MBBS BDS Admission Circular 2025–2026 for Foreign Students in Bangladesh
Complete Guide for SAARC and Non-SAARC Candidates – Apply for MBBS and BDS Programs in Bangladesh Government Medical Colleges
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| MBBS BDS Admission Circular 2025–2026 for Foreign Students in Bangladesh |
Introduction
The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, through the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has officially announced the MBBS/BDS Admission Circular for Foreign Students (Session 2025–2026).
This annual announcement opens doors for international students—both from SAARC and non-SAARC countries—to study MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) or BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) in Government Medical Colleges and Dental Units across Bangladesh.
Every year, hundreds of students from Pakistan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Palestine, and other countries apply for this golden opportunity. Bangladesh’s medical education system is recognized for its quality, affordability, and English-medium instruction—making it one of the most popular destinations for foreign students pursuing medical degrees in South Asia.
Overview of MBBS/BDS Admission for Foreign Students (Session 2025–2026)
Circular Issued by: Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), Mohakhali, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Website: www.dgme.gov.bd
Academic Session: 2025–2026
Total Seats: 224
SAARC Countries: 125 seats
Non-SAARC Countries: 99 seats
Application Period: November 11, 2025 – December 22, 2025
Submission Deadline to Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs: January 8, 2026
Final Processing Deadline: January 15, 2026
Seat Distribution for SAARC and Non-SAARC Countries
The DGME Bangladesh has allocated a total of 224 seats for foreign students. Among them, 125 seats are reserved for SAARC countries under the Bangladesh Government’s Scholarship Program, and 99 seats are reserved for non-SAARC candidates.
SAARC Countries Quota Breakdown
SAARC Member Countries and Seat Allocation:
India: 21 MBBS seats | 02 BDS seats
Pakistan: 21 MBBS seats | 02 BDS seats
Nepal: 19 MBBS seats | 01 BDS seat
Sri Lanka: 13 MBBS seats | 01 BDS seat
Bhutan: 26 MBBS seats | 02 BDS seats
Maldives: 06 MBBS seats | 01 BDS seat
Afghanistan: 03 MBBS seats | 01 BDS seat
➡️ Total SAARC Quota:
MBBS Seats: 112 BDS Seats: 13
Non-SAARC Countries Quota Breakdown
Country MBBS Seats BDS Seats
Myanmar 02 02
Palestine 02 00
All other countries of the world 49 22
Total 72 27
Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Students
To be eligible for admission to MBBS/BDS programs in Bangladesh, foreign applicants must meet the following conditions as outlined by DGME and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:
1. Academic Requirements
The candidate must have completed Higher Secondary Education (HSC/A-Level/Equivalent) or Senior Secondary Education (SSC/Equivalent) with major subjects in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Applicants must have passed SSC or equivalent examination in 2022 or 2023, and HSC or equivalent examination in 2024 or 2025.
The minimum GPA requirement (as per Bangladesh equivalence system) is:
GPA 3.5 (out of 5.0) in both SSC and HSC or equivalent examinations.
Minimum GPA 4.0 in Biology in HSC or equivalent examination.
2. Age Limit
Candidates must be under 25 years of age on December 31, 2025.
3. Language Requirement
Courses are taught entirely in English, so students must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. IELTS or TOEFL is not mandatory but can strengthen an application.
4. Medical Fitness
Applicants must be physically and mentally fit and free from communicable diseases.
Application Procedure for Foreign Students
Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
The application form is available from the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) or via the official website www.dgme.gov.bd.
The template of the application form is provided in Annexure-A of the official circular.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must attach attested copies of the following documents:
1. SSC/Equivalent Certificate and Mark Sheet
2. HSC/Equivalent Certificate and Mark Sheet
3. Passport Copy (valid for at least 6 months)
4. Recent Passport-Size Photographs
5. Equivalence Certificate issued by the respective Education Board of Bangladesh (for foreign qualifications such as O/A Levels).
6. Character Certificate from the last educational institution.
7. Medical Fitness Certificate
8. Proof of Nationality (Passport/National ID)
All documents must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the candidate’s country.
Step 3: Submission to the Home Country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Applicants must send their completed application and all relevant documents to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or responsible authority in their respective countries.
Submission period: November 11 – December 22, 2025.
Step 4: Verification and Nomination by the Home Country
The home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will verify documents, evaluate eligibility based on DGME’s admission criteria (Annexure-C), and prepare a list of eligible candidates.
This eligible list will then be forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh by January 8, 2026.
Step 5: Final Processing by Bangladesh Authorities
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Bangladesh) will forward verified nominations to the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME).
