Studying MBBS in Russia is a dream for thousands of international students, especially from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and other Asian countries. With affordable tuition fees, globally recognized medical degrees, and English-medium programs, Russia has become one of the most attractive destinations for medical education. While academic planning is important, understanding the cost of living and daily needs is equally essential for students and parents.
Among the most common queries are related to SIM cards, internet charges, and day-to-day expenses during MBBS in Russia. Communication and internet access are necessary for studies and staying connected with family, while managing daily needs like food, transport, and personal expenses ensures a smooth student life.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to SIM card options, internet costs, and the overall daily expenses students can expect while studying MBBS in Russia.
Many students initially focus on tuition fees and hostel costs, but living expenses can add up significantly over 5–6 years of study. Proper financial planning helps students avoid stress and ensures they can maintain a comfortable lifestyle while focusing on academics.
Daily costs generally include:
SIM card and internet bills
Groceries and food expenses
Transport
Personal care items
Entertainment and social activities
Staying connected is a necessity for international students. Russia offers a wide variety of telecom providers with affordable prepaid and postpaid options.
MTS (Mobile TeleSystems) – One of the largest networks with wide coverage.
Beeline – Known for student-friendly packages.
MegaFon – Reliable service with fast mobile internet.
Tele2 – Budget-friendly with good prepaid options.
Initial SIM card purchase: ₹200 – ₹500 (in rubles equivalent).
Average monthly recharge: ₹500 – ₹1,200.
Most student plans include both calling and data packages, with unlimited local calls and 15–30 GB of internet per month. International calling is more expensive, but students usually rely on apps like WhatsApp, Skype, or Zoom using mobile data or Wi-Fi.
Reliable internet access is essential for MBBS students for online classes, research, video calls, and entertainment.
Average monthly cost: ₹500 – ₹1,000
Data limit: 20–40 GB (depending on provider)
Extra data packs available at ₹200 – ₹400 per 5 GB
Many university hostels provide Wi-Fi at minimal or no cost.
If renting a private apartment, broadband internet costs around ₹1,200 – ₹1,800 per month.
Speed: 50–100 Mbps on average.
Less common today, but still available in some cities.
Cost: ₹50 – ₹100 per hour.
On average, a student spends ₹600 – ₹1,500 per month on internet services.
Daily expenses form a crucial part of the MBBS journey. Let’s look at the most common areas:
University mess/hostel cafeteria: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000 per month
Cooking at home (groceries): ₹5,000 – ₹7,000 per month
Eating at restaurants: ₹500 – ₹1,000 per meal (occasional)
Estimated monthly food budget: ₹6,000 – ₹9,000
Monthly metro/bus pass: ₹700 – ₹1,200
Taxi rides (short distance): ₹300 – ₹600 per ride
Ride-hailing apps (Yandex, Uber): Slightly more expensive than public transport
Estimated monthly transport budget: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.): ₹800 – ₹1,500 per month
Laundry and cleaning: ₹1,000 – ₹1,500 per month
Clothing and seasonal items (winter jackets, boots): ₹20,000 – ₹25,000 (one-time annual expense)
Estimated monthly personal care: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500
Movie tickets: ₹300 – ₹500 each
Gym membership: ₹1,500 – ₹2,000 per month
Occasional trips/outings: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000
Estimated monthly entertainment: ₹2,000 – ₹4,000
Here’s a realistic monthly expense estimate for MBBS students:
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| SIM & Internet | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| Food & Groceries | ₹6,000 – ₹9,000 |
| Transport | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Personal Care | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| Entertainment | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 |
Total Monthly Expenses: ₹12,000 – ₹19,000
Annually, this amounts to ₹1.5 lakh – ₹2.2 lakh on daily living needs apart from tuition and hostel fees.
Choose Student SIM Packages – Many telecom providers offer discounted rates for students.
Use University Wi-Fi – Minimize mobile data usage by relying on free campus Wi-Fi.
Cook at Home – Buying groceries and cooking is cheaper than eating out.
Use Public Transport – Monthly metro passes save more compared to daily taxi rides.
Seasonal Shopping – Buy winter clothes during discount seasons.
Group Expenses – Share internet costs or groceries with roommates.
Track Monthly Spending – Use budget apps to avoid overspending.
Language barrier while purchasing SIM cards or setting up internet connections.
Hidden charges in mobile or internet plans if not checked properly.
Currency fluctuations affecting monthly expenses.
Lifestyle choices, such as frequent eating out or shopping, raising costs above average.
Proper awareness and guidance from seniors or university support staff can help students avoid these challenges.
Since MBBS in Russia lasts for 6 years, students should budget not only tuition and hostel fees but also an average of ₹1.8 lakh – ₹2 lakh annually for living expenses.
Over six years, the total cost of SIM cards, internet, and daily needs would amount to around ₹10 lakh – ₹12 lakh, depending on lifestyle choices.
For MBBS students in Russia, managing SIM card expenses, internet charges, and daily needs is an integral part of student life. On average, students spend ₹12,000 – ₹19,000 per month on communication, food, transport, personal care, and entertainment. By making smart choices like using student SIM plans, relying on campus Wi-Fi, cooking meals at home, and using public transport, students can maintain a comfortable lifestyle within a reasonable budget.
While the initial focus for parents often rests on tuition and hostel fees, factoring in these everyday expenses is equally important. With effective budgeting, MBBS students in Russia can enjoy both quality education and a fulfilling lifestyle without unnecessary financial stress.