Is It Worth it to Pursue MBBS From Russia : Is MBBS Russia Right Choice for You?

Russia has become the most popular and demanding for medical education. Mostly Indian students like to go to Russia to do MBBS because of limited seats in Indian medical colleges and high competition. Russia offer an MBBS program at an affordable cost where colleges and universities are equipped with all modern equipment, globally recognised medical degrees, and a strong medical education infrastructure.

Challenges to Consider While Studying MBBS in Russia

Although studying MBBS in Russia has many advantages but it is most important that students should understand what kind of challenges they can face.

1. Language Barrier
Most of the Russian medical universities are offering MBBS courses in English for international students but still, students need to learn the Russian language for good communication with patients during clinical rotations in hospitals.

2. Climate Conditions
Some northern part of Russia experiences extreme winters where Temperatures can drop below -20°C in some cities, so it can be most challenging for those students who are coming from tropical countries like India may find it difficult to adapt initially.

3. Cultural Adjustment
Most of students are facing issues in culture adoption due to different social norms, food habits, and lifestyles. Cultural shock and homesickness can affect some students in their academic performance and mental health.

4. Quality Varies Across Universities
Most of the Russian medical universities are well-reputed, but not all are not maintaining the same standards. Choosing a low-quality institution can lead to subpar education and fewer opportunities post-graduation.

5. MCI/FMGE Screening Test
Students are supposed to qualify for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination - FMGE or NEXT after completing MBBS from Russia, which is conducted by the National Medical Commission in India every year to practice as a doctor. This screening test has a low pass rating, which makes it a significant hurdle. As per the new NMC guidelines, all medical students are supposed to clear the NExT entrance exam in the final year of MBBS.

Is it Worth Studying MBBS in Russia?

Studying MBBS in Russia has some compelling advantages despite of challenges that make it a worthy option for many students:

• Low Tuition Fees: The cost of MBBS degree is low in Russia in comparison to Indian Private medical colleges. The tuition fee can range between INR 2.5 to 5 lakhs per year which making it budget-friendly for middle-class families.
• Globally Valid Degrees: Russian medical universities are recognised by international medical bodies such as the World Health Organisation, National Medical Commission, UNESCO, and others, which help to allow graduates to practice medicine globally after meeting local licensing requirements.
• No Entrance Test for Admission: Russian universities admit students based on their 12th-grade marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, unlike India, where NEET ranks determine admission, but a valid NEET score is required for eligibility, and the NEET score is not for merit-based selection.
• Modern Infrastructure: Russian medical colleges are equipped with advanced laboratories, simulation-based learning, and digital classrooms that support high-quality medical education.
• International Exposure: Students get a chance to interact with international students who belong to different countries and get a chance to learn about global healthcare practices, which broadens their perspective and enhances adaptability.

MBBS in Russia Vs MBBS in India

A clear comparison helps students make informed decisions. Here’s how MBBS in Russia stacks up against MBBS in India:

While MBBS in India is a preferred choice for most due to familiarity with the system and no FMGE requirement, MBBS in Russia offers a viable alternative for those who are unable to secure a seat in Indian government colleges and are unable to afford private medical colleges.

Scholarships for MBBS in Russia

To ease the financial burden, there are many kinds of scholarships available for Indian students who are pursuing MBBS in Russia, like-

• Russian Government Scholarship (State Scholarship): Each year, the Russian government offers thousands of fully funded scholarships to international students, which cover Full tuition fees, Free accommodation, A small monthly stipend, etc. Indian students can apply for these scholarships through the Russian Centre of Science and Culture or the official Study in Russia portal.
• University-specific Scholarships: Some top medical universities in Russia offer a scholarship program for bright students and for those who belong to EWS categories, and these universities are Kazan Federal University, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, and Sechenov University, which can be possible based on academic performance or entrance test scores.
• Indian Government Scholarships: The Indian government offer scholarships for those students who are doing MBBS from foreign like the Indian Ministry of External Affairs - MEA and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and these schemes are limited.
• Private Organisation Grants: Some NGOs and private organisations offer financial aid to deserving students who are from economically weaker backgrounds. Students need to be aware and research then apply early because the competition is high.