Is Timor-Leste safe for students?

Absolutely. It’s a peaceful and welcoming country with low crime rates and friendly locals.

Is the MBBS degree from Timor-Leste valid in India?

Yes, the degree is valid and NMC-approved, subject to meeting NMC guidelines.

Where is Timor Leste Located?

Timor Leste is located above Australia and next to Indonesia.

Is hostel facility available in Timor Leste?

Yes, separate hostels are provided in medical universities of Timor Leste will all the necessities required by a student.

MBBS in Timor-Leste offers NMC-approved curriculum, English teaching, low fees, direct license to practice, and complete FMGL compliance.

Study MBBS in Timor-Leste: Fulfilling NMC FMGL Conditions for Indian Students

Jan 07, 2026 · 13 min readMBBS IN ABROAD

Study MBBS in Timor Leste

Timor-Leste is located in Southeast Asia and shares the island of Timor with Indonesia. It is geographically positioned between Indonesia and Australia. The country, Timor-Leste became independent in 2002, making it one of the World’s Younger Nations. Dili is the capital city of Timor-Leste.
The country's official languages include Tetum and Portuguese, while the US dollar is used as the currency. Timor-Leste has a tropical climate, with temperatures generally remaining warm throughout the year.
Its location also provides connectivity to countries such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Australia through connecting flights

“Timor follows 4.5 years of medical studies with 12 months of rotational internship which is same like Indian MBBS curriculum.
Timor Leste is the only country which fulfil NMC FMGL regulations.
“The fee structure is affordable, and the atmosphere is very friendly.”
“It’s a peaceful and safe country with highly supportive faculty.”
“Early clinical postings helped understand real hospital work.”

Connect with Team Get My University for MBBS Admission in Timor Leste
Call us on +91 76 786 76 001
Or
Write us at info@getmyuniversity.com

Before understanding in detail as how Timor Leste is fulfilling the FMGL Regulations of National Medical Commission, know other additional reasons that attract students to opt of MBBS in Timor Leste.

Timor-Leste Country Overview for Indian Students

About	Timor-Leste
Capital	Dili
Independence	2002
Currency	US Dollar
Offical Language	Tetum and Portuguese
Located	Between Indonesia and Australia

Why Study MBBS in Timor-Leste for Indian Students is a Good Option?

Timor-Leste has emerged as a relatively new destination for students looking for medical education abroad. As, the country has attracted attention by offering 4.5 years of academic program followed by a one-year internship along with an English medium medical curriculum.

No licensing exam — direct license to practice after graduation.
Same MBBS syllabus as AIIMS, Delhi, ensuring full NMC compliance.
Affordable tuition fees — total cost around USD 14–16 lakhs (approx ₹12–13L).
Safe, peaceful, and student-friendly country with low crime rates.
Visa on arrival, later converted to student visa by the university.
English-medium instruction for easy learning for international students.
Modern infrastructure, simulation labs, research opportunities, and multicultural campus.

Understanding the FMGL Regulations

Now, post understanding the other reasons of choosing MBBS in Timor Leste, let’s now come to the most prominent part of the blog i.e. Understanding how Timor Leste is fulfilling all the conditions of FMGL Regulations.

POINT	CONDITION	CLAUSE IN FMGL	FMGL REGULATION
1	Min. Duration of Medical Education	4 (a) (i)	54 Months
2	Internship in Abroad	4 (a) (ii)	12 months of rotational internship
3	License to Practice in Abroad	4 (b)	Mandatory – Same like awarded to local students
4	Medium of Education	4 (a) (iii)	English
5	Mandatory Subjects	4 (iv)	Prescribed
6	Internship In India (12 Months)	4 (c)	Yes Required
7	Transfer of College & Country	Schedule 1-2 (iv)	Not Allowed
8	Hospital of Institution	Schedule 2 (iii)	Shall Have Own Hospital
9	Content of Course or Training	Schedule 1-2 (ii)a	Prescribed as per GMC 1997

1. Minimum Duration of Medical Education – Clause 4(a)(i): 54 Months

According to the NMC, the total duration of medical education abroad must be at least 54 months (4.5 years), excluding internship.

