Students deciding between an MD and an MBBS must carefully consider their choice, as both require significant time and effort. While an MD is often seen as a higher degree, it does not necessarily mean that an MD holder is a better doctor than someone with an MBBS. The key difference lies in the opportunities and career paths each degree offers.

This article will help you understand the distinctions between MD and MBBS, the commitments they demand, and how to make the right decision for your future.

What Is the MBBS Degree?

MBBS is the first undergraduate degree students need to obtain to become qualified medical practitioners in the UK and Commonwealth countries. It stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. The term came from the Latin term Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae.

Other than the UK, the following countries recognize the MBBS degree to become licensed doctors.

• India
• Bangladesh
• Pakistan
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Australia
• South Africa

What Is the MD Degree?

In the US and Canada, the MD is a professional doctorate and the standard qualification for becoming a licensed doctor. It requires prior completion of an undergraduate degree, typically in a related field. It stands for Doctor of Medicine, which is derived from Medicinae Doctor in Latin. 

In the US and Canada, MD is the standard entry-level qualification for becoming a licensed doctor. But, in India, the UK, Australia, and the Commonwealth countries, MD is a postgraduate medical degree. 

Countries	Variation of MD Degree
United States, Canada	MD is the undergraduate entry-level and the first medical degree
India, UK, Australia, Germany, Commonwealth Countries	MD is a postgraduate degree and equivalent to a specialized master’s degree
Russia, China, Europe, Philippines	MD is equivalent to MBBS and the first medical degree

Course Structures of MD and MBBS Programs

Depending on where you are pursuing your medical degree, the course structure of these two programs can vary greatly. 

MBBS Course Structure

In most countries, the MBBS program has three major phases.

Phase 1: Pre-Clinical Phase

Students learn about basic medical sciences to strengthen their theoretical foundations in this phase. The subjects studied in this phase include:

• Anatomy
• Physiology
• Biochemistry
• Pathology
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology

Phase 2: Clinical Phase

In this phase, students start getting clinical training and exposure. Subjects in this phase include:

• Internal Medicine
• General Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Orthopedics
• Radiology

Phase 3: Internship

In this phase, they get hands-on training and exposure to real-world medical problems. The course structure of the MBBS program is almost the same in all countries where it is offered.

MD Course Structure

As the MD degree is an entry-level degree in some countries and a postgraduate degree in others, its course structure varies greatly.

In the US and Canada

The MD course has three phases in these countries.

• Pre-Clinical Phase: Students study foundational science in this phase. The subjects include Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, and more.
• Clinical Phase: Students go through hospital rotations in various medical fields.
• Residency: After the MD program, professionals must get specialization training in a specific field.

In India, the UK, and the Commonwealth Countries

• Specialized Study: After obtaining the MBBS degree, professionals study a specific medical field, such as general medicine, pediatrics, etc.
• Research and Thesis: Besides regular study, students need to conduct research and write dissertations.
• Clinical Training: Hands-on clinical training is provided in this phase.

How Long Does It Take to Complete MBBS and MD?

Depending on the program and region, here is how much time you need to complete the MBBS and MD degrees.

Countries	Course	Phases	Time
US, Canada	MD as the entry-level degree	Pre-clinical	2 years
		Clinical	2 years
		Residency	3-7 years
		Total	7-11 years
UK, Australia, India, Commonwealth Countries	MBBS as the entry-level degree	Pre-clinical	1-2 years
		Clinical	3-4 years
		Internship	1 year
		Total	5-6 years
Russia, China	MD equivalent to MBBS	Pre-clinical	2 years
		Clinical	4 years
		Internship	1 year
		Total	7 years

Admission Requirements for MBBS and MD

MD and MBBS programs have different admission criteria in different countries. Check out the compilation of requirements below.

MBBS Admission Requirements

• Minimum Educational Requirements: In most countries, students can take the MBBS course after completing high school or secondary education.
• Required Subjects: Studying Biology, Physics, and Chemistry is a must to take the MBBS course.
• Minimum GPA or Percentage: In the UK, students need at least AAA or AAB in A-levels. In Australia, students need an ATAR score of at least 90. India requires about 50-60% in the 12th grade. China, Russia, and other countries may have lower grade requirements.

MD Admission Requirements in the US and Canada

• Minimum Educational Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field, such as Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Sciences, etc.
• Minimum GPA: Most medical schools require a minimum GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• MCAT: The Medical College Admission Test is required for US and Canadian medical schools.

MD Admission Requirements in India, the UK, and Australia

• MBBS Degree: Candidates must have an MBBS degree to pursue an MD as a postgraduate specialization.
• Internship: At least one year of internship after the MBBS degree is required.
• Entrance Exams: Some countries require entrance exams for the MD program, such as NEET-PG in India, PLAB in the UK, etc.

Cost to Do MD vs. Cost to Do MBBS

Thinking about becoming a doctor but worried about the cost? You are not alone. One of the biggest differences between MBBS and MD is the cost. Check out the table below to see the expenses you have to bear to do MD or MBBS.

