MBBS in Russia for Indian Students 2024-25

How to Online Apply for MBBS in Russia through Global Medical Foundation?

Global Medical Foundation helps students by providing all the information and guaranteeing admission. We have been sending students to the top medical universities in Russia.  Shobhit Jayaswal of Global Medical Foundation has visited many of the best medical universities in Russia.

If you are from anywhere in India and are looking for admission to a Russian medical university, you should contact our experienced counsellors. The admission process is completely online, so there’s no need to travel to Delhi to meet us. You can simply give us a call, and we’ll handle the entire admission and visa process for you remotely, eliminating the need for any travel. 

Here is a video of Shobhit Jayaswal of the Global Medical Foundation in Russia. In this video, Indian students share their experience of studying medicine at Mordovia State University in Russia (more than 1.52 lakh views):

MBBS in Russia Fee Structure

The fee structure for MBBS in Russia is much more affordable compared to private medical colleges in India. It is also significantly lower than the fees of medical universities in the USA, UK, Australia, or the EU, making MBBS in Russia a cost-effective option for Indian students.

The tuition fee is only one part of the expenses. Please note that the tuition fee of most universities is fixed in Rubles and for some, it is USD. There are other costs as well which you must consider at the time of selecting a Russian medical university to apply to. Here are the indicative figures of MBBS in Russia fees for Indian students in Rupees –

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MBBS in Russia Eligibility for Indian Students

Here are the complete eligibility criteria for Indian students –

Percentage requirement in class 12th: 50% aggregate marks in PCB for General category students and 40% for SC/ST/OBC. Some universities will have their cut-off.

NEET: Indian applicants must have qualified NEET either in the current year or within the previous two years. For those pursuing MBBS abroad, the NEET result remains valid for three years from the date it is declared.

Age Criteria: The student must be 17 years old on or before the 31st of December in the year when the admission is being taken.

Passport: A passport is required.

Entrance exam by the university: Every Russian medical university conducts an entrance exam. Only those who successfully pass this exam will get admission to the respective medical university in Russia.

Read more about the Entrance exam for MBBS in Russia admission.

MBBS in Russia without NEET

Every year, the counsellors of the Global Medical Foundation receive hundreds of queries for admission to MBBS abroad without NEET. However, the Global Medical Foundation does not favour sending students for MBBS outside of India without NEET. The reason is that, per the NMC rules and regulations, you will not be eligible to appear for FMGE/NExT if you take admission for MBBS abroad in any country without NEET or without qualifying NEET.

MBBS in Russia without NEET or qualifying NEET = Degree not valid in India

Russia MBBS without NEET FAQs

Q. Can I get admission to study MBBS in Russia without NEET this year and then qualify NEET exam later?

No, this is not allowed. You have to qualify NEET first and then apply for MBBS abroad.

Q. I don’t want to come back to India or I don’t want to practice in India, do I still need to be NEET qualified?

No, in this case, qualifying NEET is not mandatory.

Q. How much NEET score is required for MBBS abroad?

You have to check the qualifying marks as per your category.

Note – For a student from the General category, you need 50 percentile for qualifying NEET and 40 percentile to be NEET qualified if you are from SC/ST/OBC. NEET results are valid for 3 years from the date of results for MBBS abroad.

Intakes Available in Russia

Unlike a single intake in Indian universities, Russian universities offer two intakes. However, only a handful of universities have a second intake. Most universities only have a single intake. The two intakes available in Russia are:

September/October intake – A popular intake among Indian students where classes start in September. The admission process begins in May. Sometimes, students depart at October end/November. You can apply until the end of October or until all seats are filled, whichever comes first.

March intake – Available for a limited number of universities, admission for the March intake usually starts in January and classes begin in March.

Please note that admission is on a first-come-first-served basis and the best time to apply is right after appearing for NEET. For admission, call on 9999404348.

