Benefits of Studying MBBS in Russia for International Students

Are you planning to study MBBS in Russia? In this article, we will inform you of the reasons to pursue MBBS in Russia, top universities, study costs, scholarships offered, eligibility criteria, and more. After this article, you will be able to answer the question, "Is MBBS from Russia worth it?"

Studying MBBS in Russia has become a popular option for Indian students because it offers affordable tuition fees, recognized degrees, and an easy admission process. Currently, there are over 23,000 Indian students studying medicine in Russia. This country provides a great chance for future doctors to get a good education at a much lower cost than private medical colleges in India.

This country is the home of many top medical universities in the world approved by WHO. Indian students prefer studying here because they offer highly subsidized fees and high competition in India. Very high quality of education at Low cost makes MBBS in Russia a top choice for international students.

However, studying in Russia also comes with its own advantages and challenges. Students can enjoy low living costs and modern facilities, but they may face language barriers and different pass rates for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE). Elucidated below are reasons that make Russia a top destination for MBBS study.

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

MBBS in Russia: Year-wise Breakdown

The MBBS program in Russia spans six years, combining theoretical knowledge with practical training. The curriculum is structured as follows:​

Years 1–3: Pre-Clinical Phase

• Subjects Covered: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Histology, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, and Community Medicine.​
• Focus: Building a strong foundation in basic medical sciences.​

Years 4–6: Clinical Phase

• Subjects Covered: Internal Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Psychiatry, and other clinical disciplines.​
• Clinical Rotations: Hands-on training in affiliated hospitals, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.

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.

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.

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:

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.

What after Completing an MBBS in Russia?

After completing an MBBS degree in Russia, Indian students have several pathways to advance their medical careers:

• Licensing Exams:

  • To practice in India, graduates must clear the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) or the upcoming National Exit Test (NExT).​

• Postgraduate Studies:

  • Opportunities to pursue MD/MS in India or abroad, including countries like the USA (USMLE), or the UK (PLAB).​

• Career Options:

  • Work in hospitals, engage in research, or enter healthcare administration both in India and internationally.

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.
• Food Preferences: Limited availability of Indian cuisine may necessitate self-cooking or adaptation to local food.

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.