MBBS in Russia Overview
Russia has historically been India's most dependable ally since independence. This long-standing relationship has contributed to making MBBS Russia popular among Indian students. An MBBS degree in Russia is a highly sought-after option for Indian students seeking to study medicine abroad. Since 1985, India has witnessed a steady stream of students heading to Russia to pursue medical programs, cementing its status as a top destination for MBBS education in Russia.
With over 4,000 Indian students flying every year to study MBBS in Russia, it's evident that more than 50% of those seeking medical education abroad are choosing this exceptional country. Its reputed institutions further accentuate Russia's prominence in providing high-quality medical education. As such, medicine in Russia has become a popular choice for Indian students aspiring to excel in the medical field on an international stage.
Quick Facts about MBBS degree in Russia
| Medical Universities in Russia | 90+ |
|---|---|
| Medium of instruction | Bilingual, English, Russian |
| Duration of Medicine | 6 Years Incl. Internship |
| Degree awarded | MD Equivalent to MBBS |
| Yearly Tuition Fee (INR) | 2-4 Lacs INR |
| Total Budget for MBBS | 20-40 Lacs INR |
| Ruble to INR | 1 RUB =1.05 INR |
| Licensing Exam for Indian Students | Permitted |
| Internship | 12 Months |
| Meeting NMC Criteria | Yes |
MBBS degree in Russia for Indian Students
How many Indian students are pursuing MBBS education in Russia at the moment? The answer would be that there are almost 23000 Indian students in Russia for the MBBS program enrolled in various medical universities. Indeed, there are quite many medical aspirants in many countries. Nearly 70–80% of Indian medical students in Russia are studying at only 8–10 medical colleges.
MBBS in Russia vs MBBS in India
| Parameter | India | Russia |
| College Type | Public & Pvt | Only Public |
| Tuition Fee for the course | Pub Rs. 1-3 Lac, Pvt Rs. 60 Lacs - Rs. 1.5 Cr | Rs. 15-25 Lacs |
| Duration | 4.5 + 1 Year | 6 Years |
| Infrastructure | Good to Below Avg | Good |
| Degree Awarded | MBBS | MD Physician |
| World Rank | Only AIIMS, Delhi | 7 in the Top 1000 |
| Teaching Experience | 5-50 Yrs | 50-100 Yrs |
| Study Pattern | Pre, Para & Clinical | European ECTS |
| Internship | 1 Year | 1 Yr incl. in 6 Yr |
| Subjects in MBBS | 19 Subjects | 55+ Subject |
| ECFMG (USA) ,UK Accreditation | Only 473 out of 706 College | All are approved |
Advantages to Studying MBBS in Russia
Russian Medical Universities offer several benefits for Indian students:
- Affordability: Russia is the most affordable option among study-abroad destinations for medical students.
- Quality of Education: Offers better education for a similar budget compared to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, etc.
- NMC Guidelines: MBBS programs in Russia follow the latest Indian NMC guidelines (NExT-ready).
- Medicine Syllabus: Covers all 19 subjects like Indian medical colleges.
- Internship: Includes over 1 year of clinical exposure, aligning with NMC requirements.
- Global Exposure: Accepts students worldwide, offering international learning.
- Safety: Russia values tradition and family; no racism or religious discrimination.
Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Russia
While there are many benefits, Indian students should be aware of the following challenges:
- Language Barrier: English is not a common first language in Russia, so basic conversation in daily life can be a major concern.
- Bilingual Program: Most Russian universities run bilingual MBBS programs or are entirely in the Russian language. Hence, the University selection must be done very carefully.
- USMLE & NExT Preparation: Agents mislead Indian students by claiming that Russian universities offer NEXT, USMLE, or PLAB coaching, which is not true. Russian universities are not responsible for NExT classes. Students must prepare independently for licensing exams.
- Low FMGE Passing Ratio: With an average pass rate of ~18%, many students struggle due to lack of preparation. It's essential to begin USMLE/NExT prep from the 1st year to avoid challenges later.