Last date to apply for MBBS in Russia

There is no single or fixed deadline. For the September/October intake, you can apply even around the 3rd week of October if you have a passport and if there are seats. Since admissions operate on a first-come, first-served basis, a university will close its admissions once its seat quota for international students is filled. This means the last date to apply for MBBS in Russia will be around the end of October or when all seats are filled, whichever comes first.

We recommend applying immediately after you appear for NEET, especially if you’re confident about qualifying, as MBBS admission abroad is not possible without NEET qualification. If you have already qualified NEET within the past two years, you can apply even before.

Classes typically begin in October, and universities conduct entrance exams from May to June. If you miss the entrance exam, admission will not be possible. Since the admission process involves obtaining a visa, which takes time, it’s important to apply as early as possible. Contact Global Medical Foundation today for assistance with any questions or the admission process.

The most important rules for Indian students (Don’t apply for MBBS in Russia without checking these rules)

In November 2021, NMC released an e-gazette (Check the pdf of the e-gazette here: Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations 2021) called the National Medical Commission Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021. The FMGL Regulations define the regulations to be satisfied by a foreign medical graduate for a grant of permanent registration in India. These rules apply to all the countries outside India.

Below, we will check these rules and see how Russian medical universities fulfil these rules.

These regulations are as follows –

Note – If NMC does not accept the internship included in the 6 years, you will have to spend another 1 year doing an internship in Russia.

Top Universities for MBBS in Russia

While the cost of MBBS in Russia is an important factor when choosing the right university, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. Students should select a university that not only fits their budget but also has a strong ranking and reputation. Global Medical Foundation assists students in securing admission to top medical universities in Russia, ensuring they find the best fit for their budget and academic goals.

We suggest that the students check the FMGE passing percentage of Indian graduates from different medical universities in Russia. This will help you shortlist the universities from which Indian graduates are performing well in the licensing exam in India.

Global Medical Foundation has many years of experience sending students to Russia. We are in constant touch with Indian students in different Russian medical universities. Thus, we get actual and recent feedback from the students. We are committed to sending our students to only the top medical universities in Russia.

A student from Delhi answers some questions about Russia MBBS:

As per the FMGE passing ratio, fee structure in Indian rupees, student feedback, quality of education, faculty, facilities such as hostel and Indian food, and considering many other criteria, these are the best medical colleges in Russia for Indian students –

• Mordovia State University
• Kazan State Medical University
• Kursk State Medical University
• Bashkir State Medical University
• Crimea Federal University
• Kazan Federal Medical University
• Rostov State Medical University
• Northern State Medical University
• Ulyanovsk State University
• Peoples Friendship University
• Far Eastern Federal University
• Altai State University
• North Ossetian State Medical Academy

Is it safe to study in Russia in 2024?

The war between Russia and Ukraine broke out in March of 2022. For this reason, many parents and students feel that Russia is not a safe country anymore. However, this is far from reality. Russia continues to be a safe place for Indian students. The war is being fought in Ukraine and thus, Russia is safe for Indian students. Indian students have been going to Russia for many years now and more than 20,000 Indian students are currently studying there. 

Apart from the war, Russia is a country that is friendly with Indians. Shobhit Jayaswal of the Global Medical Foundation has visited many medical universities in Russia. Indian female students have no issues regarding safety within Russia.

Almost all the Russian medical universities provide hostel facilities to Indian students which are fully safe and secure as they have entry restrictions for outsiders and have security in place. Russia is a modern country and the dominant religion is Christianity. It is a safe place for Indian to study at.

Is Russia good for MBBS for Indian students?

Is it a good decision to study medicine in Russia in 2024? The answer is yes.

Russia is one of the best options for Indian students. Lets hear more from Indian students themselves.

