Is it Worth Studying MBBS in Russia?
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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?
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 2025: Medicine |
|---|---|
| 186 |
|
| 301-350 |
|
| 401-450 |
|
| RUDN University |
451-500 |
| 551-600 |
|
| 501-550 |
|
| 651-700 |
|
| Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT / Moscow Phystech) | 651-700 |
| North-Western State Medical University named after Mechnikov | 701-850 |
| Novosibirsk State University |
701-850 |
| HSE University |
701-850 |
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
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| INR 6 L |
6 years |
|
| INR 8 L |
6 years |
|
| INR 4 L |
6 years |
|
| INR 4 L |
6 years |
|
| 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.
Q: Is Russian MBBS degree valid in India?
Q: Is Russia good for MBBS?
MBBS in Russia is one of the best options for studying medicine overseas. Studying MBBS in Russia is becoming increasingly popular among international students since it offers a high-quality education at a low cost. Russia is the eighth most popular study destination for MBBS students from all over the world.
Q: Is MBBS better in India or Russia?
Without any doubt, MBBS in Russia is better than MBBS in India. Students need to score high NEET Score to study MBBS in India while they just need to qualify for the exam to study in Russia.
Q: Why do Indians go to Russia for MBBS?
Many Indian students opt to go to Russia for MBBS as it is not only an affordable destination to study MBBS abroad but also Russia follows an easy admission process, which has increased the inflow of Indian Students.
Q: Is Kazan State Medical University accredited in Russia?
Yes, all the programs offered by Kazan State Medical University are accredited and recognised by the Russian government. Kazan State Medical University is the only university in Kazan which is recognized by the Ministry of Healthcare & Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation. Kazan State Medical University is a government funded university. Kazan State Medical University is recognised by the following:
- ECGMG
- AMC
- GMC
- MCI (Medical Council of India)
Q: Is Kazan State Medical University of Russia good for Indians?
Kazan State Medical University is a popular choice among Indian students seeking to study medicine overseas. The Medical Council of India (MCI) recognizes Kazan State Medical University, allowing Indian graduates to practice medicine in India after passing the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE). Kazan State Medical University is also listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), which is maintained by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating that its degrees are internationally recognized.
The university provides a variety of medical programs, including an MBBS programme offered in English and Russian. The university boasts a big number of international students, including many from India, and provides assistance to help them acclimate to life in Russia. Overall, Kazan State Medical University is regarded as a viable alternative for Indian students seeking to study medicine overseas, thanks to its recognised degrees, English-language programs, and international student support services.
Q: What is the fees for Northern State Medical University Russia for Indian students?
Northern State Medical University offers a variety of courses to international students. Every year hundreds of students from India go to Northern State Medical University to puruse higher education in medical and clinical programs. The tuition fees for Indian students will depend on the type of programs and level of study. NSMU offers bachelor's and master's programs in biochemestery, dental, and medicine. The tuition fees for an MBBS programme at the Northern State Medical University Russia to and Indian student will cost about INR 4 L per year.
Q: What is the language medium of an MBBS in Northern State Medical University, Russia?
English is the language of instruction for MBBS in Northern State Medical University Russia for the whole course. Language of instruction is one of the major concern for international students including Indian students going to NSMU to pursue MBBS. Every year thousands of students from India go to Russia to pursue MBBS in Russian universities. Howerver, not all universities in Russia offer MBBS course in English language.
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio
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Yes, an MBBS degree from a Russian medical college is valid and accepted in India. MCI/NMC and WHO recognize Medical Universities in Russia to provide students with a globally accepted degree.