MBBS in Russia: Guide for Indian students

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Updated on: 21. May 2025
mbbs in russia, medical schools, russia indian students, russia medical universities

☝️ At a glance

  • Russia provides affordable and high-quality medical education, attracting many international students. Universities are globally recognized, which makes them a popular destination.
  • The eligibility criteria are straightforward and have provided worldwide acceptance of the degree.
  • The MBBS program spans six years and emphasizes strong practical training, preparing students with hands-on clinical experience.
  • Students may face challenges such as language barriers and adapting to Russia’s harsh climate, requiring good adaptation skills. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for a successful academic experience.

📖 Table of Contents

MBBS in Russia - Introduction

MBBS in Russia, the most suitable and preferred destination for Indian students. Russia is famous for its rich history and beautiful architecture. Russia gives high-quality education and classical literature. Russia is a vibrant and joyful country. If you are looking to pursue MBBS at Russian medical universities, then you are on the right path. Many Indian students and international students are seeking quality education at an affordable cost, which makes Russia a good option. Many medical universities in Russia offer low tuition fees, quality education, and a supportive environment, due to which the demand is increasing.

If you want to study MBBS in Russia, then this article has covered every piece of information you are looking for.

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Why choose MBBS in Russia for Indian students?

  • One of the strong reasons to choose Russia over any country, especially for Indian students, is that Russia and India hold a great connection and have been friends for a long time, which ensures the safety of the student.

  • Pursuing MBBS abroad offers high-quality education, which many private medical colleges fail to provide. Russia is known for its educational system and advanced practical training with affordable tuition fees, and Russia's MBBS fee structure is low compared to Indian medical colleges.

  • Not only for Indian students but for foreign students as well, Russia is one of the most rewarding destinations to practice medicine.

  • Russia is also a safe, welcoming, student-friendly country and supports every culture. It has various beautiful spots and locations to visit, and also has a variety of Indian foods and restaurants, so you will not feel homesick.

  • The MBBS admission process is quite easy, unlike other countries. Most Russian universities are accredited by the National Medical Commission (NMC), World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), ensuring global recognition to practice in other countries as well.

  • Russia offers rewarding career options after MBBS, offering graduates multiple pathways and opportunities to work in top hospitals worldwide.

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mbbs in russia, russian medical universities focus

Russian medical colleges

Here are some of the top medical universities in Russia:

  • Kazan State Medical University

  • Sechenov University

  • Dagestan State Medical University

  • RUDN University

  • Lomonosov Moscow State University

  • Moscow State Medical University

  • Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

  • Mari State Medical University

  • Bashkir State Medical University

  • Perm State Medical University

  • Crimea Federal University, SIMFEROPOL

  • First Moscow State Medical University

  • Northern State Medical University

  • Siberian State Medical University

  • Orenburg State Medical University

  • Altai State Medical University

  • Saint Petersburg Medical University

  • Kursk State Medical University

  • Kazan Federal University

MBBS course duration & syllabus

Duration

Typically, medical universities in Russia offer MBBS programs for 6 years. In which 1 year is for a mandatory internship. You will get a chance to work in labs, hospitals, clinics, and many more. Medical colleges in Russia provide high-quality medical education by giving theoretical and practical knowledge.

Syllabus

Year

Main Subjects

1st Year

Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Latin

2nd Year

Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology basics

3rd Year

Systemic Pathology, Pharmacology, Surgery basics, Hygiene

4th Year

Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology

5th Year

Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Psychiatry, Clinical Practice

6th Year

Oncology, Cardiology, Anesthesiology, Final Clinical Rotations

Eligibility criteria

  1. The applicant must be at least 17 years old.

  2. Students must secure at least 50% marks in 10+2 with physics, chemistry, and biology as main subjects.

  3. NEET exam is Mandatory.

Important documents

The important documents, as per the Russian government, for the admission process are:

  1. 10th and 12th marksheet

  2. NEET scorecard

  3. Birth certificate

  4. Valid passport

  5. Passport size photographs

  6. Admission letter from a Russian University

  7. Medical reports

  8. Insurance

  9. Bank statements

  10. Student Visa

  11. ID proof

Opportunities after completing MBBS

After holding a Russian MBBS degree, you can pursue post-graduation by appearing for exams like FMGE or USMLE. After graduating, you can go for clinical roles, research, a professor role, and higher education both in India and abroad, and you can also work in top hospitals if you graduate from a top state medical university. Russia — studying MBBS here is a great opportunity for every medical aspirants.

