MBBS Course Length in Russia for Indian Students

Introduction

For Indian students looking to study Medicine abroad, it is important to know how long the course will last. A common question amongst students looking to Russia for their medical studies is, ‘Is MBBS in Russia 6 years or longer with an internship?’. The standard medical course in Russia will take 6 years to complete for International students wanting to study General Medicine. However, it is important to confirm the specifics of the course, the qualification you receive and how you will be able to practice Medicine in India.

It is important to note that whilst many Medical Universities in Russia will have a 6-year MBBS course, you might not be able to immediately practice as a doctor once you graduate. You must also consider Indian licensing requirements, internships and National Medical Commission (NMC) requirements. In this guide we will explain how long the MBBS course in Russia will last, what the entry requirements are, what clinical training you will receive, what the costs are and what important considerations you should make as an Indian student.

How long is the MBBS course in Russia?

Many Medical Universities offer a 6-year course in General Medicine. This is commonly promoted to Indian students as MBBS. However, the official qualification could be General Medicine or Specialist in General Medicine. Throughout the course you will learn the basics of Medicine, moving onto clinical subjects and supervised practical training. You will study subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pathology, Pharmacology, Internal Medicine and Surgery. The specific subjects you will study will vary from university to university. Some will be split into semesters, others will be split into modules or integrated. We would recommend checking what the official course content is from the university you are interested in.

6-Year Course Breakdown

This is just a general example. The subjects you study and when you will have clinical rotations and exams will vary.

What will I do in each of the 6 years?

Year 1 & 2 – Foundations of Medicine

During the first 2 years you will learn about how the human body works and the science behind disease. You will learn Anatomy, Physiology, Histology, Biochemistry and related subjects. Lab sessions will help to link theory to practice. As an Indian student this can be an adjustment. You may find the terminology, teaching, weather and language used different to what you were used to at school. You will need to attend regularly and revise consistently as these are the basics of Medicine and will help you with your clinical training.

Year 3 & 4 – Getting into Clinical Medicine

During the middle years you will start to learn more disease related subjects such as Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology and Clinical Medicine. You will start to learn how symptoms, lab results and medical history help to diagnose. Depending on the university's course you may get more exposure to the hospital. You may observe consultations, attend clinical demonstrations and practice skills. It is important to note that not all universities will give the same level of clinical exposure. When enquiring, ask what the hospital rotations are like, what teaching hospitals are affiliated to the university and how much supervised patient interaction there is.

Year 5 & 6 – Clinical Training and Final Exams

During the final years you will start to learn more advanced clinical subjects. These could include Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and other specialities. You will develop your knowledge about assessing patients and planning treatments.

Hands on learning and final exams are a huge part of completing your degree. The exact exam format will depend on the university. It is important to ensure the course provides enough clinical training in a language you can understand. You may also need to learn Russian to speak to patients. Even if the lectures are in English you may find you need some knowledge of the local language whilst in hospital.

Will there be an internship?

This will depend on the course structure and requirements. There may be clinical training incorporated into the 6 years. However, you should not assume there will be an internship. As an Indian student, you should look at the NMC Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021 to see what the requirements are. These are subject to the regulations and official directions.

Before paying any deposits for admission you should confirm in writing:

• How long the course will last
• What qualification you will receive
• If there is an internship or supervised training
• How long the internship will last and where it will be
• If it meets the requirements for Indian students.

You might have to do an extra internship, exam, paperwork or licensing which could affect how quickly you can practice once you graduate. A 6-year course does not guarantee you will be registered.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

Entry requirements will vary between universities and will depend on the admission requirements in Russia. As an Indian student you should ensure you meet the entry requirements for the university and what is required for Indian students.

Typically you will need:

• To have completed your Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and the required English qualification.
• To meet the minimum age and academic requirements.
• To have met the NEET requirements if required by Indian rules for pursuing a foreign medical degree.
• A valid passport and required academic documents.
• To meet the application, medical and documentation requirements for the university.

Check the official NEET website for exam information and contact the National Medical Commission for the rules. Having a NEET qualification does not guarantee you will be admitted, recognised as having a foreign qualification or eligible for medical registration. You must meet all requirements.

Costs for the 6-Year Course

The total cost of studying Medicine in Russia will depend on the university, city, accommodation and exchange rate. You will need to think about more than just your tuition. You will also need to pay for your hostel, food, medical insurance, visa, travel and personal costs.

