Russia has become a popular destination for MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) due to its affordable tuition fees, globally recognized degrees, and easy admission process. However, while many students choose Russia for their medical studies, there are several challenges and disadvantages that prospective students should consider before making a decision.
In this article, we explore the major disadvantages of studying MBBS in Russia, covering issues related to language barriers, recognition of degrees, FMGE pass rates, quality of education, and career prospects.
Language Barrier – Studying in Russian Can Be Challenging
✔ Russian is the primary language of communication in medical universities, hospitals, and daily life.
✔ While many universities offer MBBS programs in English, students are required to learn Russian for clinical practice.
✔ Difficulty in understanding medical terms and communicating with patients during hospital rotations.
📌 Why It’s a Problem?
- Many students struggle with the Russian language, affecting their practical learning and interaction with patients.
- English-taught programs often have mixed-language instruction, where lectures are in English but clinical training is in Russian.
- Limited English-speaking faculty at some universities makes it difficult for students to clarify doubts.
💡 Alternative Solution: If you are not comfortable learning a new language, consider countries like the Philippines or Georgia, where MBBS is fully taught in English.
Low FMGE Passing Rate for Russian MBBS Graduates
✔ Students who complete MBBS in Russia must pass the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination) or NEXT (National Exit Test) in India to practice as doctors.
✔ The FMGE pass rate for Russian MBBS graduates is lower compared to students from other countries.
📌 FMGE Pass Rates for MBBS Graduates (Past 5 Years)
| Country | FMGE Pass Rate (%) |
|---|---|
| Russia | 10-20% |
| Ukraine | 25-30% |
| China | 20-25% |
| Philippines | 45-50% |
| Bangladesh | 30-35% |
📌 Why It’s a Problem?
- Many Russian universities focus more on theoretical knowledge than clinical exposure, making it harder to clear the FMGE/NEXT exam.
- Lack of preparation and FMGE coaching in Russian universities results in a low passing percentage.
💡 Alternative Solution: If you want better FMGE passing rates, consider studying in Bangladesh, the Philippines, or Nepal, where the syllabus is closer to the Indian medical curriculum.
Extreme Cold Weather & Harsh Climate
✔ Russia has severe winters, with temperatures dropping to -20°C or lower in many regions.
✔ Indian and South Asian students find it difficult to adjust to the extreme cold.
✔ Snowfall and harsh weather conditions can affect daily commuting and student life.
📌 Why It’s a Problem?
- Students from tropical countries struggle to adapt to Russia’s long, freezing winters.
- High cost of winter clothing adds to living expenses.
- In some regions, heavy snowfall disrupts daily activities and outdoor movement.
💡 Alternative Solution: If you prefer milder weather, consider studying in Georgia, Armenia, or the Philippines, where the climate is more student-friendly.
Lack of Practical Exposure & Limited Clinical Rotations
✔ In some Russian universities, students get less hands-on experience in hospitals compared to countries like India or the USA.
✔ Limited patient interaction due to language barriers and hospital regulations.
✔ Some universities prioritize theoretical knowledge over practical skills.
📌 Why It’s a Problem?
- Students may struggle with real-world clinical scenarios due to limited exposure.
- FMGE/NEXT exams require strong practical knowledge, which many Russian MBBS graduates lack.
- Some hospitals do not allow international students to interact with local patients, affecting their confidence and learning.
💡 Alternative Solution: Consider medical universities in Bangladesh or Nepal, which follow the Indian medical syllabus and offer better clinical exposure.
Recognition Issues – Not All Russian Universities Are Approved
✔ Many Russian universities are not recognized by the NMC (National Medical Commission) in India or the WHO (World Health Organization).
✔ Some universities lose accreditation, creating issues for students who need to return home for licensing exams.
✔ Lack of proper documentation from universities can cause delays in medical licensing.
📌 Why It’s a Problem?
- Graduates from non-recognized universities cannot practice in India.
- If a university loses recognition while a student is enrolled, their degree may become invalid in some countries.
💡 Alternative Solution: Before applying, check if the university is approved by NMC, WHO, and the local medical council of your home country.
High Student Dropout Rate & Adjustment Issues
✔ Many students drop out due to language difficulties, cultural differences, extreme weather, and tough academics.
✔ Homesickness and lack of Indian food make it difficult for students to adjust.
✔ Some students fail to adapt to the Russian education system, which differs from the Indian MBBS structure.
📌 Why It’s a Problem?
- Dropout students lose time and money after investing in tuition and living expenses.
- Mental health issues, stress, and loneliness affect students’ academic performance.
💡 Alternative Solution: If you prefer a culturally similar environment, consider studying in Bangladesh, Nepal, or the Philippines, where Indian food and communities are available.
FAQs About Studying MBBS in Russia
1. Is MBBS in Russia a good option?
✔ It is affordable and offers globally recognized degrees, but there are challenges like language barriers, cold weather, and low FMGE pass rates.
2. Can I practice in India after completing MBBS in Russia?
✔ Yes, but you must pass FMGE (until 2024) or NEXT (from 2024 onwards) before practicing in India.
3. Do Russian medical universities teach in English?
✔ Some universities offer MBBS in English, but clinical practice is often in Russian, requiring students to learn the language.
4. Is MBBS in Russia free?
✔ No, but it is affordable, with tuition fees ranging from ₹2.5 - ₹6 Lakhs per year.
5. Which country is better for MBBS – Russia or the Philippines?
✔ The Philippines is better for Indian students due to better FMGE pass rates, English-taught programs, and a similar education system.
Conclusion
While Russia offers affordable MBBS programs, students must consider the challenges, including language barriers, extreme weather, low FMGE pass rates, and limited clinical exposure. If you are looking for a recognized, English-taught MBBS with high FMGE success, you may want to explore other options like Bangladesh, the Philippines, or Nepal.
