Study MBBS in Russia has become a top choice for Indian students aspiring to pursue medical education abroad. With globally recognized medical universities, affordable tuition fees, and a strong legacy of medical excellence, thousands of students choose Russia every year for their MBBS journey. The National Medical Commission (NMC) of India recognizes several Russian medical universities, making it easier for Indian graduates to appear for FMGE and continue their medical careers in India.
This article provides an in-depth overview of the top medical universities to study MBBS in Russia, covering rankings, course structure, fee details, recognition, and student life.
Why Study MBBS in Russia?
Before diving into the list of top universities, let’s understand why Russia is a favored choice:
Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to private medical colleges in India, Russian universities offer much lower costs.
NMC and WHO Recognized Universities: Many Russian institutions are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) and approved by NMC.
No Donation or Entrance Exam: Admission is based on NEET scores; no capitation fee is required.
High FMGE Success Rates: Some universities have demonstrated good performance in India's Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE).
English-Medium Courses: Many top universities offer MBBS programs in English, especially for international students.
Global Exposure: Students get practical training in modern hospitals and exposure to diverse patient demographics.
Top Medical Universities in Russia for MBBS in 2025
Below are some of the most reputed and NMC-approved medical universities for Indian students in Russia:
1. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (RNRMU), Moscow
Founded: 1906
Medium of Instruction: English
NMC Approved: Yes
FMGE Success Rate: High (10-year average above 35%)
Tuition Fees: Approx. USD 7,000/year (~₹5.8 Lakhs)
Key Features:
One of the oldest and most prestigious medical universities in Russia.
Offers a well-structured English-medium MBBS course.
Located in Moscow, with access to leading hospitals for clinical training.
2. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
Founded: 1758
Medium of Instruction: English
NMC Approved: Yes
Tuition Fees: Approx. USD 9,000/year (~₹7.5 Lakhs)
Key Features:
Russia’s oldest medical university and a leader in clinical and biomedical research.
Offers world-class infrastructure and simulation-based training.
Member of international medical associations like AMEE and WFME.
3. Kazan Federal University (Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology)
Founded: 1804
Medium of Instruction: English
NMC Approved: Yes
Tuition Fees: USD 5,000 – 6,000/year (~₹4.2 – 5.0 Lakhs)
Key Features:
High FMGE passing rates and international faculty.
Member of the European University Association.
Strong focus on medical research and innovation.
4. Crimean Federal University (CFU), Simferopol
Founded: 1918
Medium of Instruction: English
NMC Approved: Yes
Tuition Fees: USD 3,500/year (~₹2.9 Lakhs)
Key Features:
Budget-friendly university offering excellent academic support.
Dedicated hostels and Indian mess available.
More than 1,000 Indian students currently enrolled.
5. Bashkir State Medical University (BSMU), Ufa
Founded: 1932
Medium of Instruction: English
NMC Approved: Yes
Tuition Fees: USD 3,800/year (~₹3.1 Lakhs)
Key Features:
Known for strong clinical exposure and affordable education.
Offers Indian food and cultural programs for international students.
High number of Indian alumni successfully practicing in India.
6. Volgograd State Medical University
Founded: 1935
Medium of Instruction: English
NMC Approved: Yes
Tuition Fees: USD 6,000/year (~₹5.0 Lakhs)
Key Features:
WHO-recognized with excellent faculty and infrastructure.
Actively supports Indian students through cultural adaptation programs.
Offers high-quality laboratory and simulation training.
7. Orenburg State Medical University
Founded: 1944
Medium of Instruction: English
NMC Approved: Yes
Tuition Fees: USD 4,000/year (~₹3.3 Lakhs)
Key Features:
Popular among Indian students for its affordability and academic excellence.
Has its own hospitals for clinical practice.
FMGE results have shown steady improvement over the years.
Course Duration & Structure of MBBS in Russia
Duration: 6 years (5 years academics + 1 year of internship)
Medium: English for the entire duration in most top universities
Structure:
Year 1-2: Pre-clinical studies (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry)
Year 3-5: Clinical subjects and hospital training
Year 6: Internship or clinical rotations
Eligibility Criteria to Study MBBS in Russia
To secure admission in top medical universities in Russia, Indian students must fulfill the following:
Completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English
Minimum 50% in PCB (40% for reserved categories)
Qualified NEET-UG (mandatory as per NMC guidelines)
Age: 17 years or above by 31st December of admission year
Documents Required for Admission
10th and 12th mark sheets
NEET scorecard
Valid passport
Passport-size photographs
Admission letter from the university
Apostille and translation of documents (done post-admission)
Recognition of MBBS Degree from Russia
Most of the top Russian medical universities are:
Recognized by NMC (India)
Listed in World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
Approved by WHO
Accredited by local Russian authorities and international medical councils
This ensures that students are eligible for FMGE/NExT in India, USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and other global licensing exams.
Cost of Living for Indian Students in Russia
The average monthly cost of living in Russia ranges between ₹12,000 – ₹18,000, which includes:
Hostel accommodation: ₹5,000 – ₹8,000/month
Food (Indian mess or self-cooking): ₹4,000 – ₹6,000/month
Transport and miscellaneous expenses: ₹3,000 – ₹5,000/month
Scholarships and Financial Support
While full scholarships are rare for MBBS in Russia, some universities offer:
Partial tuition fee waivers for merit holders
Discounts for early applications or group admissions
Support through Indian banks for education loans
Consulting with agencies like University Insights can help students access early-bird offers or financial guidance.
FMGE / NExT Performance of Russian Graduates
Russia’s FMGE passing rates have improved in recent years, especially from universities with English-medium instruction and better academic support. According to NMC reports:
Sechenov University, Kazan Federal, and RNRMU have consistently shown higher FMGE clearance.
Preparation programs and mock tests are available for Indian students in many Russian universities.
Final Thoughts – Is Studying MBBS in Russia the Right Choice?
Studying MBBS in Russia is a wise decision for Indian students seeking quality education at affordable prices without compromising on global exposure. With multiple NMC-approved universities offering English-medium programs, excellent infrastructure, and robust clinical training, Russia has firmly established itself as a trusted destination for medical education.
However, students must choose wisely, verifying the university’s NMC listing, FMGE performance, and language of instruction. Proper guidance from experienced counselors can make the entire admission process seamless and help students transition smoothly into a foreign medical education system.
