Russia is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students aspiring to pursue an MBBS abroad. Known for its high-quality medical education, globally recognised degrees, affordable fees, and modern infrastructure, Russia offers a strong foundation for future doctors.
Russian medical universities are approved by major international bodies like WHO, NMC (National Medical Commission), FAIMER, and listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools β ensuring the MD/MBBS degree is valid worldwide.
Russiaβs medical education system follows a strong scientific curriculum with both theoretical knowledge and extensive clinical training.
Compared to many Western countries or private colleges in India, MBBS in Russia is significantly more cost-effective, with tuition and living expenses often much lower while providing quality education.
Many universities offer English-medium programs, with Russian language training included to help in clinical practice.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Degree Awarded | MD (equivalent to MBBS in India) |
| Duration | 5.5β6 years (including internship) |
| Eligibility | NEET qualified + 50% in PCB (40% for reserved categories) |
| Medium of Instruction | English (Russian language classes included) |
| Intake | September (typical) |
| Recognition | NMC, WHO, FAIMER, ECFMG |
| Typical Fees Range | Approx. βΉ16 L β βΉ35 L total (tuition + hostel) |
| Living Costs | Affordable β varies by city |
Note: Always check the exact university requirements and intake details.
To be eligible for MBBS admission in Russia, Indian students generally must meet:
Educational Qualifications
Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Biology with at least 50% aggregate (40% for reserved categories).
NEET Qualification
Qualifying NEET is mandatory for Indian students to pursue MBBS abroad and later appear for FMGE/NExT in India.
Age Requirement
Must be 17 years or above by December 31 of the admission year.
The general admission steps (may vary by university) include:
Submit Academic & NEET Documents
Upload 10th, 12th, NEET scorecard, passport, photos, etc.
Receive Admission Letter
Once eligibility is verified, the university issues a letter of admission.
Pay Initial Fees & Get Invitation Letter
Pay tuition or registration fee to receive an official invitation for visa.
Student Visa Processing
Apply for a Russian student visa using the invitation letter and required documents.
Travel and Enrollment
Arrive in Russia and complete final enrollment at the university campus.
The MBBS program typically spans 5.5 to 6 years, which includes:
5 years of classroom and clinical training
1 year of compulsory internship/clinical work
This format complies with NMCβs requirement of minimum 54 months teaching plus 12 months internship.
Most universities offer the MBBS program in English to international students. Russian language is taught as a subject so students can communicate during clinical practice.
While the exact syllabus may vary by university, the MBBS course generally covers:
Pre-Clinical Subjects: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
Para-Clinical: Microbiology, Pathology, Pharmacology
Clinical Rotations: General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, etc.
The structure ensures strong theoretical knowledge along with practical exposure.
Some well-recognized medical universities popular among Indian students include:
South Ural State Medical University β Chelyabinsk
Omsk State Medical University β Omsk
Kursk State Medical University β Kursk
Siberian State Medical University β Tomsk
Bashkir State Medical University β Ufa
Tyumen State Medical University β Tyumen
Altai State Medical University β Barnaul
Chita State Medical Academy β Chita
Tip: Always verify NMC recognition and current fees directly with the university.
Typical fee structure includes:
Tuition Fees: Varies widely (often between βΉ2.5 LββΉ6 L/year)
Hostel/Accommodation: Often affordable and sometimes included
Living Expenses: Food, transport, personal expenses
Overall, the total MBBS cost in Russia tends to be significantly lower than many private colleges in India and many Western countries.
Most medical universities provide hostel accommodation with basic amenities. Hostel life includes safety, security, heating (important for cold winters), and sometimes Indian mess facilities.
After completing MBBS in Russia, Indian students can:
Appear for FMGE/NExT to practice in India
Apply for PG or licensing exams abroad (USMLE/PLAB, etc.)
Practice medicine internationally where recognized
Note: Indian students must satisfy NMC/Federal licensing requirements to practice professionally in India or abroad.
Yes, MBBS (MD) degree from Russia is valid in India if the university is NMC approved and the student qualifies FMGE/NExT after graduation as per National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.
Yes. NEET qualification is compulsory for Indian students to study MBBS in Russia and to get a license to practice medicine in India after graduation.
The MBBS course duration in Russia is 5.5 to 6 years, which includes:
5 years of academic study
1 year of clinical internship/training
Most universities offer MBBS in English medium for international students.
Russian language is also taught as a subject to help students during clinical practice in hospitals.