MBBS vs MD: Differences, Entry Requirements & Career Paths

A great question we get a lot from students is: “MD vs MBBS, which is better for me?”

After all, you’re setting the foundation for your entire medical career, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into. However, the answer can be a bit confusing, as the MD degree has a different meaning in the US/Canada and Europe.

That’s why in this blog, we’ll go through all the differences between MBBS and MD, including which one you should go for depending on where you want to become a doctor, their entry requirements, curricula differences, and more. By the end, you’ll be able to choose with confidence and take the next step towards your dream career in medicine.

The key takeaways of this blog include:

• MBBS and MBChB are 6-year undergraduate medical programmes taken directly after high school.
• MD in Europe is typically the same as MBBS.
• MD in North America is a 4-year postgraduate medical programme for which you need to already have a Bachelor’s Degree.
• Both are internationally recognised medical degrees that will enable you to become a doctor with the right steps. This usually includes passing licensing exams, and registering with the local medical council.

What Are MBBS and MD?

Let’s get straight into the differences between the MBBS vs MD degree and their specifics. For all UK students wondering about MBChB, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered too.

MBBS Degree

The complete form of MBBS is Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery.

It’s an undergraduate medical degree typically entered straight after high school or after a pre-med course. MBBS typically lasts 6 years and is awarded throughout Europe, Australia, India and more.

The curriculum of this degree combines foundational sciences with early clinical exposure for a comprehensive educational experience that incorporates internships/clerkships and leads directly into foundational training, more internships, and/or specialisation.

MBBS is an internationally recognised degree that is accepted worldwide, as long as you’ve graduated from a reputable medical school with accreditation and recognition.

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MD Degree

MD in the US. Canada and the Caribbean

Doctor of Medicine is the primary medical qualification in North America, but unlike in Europe, MD is a 4-year postgraduate degree. This means that you need to already have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline, preferably in 1 of the health-related sciences.

The MD curriculum is structured around 2 pre-clinical years, focusing on foundational medical sciences, followed by 2 clinical years of hands-on patient care. Upon graduation, MD holders apply through the residency matching process to proceed into a residency training programme.

Just like MBBS, the postgraduate MD degree is recognised throughout the world, as long as you’ve graduated from a reputable medical school.

MD in Europe

In many European countries, like Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, etc., the primary medical qualification is also called MD. It is a 6-year Master’s degree equivalent to MBBS/MBChB, taken straight after secondary school.

The true postgraduate research doctorate (taken after MBBS/MD) is generally called DM (Doctorate of Medicine), or a PhD in Medicine, depending on the country.

MBChB Degree

If you’re from the UK, you’ve probably read a thread or 2 discussing MBChB vs MBBS vs MD. However MBChB (Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae) is simply another name for the same undergraduate medical degree as MBBS.

It lasts 5-6 years and is awarded in many UK, Irish and Commonwealth universities. The curriculum, clinical exposure and global recognition mirror the MBBS pathway. After graduation, MBChB holders typically go into their Foundation Year Training (FY1 & FY2).

MBBS Degree vs MD Entry Requirements

The starting point (a.k.a. the requirements) is the biggest difference between MD vs MBBS. 

MBBS Entry Requirements

If you’re coming straight from high school, then going for an MBBS/MBChB/European MD degree is the most straightforward. Typically, you will need:

• A high-school diploma with good grades in Biology, Chemistry, and sometimes Physics, Mathematics (A-levels for UK students).
• To take an entrance exam and/or interview (not always). 
• A strong application, preferably with extracurricular experience in a healthcare setting.
• English language proficiency. Proven either via certification or with a test.

MD Entry Requirements (US/Canada)

By contrast, the requirements for the MD track in the US or Canada are:

• Having an undergraduate degree. Typically, any discipline is fine as long as you have the prerequisite science courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• Passing the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), a standardised test. However, not all universities require taking the MCAT.
• Having a holistic student profile for medicine. Strong GPA, relevant extracurriculars (clinical experience, research) and a compelling personal statement.
• Passing an interview. Usually via Multiple mini-interviews (MMIs) or traditional panels to assess communication, ethical reasoning, and compatibility with the medical profession.

MD vs MBBS vs MBChB Career Pathways & Recognition

Choosing between MD degree vs MBBS will not only determine your medical training but can also greatly help you on your career trajectory.

Naturally, if you want to become a doctor in Europe, it would be an advantage to study there, but that doesn’t mean that a US MD degree wouldn’t get the job done. In that same way, studying in North America or the Caribbean can give you an advantage when getting your licensure. However, that doesn’t mean that if you get an MBBS degree in Europe, you won’t be able to get licensed in the US.

In fact there are many European medical schools that cater to Americans/Canadians and students that wish to become doctors in the US.

Here's how the paths typically unfold for MBBS and MD graduates.

MBBS/MBChB Graduates

After completing the MBBS/MBChB degree, graduates move into clinical training based on the country they’ve studied in.

For example, In the UK, graduates must register with the General Medical Council (GMC) to obtain their Foundation Year 1 (FY1) licence. In India, MBBS holders register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC) before beginning their internship year.

Once the degree is complete, MBBS graduates enter structured foundation or internship programmes, with no separate residency match process required. In the UK, the Foundation Years provide hands-on experience in various medical fields. In Europe, graduates often opt to pursue a postgraduate qualification, which allows them to specialise in areas like surgery, internal medicine, or paediatrics.

MBBS graduates who wish to secure a clerkship or practise internationally typically just need to pass additional exams, such as the USMLE for the United States or the PLAB/UKMLA exams to practise in the UK. This added layer of qualification is necessary to ensure all international graduates meet the standards and regulations of their new host country.

MD Graduates

MD graduates in North America and the Caribbean follow a more structured postgraduate path.

After completing their degree, they enter residency training, where they specialise in fields such as internal medicine, surgery, or paediatrics. This process is facilitated through the National Residency Match Program (NRMP). Another option that some MD graduates choose is to combine clinical training with research, pursuing an MD/PhD track that prepares them for both medical practice and scientific study

Just like International Medical Graduates, once their residency is complete, MD holders must pass the USMLE exams and obtain a state medical license before they can practise independently. This ensures that they meet the professional standards required to treat patients safely and effectively.

After completing residency, MD graduates have opportunities to pursue advanced specialisation through fellowships. These fellowships allow doctors to deepen their expertise in their preferred area. This advanced training is essential for those who wish to practise at the highest levels in highly specialised medical fields.

If you’re curious about the differences in specialisation pathways in Europe, the US and the UK, we’ve got a comprehensive guide on How to Become a Dermatologist: Pathways, Cost & Timeline

MBBS vs MD in a Nutshell

Here’s a recap of the MBBS vs MD main difference​s:

FAQ - The MBBS vs MD Debate