India in particular has always been one of the lead generators of fresh aspirants in the medical field every year in the whole wide world, with almost 15 lac students appearing for NEET every year.
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However, with only a limited number of seats available each year and the sky-rocketing fees of private colleges in India, most MBBS students have now begun turning to international universities to pursue their medical degree.
Over the years, Russia has emerged to be one of the largest holders of the most prestigious medical colleges in the world, being the home country for some of the oldest universities still standing today, e.g., Saratov State Medical University (est. 1909), Kazan Federal University (est. 1804), Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University (est. 1906). It proves itself to be an ideal destination to pursue MBBS through its overall affordable fee structure, easy enrolment process, low-priced accommodation facilities, and quality of education. Each year, Russia welcomes over 2.5 lac foreign students to study in Russian universities, almost half of which are from the medical field.
Universities like Tambov State University, Irkutsk State Medical University, Astrakhan State Medical University, etc., offer high quality education in English medium at cost-efficient prices. These colleges are known for their world-class infrastructure, well-developed up-to-date research facilities, and strong emphasis on practical knowledge at par with renowned universities all around the world. What’s more? Russian universities award WHO-recognised degrees that are globally accepted, which ensures one can work anywhere in the world after graduation, including the US.
According to reports, the Government of Russia grants funds to sponsor medical education of foreign students studying in Russian universities, cutting the tuition fee by more than 80%. What this means for an Indian student is that he/she can not only receive better quality of education through world-class faculty than at Indian universities, he/she can do so at about half the cost in Russia.
With these facts in mind, there’s no wonder why pursuing MBBS abroad has become such an ever-growing trend in India, and how Russia has prominently come up on top of the list as the most desired spot for medical students from around the world. Russia sees the majority of its foreign students hailing from Asia and Middle East, and is reportedly working up to increase its allowance in order to support more students in their education, free-of-cost.
Recently, The Ministry of Education and Science has permitted foreign students to enter Russia to pursue their education via offline classes, amid Covid-19 situation. It is reported that an anti-coronavirus protocol has been developed and approved, following which qualified students from abroad will now be allowed to enter Russia and study as per the rules. Those not qualified will continue their education remotely and a special education programme would be developed for them.