Destination Russia for studying MBBS

Missed that medical seat just because you were a couple of percentage points short from the cut off mark? Don't despair. Another opportunity awaits you in Russia. Many good colleges have come to Russia, especially in the field of Medicine, Engineering, Literature, and the Arts. Russia, with the highest literacy rate in the world (99.6%), has become increasingly popular as a destination of higher studies amongst international students due to its global standards of education (with European equivalence) and affordable costs.

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The last 15-20 years have seen a surge in the number of international students coming to the Russian Federation. Thousands of Indian students graduate from the more popular Russian universities every year. If you decide to go for it, however, do your background research on the chosen institute and the admission process. Do not let any unscrupulous agent take you for a ride and cheat you of large sums of money by making tall claims. For the benefit of the students, The Consulate General of the Russian Federation in India has recognized ‘EDURUSSIA' as the authorized ‘Admission department of Russian State and Government Universities in India'.

Eligibility for Studying MBBS in Russia

The eligibility for admission for the medical course as per the rules of the Medical Council of India is 50 percent aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, Biology at the Class XII higher secondary (10+2) level for the general category. The requirement for reserved category students is 40 percent.

Cost of Studying MBBS in Russia

The fees for the MBBS course in the Russian Federation would cost you approximately the same as what it would here in India. However, the important difference is - There is no system of capitations fees/donations in Russia. Due to this, the total cost for the MBBS course (known internationally as M.D. Physician) in Russia comes to approximately Rs 12-15 lakh inclusive of course fees, accommodation, travel, and medical insurance.

Degree recognition

As per the rules of the Medical Council of India, an Indian student wishing to pursue MBBS abroad has to collect an ‘Eligibility Certificate' from the Medical Council of India and must complete his MBBS course only from a university that is recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the UNESCO. If the student wishes to return and practice in India, they are required to pass a qualifying test known as a screening test. This rule is universally applicable to all students, regardless of the country from where the student completes his or her medical course.

Manoj Patki, Director at EDURUSSIA, says, "Indian students completing their MBBS from Russia do not face a problem while appearing for the screening test. Since the year 2002, many of our students have been returning to India after finishing their courses in Russia. More than 3000 of our students are now practicing doctors, not just in India but around the world. This is because we keep the universities up-to-date with the syllabus of the screening test, and they prepare our students from the first year itself to appear for the test."

An additional bonus for students completing their MBBS from Russia is that if they wish to settle and practice in any European country, they are eligible to do so without giving any entrance exam/screening test. The Russian Federation is a signatory of the ‘Bologna Convention' for Equivalence of Education. This means that your degree received in Russia has unquestionable recognition in all European nations and is equal in value to a degree received in any other nation of the European Union. Your degree is also eligible for USMLE registration in the USA, PLAB registration in the UK and registration with the Australian Medical Council (AMC) in Australia.

What about Indian students being able to adjust to the culture and climate in Russia?

"In our experience of more than 15 years, more girls as compared to boys have been going to the Russian Federation for courses like MBBS, BDS, and postgraduate courses. It is a very safe and secure environment for our students. Most importantly, it is the quality of education with lots of hands-on experience in the clinical field is that attracts aspiring medical students to the Russian Federation," says Patki.

On the occasion of the National Day of Russian Federation, known as ‘Russia Day' on June 12, 2012, Russian government universities announced admission procedures along with full and part scholarships for meritorious Indian students for Medical and Engineering courses. Read more

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