DGME will then allocate seats according to the quota and inform both the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the concerned foreign authorities by January 15, 2026.
> Note: No application will be considered after the specified deadline.
Scholarship Information
The Government of Bangladesh offers scholarship seats to foreign students from SAARC countries under a special bilateral cooperation program. These scholarships typically cover:
Tuition fees (either fully or partially subsidized)
Accommodation facilities (in some colleges)
Medical insurance (basic)
Access to government medical infrastructure
Non-SAARC students, on the other hand, are admitted on a self-finance basis, meaning they will bear the cost of tuition, hostel, and other expenses as per the rules set by DGME.
Why Choose Bangladesh for MBBS/BDS Studies?
1. Globally Recognized Degree
Bangladesh’s medical universities and colleges follow the curriculum approved by the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BM&DC), which aligns with international standards such as those of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Medical Council of India (MCI/NMC).
2. Affordable Cost of Education
The total cost for studying MBBS in Bangladesh is much lower compared to other countries like the UK, USA, or even private universities in India or Pakistan.
For SAARC students, the scholarship quota further reduces expenses.
3. English-Medium Instruction
All medical programs are taught in English, making it easier for international students to adapt and learn effectively.
4. Cultural and Geographical Proximity
For students from Pakistan, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Bangladesh offers a familiar environment, cultural similarities, and easy travel options.
5. Strong Clinical Exposure
Government medical colleges in Bangladesh have large hospitals with high patient inflow, providing students with valuable hands-on clinical training.
Top Government Medical Colleges for Foreign Students
Below is a list of some of the prominent Government Medical Colleges in Bangladesh that accept foreign students under the DGME program:
1. Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka
2. Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka
3. Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College, Dhaka
4. Mymensingh Medical College, Mymensingh
5. Chittagong Medical College, Chittagong
6. Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi
7. Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur
8. Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet
9. Khulna Medical College, Khulna
10. Sher-e-Bangla Medical College, Barisal
Similarly, Government Dental Colleges accepting foreign students include:
1. Dhaka Dental College
2. Chittagong Dental College
3. Rajshahi Dental College
4. Rangpur Dental College
MBBS/BDS Course Duration and Curriculum
MBBS Course Duration: 5 years academic + 1-year compulsory internship
BDS Course Duration: 4 years academic + 1-year compulsory internship
The curriculum is based on modern medical education systems, focusing on:
Basic medical sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry)
Community medicine and public health
Clinical subjects (Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, etc.
Research methodology and practical training
Tuition Fees and Living Costs
While exact figures vary by college, here is an approximate breakdown:
MBBS Program (for foreign/self-finance students):
Tuition Fee: USD 8,000 – 10,000 per year
Hostel Fee: USD 1,000 – 1,500 per year
Total Estimated Cost: USD 35,000 – 45,000 for the full course
BDS Program:
Tuition Fee: USD 6,000 – 8,000 per year
Total Estimated Cost: USD 25,000 – 35,000 for the full course
Living Expenses in Bangladesh are comparatively low. Average monthly costs range between USD 150–250, covering accommodation, food, and transportation.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Event Date
Application Period November 11 – December 22, 2025
Last Date for Submission to Bangladesh Foreign Affairs January 8, 2026
Final Processing and Notification January 15, 2026
Academic Session Begins February/March 2026 (Tentative)
How to Increase Your Chance of Selection
1. Ensure Documents Are Complete and Properly Attested: Missing or uncertified papers can disqualify your application.
2. Maintain Strong Academic Scores: Higher GPA and strong marks in Biology increase chances.
3. Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last date; early submissions show seriousness.
4. Stay in Touch with Your Country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs: They handle verification and forwarding of your application.
5. Follow Official Channels Only: DGME Bangladesh does not accept direct applications or agents.
Contact Information
Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME)
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Mohakhali, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Website: www.dgme.gov.bd
For foreign applicants, all communication must go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of their respective countries.
Conclusion
The MBBS/BDS Admission Circular 2025–2026 for Foreign Students in Bangladesh offers a unique opportunity for international medical aspirants to pursue world-class education in one of South Asia’s most affordable and academically rich environments.
With 224 total seats, including 125 for SAARC and 99 for Non-SAARC countries, Bangladesh continues to uphold its commitment to educational diplomacy, regional cooperation, and global medical advancement.
For students from Pakistan, India, Nepal, and other SAARC nations, this is a golden opportunity to study medicine in a government-recognized institution with internationally respected credentials.
If you aspire to become a doctor or dentist with an MBBS/BDS degree recognized worldwide—Bangladesh could be your best choice in 2025–2026.