The MBBS program in Timor-Leste strictly adheres to this rule, providing 4.5 years of academic training focused on both theoretical and clinical aspects of medicine. This ensures students receive complete medical education equivalent to that of Indian medical colleges.\

2. Internship Abroad – Clause 4(a)(ii): 12 Months of Rotational Internship

National Medical Commission (NMC) mandates students to underdo minimum of 12 months of compulsory rotational internship.

In Timor-Leste, this internship is structured and supervised, giving students hands-on exposure in various departments such as Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Community Medicine. This separate internship complies with CRMI (Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship) norms followed in India.

3. License to Practice in Abroad – Clause 4(b): Mandatory

As per NMC guidelines, the medical university abroad must grant students the same license to practice medicine as given to local citizens upon graduation.

Post completion of MBBS in Timor Leste and internship, students are eligible to apply for a local medical license issued by the Medical Council of Timor-Leste. Obtaining this license is crucial because NMC requires proof that the graduate is legally permitted to practice in the country of study before applying for the NExT exam in India.

After graduation, students can directly apply for a license to practice in Timor-Leste without any licensing exam. This proves that the program meets the NMC requirement of granting graduates the right to practice in the same country.

4. Medium of Education – Clause 4(a)(iii): English

The medium of instruction must be English for the entire MBBS course.

All medical universities in Timor-Leste, including UCT (Universidade Católica de Timor-Leste), teach in English, which makes it convenient for Indian students to understand the curriculum and communicate effectively during clinical training.

5. Mandatory Subjects – Clause 4(iv): Prescribed

NMC requires that all core medical subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Microbiology, Community Medicine, Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics be taught as part of the curriculum.

Timor-Leste MBBS follows the prescribed medical curriculum based on the General Medical Council (GMC) 1997 framework, ensuring that students receive education aligned with global and Indian standards.

6. Internship in India – Clause 4(c): 12 Months (Required)

After returning to India, all foreign medical graduates must complete an additional 12-month internship in India to gain registration under the NMC.

Once Timor-Leste graduates clear the NExT exam, they are eligible to do this internship at any NMC-recognized medical college or hospital in India, completing their licensing process.

The internship in Timor-Leste is conducted separately, following the same pattern as outlined in India’s CRMI regulations. The course duration is 54 months, ensuring students receive sufficient academic and practical training.

Unlike some countries that offer an integrated internship within the course which may cause issues during license validation Timor-Leste follows a distinct and compliant internship structure, making it a crucial factor to consider while choosing your MBBS destination.

7. Transfer of College or Country – Schedule 1-2(iv): Not Allowed

As per NMC rules, students cannot transfer from one medical college or country to another during their course.

Timor-Leste universities strictly follow this guideline students must complete their full MBBS course at the same university where they were initially admitted, ensuring academic consistency and regulatory compliance.

8. Hospital of Institution – Schedule 2(iii): Must Have Its Own Hospital

NMC mandates that the medical institution must have its own teaching hospital for clinical training.

Timor-Leste MBBS Universities, such as UCT, are affiliated with well-equipped hospitals where students perform their clinical rotations and gain real-world experience treating patients under supervision. This guarantees authentic and practical exposure throughout their education.

9. Content of Course or Training – Schedule 1-2(ii)a: As per GMC 1997

The content and structure of the MBBS course abroad must match the General Medical Council (GMC) 1997 framework or equivalent.

Timor-Leste’s medical universities have designed their MBBS curriculum accordingly, covering all essential medical sciences, clinical disciplines, and professional ethics — ensuring it matches international medical education standards and satisfies NMC’s prescribed structure.

Considering all these aspects, MBBS in Timor-Leste for Indian Students stands out as a reliable and rewarding option for students planning to start their medical journey.

