The majority of medical colleges in Bangladesh are private, which makes the country a favourable destination for international students seeking an MBBS degree. Before exploring application procedures, fees, financial requirements and affiliations, one question usually comes up first: how many private medical colleges are there in Bangladesh? The answer varies significantly by source. Some portals list dental colleges together with medical colleges, while others do not specify whether an institution is admitting students in a given academic year. Students considering MBBS in Bangladesh should rely on the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) and Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) portals rather than a random blog listing medical colleges. This guide covers the approximate number of private medical colleges, a college-wise list for Dhaka and other regions, and the factors to consider before applying.
How Many Private Medical Colleges Are There in Bangladesh?
The number of private medical colleges differs depending on the source and the date of the last update. The authority that maintains the official list is the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME), whose portal lists medical and dental institutions in both the public and private sectors. At present, DGME shows 80 colleges in the private category, divided between medical and dental.
The number of colleges that actually offer the MBBS degree is lower, because not all institutions provide the same programmes or have the same admission status.
|
Information |
What students should know |
|
Official authority |
Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) |
|
Medical education regulator |
Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC) |
|
College categories |
Public and private |
|
Programme to verify |
MBBS (not BDS) |
|
Admission status |
Confirm for the relevant academic session |
Key point: Figures on any single portal should not be treated as fixed. The list of private medical colleges can differ significantly depending on when it was last updated.
College-Wise List of Private Medical Colleges in Bangladesh
The lists below combine institutions from official directories with those frequently mentioned on other portals. College names may be spelled differently across sources, and the list is not exhaustive. It is meant as a shortlist of options to explore.
1. Private Medical Colleges in Dhaka
Dhaka has a particularly high number of private medical colleges, as most educational facilities in Bangladesh are concentrated in the capital. The institutions below appear on the DGME portal and other directories, with locations across Dhaka including Dhanmondi, Uttara, Mohammadpur and Mirpur, plus nearby areas.
- Bangladesh Medical College – Dhanmondi, Dhaka
- Dhaka National Medical College – Dhaka
- Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College – Dhaka
- Ibrahim Medical College – Dhaka
- Anwer Khan Modern Medical College – Dhaka
- East West Medical College – Dhaka
- Medical College for Women and Hospital – Uttara, Dhaka
- Z. H. Sikder Women’s Medical College – Dhaka
- Ad-din Women’s Medical College – Dhaka
- Green Life Medical College – Dhaka
- Ibn Sina Medical College – Dhaka
- Popular Medical College – Dhaka
- Universal Medical College – Dhaka
- Delta Medical College – Dhaka
- Marks Medical College – Dhaka
- MH Samorita Medical College – Dhaka
- Northern International Medical College – Dhaka
- Shahabuddin Medical College – Dhaka
- Ashiyan Medical College – Dhaka
- Ahsania Mission Medical College – Dhaka
- Tairunnessa Memorial Medical College – Gazipur
- International Medical College – Tongi, Gazipur
- Enam Medical College – Savar
- Monno Medical College – Manikganj
- Dr. Sirajul Islam Medical College – Dhaka
- Bashundhara Ad-din Medical College – Keraniganj
- Barrister Rafiqul Haque Medical College – Dhaka
2. Private Medical Colleges in Other Regions
Dhaka is not the only region to consider. Other academic facilities are located in Sylhet, Mymensingh, Tangail, Manikganj, Bogura, Sirajganj, Rangpur, Faridpur, Savar, Cumilla, Brahmanbaria, Chattogram, Khulna and Rajshahi, among other areas. When comparing options, also consider the distance between the college and the city centre.
|
College |
Location |
|
Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College |
Sylhet |
|
North East Medical College |
Sylhet |
|
Parkview Medical College |
Sylhet |
|
Sylhet Women’s Medical College |
Sylhet |
|
Community Based Medical College Bangladesh |
Mymensingh |
|
Kumudini Women’s Medical College |
Tangail |
|
Monno Medical College |
Manikganj |
|
TMSS Medical College |
Bogura |
|
North Bengal Medical College |
Sirajganj |
|
Prime Medical College |
Rangpur |
|
Rangpur Community Medical College |
Rangpur |
|
Diabetic Association Medical College |
Faridpur |
|
Gonoshasthaya Samaj Vittik Medical College |
Savar |
|
Eastern Medical College |
Cumilla |
|
Central Medical College |
Cumilla |
|
Mainamoti Medical College |
Cumilla |
|
Brahmanbaria Medical College |
Brahmanbaria |
|
BGC Trust Medical College |
Chattogram |
|
Chattogram International Medical College |
Chattogram |
|
Southern Medical College |
Chattogram |
|
Institute of Applied Health Sciences |
Chattogram |
|
Marine City Medical College |
Chattogram |
|
Ad-din Akij Medical College |
Khulna |
|
Ad-din Sakina Women’s Medical College |
Jashore |
|
Gazi Medical College |
Khulna |
|
Khulna City Medical College |
Khulna |
|
Barind Medical College |
Rajshahi |
|
Islami Bank Medical College |
Rajshahi |
|
Shah Makhdum Medical College |
Rajshahi |
This list is not final. Explore other options too, especially colleges outside Dhaka, and always double-check a college’s name and confirm its admission status with the authorities.
