# Student Visa for MBBS Abroad: Process, Fees and Timelines for Indian Students

URL: https://4mbbs.com/guides/student-visa-for-mbbs-abroad/
Last checked: 2026-11-14
Publisher: 4MBBS (https://4mbbs.com) — independent, source-cited guide to MBBS abroad

**Quick answer:** A student visa for MBBS abroad is issued only after the university's admission letter and, in most countries, a government-approved invitation. Processing ranges from about 5 working days (Kazakhstan) and 7 working days (China) to a stated minimum of 2 months (Georgia's D3 visa) and several months (Germany). Published fees for Indians include ₹2,900 for a single-entry Chinese X1 visa, ₹1,790 plus a ₹1,500 VFS charge for Georgia, €75 for Germany and ₹21,120 for Poland. Indian citizens need no visa for Nepal.

Key facts:
- Category: Admissions

Key takeaways:
- Russia issues a single-entry study visa of up to 90 days, which the university then extends for up to one year at a time.
- China's X1 visa costs ₹2,900 (single entry) and takes 7 working days; you must apply for a residence permit within 30 days of entry.
- Georgia's D3 study visa needs a Ministry of Education order and NEET score card; VFS states a minimum of 2 months' processing.
- Indian citizens need no visa for Nepal; for air travel, only a valid passport or original Voter ID is accepted.
- EU study visas need extra money proof: Germany's 2026 blocked account is €11,904 a year, and Poland requires insurance of at least €30,000.

## How does the student visa for MBBS abroad work?

The student visa is the last gate before you fly, and it depends on two earlier papers: the university's admission letter and, in most popular MBBS destinations, an invitation or approval issued by a government ministry of the host country. The visa itself is usually quick; the invitation is what takes time.

This guide summarises official information for Indian citizens as of November 2026. Fees and rules change without notice, so confirm with the embassy or visa centre before you book. For the documents that go into the file, use our [documents checklist](https://4mbbs.com/guides/documents-for-mbbs-abroad/); for where the visa sits in the overall timeline, see the [admission process guide](https://4mbbs.com/guides/mbbs-abroad-admission-process/).

## Visa comparison table

| Country | Visa type | Where Indians apply | Fee (as published) | Processing time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Russia](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-russia/) | Study visa, single entry up to 90 days, then extended | Russian consular office in India | Not verified; ask the consulate or visa centre | Invitation 25–45 days (Moscow State University) |
| [Kazakhstan](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-kazakhstan/) | C9 study visa (single up to 90 days or multiple up to 1 year) | Embassy of Kazakhstan, New Delhi, in person | US$80 single, US$200 multiple (fee page dated 2020) | 5 working days |
| [Kyrgyzstan](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-kyrgyzstan/) | Student visa type "S", up to 90 days | Official e-visa portal / embassy | Not verified | Not stated |
| [Uzbekistan](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-uzbekistan/) | Visa issued only after MFA visa support | Embassy of Uzbekistan, New Delhi | US$160 + US$15 single entry up to 1 year; US$250 + US$15 multiple; urgent +50% | Not stated |
| [Georgia](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-georgia/) | D3 study visa (90 days), then residence permit | Register on the consular portal, submit at VFS | ₹1,790 (US$20) + ₹1,500 VFS charge | Minimum 2 months (VFS) |
| [Philippines](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-philippines/) | 9(f) student visa | Through the school, CHED and DFA to the embassy | In-country conversion PHP 9,720 + US$50 ACR I-Card (2014 fee table) | Not stated |
| [Nepal](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-nepal/) | No visa for Indian citizens | — | — | — |
| [Bangladesh](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-bangladesh/) | Student visa after DGME admission | Bangladesh mission in India | Not verified | Not verified |
| [China](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-china/) | X1 long-term study visa | Chinese Embassy, New Delhi, or Consulate General, Mumbai | ₹2,900 single; ₹4,400 double; ₹5,900 six-month multiple; ₹8,800 twelve-month-plus multiple | 7 working days (4 express, +₹1,800) |
| [Germany](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-germany/) | National visa for study | Consular Services Portal, appointment at VFS | €75 (₹8,300) | May take several months |
| [Italy](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-italy/) | National (type D) study visa | VFS Global | Not verified | Issued within 90 days |
| [Hungary](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-hungary/) | Residence permit for study (includes D visa) | Hungarian mission | €110 at a consulate | Decision within 60 days |
| [Poland](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-poland/) | National D visa for study | e-Konsulat registration, Visa Application Centre | ₹21,120 (from 1 January 2026) | Within 15 days (up to 30) |
| [Romania](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-romania/) | Long-stay study visa | e-Visa portal, then in person | Not verified | Letter of Acceptance takes about 30 working days |

