According to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), new eligibility requirements have finally been announced regarding Pakistani students who intend to take their medical education overseas.
In case you want to earn an external scholarship in a foreign medical school, you have to satisfy these recently established academic and legal requirements. These measures are aimed at ensuring that foreign medical graduates who come back to Pakistan are competent enough to work without any harm.
This is all that you should know about the new requirements.
PMDC Admission Requirements
The latest notification by PMDC states that students who want to pursue medical education in foreign countries must meet the following requirements as obligatory academic requirements in Pakistan before leaving Pakistan:
FSc Marks: The student should register a minimum of 60 percent marks in his or her FSc Pre-Medical board exams or a similar qualification.
MDCAT Score: one has to attain a minimum of 50 percent in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) which is performed in Pakistan itself.
Mandatory PMDC Registration and NRE Exam
The latest notification by PMDC states that students who want to pursue medical education in foreign countries must meet the following requirements as obligatory academic requirements in Pakistan before leaving Pakistan:
FSc Marks: The student should register a minimum of 60 percent marks in his or her FSc Pre-Medical board exams or a similar qualification.
MDCAT Score: one has to attain a minimum of 50 percent in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) which is performed in Pakistan itself.
Verifying University Accreditation
Before finalizing admissions, PMDC strictly advises students and parents to verify the accreditation status of the foreign medical college. The chosen institution must be recognized by:
- The relevant health regulatory authority of the host country.
- The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
Students are encouraged to check the ECFMG website and consult the official PMDC portal for proper guidance to avoid future degree-recognition issues.
Summary of PMDC Requirements
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
| Academic Qualification | 60% marks in FSc Pre-Medical (or equivalent) |
| Entry Test | 50% score in MDCAT (Pakistan) |
| Pre-Departure Step | Mandatory online registration with PMDC |
| Post-Graduation Step | Must pass the NRE to practice in Pakistan |
| University Approval | Must be recognized by ECFMG & host country |
Is MDCAT necessary to apply for an MBBS abroad?
Yes, under the new PMDC rules, Pakistani students must score a minimum of 50% in the MDCAT before seeking admission to foreign medical colleges.
Can foreign medical graduates practice directly in Pakistan?
No, all foreign medical graduates must pass the National Registration Examination (NRE) conducted by PMDC to get registered and practice as doctors in Pakistan.
How can I check if a foreign medical college is recognized?
You should verify the institution’s accreditation status on the ECFMG website and ensure it is approved by the host country’s regulatory authority, as advised by the PMDC.
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