ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council has made it mandatory for Pakistani students seeking admission to foreign medical and dental institutions to qualify the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) and obtain PMDC registration before leaving the country.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to review reforms aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s medical and dental education framework.
According to the PMDC, the Sub-Committee on Accreditation of Medical and Dental Colleges and Postgraduate Qualifications resolved that students must complete the mandatory registration process in advance to avoid future complications related to recognition, licensing, and registration in Pakistan.
The committee also directed students to ensure that their selected foreign institution is recognised by the PMDC, accredited by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), or listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Under the new guidelines, foreign medical qualifications must include at least 6,200 hours of education, maintain a minimum 80% attendance, and span over five years.
The committee further advised students studying in non-English-speaking countries to undergo at least five months of local language training before beginning academic studies to improve communication and academic performance.
PMDC stated that graduates returning from abroad would also be required to pass the National Registration Examination (NRE) to obtain professional registration in Pakistan.
Students have additionally been instructed to provide complete residential and contact details before departure and obtain a multiple-entry visa covering the duration of their studies.
Officials said the new measures are intended to protect the academic and professional future of Pakistani medical students and ensure compliance with national and international medical education standards.