*Sources: official embassy, consulate, ministry and visa-centre pages listed at the end of this guide. "Not verified" means we could not open an official fee page in November 2026.*

## Russia

Russia's official Study in Russia portal sets out the order: obtain an invitation from the university, then apply for a student visa at a Russian consular office in your country. The invitation is issued by the migration directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs; Moscow State University says this takes 25–45 calendar days, and another Russian university quotes at least 15 working days.

- **Passport:** valid for more than 18 months on the date you enter Russia.
- **Medical:** the Russian visa centre asks for an HIV test certificate done no more than 90 days before applying; universities also ask for a certificate on HIV, tuberculosis and syphilis.
- **Visa validity:** the first study visa is single-entry for up to 90 days. The university then extends it for up to one calendar year at a time; Moscow State University asks students to apply 30 days before expiry.
- **After arrival:** migration registration within 3 working days (dormitory) or 7 working days (flat), according to Moscow State University; medical examination and fingerprinting within 90 days.
- **Insurance:** voluntary medical insurance is mandatory for foreign students, according to Study in Russia.

## Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan's embassy in New Delhi issues the **C9 visa for study purposes**, either single-entry for up to 90 days or multiple-entry for up to a year. You apply in person with an invitation approved by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Internal Affairs, and foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled. The embassy page lists fees of US$80 (single) and US$200 (multiple) and processing of 5 working days, but it is dated 2020, so confirm the current fee.

Kazakhstan's visa-free regime for Indian citizens, introduced in 2022, allows stays of up to 14 days for business, private and tourist purposes only. It does not replace a study visa. After arrival, the host notifies the migration service within 3 working days.

## Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan's official e-visa portal lists a **student visa (type "S")** valid for up to 90 calendar days and requires registration within 5 working days of entry. The Indian Embassy in Bishkek asks for certificates to be apostilled by India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Before you apply, check the university's accreditation. The Indian Embassy's advisory of 8 June 2026 lists the medical universities accredited by Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Health and 13 that did not pass state accreditation. See the [Kyrgyzstan country guide](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-kyrgyzstan/) for details.

## Uzbekistan

The Embassy of Uzbekistan in New Delhi states that any visa "is issued only upon receipt of visa support confirmation" from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which the university arranges. Its published fees are US$160 plus a US$15 charge for a single-entry visa of up to one year and US$250 plus US$15 for multiple entry, with 50% extra for urgent applications. Note that NMC issued an advisory about admissions to medical institutes in Uzbekistan in April 2026; read the [Uzbekistan guide](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-uzbekistan/) first.

## Georgia

Georgia issues a **D3 study visa** valid for 90 days. You register the application on Georgia's consular portal and then submit the file at VFS Global. The VFS checklist for India asks for:

- the Ministry of Education order allowing you to study in Georgia;
- your NEET score card;
- documents apostilled by MEA;
- the sponsor's bank statements for the last 3 months;
- travel insurance covering 4 months.

VFS lists a long-term visa fee of ₹1,790 (US$20) plus a VFS charge of ₹1,500 including GST, and states processing of "minimum 2 month". After arrival you convert to a residence permit with Georgia's Public Service Development Agency; its fee is GEL 300 for 30-day processing, GEL 450 for 20 days and GEL 600 for 10 days.

## Philippines

Foreign students aged 18 or over who enrol in courses above high school level need a **9(f) student visa**. The documented route runs from the school through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Philippine embassy; medicine needs a CHED Certificate of Admission and Eligibility, plus an apostilled police clearance and a medical examination on the embassy's form. The Bureau of Immigration lists an in-country conversion fee of PHP 9,720 plus US$50 for the ACR I-Card (fee table of 2014).

