MBBS From Russia 2025: Admission, Fees and Top Universities

Dreaming of pursuing MBBS overseas but fearing the exorbitant fee structures of nations such as the US or UK? Don't worry, here's good news: Russia provides superior MBBS education at a fraction of what Western nations demand. Foreigners must pay a mean annual fee of RUB 2,50,000 - 6,00,000 (₹2.7 - 6.5 lakh), with life expenses far lesser than in the UK, US, or Australia. 

It is the combination of affordability, international acceptability, and modern medical education that makes it unique to pursue studies in Russia. Degree recognition by WHO and NMC, new hospitals for clinicals, and chances to practice medicine in Russia, India, or elsewhere after passing licensing exams are all benefits to students. To those, add Russia's secure environment, multicultural diversity, and being a high-preference country amongst Indian students, and it becomes a great option to study abroad. 

Why MBBS in Russia? 

• Affordable tuition fees compared to the US, UK, or Indian private colleges. 

• WHO, NMC, and UNESCO-recognized medical degrees widely accepted across the world. 

• English medium courses in all but a few of the top universities. 

• Good clinical exposure with Russia's well-developed health care system. 

• Multicultural, secure environment with more than 20,000 Indian students studying. 

Here, we are exploring all you would want to know about MBBS in Russia in 2025: course curriculum, best colleges, eligibility, fees, scholarship, career opportunities, and why Russia remains one of the most sought-after places for young physicians. 

What is the Structure and Duration of MBBS-Equivalent Programs in Russia? 

Russia has the MBBS (General Medicine) pattern like India's MBBS. It is patterned with a foundation in the medical sciences followed by intensive hospital-based clinical education. It is shorter compared to Belgium or the US and is immensely popular with Indian students due to it being less expensive and widely recognized across the world. 

How long does it take to obtain a medical degree in Russia? 

• The course length is 6 years (including internship). 

• Students are provided with 5 years of practical + classroom training. 
• Last year is an internship/clinical rotation in applicable hospitals. 
• After graduation, students may apply for residency (2-4 years) if they wish to pursue specialization. 

Program Stage	Duration	Notes
Pre-clinical & Basic Sciences	1-2 years	Anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology
Clinical Phase	3-4 years	Internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, gynecology, psychiatry, etc.
Internship / Clinical Rotation	1 year	Mandatory supervised practice in teaching hospitals
Residency (Specialization)	2-4 years	Optional; e.g., cardiology, orthopedics, neurosurgery

How is the program split between bachelor's and master's degrees? 

• Pre-clinical Phase: First 2 years are devoted to theory, lab sessions, and fundamentals such as anatomy, physiology, and pathology. 

• Clinical Phase: Years 3-5 are hospital-based studies with patient exposure, clinical courses, and practical exposure. 

• Internship Year: Year 6 is used for full-time clinical practice under guidance in university or government hospitals. 

• Residency (Optional): For specialization, a further 2-4 years of practice and study are needed. 

Key Point: Russian MBBS is recognized by WHO, NMC (India), and UNESCO, and that is why graduates can appear for licensing exams such as FMGE (India), USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and practice medicine everywhere in the world. 

Which Universities Offer MBBS (Medicine) Programs in Russia? 

Russia boasts a chain of best-ranked medical schools that are highly regarded around the world for their clinical education, research, and teaching. These institutions appear in the QS World University Rankings by Subject (Medicine/Life Sciences & Medicine) annually and provide students with English-medium MBBS (General Medicine). 

<H3> What are the Top Medical Universities in Russia? 

Here are some of the leading universities offering MBBS (Medicine - equivalent) in Russia: 

University	QS Medicine Rank (2025)	Approx. Annual Tuition (INR)
Sechenov University (First Moscow State Medical University)	186	₹4.57 - 5.78 lakh
Lomonosov Moscow State University	301-350	₹5.60 lakh
Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University	401-450	₹4.20 lakh
RUDN University (Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia)	451-500	₹6.58 lakh
Pavlov (First Saint Petersburg State Medical University)	551-600	₹2.39 lakh
Saint Petersburg State University	501-550	₹4.21 lakh
Kazan Federal University (Volga region)	651-700	₹4.68-5.79 lakh
North-Western State Medical University named after Mechnikov	701-850	₹3.20 lakh

NOTE: Most Russian medical programs are English medium, so foreign students can enroll in them. There are no Russian language tests initially, so international applicants have a smooth transition. 

Are there any English-taught medical programs available? 

Yes, Russia is one of the most popular destinations for international students because many universities offer full MBBS programs in English medium. Institutions such as Sechenov University, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, and Kazan Federal University provide complete MBBS courses in English, eliminating the need for Russian fluency. 