What Indian Students Should Check Before Choosing a College
Academic environment, location and reputation matter, but verification should always begin with official websites. To judge whether a college suits Indian students, consider the following.
Recognition and approval
First confirm that the college is approved to offer the MBBS degree and is recognised by Bangladesh’s authorities and, where applicable, India’s. Indian requirements may be stricter, so consult the National Medical Commission (NMC) portal on foreign medical graduate requirements. Even if a college’s name sounds familiar, verification should still start with this step.
Admission requirements and NEET
Eligibility rules for Indian students depend on the academic year and the documents issued to the applicant. Consult the current NEET requirements and the criteria issued by the NMC and the Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC). The DGME website also explains the procedure and documents required for admission of foreign students into Bangladeshi medical colleges.
Fees, facilities and clinical training
Before paying, request a detailed fee breakdown and clarify what is included: accommodation, clinical training, examinations and other costs. Colleges often charge extra fees that surprise students, so budget for them. Many students overlook the refund policy when comparing offers, so get it in writing. The MBBS Advisor website can serve as a supplementary source on general regulations and guidelines, but it should not replace the applicant’s own verification.
International recognition and career planning
The World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) lists educational institutions in different countries and is a useful reference, but it is not sufficient on its own for confirming recognition and registration of a foreign medical graduate. For confirming a particular college’s recognition, the official page of the relevant authority is the most reliable source.
How to Shortlist the Right College
Knowing how many private medical colleges exist in Dhaka or elsewhere is useful, but students must then narrow the search. Use this checklist:
- Make sure the institution offers the MBBS degree and is approved to do so.
- Clarify admission requirements and the college’s current status (approved, suspended or closed).
- Check affiliation with a university and a teaching hospital.
- Get a detailed fee description and the refund policy, official and in writing.
- Ask about accommodation, clinical training and other facilities.
- Check the regulations for foreign students and the rules for practising medicine in the home country.
- Check whether the college is listed in WDOMS, and collect the necessary documents before the admission stage.
For more on shortlisted institutions and professional development, students can use the MBBS in Bangladesh page. When verifying a particular college, consult multiple sources and always use the official page of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many private medical colleges are there in Bangladesh? It depends on the source and on whether dental colleges are included. DGME lists 80 colleges in a combined private medical and dental category, which is not the same as the number of colleges offering MBBS.
2. Are all private medical colleges in Bangladesh admitting students? No. Being on a list does not indicate current admission status. Check the latest DGME notices and BMDC information before applying.
3. Can Indian students study MBBS in private medical colleges in Bangladesh? Yes, if they meet the eligibility criteria and follow Bangladesh’s official process for foreign students. They should also meet India’s requirements for foreign medical graduates.
4. Is NEET required for Indian students? Confirm the latest NEET-UG and NMC registration requirements that apply to you, which may depend on the year of admission and other factors.
5. Are private medical colleges in Bangladesh NMC approved? Do not assume NMC approval from a college’s name or its presence in a directory. Research the relevant Indian rules and the institution’s status before any financial commitment.
6. Which city has the most private medical colleges? Dhaka has the most. Other options are Chattogram, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna and Rangpur.
7. Does a WDOMS listing ensure registration in India? No. A WDOMS listing is not a guarantee of accreditation or of eligibility for registration in India. Make sure you meet all NMC requirements.
8. What should students check before paying admission fees? Confirm the college is operational and issuing admissions, and verify the fee structure, refund policy, affiliations and teaching hospital tie-ups. Keep a record of all documents and payments.
9. Where can I find a list of medical colleges in Bangladesh? Start with the DGME portal and the BMDC website. Official sources are more reliable and up to date than general directories.
Conclusion
Bangladesh has many private medical colleges, especially in Dhaka and other big cities. However, the number of colleges in a directory should not be mistaken for the number of authorised institutions admitting MBBS students. Build a shortlist based on location, fees, hospital facilities and eligibility criteria, then check each college’s status with the relevant Bangladeshi authorities. Indian students should also research NMC and NEET requirements before making any financial commitment. Doing so helps applicants avoid out-of-date resources and make a more informed decision about a medical career.