MBBS in Zambia: Zambia, located in southern Africa, is a landlocked country characterized by its rugged terrain and diverse wildlife, including numerous parks and safari areas. Despite being renowned for pioneering the walking safari and often described as Africa’s best-kept secret, Zambia struggles with some of the highest levels of poverty and inequality in the world. A critical issue in Zambia is the shortage of trained doctors. In response, the government and healthcare organizations are making significant efforts to encourage more students to pursue medical studies. They offer various benefits and scholarships to international students, with the expectation that these students will serve in Zambia for a few years after completing their education.
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Country Summary
Zambia is a beautiful country with numerous attractions. Each region has its unique features, making Zambia an ideal destination for tourists. The country has two official languages, one of which is English. Zambia takes pride in being a peaceful, multi-racial nation.
| Population | 20,216,029 |
| Area | 752,617 km2 (290,587 sq mi) |
| Capital City | Lusaka |
| Language | Official Languages: English |
| Climate | Warm & Humid |
| Literacy Rate | 87.5% |
| Time Zone | UTC+2 (CAT) |
| Currency | Zambian kwacha |
| Religion | 95.5 per cent of the country’s population is Christian; of these, 75.3 per cent identify as Protestant, and 20.2 per cent as Roman Catholic |
Quick facts
Before diving into the detailed information about pursuing an MBBS in Zambia, let’s review some quick facts about studying medicine in this country.
| Course Offered | Doctor of Medicine Degree (equivalent to MBBS, India) |
| Course Duration | 5 – 6 Years (Depends on University) |
| Basic Eligibility | 10+2 (Science) with 50% – 70% in PCB (Depending on University) |
| Medium of Teaching | English |
| Universities Recognition | NMC, WHO, FAIMER, UNESCO, Ministry of Education India |
| Cost of Living in Zambia | Depends on student |
| Entrance Exam | NEET (For Indian Students) |
Recognition of Zambia Medical College
The most crucial factors in determining a top medical college include verifying its affiliation, recognition, and other accrediting criteria. MBBS in Zambia colleges are affiliated with these authorities.
- Ministry of Education, Zambia.
- NMC (National Medical Commission)
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates)
- WFME (World Federation for Medical Education)
- FAIMER (The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research).
Why Study MBBS in Zambia?
Zambia has renowned schools of medicine offering quality education. The affordability and quality of education with a good student-faculty ratio make pursuing MBChB/MBBS in Zambia.
| Top class university | Like in India, universities/institutes abroad provide students with state-of-the-art universities with modern amenities for a wholesome education experience. The universities not only boast world-class faculty but also provide internationally recognized degrees to students to create a mark in the medical field globally. Universities and colleges abroad also provide paramount safety and security to students so they can feel at home in a foreign land. |
| Use of English language | To attract international students, many colleges and universities abroad use English as their primary language of instruction and communication medical universities. This again works as an advantage in attracting international and Indian students. However, applicants should note that being versed in the local language is always an added bonus. |
| Better ROI | The cost of pursuing an MBBS abroad is at par or lower than private universities in India. On successful completion of their course, students are allowed to practice in the host country. This allows them to earn big money, thus yielding a better return on investments in the long run. Tuition Fees in medical colleges abroad are affordable. |
| More seats | Due to the limited number of government medical seats in India, and exorbitant tuition fees at private universities, many aspirants cannot pursue their dream of studying MBBS in India. However, international universities have been able to tap into this student group simply by keeping their tuition fees low, education standards high, and above all, providing a larger number of seats compared to their government counterparts in India. |
| Scholarships and Financial Aid | To promote a healthy flow of students coming into foreign countries to pursue medical studies, universities and institutions have announced scholarships and financial grants to students to encourage studying MBBS abroad. Students can check out a list of scholarships available to pursue MBBS study abroad. |
| Global Job Opportunity | The students studying MBBS Abroad get ample opportunities to apply for jobs in any part of the world. Once they obtain the certificate to practice anywhere in the world, they can get the country-wise certificate as well to be able to practice medicine after their graduation. |
Admission Procedure
If you want admission to Zambia, you must qualify for the National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET).
Eligibility Criteria
Zambia has become a top preferred destination for Indian and international students to pursue medical degree courses. If you are interested in studying MBBS in Zambia, check the eligibility requirements below.
| Course Offered | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) |
| Course Duration | 6 Years |
| Basic Eligibility | Class 12th in Science, with PCB and English subjects from a board recognized by the authorities in India. |
| Medium of Teaching | English language |
| Universities Recognition | NMC & WHO |
| NEET Entrance Exam | NEET (For Indian Students) |
Documents Required
Before gaining admission to a medical program in Zambia, be sure to have all the necessary documents with you.
- Passport (Minimum 18 months validity)
- 10th Certificate & Mark sheet.
- 12th Certificate & Mark sheet.
- Birth Certificate.
- 10 passport-size Photographs
- Official Invitation letter from Zambia.
- Authorization of all documents from the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
- Legalization of all documents from The High Commission Republic of Zambia.
- Visa fees.
- Bank receipt of 1st Year Tuition fees (required for some Universities).
- HIV test documents.
Top MBBS Colleges in Zambia with Fee Structure
Below is the updated list of 2024-25 of all Medical or MBBS in Zambia officially made by the NMC. For detailed info about Fee Structure, Courses offered, Admission Procedure, Placement Stats, Cut-off, and Facilities available and to complete the college review, click the college link or Read more. It will provide a list of the best medical colleges.
| S.No. | Name of Colleges | Fee Structure/ Year |
| 1. | Lusaka Apex Medical University | 1,26,184/- |
| 2. | University of Zambia | 2,50,000/- |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Zambia
Do you know that the Ministry of Education oversees education in Zambia? This is a list of registered universities in Zambia. There were 9 registered public institutions and 54 registered private institutions in Zambia following Zambian Higher Education Authority regulations. There are a lot of advantages to studying MBBS in Zambia. Here are just a few:
Advantages of Studying MBBS in Zambia for Indian Students
- The MBBS degree is recognized by the WHO and UNESCO and accepted worldwide.
- The Indian students seeking admission are admitted to institutions recognized by the Medical Council of India for screening tests conducted by NMC.
- Wide range of possibilities and broad exposure to clinical practice due to highly equipped multi-profile hospitals.
- Students studying in Zambia can complete their internship program at world-class medical colleges and hospitals worldwide.
- The tuition fee is quite low and affordable.
- Hostel accommodations are comfortable and up to the mark for a student’s comfort.
- MBBS colleges in Zambia provide great academics as well as sports.
- The MBBS degree students get from Zambia medical colleges is globally renowned and holds great worth.
Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Zambia for Indian Students
- As Zambia is the local language in Zambia, therefore, students might feel the language is a barrier (outside the university campus).
- One might have to put extra effort into learning the Zambian language after the class hour.
- The climate of the country is a little different. Therefore, it might be hard for students to adapt.
- Those who wish to study and work together to cover their expenses may face difficulties because it requires self-study and concentration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Indian students require a visa to study MBBS in Zambia?
Yes, a student visa is necessary for students studying or planning to study MBBS in Zambia.
Is it safe to study in Zambia?
Yes, society and people are very helpful in Zambia. There are very few criminal records near the universities.