NMC Approved Russia Medical University & Grading
Over 90 medical universities are accepting international students for general medicine programs in Russia (MBBS) in English, Bilingual, and Russian programs. Many Indian agents admit students to bilingual programs instead of English-taught MBBS programs. As per NMC regulation for FMGE 2021, if any chance a student pursues the Bilingual MBBS program, they will not be eligible to appear in the Indian Licensing Exam NEXT. So, if you are looking for MCI-approved Medical colleges in Russia, selecting a University that provides an entire MBBS course in the English language is extremely important. Only all 6 years of English taught MBBS from Russia are valid in India. Moreover, you should prefer a University with a good quality of education.
Approximately 18 universities deliver English Taught Programs, of which only 10 or 12 have a quality infrastructure, making them the top medical Universities in Russia recognised by MCI. You can select the Best Medical University in Russia based on their grading or find the Top 10 Medical Universities in Russia if you wish to refer to the University grade and check the availability of the Medicine Program in English.
Top medical university in Russia for Indian students
| University Name | Language | Grade | Eligible for NExT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altai State Medical University | English | B+ | Yes |
| Astrakhan State University | Bilingual | B+ | Yes |
| Bashkir State Medical University | English | B+ | Yes |
| Belgorod National Medical University | English | B+ | Yes |
| Chechen State University | Bilingual | C | No |
| Chuvash State Medical University | Bilingual | B | No |
| Crimean Federal University | English | B+ | Yes |
| Dagestan State Medical University | Bilingual | B | No |
| Far Eastern Federal University | English | A | Yes |
| First Moscow State Medical University | English | A+ | Yes |
| Kabardino-Balkarian State University | English | A | Yes |
Note: Universities' grading is based on the quality of their education, not their medium of instruction for medicine programs. The University (Marked Green) has a good infrastructure and offers English-taught programs. Crimea Federal University and Belgorod State University are located close to the Ukrainian Border and hence need to be omitted, even though they provide an MBBS Program in English. The best MBBS colleges in Russia for Indian students are hardly 10-12, which should be considered for the MBBS program. Orel State, Bashkir, and Kazan State are among Russia's top 10 medical colleges. Whereas First Moscow and People Friendship are medical universities in Moscow, Russia
Study MBBS in Russia : 2024-2025 Fee Structure
| University Name | Tuition Fee (RUB) for 6 Years | Tuition Fee in rupees for 6 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Altai State Medical University | 19,41,600 RUB | Rs. 19.41 Lacs |
| Astrakhan State University | 10,21,800 RUB | Rs. 10.21 Lacs |
| Bashkir State Medical University | 17,95,464 RUB | Rs. 17.95 Lacs |
| Belgorod State National Research University | 26,94,510 RUB | Rs. 24.1 Lacs |
| Chuvash State Medical University | 1,41,0000 RUB | Rs. 14.1 Lacs |
| Crimean Federal University | 18,00,000 RUB | Rs. 18 Lacs |
| Dagestan State Medical University | 18,90,000 RUB | Rs. 18.9 Lacs |
| Far Eastern Federal University | 24,00,000 RUB | Rs. 24 Lacs |
| First Moscow State Medical University | 64,88,820 RUB | Rs. 58.05 Lacs |
| Kabardino-Balkarian State University | 13,15,200 RUB | Rs. 13.15 Lacs |
| Kazan Federal University | 28,08,000 RUB | Rs. 28.08 Lacs |
Indian Food in Russian Medical Universities
A common query arises when a student plans for MBBS education in Russia: Will I get Indian food in Russia, or is Indian food available at the medical schools in Russia? So here is the answer-
- Indian Mess: Indian food facilities are available in several universities, in general, and are owned by a private contractor, and they depend on the number of Indian students in a particular university.
- Mess Charges: The monthly charges for 2 meals a day is approx. 100-150 USD. Prices may still vary from university to university.
- Self-Cooking Option: Every hostel has a shared kitchen where students can prepare meals. Typically, the University provides this service for free.
