Deciding to pursue a medical degree is not an easy thing to do. There are so many factors that students have to keep in mind while deciding if they want to start studying medicine or not. Some of these include the sheer hard work it takes to complete an MBBS degree, the high tuition fees that have to be taken care of, and whether they can get into an institute that provides quality education or not.
Many people who are looking for such universities may realize that their own countries don’t have a lot of affordable or high-quality medical schools. But that’s okay since there are many choices at your disposal if you’re looking for studying opportunities abroad. One such country that has numerous medical schools in the top 100 ranking of medical schools according to the World Health Organization in Russia. Russian universities hold a whopping 30 positions in these rankings, which is why many students wonder if Russia is the right destination for pursuing an MBBS degree.
If you’re also wondering the same, then the following information will help you make a good decision.
Application Process
Before moving on, let’s first take a look at the application process of most Russian universities’ MBBS programs. Unlike many other countries, you don’t have to take a separate examination to be eligible for a Russian MBBS program. Instead, the application process works more or less as it does for any other program. You simply upload all your documents through the university’s online application system if you are eligible, and the university will let you know if you are admitted or not. This makes the chances of getting into medical school much easier for many people.
Is It Recommended to Study MBBS in Russia?
Let’s take a quick look at some pros and cons of studying for an MBBS degree in Russia.
Pros
- Russian MBBS programs are some of the cheapest ones in the world. On average, you will spend around $4,000 for tuition each year. The cost of living as a student in Russia is also quite low at $180-$320 every month.
- Russian universities, as mentioned before, rank very highly in the medical school rankings. You can be sure of getting top-class medical education if you decide to study for your MBBS in Russia.
- Most Russian medical schools focus very hard on practical education which makes it much easier for students to learn.
- Being in Europe means that you get to experience the European way of life while studying. This equates to a healthy living atmosphere, an accepting and open-minded society, and modern infrastructure.
- Completing your MBBS from Russia will lead to a degree that is recognized by all major medical institutes of the world, including WHO, UNESCO, MCI, and others.
Cons
There are two main negatives that may dissuade students from going to Russia for their MBBS programs. The first one is that this degree lasts for six years in Russia as opposed to five in some other countries. This may or may not be a big deal for you depending on your personal situation. The bigger issue why Russia may not be the right place for you is that many Russian universities don’t offer solely English programs. Instead, many programs you’ll find are bilingual, which means you will study in both English and Russian languages. Now, this may not be a big issue for you if you don’t mind learning Russian but you will need to be pretty good at it to actually learn what you need to learn and also to deal with patients throughout your practical study.
But if you can overcome these two cons, then studying in Russia for an MBBS degree is not a bad choice at all.
Check Also: Programs in Europe for International Students
Top Medical Schools in Russia
1. Tver State Medical University
One of the very top medical universities in Russia, TSMU has been a leader in developing and promoting medical sciences for over 70 years. The university is recognized by WHO and has partnerships with many foreign universities as well. The university has more than 6000 beds in many hospitals, allowing students to get practical experience in the world of healthcare and medicine. The student life at TSMU is also vibrant. Students can live in well-designed hostels equipped with modern facilities and be part of various cultural programs that the university organizes.
2. I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
This is one of the pioneer universities when we talk about the healthcare system of Russia. It has existed since 1758 and has made very noticeable contributions in developing medicine. The university focuses on modern clinical medicine and advanced research. The medical practitioners trained by this university are some of the most well-regarded not only in Russia but also in the world. The university also welcomes a large number of international students every year, leading to a culturally diverse atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering Russia as your destination of choice for studying MBBS, then you can be sure that the choice is a good one. Studying in Russia will open many doors for your future in the world of healthcare thanks to an international community, world-class institutions, and global recognition for the universities. You’ll also pay much lesser money for your tuition as well as your day-to-day expenses, which is a big concern for any international student. However, you should also note that in most scenarios, you will need to learn the Russian language. If you can manage that easily and are willing to work hard for it, then pursuing MBBS in Russia is a very viable and strong option.
We hope that this article on MBBS in Russia was helpful. If you’re interested in studying in Europe, make sure to check out the Available Programs in Europe for International Students!
