Each year, more and more Indian students are looking for an affordable medical degree - and Ria Overseas is sending them to Russia. Russia's MBBS program has really caught on - degrees are recognised around the globe, facilities are new, and fees are far more affordable than in private medical colleges in India. If you've scored well in NEET, Russia offers a good quality yet affordable option.
The director of international admissions at Ria Overseas, says: "We've got thousands of students on their way to becoming doctors over the past two decades. Russian MBBS degrees offer a good mix of theory and practical training with affordable costs - no donations or capitation fees. If you want to get a seat at a top NMC and WHO-approved university for 2016-17, start early."
It's easy to see the appeal. Russian MBBS programs are six years long - five years of theory and practical sessions, followed by a one-year internship. The lectures are delivered in English, with a few lessons in Russian language so you can communicate with patients and fit in with everyday life. The universities have a good mix of students from different countries.
Cost is likely the main attraction. Annual tuition ranges from ₹2.5-6 lakhs and including hostel and course fees, the total cost is usually around ₹15-35 lakhs. This is compared to private colleges in India which charge anywhere between ₹65-100 lakhs. The cost of living is also fairly low, at around ₹10,000-20,000 a month, with comfortable and secure hostels and food.
Admission is also not a pain - the eligibility is simple. You just need to be between the ages of 17 and 25, and have 50% or more in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in your 12th (40-45% for reserved categories). You need to pass NEET if you plan to practice in India, but you needn't worry about additional tests to get into Russian universities, and you never have to pay bribes. It's a fairly straightforward process.
The application process is easy. E-mail your academic record, passport and NEET score, and you're almost done. If you’re successful, an email with admission letter follows. Then pay the fees, get a visa, health insurance and HIV test, and you're done. Most universities start their courses in September, but some start in March. Ria Overseas takes care of all the documents, visas, travel, even money transmission - you just need to relax.
Russia has over 70 WHO and India's National Medical Commission (NMC) approved medical universities. Indian students know well the likes of Pirogov, Volgograd State, Altai State, Kazan Federal, Crimean Federal and Rostov State. The equipment is top-notch - modern labs and simulation centres, teaching hospitals and small class sizes so you can know your professors. Some even have partnerships with European institutions for an international perspective.
Russian MBBS degrees are internationally recognised. All you need to do to practice as a doctor in India is pass the FMGE or NEXT exam after graduating. They're not easy but Russian clinical experience helps. And Russian medical graduates can also appear for the exams of other countries, such as the USMLE and PLAB.
Studying in Russia is more than just academics. They live in a safe, interactive community, and there is a strong Indian community - which makes living there a tad more comfortable. And Russia's culture, history and language are interesting and enriching. Yes, it gets cold in winter, but the classrooms are warm - so no need to worry.
If you don't get a seat in a government medical college in India, going to Russia for an MBBS is a good option. You can get education loans from all the major banks and some universities provide scholarships, which cover tuition, accommodation and even living costs. If you are keen, money shouldn't be an issue.
One thing to keep in mind though - always check that the university you're applying to has NMC approval and apply early. It's better to go with a reputed agency such as Ria Overseas so you don't fall prey to scams and frauds.
So, all in all, MBBS in Russia is a great option for Indian students to become doctors. It will be cheap, well accepted and you will not have to worry about the admissions process. It's a viable option for 2016-17 and the years ahead.
Ria Overseas is there to help you along the way. If you want, give them a call, they can help with counselling, university selection or end-to-end assistance with the application process.