Adhering to NMC guidelines is extremely crucial, as the NMC has clearly stated that if even a single condition is not met, the medical degree will be deemed invalid, and graduates will not be permitted to practice in India.

The advisory issued by the National Agency for Academic Assessment and Accreditation (ANAAA), Timor-Leste, clarifies that universities in Timor-Leste have signed memorandums of cooperation with international organizations to introduce the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program.

This initiative aims to enhance the medical curriculum, promote international faculty and student exchange, and align medical education with global standards. Under Decree Law No. 68/2022, universities in Timor-Leste enjoy academic autonomy, allowing them to design and implement a modern and internationally compatible curriculum.

Timor Leste MBBS course will have a duration of four years and six months, followed by a one-year internship or housemanship. Both international and Timorese students are encouraged to contact the respective educational institutions for enrollment. The advisory was issued by Mr. Nilton D. Paiva Mau, Ph.D..
Executive Director of ANAAA, on 27 May 2024, from Dili, Timor-Leste.

Why FMGL Compliance Matters for MBBS Abroad?

When choosing a country for MBBS Abroad, it is very important to check the rules, regulations and compliance with India’s Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Framework. The value of a foreign medical degree ultimately depends on whether the course meets the applicable requirements for medical graduates who want to return to India.

MBBS Abroad Country can offer students modern infrastructure, an attractive campus, affordable fees and alot more. However, if the medical program does not meet the required regulatory conditions, graduates may face difficulties with recognition and registration in India.

Therefore, it is very important for students to carefully evaluate the country, university, course duration, internship structure, curriculum, licensing requirements, clinical exposure and other conditions before taking MBBS Admission in Abroad.

Timor-Leste MBBS Curriculum Follows AIIMS Delhi Pattern

The MBBS curriculum in Timor-Leste, is designed on the same academic framework followed by AIIMS Delhi, ensuring Indian students receive education that matches the National Medical Commission (NMC) Schedule I standards.

Timor MBBS program is fully Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) compliant, integrating modern teaching methodologies with a strong focus on clinical exposure, ethics, and patient care.

Timor MBBS Curriculum Structure

The program follows a 4.5-year MBBS curriculum plus a 1-year compulsory rotating internship (CRMI) exactly like India’s MBBS format. The course is divided into three professional phases over nine semesters (each of six months), offering 120 teaching days per semester with around 8 hours of academic
By following the AIIMS Delhi curriculum, Timor-Leste ensures that medical students receive high-quality, internationally recognized education while meeting all the requirements laid down by the NMC Gazette (2021). This alignment bridges the academic gap between Indian and foreign medical education, making Timor-Leste a reliable and affordable choice for pursuing MBBS abroad.

Leading Countries Implementing CBME Curriculum

United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
Singapore
Japan
Malaysia
India
Bangaladesh
Timor Leste

MBBS in Timor Leste vs. MBBS in India

The following comparison between MBBS in Timor-Leste and MBBS in India will help you understand the key differences and similarities between the two.

Timor Leste	Comparison	India
54 months + 1 year internship	Course Duration	54 months + 1 year internship
Ranges Between 14 to 16 Lakhs	College Fees	Ranges Between 90 Lakh to 1.50 Cr
20k to 25k per month (AC accommodation & Indian Food)	Food & Accomodation	20k to 25k per month
Available	Internship	Available
English	Teaching	English
NEXT as per NMC Bill	Examination	EXIT Test
NMC, FAIMER, WDOMS, ECFMG	Accreditation/ Compliance	NMC, FAIMER, WDOMS, ECFMG
Registration without any Exams	License to Practice	As per NMC Norms
Globally	Opportunity	Globally

Is Timor-Leste Safe for Indian Medical Students?

Timor-Leste is definitely a peaceful yet safe option for Indian medical students and its 44th position in the Global Peace Index 2025 provides a useful indicator of the country's broader peace and stability.

The presence of an Indian Embassy in Dili, an established national healthcare system, tertiary healthcare facilities in the capital and the possibility of an Indian student community can provide additional support for international students.

