Studying medicine abroad: how to check the rules of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC)

Rules as of 13 October 2026

These rules changed more than once in 2026, so read the date before you act. This guide was checked on 13 October 2026.

In May 2026 a newspaper, The News, reported that the MDCAT and PMDC registration had been made mandatory for foreign medical admissions. On 5 October 2026 PMDC issued public notice No. Exam-59/2026. It says PMDC decided to exempt the mandatory requirement of having passed the MDCAT as a prerequisite for Pakistani students seeking admission into foreign medical and dental institutions.

So an agent who says 'no MDCAT is needed' is, as of this date, repeating a rule PMDC has announced. That sentence alone is not a scam sign. The scam signs are in how the agent asks for money and what else they promise.

Claims to check, not proof

Adverts for medicine abroad often say 'PMDC approved' or 'WHO approved'. Treat these words as a claim that you must check on the official website yourself. A message that only says these words, and pushes you to pay quickly, is worth running through the Message check.

Do not rely on a logo, a letter or a certificate that the agent shows you. Ask for the web address of the official page that lists the institution, and open it yourself.

Where the complaints come from

The state news agency APP reported on 18 August 2026 that most complaints from Pakistani medical students abroad had come from students in Central Asian countries.

This is not a reason to avoid any country. It is a reason to be careful with agents who sell a seat in a hurry, to check every claim in writing, and to keep copies of every receipt, contract and message.

If you have already paid

Stop paying more. Save every receipt, chat and number. Read the guide 'I already paid a scammer or fake agent: what to do now' for the steps and the numbers to call.