Overview:
The historical, cultural, and economic ties between India and Mauritius run deep, with the presence of the Indian diaspora shaping Mauritius' demographic and cultural landscape since the 19th and early 20th centuries. This migration has influenced Mauritius' cultural practices, cuisine, and traditions, forging a strong bond between the two nations.
In contemporary times, India and Mauritius maintain robust diplomatic and economic relations, collaborating in areas such as trade, investment, and education. The significant Indian community in Mauritius further solidifies these ties, with shared linguistic and historical backgrounds contributing to the enduring connection between the two countries.
Choosing Mauritius for MBBS studies offers several advantages for Indian students compared to other destinations. The education pattern closely mirrors that of India, with similar study subjects and a duration of 5+1 years. Mauritius boasts a high FMGE passing rate, facilitated by Indian faculty in its medical colleges. Additionally, tuition fees are lower than those of private medical colleges in India, making Mauritius a more affordable option. The familiarity of language, culture, and cuisine in Mauritius provides a comfortable environment for Indian students, who also benefit from the island's connectivity with India and its pleasant coastal climate. Overall, Mauritius stands out as an attractive destination for MBBS studies for Indian students.
The prerequisites for pursuing a medical degree in Mauritius align closely with those of other international MBBS programs. Prospective students must meet certain eligibility criteria to secure admission to a medical university in Mauritius, which typically include:
- Attainment of a minimum score of 21 Grade or 60% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in the ICSE/CBSE, or an equivalent qualification, at the Class XII level.
- Successful completion of the NEET - UG examination.
- Age requirement of 17 years by December 31st of the year of application, supported by the submission of relevant documents such as Birth or School Leaving certificates for verification purposes.
MBBS opportunities in Mauritius cater extensively to international students, particularly Indian students who predominantly enroll in institutions such as Anna Medical University Mauritius or SSR University Mauritius. These two universities have emerged as primary choices for Indian students pursuing medical education in Mauritius, with the Mauritius Medical University opening its doors to foreign students for medicine courses starting from 2022 onwards. Currently, the number of Indian students enrolled in MBBS programs in Mauritius stands at over 450.
Upon completion of the MBBS program, students must undergo the Medical Registration Examination (MRE) in Mauritius, which is conducted every six months. Passing this examination is a prerequisite for attaining licensure as a general practitioner as per section 22(1) (ca) of the Medical Council Act. Additionally, individuals aspiring to register as specialists must undergo evaluation by the Postgraduate Medical Education Board under section 23(1) (b) of the Medical Council Act. Successful candidates are officially recognized and registered as specialists. It's noteworthy that all examinations and assessments are conducted exclusively in English.
For Indian students aiming to practice medicine in India after completing MBBS in Mauritius, the journey towards specialization is paramount. Understanding the competitive landscape of securing MD/MS seats in Government Medical Colleges in India, where the success ratio is broadly 11%, underscores the challenges ahead. With approximately one out of ten applicants securing a PG seat and even slimmer odds of obtaining a clinical specialty at one out of twenty applicants, the path to specialization can be arduous. This reality often necessitates significant financial resources to secure a paid seat in a private medical college in India, which may entail substantial investments reaching into crores.