Country	Program	Duration	Average Cost (per year)
USA	MD	3 to 6 years	$230,000 to $240,000
	MBBS	4 years	$200,000 to $344,000
UK	MD	3 to 4 years	£25,000 to £40,000
	MBBS	5 to 6 years	£25,000 to £50,000
India	MBBS	5.5 years	INR 5,00,000 to INR 50,00,000
	MD	3 years	INR 20,00,000 to INR 30,00,000
Bangladesh	MD	6 years	BDT 20,00,000-30,00,000
	MBBS	5 years	BDT 25,00,000-40,00,000
Canada	MD	3 to 4 years	CAD 20,000 to CAD 100,000
	MBBS	3 to 4 years	CAD 14,400 to CAD 96,000
Australia	MD	4 years	AUD 15759 to AUD 63037
	MBBS	5-6 years	AUD 30,000 to AUD 60,000
China	MD	5 years	$2,758 to $4,826
	MBBS	6 years	$2,900 to $4,200

If you want to study medicine abroad but find the costs too high, Arkangel University is a more affordable option. We offer quality medical education at a much lower tuition fee than most international universities.

Tuition Fees at Arkangel University

First 4 Years: $15,000 per year or $5,000 per semester
Last 2 Years (Clinical Placement): $25,500 per year or around $8,500 per semester 

Income Potential: MBBS vs MD

If you are thinking about a career in medicine, you are probably wondering how much you can earn with an MBBS or an MD. The answer depends on many factors, such as:

• Qualifications
• Experience
• Specialty
• Location

An MBBS graduate can start working right after completing their degree. However, their salary is usually lower than someone with an MD.

In India, an MBBS doctor in a government hospital may earn around ₹30,000 to ₹100,000 per month. Private hospitals or clinics often pay more. In the UK, foundation doctors with an MBBS earn around £29,000 per year. In the US, MBBS is not recognized as a degree on its own. Doctors must complete an MD to practice.

An MD holder who specializes in a specific field earns significantly more. In the US, primary care physicians with an MD earn an average of $277,000 per year. Specialists can earn around $394,000 annually. In India, MD specialists earn much higher salaries depending on their field.

MD professionals generally have better earning potential because specialization increases demand and expertise. However, pursuing an MD takes extra years of study and requires more financial investment. If you are planning your medical career, it is important to consider both the earning potential and the time and cost involved in getting an MD.

Steps to Earn an MD Degree After Completing an MBBS Degree

Step 1: Obtain a Medical License

In most countries, after completing your MBBS, you will need to obtain a medical license to practice medicine. This often involves passing a licensing examination. For example:

• In the US, international graduates with an MBBS must pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) to be eligible to practice.
• In India, you must register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the respective state medical councils.
• In Bangladesh, graduates must be registered with BMDC after their internships.

Step 2: Choose Your Specialization

After obtaining your medical license, choose a specialty for your MD. You can choose from various fields such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, Psychiatry, Dermatology, and more.

Step 3: Apply for MD Programs

MD programs are available at many medical schools and institutions. To get in, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. These might include a solid academic record in your MBBS degree, some relevant experience, and sometimes entrance exams.

For example, in the US, after finishing your MBBS, you can apply for a residency program in your chosen specialty. The process includes applying to programs, attending interviews, and then being matched to a program through the National Residency Matching Program.

Step 4: Complete the MD Program

The MD program usually takes about 3 to 6 years to complete depending on the specialty and how the program is set up. During these years, you will go through clinical rotations, research, and practice in hospitals or clinics. You will work closely with experienced doctors who will guide you through the process.

Step 5: Obtain Board Certification

Once you finish your MD program, you need to get board certified in your specialty. For example:

• In the US, after completing your residency, you take board exams to get certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.
• In India, you will need to get recognition from the National Board of Examinations after finishing your MD and passing the required exams.
• In Bangladesh, you will have to register with BMDC as a foreign medical degree holder and sit for their licensing exams.

Step 6: Complete Further Training (If Necessary)

Some specialties may require additional training after completing your MD. This is often referred to as a fellowship. For example, a cardiologist might do a fellowship in interventional cardiology to gain more expertise in that area.

Step 7: Begin Your Practice as an MD

Once you have completed all the education, certification, and training, you will be ready to practice as a Doctor of Medicine in your specialty. You can work in hospitals, clinics, or even open your own practice.

Which Is Better: MBBS or MD?

The following chart will help you pursue the right career path based on your preferences.

MD Is Better If	MBBS Is Better If
You reside in the US or Canada.	You reside in the UK, India, or countries with the British medical system.
You need a direct pathway to specialization.	You have the chance to complete your specialization later.
You want a higher earning potential.	You want to work in general medicine.

Final Words

Some countries offer MD as an entry-level undergraduate degree, while others offer it as a specialization after MBBS. Before you choose one from MD vs MBBS, think of where you want to study, practice, and get licenses. 

You should also consider the timeline and complexity associated with these programs to pick the right career path. We hope this guide helps you to learn the key differences between MD and MBBS.