Life of Indian Students in Russia
With varying traditions, vast and rich culture, MBBS in Russia is becoming hugely popular amongst international students. When it comes to MBBS abroad, Russia is the leading destination to study MBBS abroad, especially among Indian medical students. Indian medical students profoundly choose to study MBBS in Russia due to various reasons, one of the quality medical education at an affordable budget.
Well, talking about Russia, then it is the largest country in the world. Russia expands over 11 time zones, with well over 140 million people, and about 200 ethnic groups which speak an estimated 100 languages. With so much diversity, Russia is a diverse nation that boasts great beauty, from magnificent cities to forests, rivers, and mountainous terrain.
Considered a highly educated country with a rich academic tradition, especially in the field of medicine, Russia is attracting a huge number of international students, especially from India who dreams of studying MBBS in Russia. The Ministry of Education and Science is investing in the higher education system to modernize it and provide more support for students who desire to study MBBS in Russia. More than half of Russia’s citizens hold a university degree, and each year Russia welcomes students who desire to study MBBS from Russia coming from 170 different countries of the world.
This blog will tell you about the student life and campus life of international students who desire to study MBBS in Russia in much detail-
What Indian students should expect upon their Arrival for their MBBS in Russia-
The very step that every student who reaches Russia to study MBBS in Russia needs to make sure that they have prepared all their documents for their safe and hassle-free entry into Russia. As Russia is not a member state of the European Union or European Free Trade Association, international students coming from other countries will need a visa. Members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (former Soviet nations) are the only exception who does not need a visa to study MBBS in Russia. So, if you don’t hail from one of these countries then visa-free entry is not an option. The process of getting a visa is usually facilitated by your education consultant whom you have chosen to study MBBS in Russia, and only once you’ve officially secured a university placement will the international department complete the application.
Upon your arrival in Russia, you will need to register your visa at the local GUVM (immigration office). This process of visa registration has to be completed within seven days of arrival, otherwise, you run the risk of obtaining a fine, or even being deported back to the country you can from. The Russian medical university where you seek admission should be able to assist you and will also help you register your visa with the local government when you will arrive in Russia.
If we talk about a student visa to study MBBS in Russia, then it is valid for 90 days and will need to be obtained before traveling to Russia. If you wish to prolong it once you will reach Russia, then you have to apply to the local division of the Federal Migration Service of Russia where they will extend it to a year, and you will need to follow this format of visa application for the duration of your stay while you study MBBS in Russia. There are chances that when you will arrive in Russia to study MBBS in Russia you will probably also be asked to take a medical examination along with HIV and COVID-19 tests.
MBBS fee is usually lower in Russia as compared to the MBBS offered by other countries abroad like the UK or the US, and the standard of education is high. If you have a great academic track record, you can try finding out if you qualify for a government scholarship that would cover the MBBS fee while you study MBBS in Russia, and in some circumstances, also the cost of living while you stay in Russia to study MBBS in Russia.
Academic Life of Indian Students who chooses to Study MBBS in Russia
Seeking admission into an NMC (National Medical Commission) and WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools) a Russian medical university at times can be competitive. The Russian medical universities majorly focus on science and technological degrees. In fact, Russia is renowned for its achievement in these sectors for decades.
The MBBS education structure followed by the medical universities of Russia is based on the Bologna declaration, which Russia signed in 2003, so there is a high chance that you might not find many differences between the MBBS education in Russia and that of medical colleges in India. This education structure declaration had the effect of refining Russian higher education, especially in the field of medicine changing it from five years to a six (5+1) degree at the undergraduate level.
There are two intakes in a Russian academic year when international students can enroll to study MBBS in Russia. The first semester runs from September to January, with a short New Year break, and the second is from February until June ending with a long summer break. Each semester is completed by an examination. And during these two phases, students can also enroll for admission.
The admission requirements for studying MBBS in Russia vary, depending on the medical universities. There is no entrance exam or any kind of donation that a student needs to pay in order to seek admission to the medical universities of Russia.
The lifestyle of Indian Students Studying MBBS in Russia
If we talk about Russia, then there is only one national language, but Russia also has 35 official languages that are recognized throughout the country and spoken by a majority of the population of the country.
It is growing more common for courses to be offered in English, even the MBBS course particularly at the postgraduate level. However, even if you are able to study in English, you should make an effort to learn as much Russian as possible, so that you have a better communication experience with the locals during your stay studying MBBS in Russia. With 81 percent of the population speaking Russian as their sole language, it makes life easier, as you will be able to communicate with locals and other students. And will also help you in great ways during your practical training in the university-affiliated hospital.
If you are worried about adapting to this change, then you don’t need to stress away as there are various Russian medical universities that offer a preparatory program that allows all international students to learn about the country’s lifestyle, with courses about the language and culture.
The currency of Russia is the ruble. If we talk about the cost of living, then it completely depends on every student's lifestyle. Health insurance is another cost that will need to be factored in, but international students don’t need to be concerned about it, as the Russian medical universities do offer health insurance to every enrolled international student. Every foreign student must have it, and it’s better to arrange it before arrival.
Working in Russia after qualifying for your six years MBBS from a Russian medical university is also an option. All you have to do is to need to acquire a work permit from the Federal Migration Service, although certain jobs will require a “proficiency” (highest) level TORFL test. Russian culture is different from many Western countries, being influenced by the various ethnic groups living in the country. Russia is renowned for traditions in literature and art, folk dancing, and ballet, just to name a few. Many great writers, artists, and philosophers have called Russia home, as well as their famous international and national ballet companies. Being diverse in nature, just like India, Russia is home to 26 beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites, attracting millions of tourists every year. As a nation that borders 14 other countries, Russia is also home to a variety of landscapes and cultures, Russia is an ideal location for student who wants to explore.