Pursuing an MBBS abroad has become a popular choice for Indian students who wish to become doctors without facing the intense competition and limited seats in Indian government medical colleges. Russia has consistently been one of the most preferred destinations for MBBS aspirants due to its affordable education, globally recognized degrees, and long-standing tradition of hosting international medical students.
A common question among students and parents is: “Is it possible to complete the full MBBS package in Russia under ₹25 lakh?”
The short answer is yes, it is possible—but the actual affordability depends on factors like the university chosen, city of study, lifestyle, and additional costs. This article breaks down the detailed cost structure, hidden expenses, and tips on how to manage a complete MBBS journey in Russia within a budget of ₹25 lakh.
Discover whether a full MBBS package in Russia is possible under ₹25 lakh, including tuition fees, hostel costs, living expenses, and budgeting strategies.Why Russia Is a Popular Destination for MBBS
Before analyzing the costs, it is important to understand why Russia is such a strong contender for affordable MBBS education:
Affordable Tuition Fees – Compared to private colleges in India, Russian universities charge significantly less.
Globally Recognized Degrees – Most Russian universities are approved by NMC (National Medical Commission of India) and listed by WHO.
English-Medium Programs – Many universities offer MBBS in English, making it accessible for Indian students.
No Entrance Exam for Admission – Only NEET qualification is required; no additional entrance tests.
High Quality Education – Universities have modern labs, clinical training, and experienced faculty.
Safe and Multicultural Environment – Russia hosts thousands of Indian and international students every year.
Duration: 6 years (including internship)
Medium of Instruction: English (with Russian language training for clinical practice)
Intake: September/October primarily
To determine whether the MBBS package fits under ₹25 lakh, let us analyze the major expenses:
Tuition fees in Russia vary depending on the university and city.
Average tuition ranges between ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh per year.
For 6 years, this totals approximately ₹18 lakh to ₹24 lakh.
Most universities provide hostel facilities for international students.
Hostel charges range from ₹30,000 to ₹70,000 per year.
Over 6 years, this amounts to ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh.
Many students prefer cooking their own food, while others opt for Indian mess facilities.
Average monthly food cost: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000.
Annual food cost: ₹70,000 – ₹90,000.
Over 6 years, around ₹4 lakh – ₹5 lakh is spent.
Compulsory health insurance costs around ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 annually.
Over 6 years, this totals ₹30,000 – ₹40,000.
Student visa: approx. ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 per year.
Over 6 years, about ₹40,000 – ₹50,000.
Flight tickets between India and Russia cost ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per trip.
Assuming 2–3 trips during the course, about ₹1 lakh – ₹1.5 lakh is needed.
If we combine these major expenses:
Tuition Fees: ₹18 – ₹24 lakh
Hostel: ₹2 – ₹4 lakh
Food: ₹4 – ₹5 lakh
Insurance + Visa: ₹70,000 – ₹1 lakh
Travel: ₹1 – ₹1.5 lakh
Grand Total (6 years): ₹25 lakh – ₹30 lakh
Yes, it is possible if students choose budget-friendly universities where tuition fees are on the lower side (₹3 lakh – ₹3.5 lakh per year) and manage expenses wisely. By cooking their own food, sharing accommodation, and minimizing travel, many students successfully complete MBBS in Russia within ₹22 – ₹25 lakh.
Some universities known for affordable MBBS fees include:
Kazan Federal University
Crimea Federal University
Orenburg State Medical University
Bashkir State Medical University
Ulyanovsk State Medical University
Mari State University
These universities often charge ₹3 lakh – ₹3.5 lakh annually, which helps in keeping the overall cost under ₹25 lakh.
While planning, students must also account for smaller but necessary expenses:
Books and Study Materials – Around ₹20,000 – ₹30,000 over 6 years.
Local Transportation – Monthly passes cost around ₹700 – ₹1,000.
Winter Clothing – One-time cost of ₹10,000 – ₹15,000.
Language Training – Some universities charge extra for Russian language classes.
Choose a Low-Fee University – Target universities with tuition under ₹3.5 lakh annually.
Cook Your Own Food – Saves ₹3,000 – ₹4,000 monthly compared to mess.
Limit International Travel – Reduce trips to India during the 6 years.
Apply Early – Early applications may help secure better hostel accommodation at lower costs.
Avoid Unnecessary Middlemen – Some agents charge extra; verify university fees directly.
Share Accommodation – Opt for double/triple sharing hostels.
Affordable Education – Saves huge costs compared to Indian private colleges (₹70 lakh – ₹1.5 crore).
Global Recognition – Eligible for licensing exams like NEXT, USMLE, PLAB, FMGE.
Multicultural Exposure – Students from Asia, Africa, and Europe study together.
Quality Infrastructure – Equipped with advanced labs and hospital tie-ups.
Climate – Russian winters can be extremely cold.
Language Barrier – Russian is required for clinical practice.
Cultural Adjustment – Students may take time adapting to local lifestyle.
Hidden Expenses – Small costs may push budget slightly above ₹25 lakh.
To answer the question clearly: Yes, a full MBBS package in Russia is available under ₹25 lakh, but only if students make careful choices. By selecting affordable universities, managing lifestyle costs, and budgeting wisely, the complete course can be finished within this amount.
For families aiming for affordable yet globally recognized medical education, Russia remains one of the best destinations where MBBS can be completed at nearly one-third the cost of private MBBS colleges in India.
Planning ahead, understanding the fee structures, and minimizing unnecessary expenses are the keys to successfully completing MBBS in Russia under ₹25 lakh.