Frequently Asked Question
Russia is an attractive destination for international students for many reasons, especially for those looking to pursue a career in medicine. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to countries like the US or UK, tuition fees in Russia are much lower. You can get a high-quality education without going into massive debt.
- Globally Recognized Degrees: Russian medical degrees are recognized by major medical councils and organizations such as the WHO (World Health Organization) and UNESCO.
- No Entrance Exam: Most Russian universities do not require an entrance exam, making the admission process easier for international students.
- International Student Community: Russia is home to students from all over the world. This means you’ll study in a multicultural environment, gaining exposure to different cultures and ideas.
The admission process for MBBS in Russia is simple. Here are the general requirements:
- Academic Qualification: You must have completed your high school education (12th grade) with a focus on science subjects, particularly biology, chemistry, and physics. Most universities require at least 50% marks in these subjects.
- Age: You must be at least 17 years old when applying.
- Language Requirements: While many universities offer MBBS programs in English, some might require students to learn Russian. If the course is in English, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, though not all universities require this.
- Passport and Visa: You will need a valid passport and a student visa to study in Russia
Yes, the MBBS degree from Russia is valid in many countries around the world. However, after completing your MBBS in Russia, you may need to clear certain exams depending on where you want to practice. For example:
- For India: Indian students must clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to practice in India.
- For the USA: You would need to pass the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination).
- For the UK: You must clear the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test.
It’s important to check the specific requirements of the country where you want to work after completing your degree.
Most Russian universities offer MBBS programs in English for international students. However, some universities also offer courses in Russian. If your course is in Russian, you will need to learn the language to communicate with patients during clinical practice. Many universities provide language classes for international students to help them pick up Russian.
Even if you enroll in an English-medium program, learning some basic Russian is helpful for everyday life and interaction with patients during your internship.
One of the biggest advantages of studying MBBS in Russia is the affordability. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
- Tuition Fees: The annual tuition fees for MBBS in Russia usually range between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on the university. This is much lower compared to other countries.
- Living Expenses: Living in Russia is also quite affordable. On average, you’ll need around $150 to $300 per month to cover accommodation, food, and other living expenses. The cost of living may vary depending on the city.
- Other Costs: You will also need to budget for your visa, medical insurance, and travel costs, but these are generally reasonable compared to other destinations.
In most cases, there is no entrance exam for MBBS admission in Russian universities. However, some universities may conduct an interview or a basic test to evaluate your knowledge of science subjects. In general, the admission process is quite straightforward and based on your high school performance.
Russia is a welcoming and safe country for international students. Here’s what you can expect:
- Hostel Accommodation: Most universities offer affordable hostel accommodation for students. The hostels are usually located close to the university, and they provide basic amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and shared kitchens.
- Cultural Diversity: Russia is home to students from many countries, so you’ll get the chance to meet and interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
- Student Support: Russian universities often have support services for international students, helping them with everything from settling into managing paperwork.
- Public Transport: Russia has an efficient public transport system, making it easy for students to travel within cities.
While Russia is a great place to study, there are a few challenges you might face:
- Cold Weather: Russia is known for its harsh winters, with temperatures dropping below freezing in many parts of the country. It’s important to be prepared for the cold weather.
- Language Barrier: Although many universities offer MBBS programs in English, everyday life in Russia may require some knowledge of Russian, especially when interacting with locals or during your clinical internship.
- Cultural Differences: Adjusting to a new culture can be challenging at first, but most students find that they adapt over time.
The application process for MBBS in Russia is quite simple:
- Choose a university: Research different universities that offer MBBS programs and choose the one that suits your needs.
- Submit Documents: You’ll need to submit your high school transcripts, passport copy, passport-sized photos, and any other required documents.
- Receive Invitation Letter: Once your application is reviewed and accepted, you’ll receive an official invitation letter from the university.
- Apply for Visa: Use the invitation letter to apply for a student visa at the Russian embassy in your country.
- Travel to Russia: Once your visa is approved, you can travel to Russia and begin your studies.
MBBS in Russia is one of the cheapest and best option for students who want to study abroad. Depending upon the student’s preferred university, MBBS fees in Russia can range between 18 lac to 30 lac Roubles for the entire MBBS course duration.
