to cost more than others.
Because these figures are revised periodically and differ by institution and specialty, candidates should confirm the current fee schedule directly with the college or through a verified admission consultant before applying.
| Institution | Fee Structure | SAARC vs Non-SAARC |
|---|---|---|
| IOM (Institute of Medicine) | Lump-sum tuition for full program | SAARC candidates pay lower rate |
| BPKIHS | One-time charges + annual charges | Varies by specialty |
Why Consider MD/MS in Nepal
- Recognized postgraduate qualifications through Nepal's Medical Education Commission and the Nepal Medical Council
- High clinical case volume due to large teaching hospitals attached to both major institutes
- Geographic and cultural proximity to India, easing the transition for Indian students
- A structured, exam-based admission process (MECEE-PG) that applies uniformly to foreign applicants
- Degrees listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools for international recognition
- Affordable tuition compared to many other international destinations
- English as the medium of instruction at both major institutions
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
- MBBS degree from a recognized medical institution
- Valid registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or State Medical Council
- Completion of compulsory internship
- Qualifying score in MECEE-PG entrance exam
- Valid passport and other travel documents
- SAARC country citizenship (India falls under SAARC)
Application Process for MD/MS in Nepal
- Research & Shortlist — Identify the institution and specialty that matches your career goals.
- Register for MECEE-PG — Complete online registration through the official MEC portal (entrance.mec.gov.np).
- Appear for MECEE-PG — Take the online entrance exam and achieve the qualifying score.
- Seat Matching — Participate in the seat matching process based on your MECEE-PG score.
- Document Submission — Submit all required documents for verification.
- Fee Payment — Pay the tuition fees as per the institution's fee structure.
- Visa Processing — Apply for the student visa through the Nepali embassy.
- Travel & Enrollment — Travel to Nepal and complete the enrollment process at the institution.
Documents Required for Application
- MBBS degree certificate
- MBBS mark sheets (all years)
- Internship completion certificate
- NMC registration certificate
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-size photographs
- Birth certificate
- MECEE-PG admit card and scorecard
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Character certificate
- Migration certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, MD/MS degrees from recognized Nepali institutions are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. However, candidates must check with the National Medical Commission (NMC) for specific eligibility for practice in India.
MECEE-PG is the national-level postgraduate entrance exam conducted by Nepal's Medical Education Commission for admission to MD/MS programs in Nepal.
Yes, Indian students can apply for MD/MS programs in Nepal through the MECEE-PG entrance exam. India is a SAARC country, which offers additional benefits in terms of fee structure.
MD/MS programs in Nepal typically have a duration of 3 years, similar to the duration in India.
Yes, the medium of instruction at both IOM and BPKIHS is English.