Medical schools in the Philippines also require the **NMAT**, which is open to college graduates and graduating students, so the MD follows a first degree. This affects course length and NMC compliance; see the [Philippines guide](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-philippines/).

## Nepal

Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal. The Embassy of Nepal lists only identity documents for Indian nationals, and the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu says that for air travel only a valid Indian passport or an original Voter ID card is accepted; Aadhaar and PAN cards are not. Carry your passport anyway, since colleges and banks will ask for it.

The barrier for Nepal is admission, not immigration. Foreign candidates sit Nepal's MECEE-BL entrance exam or, for leftover seats only, use at least the 50th percentile in their home entrance exam; the 2027 notice also requires 50% in PCB and an exam fee of NPR 8,000. NEET qualification remains mandatory for Indian citizens.

## Bangladesh

Indian students are admitted to Bangladeshi medical colleges through the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME). Its circular asks applicants to apply online, pay a US$100 application fee and have documents attested by Bangladesh's Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then submit them to the Bangladesh mission to obtain the visa. We could not verify the current student-visa fee or processing time; ask the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi or the assistant high commission nearest you.

## China

China issues the **X1 visa** for study longer than 180 days. The file needs your original Admission Notice, a JW201 or JW202 form, a physical examination certificate, a passport valid for at least 6 months and a 33×48 mm photo. As of 26 October 2026, the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulate General in Mumbai take applications directly.

Fees for Indian citizens (notice of 22 October 2026): ₹2,900 single entry, ₹4,400 double entry, ₹5,900 six-month multiple entry and ₹8,800 for twelve months or more, plus ₹1,800 for express service. Processing is 7 working days, or 4 with express. Within 30 days of entry you must apply for a residence permit.

## Europe: Germany, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Romania

European study visas ask for more financial proof but have clear rules.

- **Germany:** national visa fee €75 (₹8,300). Indian applicants almost always need an APS certificate, plus health insurance and a blocked account, currently €11,904 for the year. Processing "may take several months". Public medical programmes are taught in German; see the [Germany guide](https://4mbbs.com/mbbs-in-germany/).
- **Italy:** study visas are submitted at VFS Global, the Declaration of Value goes through Uni-Italia, and national visas are issued within 90 days. Apply for the permit of stay within 8 working days of entry.
- **Hungary:** you apply at the Hungarian mission for a residence permit for study, which includes the entry visa. The fee is €110 at a consulate and a decision is due within 60 days; the permit runs for one to three years.
- **Poland:** the national visa fee is ₹21,120 (table effective 1 January 2026). Decisions come within 15 days (up to 30), insurance must cover at least €30,000, and all Indian educational documents must be apostilled.
- **Romania:** the Ministry of Education issues a Letter of Acceptance (typically about 30 working days), after which you apply on Romania's e-Visa portal. The file includes a criminal record certificate, proof of tuition paid, proof of means, insurance and accommodation.

## How to avoid visa delays

1. **Book the appointment the day the invitation arrives.** In Georgia and Germany, processing time alone can exceed six weeks.
2. **Match every name and date.** The passport, marksheets, NEET scorecard and invitation must use identical spellings.
3. **Time the medical tests.** Russia's HIV certificate must be no more than 90 days old when you apply.
4. **Show stable funds.** Statements should show the balance for months, not a recent lump sum; a loan sanction letter helps (see our [education loan guide](https://4mbbs.com/guides/education-loan-for-mbbs-abroad/)).
5. **Keep copies of everything you submit,** and track the application on the official portal, not through an agent's messages.

## After the visa: plan your first weeks

Your obligations begin the day you land: registration, medical checks, visa extension or residence permit. The university's international office usually handles them, but keep your passport available and never let a deadline pass. Our guide to [life as an Indian medical student abroad](https://4mbbs.com/guides/life-as-indian-medical-student-abroad/) covers housing, food and settling in, and the [cost calculator](https://4mbbs.com/tools/mbbs-abroad-cost-calculator/) helps you budget visa extensions and insurance for all six years.