Is Russia good for Indian students? Find out what these students studying at Ulyanovsk State University have to say:

Russia is a good option for Indian students in 2024 because of the following reasons –

• Many medical universities in Russia have high FMGE passing percentages. 
• You can get admission to some of the Top-500 ranked universities of the world as Russian universities have very high rankings.
• Russia MBBS Tuition fee for Indian students in Rupees is very affordable.
• All Russian medical universities are public or government universities.
• There is no donation or capitation fee for admission to any medical university in Russia.
• The medium of instruction will be English for the full course duration.
• Indian students have been studying in Russian universities for MBBS for many years. Therefore, the faculty and the university have many years of experience teaching Indian students. However, you must get in touch with Global Medical Foundation as we will help you select the best medical university in Russia.
• Russia has historically been a friendly nation to India. Russians welcome Indians and treat them with warmth.
• Indian Embassy in Moscow is always helping Indian students by issuing guidelines and providing adequate support.

MBBS in Russia is not good?

Many people will tell you that MBBS in Russia is not good. This statement is partially true and not entirely incorrect. Here are the disadvantages of studying in Russia:

Bilingual Course: There are many Russain medical universities imparting education in bilingual format to students. This means that some years will be taught in the English language and the rest will be in the Russian language. This causes problems for the students as NMC rules states that you must study the entire course in English.

Bad guidance by Agents: Most of consultants have never visited the university personally and are not aware of the actual situation in the universities. Even more worrying is that most consultancies are new and lie about their experience. This means that students are misguided more often than not. This is why selecting the right consultancy is important. Global Medical Foundation‘s Shobhit Jayaswal has visited medical colleges in Russia and therefore, we can guide students in the best way. We have been sending students for 10+ years now.

Corruption in many universities: There is corruption in many universities where students are asked for money to pass the exams. Many students are happy to pay so that they don’t have to study. This results in poor quality of education for such students and eventually results in failing FMGE/NEXT.

The difference in Climate: Many students find it difficult in adjusting to the cold climate in Russia. It is to be noted that the weather will be below zero degrees for 2-3 months in a year. However, one should not go to Russia if you have any problem related to a cold climate.

Need to clear licensing exam: As per the new NMC rules (FMGL Regulations 2021), you have to obtain a license from the country from which you are studying medicine abroad. This means that after completing the 6-year MBBS course from Russia, you have to appear for a licensing exam in Russia. As per the Indian Embassy in Moscow, this exam will be held in the Russian language. Every student will have to master the language to pass this exam. If you study MBBS in Uzbekistan, you will not have to appear for any licensing exam. 

Despite the problems, the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. If you select the right university through the right consultancy, your experience will be good and you will one day become a good doctor.

MBBS in Russia Duration

We have already discussed FMGL Regulations 2021 which dictates that a student must undergo a 54-month (4.5 years) medical course plus a 1-year internship.

Russia’s MBBS duration is 6 years including a 1-year internship or more (as per information received by various Russian medical universities and the Indian Embassy in Moscow).

Here is the screenshot of the information on the website of the Indian Embassy in Moscow.

However, if NMC does not accept this course structure at any point in the future, you will be asked to do a 1-year internship after completing the 6-year course duration in Russia.

Is a 5-year MBBS in Russia possible?

Many students search for 5-year Russia MBBS options. However, Russia’s MBBS duration for Indian students is 6 years. The duration of the medicine course at Russian medical universities has never been 5 years. 

A 5-year MBBS from Russia is not possible and not available. The course duration in Russia is 6 years.

In Russia, many universities teach the first few years in the English medium and then switch to the Russian medium of instruction. You have to avoid bilingual universities for MBBS abroad. If you are enrolled in a university where any part of the syllabus is taught in the local language, your degree will not be valid in India. Here is what the Indian Embassy in Moscow, Russia has to say on the medium of instruction in Russian medical universities –

MBBS in Russia English Medium Universities

There are a lot of Russian universities which will teach the entire course in English medium. Some of the universities in Russia that teach in English medium are –

• Bashkir State University
• Mordovia State University
• Crimea Federal University
• Kazan Federal University
• Kazan State Medical University
• Ulyanovsk State University
• Volgograd State Medical University
• Rostov State Medical University
• Peoples Friendship University
• Russian National Research Medical University
• First Moscow State Medical University
• Altai State Medical University
• Omsk State Medical University

and many more. Simply get in touch with Global Medical Foundation and get answers to all your queries.