All students are advised to consult a professional like Team Get My University to get the Best Medical University of Timor-Leste.

Pursue MBBS in Universidade Catolica Timorense

Here are some of the highlighted reason as to why pursuing MBBS in Universidade Catolica Timorense shall be a good option:-

First Private Autonomous Medical University
Direct License to Practice without any Exam
Same Syllabus as per AIIMS Delhi
Fulfilling 100% NMC Guidelines
CBME MBBS Program
CRMI Clinical Internship

How is Clinical Training & Internship in Timor Leste?

MBBS from Timor-Leste provides students with excellent hands-on experience and real-world exposure. According to students currently studying there, the learning environment is highly practical and skill-oriented. During their clinical years, students get the opportunity to train in some of the best hospitals in the country, including multi-specialty hospitals that have more than 640 beds.

Here, students are not limited to classroom studies, they actively participate in patient care, hospital rounds, and community health programs. The internship program lasts for one full year, during which students rotate across major departments like Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, ENT, and many more.

Overall, the clinical training and internship in Timor-Leste ensures that every medical student graduates as a competent, confident, and compassionate doctor ready to serve anywhere in the world.

Student Logbook & Competency Tracking

One of the most unique features identified in the MBBS Programme is the use of student logbooks to document their practical learning and skill development. Instead of just offering classroom learning, studying MBBS in Timor-Leste offers students to explore and do practical activities. Students are required to maintain a logbook to record daily patients and their practical activities.

Student Logbook includes the student’s name and roll number, date of activity, observations, skills learned, important points. This provides a structured record of the student's practical exposure.

During laboratory training, students may receive exposure to areas such as biochemistry, hematology, microbiology, pathology and molecular biology. Practical activities mentioned include understanding LFT and KFT testing, CBC and ESR, peripheral blood smear preparation, sample collection, Gram staining, and DNA/RNA extraction and sample processing.

This new approved applicable in Timor-Leste MBBS Programme is relevant to Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME), where the focus is not only on completing theoretical subjects but also on developing the knowledge, clinical skills and professional abilities required for medical practice.

Family Adoption Programme

Another engaging point about studying MBBS in Timor-Leste is “Family Adoption Programme” that is a part of the Community Medicine training under the CBME oriented training curriculum.

Instead of learning community medicine only through theory, students are taken into villages and communities, where they are assigned specific families to follow and understand the health condition.

Here are some short pointers that will help you understand better about Family Adoption Programme:-

The university has adopted five villages for community-medicine activities.
Around 25 students are assigned to each village.
Each student is assigned/adopts approximately five families.
Students visit their assigned families regularly, reportedly on a weekly basis.
Faculty members supervise the students during these activities.
Students observe the family's health and living conditions and identify community-health concerns.
Areas such as hygiene, sanitation, skin/dermatological problems and general health conditions are assessed.
Students also learn how social and environmental factors can affect the health of a family.

Student Life in Timor Leste

Studying MBBS in Timor-Leste makes student life easy and comfortable by offering supportive and student friendly environment. Here are some highlights that make students life comfortable, focused, and academically successful.

Indian Mess
Comfortable Accommodation
FMGE Focus From Day 1
No Distractions - Just Studies
Senior Mentoring Culture

For MBBS Admission in Timor Leste Consult Team GMU

If you have made up your mind and are ready to begin your medical journey in Timor Leste, then connect with Team Get My University. Get complete support throughout your MBBS Journey. Team Get My University has in-depth experience in helping students secure admission to top medical universities abroad, including Universidade Católica Timorense (UCT), the first private autonomous medical university in Timor-Leste.

From profile evaluation and document preparation to visa assistance and travel arrangements, Team GMU provides complete end-to-end support. With GMU’s transparent counseling and personalized guidance, you can confidently begin your medical journey in Timor-Leste without any confusion or stress.

Yes, if you are an Indian student and wish to return to India then qualifying NEET Exam is mandatory.