Yes, according to the rules, any Indian student who wishes to become a doctor or even pursue medicine has to appear and qualify for the NEET Exam. This is also compulsory for those who wish to study MBBS in Russia. A NEET score card is valid for three years in Russia, during which the students can apply to their chosen University. The marks required for the admission is 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and passing score in English.
Yes, studying MBBS in Russia is one of the best options for all Indian students who despite clearing the NEET Exam, could not be able to secure their seats in Indian universities. In some cases, even those who had an opportunity to study MBBS in a private medical university often prefer studying MBBS in Russia as it offers a higher quality of education at affordable rates.
Yes, if the student has pursued his/her MBBS in Russia following the new NMC guidelines published and has appeared and cleared the FMGE Exam, then the MBBS Degree would be valid in India. The FMGE is a medical licensing exam for overseas medical graduates. This would soon be replaced by the NEXT Exam, which would not only be compulsory for medical graduates abroad but also for those in India
The course duration of MBBS in Russia in English is 5 years and 1 year of internship, extending to 6 years
There are numerous options and opportunities for the students once they complete their MBBS in Russia. They can choose to appear and qualify for the medical licensing exam of any country they decide to practice in, including India, or choose a specialization or post-graduate courses.
With MBBS in Russia, the student can attain the advantages of the on-campus coaching for the medical licensing exam of India, which is FMGE/NEXT Exam. Most of the universities in Russia offers students access to FMGE coaching
- Select the University
- Fill the Admission Form
- Submit it after attaching all the required documents, including Class 10th and 12th mark sheets.
- The student will receive the acceptance letter from the University within two weeks.
- Then, apply for the Student Visa.
- Clear the required balance with the institute.
- The remaining formalities must be completed at the University.
Foreign students across the globe can take direct admission for MBBS in Russia. The tuition fee is very low in Russia because the Russian government provides subsidies for education. So yes, students can consider pursuing MBBS from Russia.
Russia is known for its excellence in teaching and research. They offer best-quality education at lower costs, therefore it is one of the most popular destinations for overseas students
Yes, there is the availability of Indian mess which makes it easier for the students to settle comfortably in the country. Also, if a student wants to cook then he/she can also do it as there is facility of a common kitchen in the hostel itself
The MBBS program is similar but the way of teaching is different. In Russia, teachers mainly focus on providing detailed information about the topic by combining theory and practical training. From second year onwards, there are more practical sessions than theory
If a student chooses English medium medical universities, the classes are conducted in English. But since students will be interacting with local patients who may not understand English, a brief course is provided
No, students are required to sit for only the NEET Exam which will be conducted in the student’s city. After clearing the exam, students need not to appear for an additional exam. Seats are reserved strictly based on NEET marks and 10th and 12th Class marks
The Ministry of Health and Education in Russia has subsidized MBBS fees to reduce the financial burden on students. Unlike some nations, medical universities in Russia do not require students to pay capitation fees at the time of admission or during the program. That is why, MBBS course in Russia is available at cheaper rates.
Many Russian universities teach in the Russian language, which can be difficult for overseas students who do not speak the language. Russia has long, cold winters, which can become a health risk for students from warmer places. Overseas students may have difficulty in getting part-time jobs or internships while studying in Russia. The quality and availability of healthcare facilities for overseas students may not be up to their standards.
The value of 1 Russian Rouble being equivalent to 0.91 Indian Rupee shows that the economies of India and Russia are almost same. As a result, accommodation and other expenses are similar to those in India. The best medical universities in Russia do not need the results of language proficiency exams such as the TOEFL or IELTS, further reducing the expense of taking these exams. Many Russian medical universities offer MBBS courses taught entirely in English, removing the language barrier for overseas students.
An MBBS degree from Russia is recognized and accepted in many nations around the world, providing various career opportunities for graduates. Some of those nations include India, Germany, China, Singapore, Canada, Australia and USA.
The best universities for MBBS in Russia are Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, First Tver State Medical University, Chechen State Medical University, Ryazan State Medical University, Smolensk State Medical University and Perm State Medical University
Russian communities are significantly more secure. Security in public places as well as in vacant places is maintained properly. It is essential for foreigners to carry identity proofs like passport, visa, etc.
Russian medical universities offer four significant programs, namely General Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy
The students can use the free Wi-Fi facility available at the airports in Russia. They can use Wi-Fi calling to connect with their relatives back in India
Yes, it is recommended that a student should carry a laptop to assist with their medical education.
Absolutely not. The student should transfer the fees to the university’s bank account.
