Is it Worth Studying MBBS in Russia?

Read: MBBS in Russia or MBBS in Ukraine? Which is better?

Why study MBBS in Russia?

Given below are the best reasons to pursue MBBS in Russia:

Top Medical Universities in Russia

Russia is the home of top medical colleges that are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI)or National Medical Council (NMC). The universities are also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) . This is especially advantageous for Indian students studying MBBS in Russia as they would be eligible to appear for the Medical Council of India Screening Test otherwise referred to as the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination.

University	QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Medicine	Times Higher Education for World University Rankings 2024: Medicine & Dentistry
Sechenov University	150	601-800
Lomonosov Moscow State University	201-250	301-400
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University	301-350	801-1000
RUDN University	301-350	801-1000
Pavlov University	351-400	801-1000
Saint Petersburg State University	401-450	n/a
Kazan (Volga region) Federal University	551-600	601-800
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT / Moscow Phystech)	601-650	n/a
North-Western State Medical University named after Mechnikov	601-650	1000+
Novosibirsk State University	601-650	801-1000
Kazan State Medical University	651-700	801-1000

English as the medium of instructions

It is not compulsory to study the Russian language to study MBBS in Russia as many medical universities in the country offer a medical program in English. Knowing the Russian language fundamentals is an advantage as it helps students during their practical and training time. However, the use of the Russian language should often not be ruled out. Hence, candidates must check the medium of education before starting their application process.

Affordable Tuition Fees and Living Costs

Russian medical universities offer significantly lower tuition fees compared to private institutions in India, typically ranging from INR 4 lakhs to 8 lakhs per year. The cost of living is also economical, averaging around $200 to $300 per month (approximately INR 14,000 to 21,000) depending on lifestyle choices

Better Quality of Education

Russia is known the world over for its excellence in teaching and research. It is known for providing high-quality education at a low cost, which is why it is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students desiring to study MBBS in Russia. Medical colleges in Russia also focus on practical practice ad provide a worldwide recognized medical degree that allows the student to practice anywhere across the globe. A lot of times candidates end up enquiring whether an MBBS degree from Russia is valid in India? The simple answer is yes.

Paramount safety and security for students

Safety and security are a top priority for both students and parents alike. Families can be at peace knowing that top medical universities of Russia offer safe and comfortable boarding options which are under CCTV surveillance with the availability of hostel wardens on the premises. Students visiting Russian medical universities feel at home at the universities because a high percentage of international student composition celebrates Indian holidays with much fanfare and gusto. Students also get a chance to enjoy Indian food at the self-cooking facility available on the university premises.

Tailor-made programs for the Benefit of Medical Students

Medical universities in Russia also provide customized programs for the benefit of the students. Students can opt for short programs such as summer university, a semester in Russia, summer schools, preparatory programs (undergraduate, specialist, and master’s degree), professional training, and also opt to learn the Russian foreign language learning program.

Cost to Study MBBS in Russia

As mentioned earlier the tuition cost of studying in the universities in Russia is low compared to top destinations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Similarly, living costs are lower in comparison to other sought-after study-abroad destinations such as Canada and Australia.

Medical Universities in Russia	Annual MBBS Tuition Fees (in INR)	Duration of Courses
Lomonosov Moscow State University	INR 6 L	6 years
Sechenov University	INR 8 L	6 years
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University	INR 4 L	6 years
Saint Petersburg State University years	INR 4 L	6 years
Pavlov University	INR 3 L	6 years

Scholarships and Financial Aid

To encourage the uniform flow of international students to the country, top MBBS universities in Russia give international students a free chance to study. Every year, a percentage of seats at these universities are reserved for students with exceptional academic records to study for free from the Russian Government. In the year 2018, 15,000 such seats were allocated to international students.

What is the eligibility for studying MBBS in Russia?

Russian medical university's admission process is relatively straightforward compared to Indian medical colleges. Candidates are not required to appear for any entrance exam. Candidates looking to pursue MBBS in Russia can check out the eligibility guidelines for pursuing their medical studies in Russia.

• Students must complete 17 years of age on or before 31st December of the year of admission.
• Score at least 50% or above marks in their 12th standard from the Science stream. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are the major subjects in CBSE / ISC or any other Equivalent Board of Examination.
• Produce an Eligibility Certificate issued by the Medical Council of India upon admission to Foreign Medical Universities.
• Indian students must qualify for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

MBBS in Russia vs India

For the benefit of our readers, we have given below the comprehensive comparison of MBBS in Russia and MBBS in India:

MBBS in Russia	MBBS in India
Tuition fees vary between INR 14 – 30 lakh	Tuition fees vary between INR 40 – 80 lakh or above.
Teacher to Students ratio is 1:15 at max.	The teacher-Student Ratio is extremely high.
No donation or capitation is required.	Required high donations for private universities.
Just qualify for the NEET Exam.	Required high NEET Score.
Get global work and practice opportunities.	The worldview is somewhat limited in this case

Therefore, it is clear that it is worth studying MBBS in Russia for Indian students. From all the benefits mentioned above, you can safely conclude that the cost of the MBBS degree in Russia is a good investment. You get a better education from the top Russian universities that will help you achieve a globally accepted medical degree and experience living, studying, and working in a foreign country. So, if you were planning to study MBBS in Russia, now would be a great time to start preparing for NEET. You need to clear NEET to be eligible to get admission at Russian Medical Universities.

Challenges of Studying MBBS in Russia

• Language Barrier: While many universities offer programs in English, some institutions conduct classes primarily in Russian. Students may need to learn the language for effective communication with locals and during clinical rotations.
• Climatic Conditions: Russia’s cold climate can be a significant adjustment for Indian students who are not accustomed to such weather. Long winters with temperatures often dropping below zero can pose challenges.
• Duration of Course: The duration of MBBS in Russia is typically 6 years, which is longer than some other countries offering similar programs. This extended period may deter some students looking for quicker routes to qualification.

If you are an Indian student passionate about pursuing a career in medicine and looking for an alternative to traditional pathways within India, studying MBBS in Russia could be a beneficial choice that opens doors to numerous opportunities both locally and internationally.