Medical degrees from Russian universities

Studying medicine and engineering in Russia is relatively cheaper, but would necessarily require learning Russian.

The Russian Centre for Science and Culture, the cultural department of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Chennai, organised a campaign in Madurai recently to create an awareness of education opportunities available in engineering and medical universities in Russia.
The centre helps students get admission in these universities recognised by the Association of Indian Universities in the case of engineering institutions and Medical Council of India in the case of medical universities.

Recognised universities

The medical universities recognised by the council are: Moscow Medical Academy, Moscow; People’s Friendship University, Moscow; I.P. Pavlov State Medical Academy, St. Petersburg; Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd; Stavropol State Medical Academy, Stavropol; Tver State Medical Academy, Tver; Rostov State Medical University and Kuban State Medical Academy, Krasnadar.

The point to note is that only undergraduate medicine courses are recognised and not postgraduate courses.

C. Suresh Babu, director, Study Abroad Educational Consultants, an accredited official representative of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation in India, said that there are more than 200 - 300 universities recognised by the Association of Indian Universities offering engineering courses.

“Pursuing engineering education in these universities will be a rewarding experience for students as they are much in demand once they finish their courses,” he said.

Employment opportunities are plenty for the students as Russian companies work on numerous projects all over the world.

Single specialisation

There are universities exclusively for single specialisation such as aviation, aerospace, architecture and nuclear power engineering.

“Students successfully completing nuclear power engineering courses in Russia stand a chance to get jobs in the Koodankulam nuclear power project in India,” he said.

Medium of instruction

The English medium of instruction is available only for chemical, mechanical and computer science courses. “All other courses such as power engineering, oil mining, geology, aerospace and avionics are available only in Russian as they are self-developed and books might not be available in English,” he said.

In medicine courses, English medium is available only up to third year after which students have to undergo their education in Russian.

“Clinical study starts from the fourth year. Hence, the students will be attached to a hospital where they may have to interact with the local people and Russian surgeons. Therefore, students have no other go but to study Russian language to successfully complete their education,” said Mr. Suresh.

Scholarship is also available based on marks and other social activities.
“Students with valid sports certificates and interest in public service will get additional leverage to get these scholarships,” he said.

Cost of living

The cost of living compared to Western countries is much less for students pursuing education in Russia.

They require around Rs. 40,000 - 50,000 per year for accommodation and food.

In all, a student would have to spend around Rs.10 lakh to 12 lakh for the six-year medical course while it would be around Rs.8 lakh to 12 lakh to obtain an engineering degree.

Academic year

Generally, colleges in Russia reopen on September 1. But first-year students are given one month’s time to join.

“For Indian students there will be a one-month pre-departure orientation programme, where fresh students will be briefed about Russian language, weather and etiquette, said Mr. Suresh.