A Complete Guide to Pursuing MBBS in Russia and Practicing Medicine Worldwide

Rus Education - A Complete Guide to Pursuing MBBS in Russia and Practicing Medicine Worldwide
February 10, 2025

Ever thought about becoming a doctor from a recognized medical university abroad? Studying MBBS in Russia has indeed become a popular path for international students over the years, especially those seeking affordable, quality education, and globally recognized degrees.

Russia has become an educational hub for many aspiring students worldwide offering comprehensive medical education at lower tuition fees. Each year thousands of International students, including India, choose to study MBBS in Russia.

How to Become a Doctor from Top Russian Medical Universities?

Russia is home to many top medical universities that offer top-notch medical education in english medium at an affordable cost. Therefore, becoming a Doctor from Russia is a very well-defined process that attracts thousands of Indian students, each year. The MBBS degree from Russia allows Indian students to practice medicine anywhere in the world without any hassle.

If you are an aspiring medical student looking to study MBBS in Russia, this step-by-step guide will help you understand everything about how to become a doctor in Russia.

Step 1: Complete Higher Secondary Education

The first step to study MBBS in Russia, is completing your higher secondary education (12th grade or equivalent) with a strong foundation in science. Here are the following basic eligibility requirements:

  • Completion of 10+2 education from a recognized board.
  • Mandatory subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) including English.
  • A minimum of 50% marks in PCB for general category students (40% for reserved category students as per NMC guidelines).
  • NEET (UG) Qualification is mandatory for Indian students seeking to return to India after graduation.

Most of the medical universities in Russia have a simple admission process with no entrance exams required. This makes it an attractive option for students worldwide.

Step 2: Choose a Recognized Medical University in Russia

It is important to adhere to various key factors while selecting a medical university in Russia for an MBBS degree, to ensure a quality education and a valid medical degree. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Recognition & Accreditation: The medical university in Russia should be recognized by major medical bodies like WDOMS, NMC (India), ECFMG (USA), GMC (UK), and FAIMER.
  • Tuition Fees & Cost of Living: Medical Universities in Russia offer an affordable medical education compared to Western countries, but fees vary among universities. Additionally, the cost of living is also lesser as compared to other countries. 
  • Language of Instruction: Some medical universities offer MBBS programs in Russia in English, while others conduct classes in Russian. For your MBBS course, ensure that you select one that suits your preference.
  • Infrastructure & Clinical Exposure: Many Medical Universities in Russia are equipped with modern infrastructure, advanced laboratories, and well-equipped hospitals for hands-on training.
  • Student Reviews & Alumni Success: Before selecting any university, Research alumni success stories and university rankings to make an informed decision.

Some of the top medical universities in Russia include:

  • Perm State Medical University
  • Orenburg State Medical University 
  • Mari State University
  • Tver State Medical University
  • Pskov State University
  • Kalmyk State University
  • Tula State University

 Step 3: Secure Admission & Apply for a Student Visa

Admission Process

Once you have made up your mind and have selected a university, follow these steps:

  1. Fill out the online application form available on the university’s official website.
  2. Submit necessary documents such as:
  • 10th & 12thgrade mark sheets
  • Passport copy
  • NEET (UG) scorecard
  • Medical fitness certificate (HIV Test)
  • Passportsized photographs
  1. Wait for the Invitation Letter from the university.
  2. Once you get the invitation letter, confirm your admission.

Student Visa Application

Once your admission is confirmed, apply for a Russian student visa by submitting:

  • Valid Passport
  • Visa Application Form (Available at the Russian Embassy website)
  • Invitation Letter from the University
  • HIV Test Certificate (as required by Russian authorities)
  • Financial Proof to cover tuition and living expenses

Once your visa is being processed, book your flight and immediately inform your chosen university about your arrival for accommodation arrangements.

 Step 4: Complete MBBS in Russia (6 Years)

The duration of an MBBS course in Russia is 6 years long, including 5 years of academic study and 1 year of mandatory clinical internship.

Curriculum Overview:

  1. Pre-Clinical (1st & 2nd Year): During the first and second year, the curriculum focuses on basic sciences such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, and Medical Psychology.
  2. Para-Clinical (3rd & 4th Year): Involves subjects like Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, and Community Medicine.
  3. Clinical Sciences(5th & 6th Year): Practical training in various specialties like Surgery, Medicine, Pediatrics, Gynecology, and Psychiatry.
  4. Internship (Final Year): Hands-on clinical practice in hospitals under the supervision of experienced doctors.

At the medical universities in Russia the medium of instruction is either English or Russian, depending on the university. However, students are advised to undergo a 1-year preparatory course in the Russian language before starting MBBS.

Step 5: Pass Licensing Exams (If Required)

After completing MBBS in Russia, graduates must pass licensing exams of the country they choose to practice medicine:

  • FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination): FMGE Licensing Examination is mandatory for Indian students to practice medicine in India.
  • USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination): If graduates wish to practice medicine in the US, they must qualify all steps of the USMLE.
  • PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board Exam): If graduates wish to practice medicine in the UK, they need to qualify PLAB.
  • Medical Council Exams of Other Countries: Countries like Canada, Australia, and Germany have their specific licensing exams for international graduates

If the graduates wish to practice medicine in Russia, Graduates must clear the GOZZ exam and the Licensing exam conducted by the authorized body of the Russian Federation.

Step 6: Pursue Postgraduate Studies (Optional)

After MBBS from Russia, graduates can pursue a specialization program (MD/MS) in Russia or other countries. Top Medical Universities in Russia offers postgraduate medical education with extensive research opportunities in various fields such as:

  •  Cardiology
  •  Neurosurgery
  •  Orthopedics
  •  Radiology
  •  Oncology

Conclusion

Studying MBBS in Russia and becoming a qualified medical practitioner worldwide is a structured journey that begins with choosing a recognized university, completing an MBBS degree, gaining practical experience, and passing relevant licensing exams. If you wish to study MBBS in Russia and practice medicine in another country, contact Rus Education, a trusted partner of many medical universities in Russia that offers MBBS programs to Indian students.