Is NEET Mandatory for MBBS in Russia?
Yes, NEET is mandatory for Indian students who want to return and practice medicine in India after completing MBBS from Russia. According to NMC (National Medical Commission) guidelines, students must qualify NEET before taking admission abroad.
If a student wishes to stay and work in Russia or any other foreign country, the NEET requirement may not be necessary, depending on the country’s regulations. However, for Indian practice, NEET is non-negotiable.
NMC Guidelines for Studying Abroad
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Admission must be in a government-recognized medical university.
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The student must pass the licensing exam of the country where they studied (e.g., in Russia).
Top 10 Universities in Russia for MBBS 2025-26
The table given below provides the top university in Russia for MBBS. The QS World University Subject Rankings 2025 have been provided below.
| University |
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Medicine |
| Sechenov University |
186 |
| Lomonosov Moscow State University |
301-350 |
| Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University |
401-450 |
| RUDN University |
451-500 |
| Pavlov University |
551-600 |
| Saint Petersburg State University |
501-550 |
| Kazan (Volga region) Federal University |
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 |
To work as a doctor in Dubai, graduates from Russian universities must pass the DHA Exam.
MBBS in Russia Eligibility for Indian Students
The points given below provide the MBBS in Russia eligibility for Indian students. It is advised that students visit the official course webpage of the university for the exact eligibility requirements to study MBBS in Russia:
- Age: Candidates should be at least 17 years old on or before December 31st of the year of admission.
- Academic Background: Applicants must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects.
- Minimum Marks: Depending on your university, the minimum overall score necessary for the qualifying exam (10+2 or equivalent) may change, but typically, students should have 50% in the subjects of physics, chemistry, and biology.
- NEET-UG: Students must clear NEET-UG exam in order to pursue MBBS in Russia.
It is recommended that you confirm admission requirements of your desired universities as they might have other prerequisites or particular requirements for the course you're applying to.
MBBS Admission in Russia Documents
For MBBS admission in Russia, the following documents are required:
- A valid passport is required for travel and a student visa.
- 10th and 12th marksheets.
- Letter of Acceptance from the Medical College in Russia where you are been admitted for the MBBS course.
- A valid NEET scorecard.
- Completed application form for the Medical University.
- Passport-size photographs.
- Medical tests (as required).
- Visa documents.
- Fee receipts of tuition fees and visa fees.
MBBS in Russia Intakes
The intakes for MBBS in Russia may vary. However, here is an overview of the MBBS intakes in Russia:
- Primary Intake: The main intake for MBBS in Russia is usually in September. September intake is the most common intake for Indian and international students.
- Other Intakes: Certain universities might also offer January/February intakes for MBBS in Russia. These intakes a less common with a lesser number of seats.
- Applications for Admissions: Applications for MBBS in Russia usually start in May and end in August.
- Deadlines: There could be distinct application dates for each university.
To ensure a smooth and fast admission to the MBBS programme in Russia, it is advised to plan ahead and begin the application process well in advance. To acquire reliable and current information about the admissions for MBBS in Russia, it is also essential to verify the specific intake information offered by the universities you are interested in.
MBBS in Russia Fees 2025
The average annual fee of getting an MBBS in Russia comes to around INR 10-15 lakhs (including living and all other costs). This cost-effectiveness of the MBBS program in Russia attracts Indian students each year. The table given below provides the details of MBBS in Russia fees in Rupees.
In addition to tuition fee, cost of MBBS in Russia also includes cost of accommodation, food, clothing, travel, utilities, etc. Following table provides an approximate cost of living in Russia for Indian students-
| Particulars |
Average Cost (per month) |
| Rent |
Student Housing: 150 RUB to RUB 35,000 per month University Dormitories: 500 RUB to 5,000 RUB per month |
| Food and Groceries |
9,000 – 18,000 RUB |
| Travel |
500 RUB |
| Utilities + Other Costs |
8,000 RUB |
| Medical Insurance |
5000 to 7000 RUB per year |
Note- Students must note that MBBS in Russia fees is dynamic and can change without prior notice. Thus, before applying for admission to MBBS course in Russia - students must double-check all details and fees. Sometimes MBBS in Russia fees may not change but exchange rate may fluctuate, thus check before applying.
