Study MBBS in Russia

Before we begin with the details about study MBBS in Russia, let us take a look at Russia.

Russia is known as the world's largest country - it covers twice the territory of Canada which is the second-largest country in the world. The country is also home to Europe's longest river - the Volga, and the largest lake, Ladoga, and the world's deepest lake, Baikal.

Russia has a diverse culture due to the diverse ethnic groups that inhabit the land.

The climate in Russia is quite extreme with two different seasons. It is extremely cold during the winter with the coldest month being January. On the other hand the weather becomes extremely hot during the summer, especially during the month of July.

While there is a lot that can be said about Russia, there are some crucial points to keep in mind before moving to Russia for higher studies.

Introduction for Study MBBS in Russia

Russia is one of the most popular destinations for medical aspirants to pursue MBBS from abroad. It is a popular hub for many international students who want to study medicine from an international destination.

About 87 medical universities offer medical education in Russia out of which, 54 universities are approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI). Additionally, more than 15 of those medical universities offer MBBS in English medium.

The program for MBBS in Russia is focused on strengthening the academic base of the students in the field of medicine. In Russia, medical students can develop their theoretical and clinical skills at the same time. Students are trained at the university-affiliated hospitals from their second year of the MBBS course. Thus, students can improve their clinical knowledge throughout the years.

Duration for MBBS in Russia

The total course duration for MBBS in Russia is 6 years. For the first five years of the medical program, the students are focused on their theoretical subjects which include biology, medical physics, chemistry, biochemistry, human anatomy, histology, physiology, microbiology, foreign languages, and social sciences.

Since the very first year, the students are involved in basic clinical training to understand basic nursing care and clinical training. In the last 3 years of the medical program, the students learn clinical subjects such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, public health and prevention.

Language of instructions

Many medical universities in Russia offer the medical course in the Russian language. For bilingual students, some universities offer MBBS in English medium also.

Though the universities offer the English medium of instructions, students are advised to learn the Russian language as it would be helpful for them to effectively communicate and interact with the local residents during their clinical sessions.

Learning an additional language works wonders in more ways than one. While assisting students during clinical rotations, the language also helps in making life easy as the students are able to navigate through day to day life in a smooth fashion.

The language of instructions for MBBS in Russia can be divided into three sections - Russian, English, and Russian with English.

Best Medical Universities to study MBBS in Russia

Medical universities in Russia offer quality education to all its students - Indian as well as International students. These universities are globally recognized by Medical Institutions around the world.

They are approved by

1. Medical Council of India (MCI)
2. Medical Council of Canada (MCC)

They are recognized by

1. Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia

They are certified by

1. Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)

They are registered with

1. Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)

They are listed with

1. World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)

These global recognitions enable the medical graduates to work anywhere around the world subject to clearance of Medical Licensing Examination of the country of choice.

Some of the best medical universities offering MBBS in Russia to Indian students are: 

• Tver State Medical University
• M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
• Nizhny Novgorod State Medical University
• Orenburg State Medical University
• Bashkir State Medical University
• Kuban State Medical University
• Smolensk State Medical University
• Peoples' Friendship University of Russia
• Kursk state medical University
• Kazan state medical university
• Ryazan State Medical University
• Crimea Federal University
• Northern State Medical University
• Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University
• Volgograd State Medical University
• Perm State Medical University
• OMSK State Medical University
• Syktyvkar State University
• Mari State University
• Altai State Medical University
• Dagestan State Medical University
• Siberian State Medical University
• Far Eastern Federal University
• Lomonosov Moscow State University
• Kazan Federal University
• Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU)
• South Ural State University (School of Medicine)
• Saratov State Medical University

Medical Universities offering MBBS in Russia in English medium

Some of the universities offering MBBS in Russia in English medium are listed below:

• Tver State Medical University
• Orenburg State Medical University
• Perm State Medical University
• Mari State Medical University
• Siberian State Medical University
• Kazan State Medical University
• I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University

Quality of Medical Education in Russia

The exceptional standards of medical education in Russia attract Indian and international students to pursue MBBS in Russia. There are many medical universities in Russia such as Mari State University, Perm State Medical University, Orenburg State Medical University, etc., that continue to be in the list of Top Universities in the world based on their students' performances.

Many medical universities are equipped with new and advanced technology to enable the students to learn new things in the field of medicine.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Russia

Admissions to the Top medical universities for MBBS in Russia are offered directly. The students do not have to appear for any of the universities' entrance exam. However, Indian students must qualify NEET to be able to apply for any of the medical universities in Russia.