- Indian Restaurants: The Indian community is abundant in Russia, and though Indian restaurants may be slightly expensive, you will find them in most cities.
Hostel or Accommodation in Russian Universities
Every single University provides on-campus accommodation for its students.
- Common Hostel- Almost every University has a common hostel for girls and boys.
- Room Sharing- Medical Universities provide housing rooms in a hostel, often available in double, triple, and quad-sharing options.
- Room Charges- The room charges depend upon the sharing and the condition of the room. Renovated rooms are always a bit pricey. The probability of getting a single shared room is extremely rare in the hostels.
- Internet access- Every room has Internet access; students might need to pay for Wi-Fi connections in their rooms.
- Drinking Water- Generally, students must purchase drinking water, often sold in 20-litre packaging. Water coolers are not available in Russia like they are in India.
- Kitchen Facility- The kitchens are built on every floor and are well-supplied with Induction cooktops, refrigerators, microwave ovens, etc. Also, the student can utilize it without paying any charge.
- Laundry Rooms- Washing machines are placed in common laundry rooms and can be availed at no additional cost of living in Russia.
- Hostel Amenities- Most hostels have a Reading room, Gymnasium, and Indoor Games room.
- Security- Mostly, the hostels are under CCTV surveillance, and there is always a warden or caretaker in the hostel on a 24x7 basis.
Cost of MBBS in Russia 2025-26
| Expense | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees | Rs. 15-25 Lacs |
| Hostel fees | Rs. 2-3 Lacs |
| Food Expenses | Rs. 4-5 Lacs |
| Travel charge to India (6 Year) | Rs. 2-2.5 Lacs |
| Personal Expenses | Rs. 3-4 Lacs |
| Other Misc. Expense in 1st Year | Rs. 1-2 Lacs |
Normally, the total cost of MBBS in Russia or any university consists of tuition fees, hostel fees, food, and other personal expenses. The lowest MBBS fees in Russia are for Orel State Medical University & Kabardino-Balkarian. Refer to the table below for the average cost of study in Russia or any Russian universities. Note: Certain expenses incurred during the first year only, like-
- Health check-up
- Local police verification & biometric update in Russian Security System
- Translations, Attestation & notarization of documents in the University
Most of your expenditure will shift towards the university tuition Fee. Despite that, you should not choose a university just because its tuition fee is low, as you may compromise the quality of the education.
MBBS in Russia eligibility for Indian students
MBBS Admission in Russia follows the same criteria approved by the NMC for an Indian medical aspirant to pursue MBBS in foreign nations. Few universities rely upon an additional condition, over and above the NMC criteria, to find the best student to study at their University. Below is the eligibility for MBBS in Russia
- NEET Qualified: Students must be NEET Qualified in any of the previous 3 years
- Academic Grade: Most universities ask for over 50% in 10+2 grades. (Or even higher grades in a few cases).
- Age: Candidate should be a minimum of 17 years
- Entrance Exam: Some universities may conduct Online Exams to assess the candidate.
Process of MBBS Admission in Russia
| Stages | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Application to University | Mar-July |
| Issuance of Admission Letter from the University | 3-4 weeks |
| Issuance of invitation letter from the Ministry of Education | 4-6 weeks |
| Visa Stamping | 3 weeks |
| Travel to the University | 2/3 Week Sept |
| Commencement of the Classes | 1st Oct 2024 |
It is important to understand that the complete process takes around three months from the application till arrival at the University. Nonetheless, students applying at the last moment may not find seats available or may even struggle to complete the process. In this case, students might arrive late at the university, which may result in a loss in their academics.
Documents Required for MBBS Admission in Russia
- 10th & 12th transcript’s Attested copy required (Notary Public, Education Ministry, India)
- NEET Score Card
- Passport Copy
- Police Verification Certificate (For VISA Purposes)
- class="bi bi-file-earmark-check-fill text-danger"
- Medical Fitness Certificate (For VISA Purposes)
Licensing Exam in Russia after MBBS for Indian students
NMC Regulation for FMGE 2021
The National Medical Council's 2021 regulation for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), or MCI Screening Test, has implemented specific guidelines for students pursuing MBBS or medical studies abroad. These guidelines establish eligibility criteria for appearing in the NExT Exam in India. Key aspects of the NMC 2021 regulation include:
- MBBS course duration should be at least 5-1/2 years, including internship.
