NDEB Exam Fees 2027 are a key part of any plan to practise dentistry in Canada. Many Indian BDS and MDS graduates focus on the exams and underestimate the full cost, which includes application fees, retakes and licensing. This guide breaks down every official fee, based on how we guide candidates as an NDEB Exam consultant in Ahmedabad.
How the NDEB Pathway Works
Dental graduates from non-accredited programmes, including most Indian universities, follow two connected processes.
- Equivalency Process: application and credential verification, then the AFK, ACJ and NDECC exams
- Certification Process: a separate application, then the Virtual OSCE
You do not need to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to apply. Provincial dental regulators set their own licensing rules afterwards, so budget for that stage too.
Official NDEB Exam Fees (CAD)
All amounts below are in Canadian dollars, effective July 1, 2025. They are the latest I could verify on the NDEB’s official fee schedule, which states that fees are subject to change.
| Stage | Item | Fee (CAD) |
| Equivalency | Application fee (one-time, non-refundable) | 900 |
| Equivalency | AFK | 1,000 |
| Equivalency | ACJ | 1,350 |
| Equivalency | NDECC (two parts of 3,250 each) | 6,500 |
| Certification | Application fee (one-time) | 450 |
| Certification | Virtual OSCE | 1,750 |
Minimum Total for a First-Attempt Pass
Adding the table gives about CAD 11,950 if you pass every exam for the first time. Treat this as a floor, not a forecast.
Exchange rates will change the rupee cost, so convert at current rates before you commit.
Other NDEB Fees to Know
Beyond the main exams, you may meet these charges:
- Equivalency re-application fee: CAD 400
- Score verification (AFK, ACJ, NDECC or Virtual OSCE): CAD 200 each
- Proof of successful completion: CAD 30 each
- Replacement certificate: CAD 75
- Exam conduct appeal: CAD 1,200
Most candidates never use the appeal fees. Still, knowing they exist helps you avoid surprises.
Costs Beyond NDEB Fees
Exam fees are only part of the picture. Plan separately for:
- Preparation courses and study materials
- Document certification, translation and courier costs
- Travel and accommodation near exam centres
- Provincial licensing fees, plus any jurisprudence test and language proficiency requirements
- Living costs while you prepare
Prep costs vary widely, so compare options carefully rather than choosing the most heavily advertised one. Ask for a clear breakdown of what each course covers.
Why You Should Budget for Retakes
The NDEB has published first-attempt success rates of about 28% on its exams (as of May 2025). That does not mean most candidates fail permanently. It does mean retakes are common, so a realistic budget should include at least one repeat of a major exam.
The Virtual OSCE is limited to three attempts. Preparing well before each sitting protects both your time and your budget.
Smart Ways to Plan Your NDEB Budget
- Map the full pathway. List every exam, application and licensing step.
- Build a retake buffer. Add the cost of repeating your most demanding exam.
- Track fee updates. NDEB reviews fees annually, so recheck before each payment.
- Sequence exams wisely. Avoid booking exams you are not ready for.
- Keep documents ready. Delays in credential verification can push your timeline back.
Note that there is no reciprocity between the Australian Dental Council and the NDEB. Passing ADC exams does not shorten your NDEB pathway, so plan each country separately.
How Medibridge Supports Your NDEB Journey
At Medibridge, we start with your profile, not a sales pitch. We review your qualifications, timeline and budget, then explain each stage and its real cost. We help you organise documents, sequence your exams and avoid common planning mistakes.
Dentists from Ahmedabad and other tier-2 and tier-3 cities can do all of this online. We are transparent about timelines and costs and we never promise exam results or certification.
Final Thoughts
A clear budget makes the NDEB pathway far less stressful. Know the official fees, add a buffer for retakes and licensing and check updates before you pay. When you are ready for a personalized roadmap, speak to the Medibridge team and we will help you plan each step honestly.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much are NDEB Exam fees in 2027?
At current NDEB rates, first-attempt exam and application fees total about CAD 11,950 across the Equivalency and Certification processes. NDEB reviews fees annually and may change them for 2027, so confirm amounts on the official NDEB fee pages before you plan your budget.
2. What is the NDECC fee for international dentists?
The NDECC costs CAD 6,500 at current rates, made up of two components: clinical skills at CAD 3,250 and situational judgment at CAD 3,250. It is the most expensive single exam in the Equivalency Process, so plan preparation and retake costs carefully.
3. Do Indian dentists need Canadian PR to take the NDEB Exam?
No. NDEB states that applicants do not need to be permanent residents or citizens to apply for the Equivalency Process or sit the examinations. Provincial dental regulators set their own licensing requirements, including language proficiency, so check those separately before relocating.
4. Do I need an NDEB Exam consultant in India?
No, you can apply directly through the NDEB portal. Still, an NDEB Exam consultant in India can help with credential verification, document preparation, exam sequencing and budgeting. Choose someone transparent about fees who never promises guaranteed exam results or certification.
5. Is there an NDEB Exam consultant in Ahmedabad?
Yes. Medibridge guides BDS and MDS graduates in Ahmedabad and across India through the NDEB pathway, including document checks, cost planning and exam sequencing. Online counselling means dentists from tier-2 and tier-3 cities get the same support. Begin with a profile review.
6. What are the NDEB Virtual OSCE fees?
The Virtual OSCE costs CAD 1,750 at current rates, plus a one-time CAD 450 certification application fee. It is the final exam in the certification process. NDEB limits candidates to three attempts, so thorough preparation protects both your time and budget.
7. What other costs should I budget for besides NDEB exam fees?
Plan for preparation courses, study materials, travel to exam centres, document certification, provincial licensing fees and living costs. Re-application and retake fees can add up too. Create a buffer instead of budgeting only for first-attempt exam fees. Many candidates underestimate this part.
