Ivan Sechenov
Ivan Mikhailovich Sechenov (1829–1905), the 'father of Russian physiology', whose name the university carries. His work on reflexes and neurophysiology was foundational, and the university was named in his honour in 1955.
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
Russia's oldest and leading medical university, founded in 1758 in Moscow. English-medium General Medicine, ranked in the QS World University Rankings, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools, with around 20 clinical hospitals in central Moscow and a large Indian student community.
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Russia
Country
Moscow
City
6 Years
Course duration
English
Medium of instruction
Introduction
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
- Study program:MBBS — General Medicine (6-year Specialist / MD, 'Physician'), English-medium
- Language:English (students also learn Russian, which is needed for the clinical/ward years with local patients)
- Duration:6 Years (integrated Specialist degree); confirm the internship arrangement for NMC FMGL-2021
- University type:Public (federal) medical university under the Russian Ministry of Health
- Tuition fees:About US$16,500/year (roughly ₹14 lakh/year); realistic all-in ~US$19,000–20,000/year (about ₹16–17 lakh/year); roughly ₹85 lakh to ₹1 crore+ over the course, approx.
- Entrance examination:No UCAT/IELTS; admission based on Class 12 marks and university assessment, with a qualifying NEET-UG score required for Indian students
- Application deadline:Main intake in the autumn (around September) each year
- Recognition:QS-ranked; listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools; ECFMG/WFME-recognised; NMC/FMGE pathway for India (see below)
Red Square in Moscow with the Kremlin's Spasskaya Tower and St Basil's Cathedral in winter (Moscow city context, not the campus)
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Recognition & Prestige
Rankings & Recognition
Sechenov University is one of the few MBBS-abroad options that is a genuinely globally ranked institution. It is Russia's oldest medical university (since 1758), ranked in the QS World University Rankings, listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools since 1995, and recognised by ECFMG and the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). Its reputation, heritage and Moscow clinical network are its core strengths for international students.
QS Ranked
Ranked in the QS World University Rankings (~#790–800 band, 2025)
WDOMS
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools since 1995
ECFMG / WFME
Recognised by ECFMG and the World Federation for Medical Education
Sechenov University is Russia's oldest medical university (founded 1758), ranked in the QS World University Rankings — honestly, in the ~#790–800 band rather than the top 100 — listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools since 1995 and recognised by ECFMG and WFME. It is a federal government medical university under Russia's Ministry of Health and Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Indian students can qualify to practise in India through the National Medical Commission screening/exit examination, subject to meeting NMC conditions.
Complete Information About Sechenov University
Get complete information about studying MBBS at Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, including fees, the admission process and recognition for Indian students.
Success stories
Student Success Stories
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Academic Excellence
Why Study MBBS at Sechenov University
Sechenov is the premium, prestigious end of the MBBS-abroad market: a genuinely ranked, historic medical university in Moscow with a huge clinical network. These are its real strengths, with the honest trade-offs.
Russia's Oldest, Ranked Medical University
English-Medium General Medicine
A Huge Moscow Clinical Network
World-Class Heritage
Strong Recognition
A Large Indian Community
Plan Honestly
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How to Apply
Admission Process for MBBS
Admission to Sechenov for Indian students is NEET-based. The university admits international applicants on the basis of Class 12 marks and a university assessment, with a qualifying NEET-UG score required for Indian students, and without a UCAT-style entrance exam or IELTS. Because Sechenov is competitive and premium-priced, apply early through the university's admission office or a legitimate, verified route, and confirm the current, legitimate fee-payment method given the sanctions environment.
Admission Timeline
- 1Class 12 & NEETQualify Class 12 and NEET-UG
Applicants must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English, and must have a qualifying NEET-UG score, which is required for Indian applicants and for later Indian licensing.