• English-medium instruction: Available at top-ranked universities for the full 6-year MBBS program. 

• Bilingual programs: Some universities offer the first 3 years in English and later years (clinical training) in Russian. 

• Language preparatory courses: Students who choose Russian-medium programs must complete a 1-year preparatory course (Pre-Med/Foundation) in the Russian language before starting MBBS. 

Note: While English MBBS programs exist, learning basic Russian is still essential to interact with patients during clinical rotations in hospitals.

What are the Eligibility Criteria and Admission Process for MBBS in Russia? 

Russia's doors are open for international students pursuing MBBS with the admission requirements being less stringent than in Western nations. The primary requirements are academic certificates, age restrictions, NEET clearance for Indian nationals, and in a few instances, a pre-course study of the Russian language. Below is the step-by-step explanation. 

Do Indian Students Need to Clear NEET for MBBS in Russia? 

Yes, NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is compulsory for Indian students who are to pursue MBBS in Russia. As per the NMC regulations, passing NEET ensures eligibility to sit for the FMGE/NEXT exam after returning to India to practice medicine.  

• Minimum NEET Score: Cutoff passing mark (~50th percentile for general category, ~40th percentile for reserved category). 
• Why NEET is Important? Without NEET, students cannot register with the NMC in India or sit for the licensing exam. 
• Note: Russian universities themselves don't admit based on NEET scores, but Indian students need to clear NEET for Indian legal recognition. 

What Language Proficiency is Required for MBBS in Russia? 

Most Russian universities offer MBBS in the English language, but knowledge of the basics of Russian language is strongly recommended for clinical exposure and communicating with patients. 

• English-Taught MBBS: Available in top-ranked universities like Sechenov University, Pirogov RNRMU, Kazan Federal University, etc. 

• Russian-Taught MBBS: 1-year pre-pro course (foundation year) is required to study the Russian language. 

Language Test Requirements: 

• For English courses: IELTS/TOEFL is usually not required. 

• For Russian-medium students: They are required to pass the TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language) upon completion of the preparatory year. 

What Entrance Exams or Selection Tests Should Be Cleared? 

Unlike Belgium or any other EU nation, Russia does not have any other entrance test for foreign students. Admission is done based on high school grades and NEET clearance for Indian candidates. 

• Academic Eligibility: PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) 50% at Class 12 (for general category). Reserved category students require 40%. 
• Age Criteria: Students should be at least 17 years old as of 31st December in the year they are admitted. 
• Direct Admission: Direct admission by most Russian universities, without any aptitude or motivational tests. 

Step-by-Step MBBS Application Process in Russia: 

• Shortlist universities with English or Russian-medium MBBS courses. 
• Check NEET eligibility (for Indian students). 
• Check eligibility: 50% in Class 12 (PCB) (40% for candidates belonging to the reserved category). 
• Fill online application with scanned documents (transcripts, passport, photographs, NEET scorecard). 
• Get admission/offer letter from the university. 
• Pay advance tuition fees and get an official invitation letter. 
• Apply for Russian student visa. 
• Go to Russia and submit university registration & medical examination. 

How Much Does It Cost to Study MBBS in Russia (Tuition & Living Expenses)? 

Russia is one of the cheapest places in the world to pursue medical studies. In comparison to the USA or UK, where it can take up to ₹70 lakhs annually to study medicine, Russia offers highly recognized MBBS programs at a fraction of the expense with good infrastructure and practical exposure. 

But the total cost depends on whether you attend a state university or a leading federal university, lifestyle, and even which city you reside in (Moscow and St. Petersburg being pricier than smaller cities like Kazan or Volgograd). 

What is the Annual Tuition Fees for International Students? 

Indian and other foreign students' MBBS fees are extremely low in Russia: 

• Government Universities: USD 3,500 - 6,500 per annum (₹3.8L - ₹7.1L) 

• Top Federal Universities: USD 7,000 - 9,000 per annum (₹7.6L - ₹9.8L) 

Considering that MBBS in Russia would last approximately 6 years, the total tuition fee works out to: USD 21,000 - 36,000 (₹23L - ₹39L) in total. 

What Are the Estimated Living Costs in Russia? 

Lifestyle costs in Russia are low relative to Western countries. Indian students spend an average of USD 150 - 300 per month (₹16,000 - ₹33,000) based on the city. 