Is it compulsory to learn the local language?

Yes, it is compulsory to learn the local language which is Russian. Even in universities which teach in English medium for the whole duration, learning the local language is mandatory.

The language course is a part of the syllabus itself. There is no extra fee for language training. The local language will be required for interaction with the patients during hospital visits. Learning the local language will also help you in day-to-day interactions with locals.

Also, as per the FMGL Regulations 2021, you must clear the licensing exam in Russia to be eligible to appear for NExT in India. This licensing exam will be held in the Russian language. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you learn the local language.

Just like in India, there are good, decent, and bad medical universities in Russia as well. Not all medical universities in Russia are equally good. This is due to the following reasons –

• many Russian government medical universities teach in a bilingual pattern
• the English speaking faculty is not experienced in many universities
• no Indian mess is available in many colleges
• the infrastructure is not equally good in all the Russian medical colleges
• the climate is not suitable in many regions of Russia where the temperature goes as low as -50° C.

It is important to choose a university where Indian students are getting a good quality education and the students are clearing the screening test in India. Shobhit Jayaswal has visited some universities in Russia and asked the students to review their experience, here are some Russia MBBS review videos –

A student from Bihar gives his views on studying at Mordovia State University, one of the best universities in Russia:

Students from Rajasthan and Bihar speak about their experience studying at Ulyanovsk State University, Russia:

Hostel video of Mordovia State University & Ulyanovsk State University:

• Global Medical Foundation is an official and authorized representative of many Russian medical universities.
• We have guided more than 1,000+ students to study MBBS abroad.
• Shobhit Jayaswal has visited many top Russian medical universities.
• We have an Indian partner for taking care of students in Russia.
• Right experience to guide Indian students.
• Genuine and complete information about all the universities in Russia.
• 100% visa guarantee.
• Complete admission assistance, visa assistance, assistance with foreign exchange, payment of fees, and forex card at our office.
• Assistance with flight booking, we send students in groups.
• Free study material, laptop bag, and lab coat for every student.
• We can provide references of current students and passed-out students.

Will the student travel alone to Russia or with other students?

The students do not travel alone. We make sure that the students travel in a group from India with other students going to the same university.

From which airport do students travel?

The students will be travelling from IGI Terminal-3 Airport in Delhi.

How will I communicate with my parents once I reach the airport in Russia?

The students can use the free WiFi facility available at the airports in Russia. They can use WhatsApp calling to connect with their relatives back in India.

How will the students get a Russian SIM card?

Global Medical Foundation makes sure that all the students who go to Russia through us will get a SIM card once they reach the hostel.

How will I get local currency to manage my day-to-day expenses?

Before departure to Russia, you need to get a Forex Card or International Debit Card issued from a bank in India. With this, you can withdraw Ruble from an ATM in Russia.

What is the travel duration from India to Russia?

There are multiple options to travel from India to Russia. The duration of travel will also depend on where the university is located. A direct flight from Delhi to Moscow is of around 7 hours.

Do I need to carry a laptop to Russia?

Yes, it is recommended that you carry a laptop to assist with your medical education.

Should I submit my fees to my consultancy in India?

Absolutely not. You should transfer the fees to the university’s bank account.

How much luggage can I carry to Russia?

It will depend on the flight. On most flights, you get to carry 30 kg + 10 kg.

Can I get snow jackets from India?

You can easily get snow jackets from India. If you are traveling in September, then there is no need to buy one from India.

Is Indian food available in Russia?

Indian food is available to the students at the Indian mess located at the universities. There is no Indian mess at many universities. At these universities, the students have to cook food for themselves by using the kitchen facility provided to them at the hostel.

Can I cook food for myself?

Yes, you can cook food at the kitchen facility available to you in the hostel. There are no extra charges for using the kitchen facility.

Is a single-seater room available at the hostel?

Most of the rooms are 2, 3, or 4 seaters in the hostels. If you wish for a single-seater room, then you can do so by opting to move out of the hostel and into an apartment.