- 2Confirm the Track & CostsCheck the Programme, Fees and Payment Route
Confirm the English-medium General Medicine programme, the full six-year cost, and the exact, legitimate fee-payment route the university currently accepts, and get the degree/internship structure in writing for NMC FMGL-2021.
- 3Apply EarlySubmit the Application to Sechenov
Apply to Sechenov's admission office (directly or through a legitimate, verified representative) with academic documents and passport; places on the English track are competitive, so apply early.
- 4Offer & Eligibility CertificateAdmission Letter and NMC Certificate
Eligible students receive an admission/invitation letter, and Indian students obtain the NMC Eligibility Certificate now expected before starting an MBBS abroad.
- 5Visa, Payment & TravelVisa, Fee Payment and Travel
Students apply for the Russian student visa, pay tuition via the university's current legitimate route, and confirm flight options and travel advisories before departure.
- 6AutumnEnrolment
Students enrol at the start of the academic year and complete arrival formalities and a medical check in Moscow.
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Qualification
Applicants must have passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. The general requirement is a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology taken together (with the standard relaxation to 40% for SC/ST/OBC and other reserved categories), in line with the National Medical Commission's eligibility norms for studying MBBS abroad. Sechenov is competitive, so stronger marks help.
Subjects:
Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English at Class 12 (minimum 50% in PCB; 40% for reserved categories)
Age Requirement
Applicants must have completed, or will complete, 17 years of age on or before 31 December of the year of admission, in line with the National Medical Commission's rules for MBBS.
- NEET-UG qualification is mandatoryRequired for Indian applicants and by the NMC for later FMGE/NExT and Indian practice
Requirements
Indian applicants need Class 12 with PCB, a qualifying NEET-UG score and NEET certificate, an NMC Eligibility Certificate, a valid passport and the supporting documents. No IELTS is required for admission to the English-medium track.
NEET Qualification
A qualifying NEET-UG score is required for Indian applicants, along with Class 12 marks meeting the minimum PCB percentage.
Confirm Fees, Payment & Track
Confirm the full six-year cost, the current legitimate payment route, and that the programme and internship meet NMC FMGL-2021 conditions, in writing.
Admissions Test
There is no UCAT-style entrance exam and no IELTS requirement for the English track; Sechenov admits international applicants on Class 12 marks and its own assessment, plus the NEET requirement for Indian students.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Application route | Sechenov admission office (directly or via a legitimate, verified representative); confirm the current legitimate payment route |
| Admissions assessment | Based on Class 12 marks and university assessment; no UCAT/IELTS entrance exam |
| Academic requirement | Class 12 with PCB and English; minimum 50% in PCB (40% for reserved categories) |
| Intake | Autumn (around September) each year |
| India-side requirement | NEET-UG qualification and NMC Eligibility Certificate, for later FMGE/NExT licensing in India |
Required Documents
Indian applicants typically provide the following documents for admission and the student visa:
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates
- NEET-UG scorecard/certificate and NMC Eligibility Certificate
- Valid passport (with sufficient validity)
- Passport-size photographs and a birth certificate
- Admission/invitation letter, medical fitness certificate (incl. HIV test) and visa documents; documents may need attestation/apostille
- + More
Admission Guidance & Document Checklist
Get the complete document checklist or admission guidance from our experts.
Program Structure
MBBS Course Structure at Sechenov University
Sechenov's General Medicine programme is a six-year integrated Specialist degree taught in English for international students, moving from basic sciences to clinical study in the university's Moscow clinical hospitals. The exact structure and internship arrangement matter for Indian licensing and should be confirmed in writing.