It gives a foundation for a global medical career and many graduates successfully practice in India doing MBBS from Russia.

Challenges faced by Indian medical aspirants

  • Though many universities offer MBBS in English, students still need to learn Russian for clinical rotations and daily life.

  • During internships and hospital visits, communication with local patients becomes difficult without knowing Russian.

  • Adjusting to Russian customs, food, climate, and lifestyle can be overwhelming.

  • Homesickness is common among students due to limited Indian communities in some regions.

  • Winters in Russia are extremely cold, often dropping below -20°C, which can be difficult for Indian students to adapt to.

  • Some universities offer excellent education, while others may not meet international standards.

  • Lack of practical exposure or outdated teaching methods in certain institutions.

  • After completing MBBS abroad, Indian students must pass FMGE to practice in India.

  • The pass rate is generally low, indicating a gap between the curriculum and Indian medical standards.

  • Not all Russian medical universities are recognized by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

  • Limited availability of Indian food.

  • Hostel conditions and hygiene standards vary by university.

  • While tuition is affordable compared to private Indian colleges, additional costs (living, travel, etc.) can add up.

  • Some cities may not be very safe for foreign students, especially in remote areas.

  • Racial discrimination incidents have been reported occasionally.

Due to these challenges, many students are now choosing Europe for MBBS, where education quality, safety, and living conditions are often more favorable.

Why consider studying MBBS in Europe?

Consider studying MBBS in Europe, because Europe provides Indian students an excellent opportunity to explore top medical colleges with advanced infrastructure and diverse medical courses. While Russian medical universities have attracted many due to their affordable Russia fee structure, Europe offers the same benefit: affordable fees and low cost of living, whereas in Russia, cost of living is expensive. The Russian language is preferred in Russia, which can become an obstacle for Indian students, but Europe gives equal opportunity to every student, and government medical colleges and private colleges both support every culture. Europe provides a broader exposure to international medical standards. European MBBS universities often rank as leading medical universities, offering quality education and global recognition, making them a preferred choice for those who started studying MBBS abroad in Russia.

Conclusion

Pursuing MBBS in Russia offers a cost-effective and internationally recognized medical degree, making it an attractive choice for aspiring doctors worldwide. The blend of theoretical knowledge and extensive practical training attracts students. It builds a strong foundation in medical science, and degrees are recognized worldwide.

While language and environmental challenges exist, students who adapt effectively can benefit from broad global opportunities, including higher studies and clinical practice. Overall, MBBS in Russia can be a strong stepping stone for professional growth and success in medicine.

If Russia isn’t your preferred choice, go for European countries like Poland, Hungary, or Latvia, which offer quality MBBS programs. Europe is known for its advanced medical infrastructure, global recognition, and safe, student-friendly environment. With trusted guidance from futureMBBS, a consultancy that helps Indian students get admission to top medical universities abroad, you get complete support, from university selection to visa and post-arrival assistance, making your journey smooth and easy.

Your medical career abroad starts here!

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, pursuing MBBS in Russia is a good option for Indian students due to high quality medical education, affordable tuition fees, and recognition by World Health Organization.

The MBBS fees in Russia range from ₹15 to ₹30 lakhs for the complete MBBS course, depending on the medical universities.

Yes, Indian medical aspirants must qualify the NEET exam to get MBBS admission in Russian medical universities.

While Indian MBBS degrees are respected, practicing in Russian medical colleges may require local licensing exams.

A NEET score of 130–150 is generally enough for MBBS admission in Russia, as per current eligibility criteria

Yes, some state medical universities in Russia offer MBBS programs under ₹15 lakhs, especially in less urban areas.

Yes, a minimum of 50% in PCB subjects in 12th is required for pursuing MBBS in Russian universities.

One main challenge is adapting to the Russian language during clinical training, even if the MBBS course is in English.

MBBS in Russia is among the most affordable, along with countries like Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, offering quality education at low tuition fees.

Yes, many top medical universities like Kazan Federal University and Bashkir State Medical University offer MBBS courses in English.

An MBBS doctor in Russia earns around ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 per month depending on experience and the state medical university they are affiliated with.

Yes, the Russian MBBS degree is valid in India, provided foreign medical graduates clear the NMC’s screening test (FMGE/NExT).

Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) is ranked as the top medical university in Russia for international students.