## FAQ

**How long does a student visa for MBBS abroad take?**
Plan for 1–3 months from admission letter to visa. The invitation or ministry approval usually comes first and can take 25–45 days in Russia. Visa processing after that is about 5 working days for Kazakhstan and 7 working days for China, a stated minimum of 2 months for Georgia's D3 visa, a decision within 15 days for Poland, and up to several months for Germany. Apply as soon as your invitation arrives.

**Do Indian students need a visa to study MBBS in Nepal?**
No. Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal; the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi lists only identity documents for Indian nationals. For air travel, the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu accepts only a valid Indian passport or an original Voter ID card, and Aadhaar or PAN cards are not accepted. You still need a qualifying NEET result and must clear Nepal's MECEE-BL admission route.

**Is an HIV test required for a Russian student visa?**
Yes, for long stays. The Russian visa centre's student-visa page asks for an HIV test certificate done no more than 90 days before you apply, and Moscow State University asks foreign students for a medical certificate on the absence of HIV, tuberculosis and syphilis. After arrival, Russia also requires a medical examination and fingerprinting within 90 days. Take the test close to your appointment date so it does not expire.

**What is the visa fee for MBBS in China?**
According to the Consulate General of China in Mumbai's notice of 22 October 2026, an X1 study visa for Indian citizens costs ₹2,900 for single entry, ₹4,400 for double entry, ₹5,900 for six-month multiple entry and ₹8,800 for twelve-month-plus multiple entry, with an express surcharge of ₹1,800. Standard processing is 7 working days, or 4 with express service.

**Can my student visa be refused even with an admission letter?**
Yes. Common causes are an invitation that has not been issued yet, documents that are not apostilled, name or date-of-birth mismatches between passport and marksheets, weak financial proof and incomplete medical certificates. An admission letter alone is not enough for countries such as Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and China, which require a government-approved invitation or approval before the visa.

**Do I need a blocked account to study medicine in Germany?**
Usually yes. The German Missions in India say the required blocked-account amount is currently €11,904 for the year, with no more than €992 withdrawable a month. You also need an APS certificate, health insurance and, for medicine, fluent German, because public medical programmes are taught in German. The national visa fee is €75 (₹8,300).

**What do I have to do after I arrive on a student visa?**
Register within the local deadline. Russia requires migration registration within 3 working days in a university dormitory or 7 in a flat (Moscow State University) and a visa extension before the 90 days run out. Kazakhstan requires notification within 3 working days, Kyrgyzstan registration within 5 working days, China a residence permit within 30 days, and Italy a permit-of-stay application within 8 working days.

## Sources

- Study in Russia — how to apply (Study in Russia (Ministry of Science and Higher Education)): https://studyinrussia.ru/en/
- Migration support for foreign students (Lomonosov Moscow State University): https://interdep.ffl.msu.ru/migration3
- Notice on visa fees for Indian citizens (22 October 2026) (Consulate General of China in Mumbai): https://mumbai.china-consulate.gov.cn/eng/lsyw/IN/202610/t20261022_12044989.htm
- Visa for study purposes (C9) (Embassy of Kazakhstan in India): https://www.gov.kz/api/v1/public/content-manager/article/13455?lang=en
- Consular section — visa fees (Embassy of Uzbekistan in India): https://www.uzbekembassy.in/consular-section/
- Georgia visa information for India (VFS Global): https://www.vfsglobal.com/one-pager/georgia/india/english/
- Student visa 9(f) (Bureau of Immigration, Philippines): https://immigration.gov.ph/student-visa-9f
- Valid travel documents for Indians visiting Nepal (Embassy of India, Kathmandu): https://www.indembkathmandu.gov.in/valid-travel-documents
- National visa fees and blocked account (German Missions in India): https://india.diplo.de/in-en/service/2755482-2755482
- Consular fees (effective 1 January 2026) (Embassy of Poland in New Delhi): https://www.gov.pl/web/india/consular-fees
- Procedural fees (National Directorate-General for Aliens Policing, Hungary): https://oif.gov.hu/eljarasi-dijak
- Student visa (type S) information (Kyrgyz Republic e-Visa portal): https://evisa.e-gov.kg/get_information.php?lng=en

Quote with attribution to 4MBBS: https://4mbbs.com/guides/student-visa-for-mbbs-abroad/