Indian students increasingly pursue MBBS degrees in Russia

Indian students are increasingly seeking medical education (MBBS) abroad, with Russia emerging as a primary destination. Ministry of External Affairs data shows the number of Indian students in Russia grew from 19,784 in 2022 to 31,444 in 2024. Key drivers for this trend include affordable tuition compared to Indian private colleges and the availability of English-medium programs at institutions such as Orenburg State Medical University, Perm State Medical University, and Mari State University.

Prospective students and parents are advised to look beyond tuition fees to account for total living expenses, including hostel fees, food, transport, and insurance. Verification of university identity and compliance with National Medical Commission (NMC) requirements is critical to avoid fraudulent entities.

Regarding academic mobility, current NMC regulations under the Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate (FMGL) Regulations, 2021, do not provide a recognized pathway for students to transfer mid-course from a foreign medical program into an Indian medical college. Students must typically complete their entire foreign medical course to meet regulatory standards.