One of the biggest challenges for Indian students venturing abroad for medical education is the promise of food. Russia is high on the list for preferred destinations for cost-effective medical education. However, students are usually worried about the availability of Indian food and what to budget for it.
The great news is that most of the prominent Russian cities that house medical universities, have Indian grocery shops, Indian restaurants, and hostel kitchens for students to prepare meals. With some planning and forethought, students can reasonably expect to have Indian food available to them throughout their studies.
This guide has everything you need to know to plan your MBBS in Russia related to the availability of Indian food, grocery shopping, hostel food prep, your monthly food budget, along with other details concerning eligibility, admission procedures, fees and costs, top universities, career opportunities and benefits, and FAQs.
Is Indian food downright available in Russia to MBBS students?
Definitely! Major Russian cities such as Moscow, Kazan, Saint Petersburg, Kursk, Belgorod, and Orenburg have Indian food available. Indian grocery shops, hostel kitchens, and Indian restaurants are available. The monthly food budget of an Indian MBBS student usually ranges from ₹8,000–₹18,000 based on the lifestyle, cooking habits, and city of living.
The Importance of Food During MBBS in Russia
Traveling to a different country for education is a thrilling experience and adapting to a new food culture adds to that thrill. For new students going to Russia, there are several established Indian communities that allow easy access to the ingredients for traditional Indian dishes.
While planning to study mbbs in russia, many students notice that their universities are located in cities that have Indian grocery shops and restaurants close by.
Some food items are:
- Rice
- Atta
- Dal
- Basmati rice
- Paneer
- Spices
- Pickles
- Tea
- Instant noodles
- Ready-to-eat Indian food
Food Budget
The food budget per month varies based on whether the students prefer cooking their meals, or dining out.
Monthly Food Budget
|
Expense |
Monthly Cost (INR) |
|
Grocery shopping |
₹5,000–₹8,000 |
|
Fruits & vegetables |
₹1,500–₹3,000 |
|
Milk & dairy |
₹1,000–₹2,000 |
|
Dining out |
₹2,000–₹5,000 |
|
Snacks |
₹1,000–₹2,000 |
|
Total |
₹10,500–₹20,000 |
Those who wish to pursue mbbs in russia for indian students, prefer cooking their meals, as it is cheaper.
Indian Grocery Stores
There are many Indian grocery shops located near medical universities.
Items easily available include:
- Tur dal
- Moong dal
- Chana dal
- Garam masala
- Turmeric
- Cumin
- Coriander
- Maggi
- Pickles
- Ready-to-cook curry mixes
Many students who study mbbs in russia buy groceries using online delivery services.
Indian Restaurants in Russia
Indian restaurants are available in most city centers and offer:
- Butter Chicken
- Dal Makhani
- Paneer Butter Masala
- Biryani
- Naan
- Dosa
- Idli
- Chole Bhature
Restaurant meals are significantly more expensive than home cooked meals, so students eat out less often.
Cooking in Hostel
Most Russian university hostels provide access to:
- Shared kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cooking stove
- Storage cabinets
Indian students benefit from cooking together in hostels as it is both a money-saving and a healthier eating option. It is recommended for students looking to mbbs admission in russia to check hostels have kitchen provisions.
Cooking vs Eating Outside
Food Cost Comparison
|
Option |
Approx Monthly Cost |
Suitable For |
|
Home Cooking |
₹8,000–₹12,000 |
Budget-conscious students |
|
Mixed (Cooking + Restaurants) |
₹12,000–₹16,000 |
Most students |
|
Restaurant Regularly |
₹18,000–₹30,000 |
Higher budget |
Most students studying to mbbs in russia need to factor in cooking costs to food while estimating total costs.
Eligibility for MBBS in Russia
Indian students must generally meet the following requirements:
- Minimum 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (40% for reserved categories where applicable).
- Currently, the person must be a Qualified NEET.
- At least 17 years old.
- Must have a passport.
Official resources:
You can find more about NEET here.
If you want to study mbbs in russia for indian students, you should definitely check if there are any changes in the eligibility criteria.
Admission Process
The admission process is really easy.
Step 1
Select an NMC approved university.
Step 2
Send your academic documents.
Step 3
Get your admission letter.
Step 4
Get your invitation letter.
Step 5
Get your student visa.
Step 6
Go to Russia and complete the registration in the university. You can learn how to apply for mbbs in russia before you apply.
MBBS Fees in Russia
Russian universities are way cheaper than other private medical colleges. Their fees include:
- Tuition Fee
- Hostel Fee
- Medical Insurance
- Visa Renewal fees
- Food
- Daily Expenses
If you are checking russia mbbs fees for indian students, check the total yearly budget and not just the tuition fees.
Top Medical Universities
The distinguished universities include the following.
|
University |
Approx. Annual Tuition (₹) |
Hostel Fees (₹/year) |
Medium |
FMGE Passing rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
₹3.4–4.2 lakh |
₹40,000 |
English |
20% - 25% |
|
|
₹3.8–4.8 lakh |
₹45,000 |
English |
25% - 30% |
|
|
₹3.0–4.0 lakh |
₹35,000 |
English |
30% - 35% |
|
|
₹2.8–3.8 lakh |
₹40,000 |
English |
25% - 30% |
|
|
₹4.0–5.0 lakh |
₹50,000 |
English |
25% - 30% |
|
|
₹5.0–6.0 lakh |
₹55,000 |
English |
20% - 25% |
|
|
₹4.2–5.3 lakh |
₹45,000 |
English |
10% - 15% |
For the most reputable mbbs university in russia consider checking the WDOMS
Pros of Studying MBBS in Russia
There are many benefits for students studying mbbs from russia:
- Affordable tuition fees
- Globally recognized universities
- English programs
- Modern hospitals
- International exposure
- Safe student environment
- Indian food
- Great hostels
Cons
With all the great opportunities also comes the following disadvantages for students to consider:
- Super cold winters
- Language barrier
- Adapting to a new culture
- Being away from family for a long time
- Self-discipline
For students choosing russia for mbbs these are some of the things to prepare for.
Career Scope After MBBS
There are many opportunities for students that complete the mbbs degree from russia to consider.
These students may:
- Practice in India fulfilling necessary requirements to get a license.
- Continue education in India for their degree.
- Work in research.
- Practice in hospitals overseas.
- Prepare to take part in foreign licensing examinations.
Always check for the latest regulations on:
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Indian Food Prices in Russia High?
Not when students prepare their own meals. They usually spend about ₹8,000 to ₹12,000.
Can Vegetarian students live in Russia?
Easily. Vegetarian students can find all sorts of groceries including Indian spices throughout the major cities.
Do all university hostels have kitchens?
Most NMC recognized universities provide a cooking area for students.
Is food cheaper when cooked?
Conclusion
Indian students now have one less thing to worry about when choosing to study MBBS in Russia. There are now many options to maintain a familiar diet thanks to the increasing Indian population in Russia, specialty grocery stores, hostel kitchens, and Indian restaurants. Medical students have the option of preparing their own meals to save money and help them stay financially focused on their medical studies.
Make sure to check the recognition of the university from the National Medical Commission (NMC), the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS), and the official pages of the universities. If students plan for food, living accommodations, tuition, and miscellaneous expenses in advance, they can achieve a hassle-free MBBS experience in Russia.