Is MBBS Degree from Russia Valid in India?
Yes, MBBS degrees from Russian universities are valid in India, provided:
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The university is approved by NMC
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The student qualifies NEET before admission
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The student clears the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT (upcoming National Exit Test)
FMGE and NEXT Exam Information
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FMGE is currently mandatory for foreign medical graduates
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NEXT will soon replace FMGE
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Both exams include 300 MCQs from 19 medical subjects
MBBS in Russia Scholarships
Scholarships are a great way to reduce your cost of studying MBBS in Russia. Indian students, among others, are eligible for state-level scholarships provided by the Russian government to study there. Scholarships for MBBS in Russia might include maintenance money in addition to paying for housing and education. Certain other scholarships include NTR Videshi Vidyadharana Overseas Scholarship, Ambedkar Overseas Vidya Nidhi Scholarship, etc. Thus, this way, students can lower their MBBS in Russia fees.
MCI Approved Medical Colleges in Russia
The following Russian Medical Universities are listed by the Medical Council of India (MCI):
| Altai State Medical University |
Astrakhan State Medical University |
Bashkir State Medical University |
| Belgorod State National Research University |
Chechen State University |
Chuvash State University named after I.N. Ulyanov |
| Crimean Federal University named after V. I. Vernadsky |
Dagestan State Medical University |
Far Eastern Federal University |
| Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University |
Irkutsk State Medical University |
Ivanovo State Medical Academy |
| Izhevsk State Medical Academy |
Kabardino-Balkarian State University |
Kazan Federal (Volga) University |
| Kazan State Medical University |
Mari State University |
National Research Ogarev Mordovia State University |
| National Research Nuclear University "MIFI" |
North Ossetian State Medical Academy |
North-Eastern Federal University named after MK Ammosov |
| Northern State Medical University |
Novosibirsk National Research State University |
Omsk State Medical University |
| Orel State University |
Orenburg State Medical University |
Pacific State Medical University |
| Penza State University |
Perm State Medical University named after E. A. Vagner |
Privolzhsky Research Medical University |
| Pskov State University |
Rostov State Medical University |
Russian National Research Medical University named after N I Pirogov |
| Russian Peoples’s Friendship University |
Ryazan State Medical University, named after I P Pavlov |
Saratov State Medical University |
| Siberian State Medical University |
Smolensk State Medical University |
St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical Academy |
| Stavropol State Medical University |
Tambov State University named after G.R. Derzhavin |
The First Moscow State Medical University named after Sechenov |
| The First Saint-Petersburg State Medical University named after Pavlov |
Tula State University |
Tver State Medical University |
| Tyumen State Medical University |
Ulyanovsk State University |
Ural State Medical University |
| Volgograd State Medical University |
Voronezh State Medical University named after N N Burdenko |
Yaroslavl State Medical University |
MBBS in India vs MBBS in Russia
- Duration: MBBS program in Russia lasts nearly for 5.8 years.
- Curriculum: MBBS curricula in Russia and India are different.
- Cost: In general, MBBS in Russia is less expensive than in India and some other nations. Russian colleges frequently have cheaper tuition costs - a desirable option for students on a small budget.
- Competition: Indian medical universities usually have high level of competition for the few available places. In contrast, Russian colleges have extra seats for international students.
- Clinical Exposure: During the MBBS programme, clinical exposure is provided in both India and Russia. Students in Russia have the chance to obtain practical experience at Russian medical facilities.
Studying MBBS in Russia is a cost-effective and globally recognized option for Indian students. With NEET qualification, the right university selection and proper documentation, one can become a doctor. By understanding the climate, hostel life, and post-degree career options.
Now that students are aware of all the aspects of studying MBBS in Russia, it is advised that they take their entire application process in a timely manner to avoid any last-minute hassles. For help with university applications, students seeking to study abroad can contact our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors. The comments section below allows candidates to contact us as well.
Yes, MBBS degrees from Russia are generally valid in India. The Medical Council of India (MCI) recognizes medical degrees from universities in Russia that meet certain standards and accreditation criteria. However, Indian medical graduates with degrees from foreign universities, including Russia, need to: