MBBS and MBChB - Key Differences and Similarities
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MBBS and MBChB - Key Differences and Similarities

#M.B.B.S.
Moksh DheriUpdated on 07 Jul 2025, 11:14 AM IST

Medical students, while researching, have often come across two medical courses. MBBS and MBChB. At first glance, they may look different; however, they both are the same degrees, the differentiating factor being the nomenclature and the short form. MBChB is a short form for Medicinae Baccalaureus et Chirurgiae Baccalaureus; in English it is MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery).

This Story also Contains

  1. MBBS vs MBChB - A Comparison
  2. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
  3. MBChB (Medicinae Baccalaureus et Chirurgiae Baccalaureus)
MBBS and MBChB - Key Differences and Similarities
MBBS and MBChB

MBBS and MBChB are essentially the same degree, which is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in English or Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae in Latin. The difference lies in the naming conventions used by different countries. MBBS is a common convention used in India, Pakistan, Australia and some parts of the UK. While MBChB is used in the majority of the UK, Commonwealth and European countries.

MBBS vs MBChB - A Comparison

Particulars

MBBSMBChB

Full Form

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery

Medicinae Baccalaureus et Chirurgiae Baccalaureus (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

Origin

India, Australia, Pakistan and some parts of the UK

The majority of the UK (Especially in Scotland), New Zealand, and South Africa

Course Curriculum

More or less similar to MBChB

More or less similar to MBBS

Course Duration

5-6 years (depending on the institute)

5-6 years (depending on the institute)


Internship

Mandatory (included in the curriculum)

Mandatory (included in the curriculum)

Recognition

Global recognition

Global Recognition

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

MBBS full form is Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. It is an undergraduate degree programme in medicine that prepares candidates to become doctors. The course duration is 5.5 years (four years of coursework and one year of compulsory internship). An MBBS is a basic requirement in India to become a Doctor.

MBChB (Medicinae Baccalaureus et Chirurgiae Baccalaureus)

MBChB is another naming convention used for the MBBS degree. It is more common in the UK and Commonwealth countries.

Equivalence

Both MBBS and MBChB are undergraduate degrees, just differing in the naming conventions used in different countries.

Course Curriculum

The course curriculum for the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery includes Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Forensic Medicine, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Pathology, and Pharmacology.

Global Recognition

While the names may differ, MBBS and MBChB both prepare students to be qualified doctors. The names may differ depending on the regions where they are awarded. Both MBBS and MBChB graduates can practice medicine after meeting the licensing requirements.

To conclude, MBBS and MBChB refer to the same degree, which is Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. The only difference between the two is the naming conventions used by different countries. In India, Australia, and some parts of the UK, it is referred to as MBBS, while in the majority of the UK, Commonwealth countries, and European countries, it is referred to as MBChB.

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Questions related to M.B.B.S.

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to M.B.B.S. ?

Under MBBS abroad BRUNEL UNIVERSITY,LONDON provides partially or fully funded scholarships to students who apply only to the BRUNEL UNIVERSITY.

The application deadline is annually for the APRIL month. The selection of applications is a two step process.

Below is link to detailed information about the BRUNEL UNIVERSITY, LONDON and their scholarship for MBBS abroad.

https://studyabroad.careers360.com/uk/universities/brunel-university-london-unpg

Hello dear candidate,

It is very unlikely to get a government college MBBS in Punjab with 367 score in NEET in round 3 of Punjab. You can consider the following options :-

  • get a private medical college in Punjab which has low cutoff
  • any other states for MBBS admission

Thank you.

Hello,

Yes, there are fully funded or partially funded scholarships available for MBBS abroad after 12th class. To be eligible, students typically need a strong academic record, a good NEET score, and English proficiency, though specific requirements vary by scholarship.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

If you joined an AYUSH college in Round 1 and later got an MBBS seat, you can get your original documents back by formally withdrawing from the AYUSH program. You should do this as soon as possible, as the rules for withdrawal and forfeiture of your security deposit change depending on the counseling round and date.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello,

If you have an MBBS from Nepal and haven't passed the FMGE, you have several options for further courses abroad, including pursuing a postgraduate degree in countries like the UK, the USA, and Australia, which may not require the FMGE to practice there.

I hope it will clear your query!!