Here's the breakdown of an estimated cost of living in Russia: 

Expense Category	Approximate Monthly Cost (USD)	Approximate Monthly Cost (INR)
Hostel/Shared Rent	$70 - $150	₹7,600 - ₹16,300
Food & Groceries	$100 - $150	₹10,900 - ₹16,300
Transport (student pass)	$10 - $20	₹1,090 - ₹2,180
Utilities & Internet	$20 - $40	₹2,180 - ₹4,360
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$30 - $50	₹3,270 - ₹5,450

• Total Monthly Estimate: USD 230 - 400 (₹25,000 - ₹43,000) 
• Total Annual Estimate: USD 2,800 - 4,800 (₹3L - ₹5.2L) 

Are Scholarships or Financial Aid Available for International Students? 

Yes, Russia offers varying scholarship schemes for international students, including Indians. The state-paid seats for international students are kept annually by the Russian government. Universities also offer partial remittances of tuition fees or scholarships based on merit. 

Scholarship / Aid	Coverage	Eligibility
Russian Government Scholarship (Open Doors/Olympiad)	Full tuition, living stipend, hostel	International students applying through official government channels
Rossotrudnichestvo Scholarships	Tuition + monthly stipend	Awarded via Russian Cultural Centers in India
University-Specific Scholarships (e.g., Sechenov, Kazan, RUDN)	Partial tuition fee waivers	Based on merit and performance
Bilateral Education Agreements	Tuition support + living grants	Students from countries with education pacts with Russia
Need-Based Assistance (some universities)	Hostel discounts, reduced tuition	Financially needy students

What Career Opportunities and Salaries Follow MBBS in Russia? 

MBBS graduation from Russia provides a range of career opportunities, both within Russia and abroad. Russian medical qualifications are recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and accepted by most of the nations in the world, subject to graduates passing appropriate licensing examinations. 

The students can pursue postgraduate training (residency), MD/MS specialisation, or research programs in Russia itself or proceed to Europe, the USA, Canada, or India for further degrees. 

In Russia, doctors are well esteemed, if remunerations are comparatively lower compared to Western Europe. Most of the students, however, employ the Russian MBBS as an affordable pathway to being a physician in better-paying nations after clearing licencing tests. 

What Are the Average Salaries for Residents, GPs, and Specialists? 

Wages of doctors in Russia are unique somewhere else and differ considerably based on geographical location (Moscow and St. Petersburg more than provincial cities), type of hospital, and specialty. 

Medical Role	Average Annual Salary (RUB)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Medical Resident	₽300,000 - ₽500,000	₹2.7L - ₹4.5L
General Practitioner (GP)	₽800,000 - ₽1,200,000	₹7.3L - ₹11L
Specialist Doctor (e.g., Surgery, Cardiology)	₽1,500,000 - ₽3,000,000	₹13.6L - ₹27L

Professionals like surgeons, anesthesiologists, and cardiologists are the highest-paid, while general practitioners have stable salaries with a negotiable work-life balance.  

Can You Practice Medicine in Russia or any Other Countriy After Graduation? 

Yes. MBBS in Russia is recognized worldwide, but the graduates are required to pass the licensing exams of the country. 

• In Russia: The graduates can simply join residency courses and then register as specialists. 

• In EU/USA/Canada: They need to pass local exams such as USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), or MCCQE (Canada). 

• In the Gulf countries: Prometric/DHA/MOH licensing exams are required. 

Russian MBBS is widely preferred by overseas students as a stepping stone to advanced medical education in Europe or North America. 

What Is the Process for Returning to Practice Medicine in India? 

Returning to practice following MBBS from Russia by Indian students involves: 

• Passing the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT (National Exit Test) held by the NMC. 

• Getting provisional and subsequent permanent registration by the National Medical Commission (NMC). 

• Completion of a one-year internship in India (if not completed completely in Russia). 

Systematic coaching for FMGE/NEXT is given by most Russian universities along with the MBBS course, through which Indian students prepare well in advance for these compulsory tests. 

Note: Russia's MBBS is affordable entry into the medical field, but final professional achievement depends on clearing country-specific licensing exams in which the student desires to practice. 

Conclusion 

MBBS in Russia remains one of the most popular and cost-effective options for foreign students, particularly Indians aspiring to fulfill their medical dream. With world-ranked institutions, low fees, and the option of taking courses in English as well as Russian, Russia offers a very cost-effective and viable means to medical education. 

While the student must go through the ordeal of acclimatization with a new culture and climate and having to write licensing exams (FMGE/NEXT in India, USMLE in USA, PLAB in UK), the benefits outweigh the obstacles. Low cost of education, diversity of student population from across the globe, and the ease of postgraduate education render Russia an ideal choice. 

Short and sweet, MBBS in Russia is the best for students seeking a low-budget foreign medical education with career prospects in India and other nations still available.