Studying MBBS in Russia has been gaining popularity with each passing day among Indian students due to fees, quality of education and many more. A precise brief of some common reasons why MBBS in Russia is so popular are as follows:

• Affordable Tuition Fees : Russian medical universities offer high quality MBBS at much lower cost than any private medical colleges in India and therefore are highly sought after medical education abroad.
• High Standard of Education : Almost every medical university of Russia has well equipped labs with the latest technology in place for research and development.
• Global Recognition : Medical degrees from Russian universities are accepted worldwide, since the universities are recognized by organizations like WHO and the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• Simple Admission Process : The MBBS admission in Russia is also very simple and straight-forwards. Even some of the top Russian medical universities provide admission based on NEET scores and while some conduct their own examination.
• English Medium Teaching : Most of the MBBS universities in Russia teach in English medium, so students don’t have to worry about learning Russian. However, it is recommended to learn Russian for ease of communication outside the university campus.

Russia has been popular destination for International students for pursuing MBBS right from Soviet Era. Russia boasts about occupying almost 30 positions amongst top 100 ranking Medical Universities according to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s “Directory of World Medical Schools”. Pass-outs from Russian Medical Universities are presently working in the leading Hospitals across the globe. MBBS from Russia is a preferred choice for International students because of the highly subsidized fee by the Russian Ministry of Health & Education as compared to other western countries. High Quality of Education combined with this low cost is one of the main reasons for choosing top medical universities of Russia for MBBS. There are almost 57 medical universities in Russia. The student to teacher ratio is 7:1 in all Russian Medical Universities. About 12 of these universities provide MBBS in English Medium.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying MBBS in Russia

Knowing the advantages and disadvantages of studying MBBS in Russia will help you solve the dilemma and guide you whether to move ahead with your studies from Russia or other countries. 

Here is a list of advantages and disadvantages students must be aware of before applying for MBBS in Russia: 

Advantages

• International Degree: After graduation, students can work as doctors in different countries, including India provided they abide by the countries norms to practice as a doctor.
• Diverse Environment: You’ll get to meet students from many other countries. Which helps you gather information about different countries’ cultures, lifestyle and more.
• High-Quality Education: Russian universities have modern facilities and offer excellent education.
• Feasible Cost for Education
• Affordable Cost of Living
• Medical Insurance
• Advanced learning techniques
• Skilled & Profession Faculty
• Teacher Ratio
• English as the medium of instruction
• Good Practical Exposure
• No Racism & Religious Issues

Disadvantages

• Language Barrier: Although classes are in English, it might be tough to communicate outside of class without learning Russian.
• Screening Test in India: To practice as a doctor in India after studying in Russia, students need to pass a test called FMGE.
• Different Teaching Methods: Teaching styles in Russia may be different from what Indian students are used to.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Russia

• The student shall complete the age of 17 years on or before 31st December of the year of admission
• The candidate must secure 50% marks in their 12th standard from Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) in CBSE / ISC or any other Equivalent Board of Examination
• From 2018 onwards, qualifying NEET examination is mandatory for studying MBBS abroad
• No TOEFL or IELTS score required.

Documents required for MBBS in Russia

• For obtaining a Russia Visa each passport should have Minimum 02 opposite side BLANK pages.
• Embassy will not entertain any damage to the passport.
• Last Qualification details with School certificate or Mark sheet copy which shows school name and address with Contact no.
• Invitation Letter (require colour printout of invitation)
• Photographs as per below details:

1. 03 Colour photographs with white background matte finish 80% face
2. 35 X 45mm (Please do not trim your photographs)
3. No selfie/ scan photo/ No border /Frame
4. Full face / front view eyes open
5. No head covering (except for religious reason
6. Eye glasses may be worn, but there must not be any glare
7. One Photo with back signed. (FULL NAME)

List of Documents for Visa Processing

To study in Russia, you need a student visa and for obtaining visa candidates need to have a list of documents with themselves.
Here is a list of document you must have with you for visa processing:

• Passport – must be valid for at least 18 months.
• Visa Application Form – Completely and correctly filled out.
• Invitation Letter from the University
• Passport-sized Photos – As per the guidelines
• HIV Test Certificate – From laboratories whose certificate is accepted by the embassy.
• Proof of Financial Support – To show that you can afford tuition and living cost
• NEET Scorecard
• Admission Letter from the University