MBBS (General Medicine / Specialist) Course
Total Duration:
6 Years (integrated Specialist / MD degree in General Medicine)
Degree:
Specialist Diploma in General Medicine ('Physician') — the MBBS-equivalent Russian medical qualification
Course Phases at Sechenov University
Years 1–2
Basic Medical Sciences
The pre-clinical foundation years, taught in English, covering the core basic medical sciences with laboratory and early clinical-skills work, and Russian language alongside for the clinical years:
AnatomyPhysiologyBiochemistryHistologyMicrobiologyMedical humanitiesYears 3–4
Para-clinical & Clinical Subjects
The para-clinical and early clinical years, introducing disease mechanisms and clinical subjects with training in Sechenov's Moscow clinical hospitals:
PathologyPharmacologyForensic MedicineInternal MedicineSurgeryYear 5
Senior Clinical Subjects
Senior clinical study across the major specialties, with increasing hands-on hospital training under supervision:
Obstetrics & GynaecologyPaediatricsPsychiatryCommunity MedicineSurgical and medical specialtiesYear 6
Clinical Practice & Graduation
The final clinical year and graduation as a 'Physician'; for FMGL-2021 students must confirm how the internship/clinical-practice requirement is met at the same institution and that the degree entitles practice in Russia.
Advanced clinical rotationsFinal state examinations
Clinical Training & Internship
Clinical training takes place in Sechenov's network of around 20 university clinical hospitals in central Moscow. For Indian students, a further internship in India is required for Indian registration (see the FMGE & NExT section). An indicative pattern is:
| Phase | Focus |
|---|---|
| Years 3–5 | Clinical training in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry and the specialties in Sechenov's Moscow clinical hospitals |
| Year 6 | Advanced clinical practice and the final state examinations (confirm how the FMGL-2021 internship requirement is met) |
| Back in India | Indian graduates clear the FMGE/NExT and complete the required internship in India before registering with the NMC or a State Medical Council |
Get the full curriculum
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Legacy
Alumni and Heritage of Sechenov University
Unusually for an MBBS-abroad option, Sechenov has a genuinely world-famous medical heritage. The figures below are verified giants of medicine and science associated with the university and its predecessor faculty.
Nikolai Pirogov & Sergei Botkin
Nikolai Pirogov, a founder of field surgery and anatomical teaching, and Sergei Botkin, a founder of Russian clinical medicine, are among the towering medical figures associated with the university's heritage.
Korsakoff, Sklifosovsky & Anton Chekhov
The psychiatrist Sergei Korsakoff (Korsakoff's syndrome) and the surgeon Nikolai Sklifosovsky are part of the university's legacy, and the celebrated writer Anton Chekhov studied medicine at its predecessor faculty.
Faculty
Teaching is delivered by the university's faculties, research institutes and its network of clinical hospitals in Moscow, with modern simulation and research facilities. The university is led by its Rector, Professor Petr V. Glybochko, MD, a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Academic Expertise
Russia's oldest medical university (since 1758)
Ranked in the QS World University Rankings
Around 20 clinical hospitals in Moscow
English-medium teaching for international students
Student Support & Mentorship
A large, established Indian student community
Hostel and arrival assistance
Clinical supervision in Moscow hospitals
Guidance for Indian students on FMGE/NExT
About University
History Information
A Sechenov University building in Moscow with Russian signage and the university emblem
Founded in 1758
An Independent University (1930)
Named After Ivan Sechenov (1955)
A Global Medical University Today
Get all information about Sechenov University in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at Sechenov University.
Role in medicine
Role in medical education
A Leading Russian Medical University
Training International Doctors
Research and Clinical Excellence
Get all information about Sechenov University in our free brochure
Read on to find out how you can fulfil your dream of studying MBBS at Sechenov University.
Cost of living
Living Cost in Moscow
Moscow is a large capital city, so living costs are higher than in smaller Russian or Central Asian cities, and students must budget for cold winters. Here is an approximate monthly breakdown for a student (this is separate from tuition, which is high at Sechenov).
Monthly Living Cost
| Cost Component | Approximate Amount (per month) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (hostel) | ₹17,000 – ₹25,000 (US$200 – US$300) |
| Food & Groceries | ₹13,000 – ₹21,000 (US$150 – US$250) |
| Transport & Personal | ₹3,400 – ₹6,700 (US$40 – US$80) |
| Heavy Winter Clothing & Utilities | ₹4,200 – ₹8,400 (US$50 – US$100) |
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Average monthly living cost (excluding tuition)
₹37,000 – ₹61,000 (US$440 – US$730)
Housing
Accommodation
Sechenov University provides hostel accommodation for its international students in Moscow, and there are also private rental options, with heated buildings essential for the cold winters.
University Hostels
The university provides hostel accommodation for international students in Moscow (reported at around US$2,500/year, about ₹2.1 lakh), giving new arrivals a secure, supervised and heated place to live.
Furnished, Heated Rooms
Hostel rooms are furnished and centrally heated, essential in Moscow's cold winters, usually on a shared basis within a supported student environment.
Moscow Housing Costs
Accommodation in Moscow is more expensive than in smaller Russian cities; the university hostel is usually the most economical option for new students.
Large Indian Student Community
Moscow and Sechenov have a large Indian student community, so support and familiarity are strong for new arrivals.
Indian Food & Messes
Indian messes and restaurants in Moscow cater to the large Indian student community, and Indian grocery items are available, so Indian and vegetarian food is accessible.
Private Apartments
Students who prefer more independence can rent private apartments or shared flats, though this is more expensive than the hostel.
A Major Capital City
Accommodation is in Moscow, a major capital city with excellent public transport (including the famous metro).
Arrival Support
The university and the established Indian community help new international students with arrival formalities and settling into accommodation.
Need accommodation details?
Get a full overview of housing options with our university guide, or reach out to an expert.
Food & Dining
Indian and Vegetarian Food in Moscow
Moscow has a large Indian student community and a cosmopolitan food scene, so Indian and vegetarian food is available, alongside Russian and international cuisine.
Indian messes serving the student community, and hostel kitchens, mean Indian food, including vegetarian meals, is accessible for Indian students in Moscow.
Location
How to Reach Sechenov University
Address
Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Trubetskaya Street 8, bld. 2, Moscow 119991, Russia (confirm the exact building address on sechenov.ru)
Nearest Airport
Moscow's international airports (Sheremetyevo SVO, Domodedovo DME, Vnukovo VKO). Direct India–Moscow flights have historically operated, but connectivity has been affected by the current sanctions environment, so confirm current direct or one-stop routes at the time of travel. Moscow is 2.5 hours behind Indian time
Local Transport
Moscow has an extensive metro, buses and taxis and excellent public transport, so students can travel around the city and to the clinical hospitals easily, though the cold winter makes heated indoor transport important
Your Roadmap to Success
Career Pathways After MBBS at Sechenov University
The Specialist (Physician / General Medicine) degree from Sechenov University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools and recognised by ECFMG and WFME, opening licensing pathways in India, the United States and other countries.
Understand the Medical Licensing Pathway
A clear overview of the exams and requirements after graduation.
Practising in India
FMGE & NExT Details
An Indian graduate of Sechenov University who wants to practise in India follows the licensing pathway set by the National Medical Commission (NMC): qualifying NEET before starting, completing a course and internship that meet the NMC's conditions, clearing the NMC screening examination (currently the FMGE, transitioning to the NExT), completing the required internship in India and registering with the medical council. The NMC does not 'approve' individual foreign universities; it sets conditions, and the Russian Specialist-degree structure should be checked against them.
Step 1
NEET Before You Start
An Indian student must have qualified NEET-UG before beginning the course abroad to be eligible later for Indian licensing. A qualifying NEET score is required for admission, and an NMC Eligibility Certificate is now expected before starting.
Step 2
Meet the FMGL 2021 Conditions (confirm the structure)
The Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations 2021 require the course and internship to meet the NMC's minimum duration (about 54 months of study plus a 12-month internship), completed in the SAME institution, taught in English, with a degree that entitles the holder to practise in Russia. Because Sechenov awards a six-year integrated Specialist degree, students must confirm in writing how the internship requirement is met and that the medium is English throughout.
Step 3
Clear the FMGE / NExT and Register
Graduates must clear the qualifying examination for foreign medical graduates, currently the FMGE, which India is replacing with the National Exit Test (NExT), then complete the required internship in India and register with the National Medical Commission or a State Medical Council.
Student Life Style
Student life at Sechenov University
Being a medical student at Sechenov is a mix of demanding study at a historic university and life in Moscow, a major world capital, with the adjustment of cold winters.
A snowy Russian winter riverscape with pine forest (Russian nature, not Moscow city or the campus)
Academics
The Winter Palace (State Hermitage) in St Petersburg, Russia — another Russian city, shown as national context, not Moscow or the campus
Life in Moscow
Challenges and Growth
Social Life
Overall Experience
Fees & Financial
Fees & Financial Planning
Sechenov is a premium, high-fee option, so realistic financial planning across the whole six-year course, plus the current Russia-related payment logistics, matters a great deal.
International students pay tuition of about US$16,500 per year (roughly ₹14 lakh), and with hostel, insurance and Moscow living costs the realistic all-in is roughly ₹85 lakh to over ₹1 crore across the six-year course — far more than most MBBS-abroad options, so budget and funding must be planned carefully.
- About US$16,500/year tuition (roughly ₹14 lakh)
- Hostel ~US$2,500/year (about ₹2.1 lakh)
- Medical insurance ~US$250/year (about ₹21,000); Year 1 may add a one-time ~US$1,000
- Moscow living costs of roughly ₹37,000–61,000 per month
- Roughly ₹85 lakh to ₹1 crore+ all-in over six years
- Confirm the current legitimate fee-payment route
Ratings
Reviews & Ratings
Hear from students and alumni about their experience at Sechenov University.
4.3
140 reviews
Academics4.5
Reputation4.6
Clinical Exposure4.4
Indian Community4.3
Value for Money3.5
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Quick Comparison:
Sechenov University vs AIIMS New Delhi
| University | Sechenov UniversityMoscow, Russia | AIIMS New DelhiNew Delhi, India |
|---|---|---|
| University Type | Public (federal) medical university under the Russian MoH | Government institute of national importance |
| Medium | English (Russian needed for clinical years) | English |
| Course Duration | 6 years (integrated Specialist / MD) | 5.5 years including internship (MBBS) |
| Tuition (per year) | ~US$16,500 (~₹14 lakh); ~₹85 lakh–₹1 crore+ all-in | Nominal (a few thousand rupees per year) |
| Admission | NEET-qualified + Class 12 (PCB) + university assessment | NEET-UG (extremely high rank) |
| Recognition | QS-ranked; WDOMS-listed; ECFMG/WFME; NMC via FMGE/NExT | NMC-recognised |
| World Ranking | Ranked in the QS World University Rankings (~#790–800 band) | India's top-ranked medical institute (NIRF #1) |
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Our blog
Medical Education Insights
Articles that turn complex MBBS-abroad rules into simple, practical steps for students and parents.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Short answers to the questions students and parents ask most often about studying MBBS at Sechenov University.
Campus photographs supplied by the client — two views of a Sechenov University building with Russian signage and the university emblem (used in the Hero and History sections); these are the only images here that actually show Sechenov University. City and scenery images courtesy of Unsplash: Red Square and the Kremlin, St Basil's Cathedral and the Zhivopisny Bridge over the Moskva River (all genuinely Moscow) — photos by contributors including Michael Parulava, Nikolay Vorobyev, Nikita Karimov and 'dotzero'; a Russian winter riverscape — photo by Vladimir Fedotov (generic Russian nature, not Moscow); and the Winter Palace / State Hermitage — photo by Victor Malyushev (this is St Petersburg, a different city, used only as national context in Student Life).