- Minimum 12 months of clinical rotation, clerkship, or internship
- The medium of instruction for MBBS must be English for the entire course.
- The entire study should be on one campus only.
- After completing the MBBS course, the student should be allowed to register with a competent body to grant the license in the respective country.
- The student is required to attend clinical rotations in mandatory specialities such as community medicine, general medicine, obstetrics, gynaecology, psychiatry, paediatrics, general surgery, anaesthesia, orthopaedics, Otorhinolaryngology, ophthalmology, dermatology, emergency medicine, and casualty services during the MBBS program.
Medical Licensing Exam Process in Russia
Indian students need to understand the medical education system in Russia to ensure they are eligible to appear in the licensing or NExT exams in India. Medical Education in Russia follows a combination of the European system and the old Soviet system. You have to clear two stages in Russia before applying for the Indian Licensing Exam.
- State Exam or Goss Exam or MD Degree Exam
- Accreditation Exam or Licensing Exam
Syllabus of MBBS in Russia
| Year | Subject | Total Teaching Hours | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lectures | Practicals | ||
| 1st | History | 20 | 36 |
| Physics, Mathematics | 14 | 42 | |
| Biology | 14 | 42 | |
| Basics of patient care | 4 | 52 | |
| Human Anatomy | 48 | 184 | |
| Histology, Embryology, Cytology | 24 | 88 | |
| Latin Language | 56 | - | |
| Foreign language | 56 | - | |
| Public safety | 12 | 44 | |
| Physiology | 52 | 120 | |
| Biological Chemistry | 48 | 124 | |
| 2nd | Philosophy | 20 | 36 |
| Psychology and pedagogy | 12 | 44 | |
| Economics and Law | 16 | 40 | |
| Microbiology | 44 | 128 | |
| Topographic anatomy and operative surgery | 24 | 88 | |
| Nursing | 4 | 52 | |
| Pathological anatomy | 52 | 120 | |
| Pathophysiology | 40 | 132 | |
| Propedeutics of internal diseases | 24 | 148 | |
| General surgery | 24 | 88 | |
| 3rd | Pharmacology | 52 | 120 |
| Radiodiagnostics | 8 | 48 | |
| IT and e-health | 8 | 48 | |
| Internal medicine | 30 | 142 | |
| Fundamental surgery | 24 | 88 | |
| Hygiene | 24 | 88 | |
| Public Health | 24 | 88 | |
| 4th _ | Otorhinolaryngology | 8 | 48 |
| Ophthalmology | 8 | 48 | |
| Anesthesiology, Resuscitation | 8 | 48 | |
| Neurology, Neurosurgery | 24 | 88 | |
| Medical genetics | 8 | 28 | |
| Obstetrics and Gynecology | 60 | 224 | |
| Dermavenerology | 8 | 48 | |
| Urology | 8 | 48 | |
| Medical rehabilitation | 8 | 48 | |
| Surgery | 36 | 136 | |
| Hospital medicine | 50 | 182 | |
| 5th _ | Psychiatry, Medical Psychology | 18 | 94 |
| Pediatricians | 36 | 136 | |
| Infectious diseases | 30 | 142 | |
| Traumatology, Orthopedics | 24 | 88 | |
| Endocrinology | 8 | 48 | |
| Phthisiology | 8 | 48 | |
| 6th _ | Oral surgery | 4 | 32 |
| Medical emergencies | 6 | 50 | |
| Epidemiology | 8 | 48 | |
| Clinical Pharmacology | 24 | 88 | |
| Outpatient service | 30 | 142 | |
| Oncology, Radiotherapy | 8 | 48 | |
| Forensic medicine | 8 | 48 | |
| - | Total Hours | 980 | 4300 |
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