Estimated Costs

There is no set cost for studying Medicine in Russia. We would recommend asking the university for a breakdown of the costs per year in writing. Ensure you know if the tuition and accommodation costs can vary. When comparing MBBS in Russia we would recommend looking at the estimated cost for the 6-year course. Ask if the cost includes hostel, insurance, registration fees and other mandatory costs. Have some money set aside for currency fluctuations and unexpected costs.

Is a Russian Medical Degree recognised in India?

Just because you receive a degree from a Russian University does not mean you will be able to practice Medicine in India. You must ensure you meet the requirements for foreign medical graduates. The main body to contact in India regarding medical education and registration is the NMC. Their website can be found here nmc.org.in. Be sure to look at the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021 and any amendments, clarifications or further directions.

You can also check if the medical school is listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). However, this does not guarantee the qualification meets the requirements for registration in India. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides global health information, however they do not individually recognise foreign medical degrees for medical registration in India. Be cautious if a university claims to be automatically recognised by WHO or guarantee you a Licence in India.

Before choosing a university ensure it is an official one. Check what qualification you will receive, how long the course will last, how it will be delivered, what clinical training you will receive, if there is an internship and if you meet the requirements for your year of admission.

Pros & Cons of Studying Medicine in Russia

Whilst Russia provides a structured way of studying medicine there are a few things to consider.

Pros

• 6-Year General Medicine course available at many universities.
• Exposure to a variety of Medical Sciences and Clinical subjects.
• Study at renowned Medical Universities.
• Variety of universities and cities to choose from with varying costs.

Cons

• I may need to speak Russian during clinical training.
• Difficult to adjust to the winter weather and culture.
• Tuition and living costs may vary.
• Clinical exposure varies between universities.
• Must meet requirements for foreign graduates to return to India.

Most people look at the 6-year course and advertised costs. However, it is important to consider what the clinical training will be like. If you cannot easily access good teaching hospitals or struggle to communicate with patients then a cheaper course may not be the best option for you.

How to Choose the Right Medical University in Russia

When choosing a university you should look at the official documentation for the course, what the teaching will be like and what the overall cost is.

Before paying any costs ensure:

• The university is official. Check the official name, legal status and Medical course.
• Look at the course content. Ensure it is 6-years, includes clinical rotations, exam requirements and what qualification you will receive.
• Language. Ask what subjects are taught in English and what Russian teaching is available.
• Hospital. Ask what teaching hospitals are affiliated to the university and what supervised clinical training there is.
• Check the latest NMC rules for Indian students.
• Ask what the costs are. Ensure you have written confirmation of the tuition, accommodation, refund policy and other mandatory costs.
• Check what the visa and travel requirements are. Use official Government guidelines and the relevant Russian embassy.

Don’t be tempted to take what someone says as fact. Ensure you have copies of your offer letter, course content, costs agreement and written answers from the university.

FAQ

1. Is MBBS in Russia 6 years old?

Yes. Many Medical Universities in Russia offer a 6-year General Medicine course. Ensure you check with the university how long the course will last.

2. Does the 6-year course include an internship?

This will depend on the course and requirements. Ensure you check in writing if there is supervised practice/ internship and if you will need any extra training to register.

3. Can Indian students study Medicine in Russia without NEET?

If you are looking to register as a Doctor in India you should check what the NEET requirements are. The university entry requirements and Indian registration requirements are separate.

4. Is the course fully in English?

Not always. Some universities offer English courses. However, you may need to speak Russian to communicate with patients during clinical training. Ensure you check what language will be used throughout the course.

5. What subjects will I study in my first year?

Common subjects studied in your first year include Anatomy, Physiology based subjects, Biochemistry and other introductory Medical Sciences. This will depend on the course content at your university.

6. Can I return to India straight after completing the course?

You won’t be guaranteed permission to practice. You must meet the requirements as a foreign medical graduate in India. This could include exams, internship and registration.

7. How much will the full 6-year course cost?

Costs will vary between universities, cities, accommodation and personal costs. We would recommend asking for an estimated cost for the 6-year course in writing. Ensure you have budgeted for any increased costs.

8. How can I check if a Medical University in Russia is recognised internationally?

Search for the institution on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS). Remember that listing in the directory alone does not guarantee eligibility for medical registration in India.