HEC Announces 23 MBBS/BDS Seats in Bangladesh for Pakistani Students

HEC Announces 23 MBBS/BDS Seats in Bangladesh for Pakistani Students

In a significant development for aspiring medical professionals, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has officially announced the allocation of coveted seats for Pakistani students in Bangladeshi medical and dental colleges for the 2025-2026 academic session. Pakistani pre-medical students now have a critical opportunity to secure their future in medicine with 21 seats for MBBS and 2 seats for BDS programs .

Key Details and Application Timeline

Prospective candidates must act swiftly, as the HEC has set a firm deadline for all applications. The last date to submit both online and hard copy applications is December 21st, 2025 . This announcement provides a clear pathway for students seeking quality, affordable medical education abroad, with Bangladesh emerging as a top destination due to cultural similarities, recognized degrees, and cost-effectiveness.

The official notification, circulated to universities and posted on the HEC portal, outlines a streamlined but strict application process. "This initiative underscores our commitment to providing diverse educational opportunities for our youth. We encourage all eligible candidates to meticulously follow the guidelines and submit their applications before the deadline," stated an HEC spokesperson.

A Golden Opportunity: Understanding the Seat Allocation

The breakdown of the 23 allocated seats is as follows:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) : 21 Seats

• BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) : 2 Seats

These seats are distributed across various renowned public and private medical universities in Bangladesh that are recognized by the Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. This ensures that graduates can return to Pakistan or practice in other countries after clearing requisite licensing exams.

Step-by-Step Application Process for Pakistani Students

The HEC has mandated a dual submission process. Candidates failing to complete both steps will have their applications rejected.

1. Online Application Submission:

• Candidates must first visit the official HEC website ( www.hec.gov.pk ).

• Navigate to the "Scholarships & Grants" section or the dedicated portal for "Bangladesh Admissions."

• Fill out the prescribed application form with accurate academic and personal details.

• Upload scanned copies of required documents, including FSc/HSSC marks sheets, Matriculation certificate, CNIC/B-Form, passport-sized photograph, and a valid passport.

2. Hard Copy Application Submission:

• After successful online submission, applicants must print the completed form.

• This hard copy, along with attested photocopies of all uploaded documents, must be dispatched via courier or registered mail to the designated HEC address mentioned in the advertisement.

• The hard copy must reach the HEC office on or before December 21, 2025. The postmark date will not be considered.
  

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS/BDS Admissions in Bangladesh

To be eligible for these seats, Pakistani students must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Have completed HSSC/FSc (Pre-Medical) or an equivalent qualification with a minimum of 70% marks .

• Must have studied Biology, Chemistry, and Physics as core subjects.

• Be at least 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2025.

• Possess a valid Pakistani passport.

• A valid score in the SAT-II or the respective Bangladeshi university's entrance test (if required) may be necessary.

Why Bangladesh is a Premier Destination for Medical Studies

For Pakistani students, Bangladesh offers a compelling alternative for medical education:

• Cultural and Linguistic Affinity: Similar social customs and the widespread use of English in medical instruction ease the transition.

• Affordable Tuition and Living Costs: Compared to Western countries or even private medical colleges in Pakistan, the cost of an MBBS degree in Bangladesh is significantly lower.

• High-Quality Education: Bangladeshi medical colleges are known for rigorous academic standards and modern teaching hospitals, providing robust clinical exposure.

• Global Recognition: Degrees are recognized by major international bodies, facilitating pathways for postgraduate training and practice globally, including in Pakistan after passing the PMDC's National Licensing Examination.

Expert Advice and Student Recommendations

Education consultants advise candidates not to wait until the last moment. "The December 21 deadline is absolute. Students should gather their documents, ensure their online form is flawless, and send the hard copy well in advance to avoid any postal delays," advises Dr. Ali Raza, an educational consultant specializing in foreign medical admissions.

Current Pakistani students studying in Bangladesh also recommend the experience. "It was a smooth process through HEC. The education is thorough, and living here is comfortable. My advice is to double-check every document before submitting," shared Mariam Khan, a second-year MBBS student in Dhaka.

Critical Reminders and Next Steps

• Deadline: December 21, 2025 – No applications will be entertained after this date.

• Portal: Regularly check HEC's official website for any updates or corrigendum.

• Documents: Ensure all documents are clear, attested, and match the information entered online.

• Selection: Shortlisted candidates will likely be called for an interview or further screening by HEC.

Act Now to Secure Your Medical Career

This announcement by the Higher Education Commission opens a vital window for 23 Pakistani students to embark on a medical career through accredited institutions in Bangladesh. With only 23 seats available nationwide, competition is expected to be fierce. Eligible students are urged to meticulously prepare their applications and adhere to the December 21, 2025 deadline for this invaluable opportunity.

Prospective applicants can find the official advertisement and application portal on the HEC website at www.hec.gov.pk .