Documents for MBBS admission in Russia

Below are the documents required for the admission of MBBS in Russia:

• Original and Photocopy of passport
• 10th certificate and mark sheet duly apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi (Original and photocopy)
• 12th certificate and mark sheet he Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi (Original and photocopy)
• Original and photocopy of birth certificate (must be translated to English in case the certificate is in a regional language)
• An official invitation letter issued by the Russian University
• HIV test documents

Career Opportunities after MBBS in Russia

MBBS is the most demanding and noblest profession in the world. It is the profession most Indians wish to have.

Studying MBBS degree from Russia is the same as pursuing MBBS from India as many of the universities in Russia offering MBBS program follow the same subjects as that of the Indian medical colleges.

Most of the medical universities in Russia are approved by the Medical Council of India. This makes the career of Indian students a lot easier. After their graduation from the Russian medical institute, Indian students can practice medicine in any of the Indian government hospitals or any private hospitals subject to their clearance of the Medical Licensing Examination (MCI Screening Test/FMGE).

A lot of other career opportunities are also available for Indian Students. After pursuing MBBS from Russia, the students can practice in Canada, the USA, Europe, or any other country. Students can also enroll for higher education such as any specialist course, post-graduation program, and clinical research, etc.

To become a qualified doctor in any country, a graduate student must enroll/register for a screening test of a particular country.

Practice in India

The MBBS degree holder must register for and clear the MCI Screening Test to be a qualified medical practitioner in India.

The MCI Screening Test/Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) is conducted twice a year in the months of June and December. It is a mandatory examination for all medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in India.

Before applying for the exam, candidates must remember a few points:

• MCI exam is conducted in English
• There are 300 MCQs which are divided into 2 sections - each section carries 150 marks
• There is no negative marking
• To appear for the MCI exam, candidates must attain at least 50% marks in MBBS degree
• The candidates can appear for the MCI screening test multiple times

Practice in the United States

In the United States, an MBBS degree is usually considered as an MD degree. After graduating MBBS from Russia, students can apply for and clear the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) to practice in the United States. They should also complete at least one year of internship from an authorized hospital.

Note:If a person is not a U.S. citizen, he/she must obtain a work visa to practice in the USA.

Practice in other countries

Learning new things is incredibly rewarding. If a person works in a different country, she/he can gain a lot of experience through the cultural background of the country.

To practice medicine in any country after graduating MBBS from Russia, the graduate student must clear the country-specific Medical Licensing Examination. It is also important to know the country's local language in order to easily communicate with the local people of that country.

Postgraduate Medical Examination

Each individual has their own dream of becoming a successful person.

Many doctors after completing their internship of 1 or 2 years from the recognized hospitals, start working to gain more experience. While some opt for the post-graduation program to study and specialize in their field of interest.

Advantages of Studying MBBS in Russia

Russia is known as a popular destination for medical education. Many Indian, as well as international students, move to Russia to pursue their dream career.

The education system in Russia is considered to be one of the best and most advanced systems offering all the modern technologies with advanced teaching methods. Russian medical institutes offer world-class education to the students at the universities.

There are many advantages that Russian medical education provides. Some are mentioned below:

Affordable University fees

Universities in Russia offer affordable tuition fees. No donation or additional fees are required to pay for MBBS in Russia. Medical aspirants from any background can afford to complete their medical degree in any of the top medical universities in Russia.

Admission process

The admission process to study MBBS in Russia is very simple. For Indian students, candidates only need to qualify NEET to get admissions to any of the medical university in Russia.

Global Recognition

Most of the top medical universities in Russia are approved by the Medical Council of India (MCI), Medical Council of Canada (MCC); recognized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia; certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG); registered with Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER), and are also listed with the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). These global recognitions enable the graduates to work anywhere around the world subject to clearance of Medical Licensing Examination.

Great infrastructure

Russian medical universities are fully equipped with advanced technologies. Universities have excellent medical facilities to train the students. Hospitals affiliated to the universities are fully equipped with modern infrastructures.

Clinical training

Students are involved in many medical research projects in labs and also the clinical training in the affiliated hospitals. They are guided by excellent medical professors throughout the training and research.

Good community

Russia has become one of the favorite destinations for many Indian students. It has been a second home for many Indian students as they can easily adapt to the lifestyle of the Russian. The standard of living is high and anyone can afford to adopt the lifestyle easily.

Disadvantages of studying MBBS in Russia

The only disadvantage of studying MBBS in Russia is the language barrier. However, students must not lose hope. Learning a language can increase the thinking capacity of the students. It can improve the creativity level of an individual.

Therefore, it is advised that any student studying MBBS in Russia must learn the Russian Language to easily communicate with the other people on the university campus.