For many Indian students, the dream of becoming a doctor often collides with the reality of limited MBBS seats and high tuition fees in India. Every year, more than 18 lakh aspirants appear for NEET, but only a small fraction secure government medical college seats. Private colleges in India demand ₹70 lakhs to ₹1 crore, making them unaffordable for most families.
This gap drives students toward MBBS abroad, with Russia, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan emerging as the top destinations due to affordable tuition fees, globally recognized degrees, and NMC-approved universities.
But one of the most important questions parents and students ask is:
“What is the minimum budget required to study MBBS in Russia, Georgia, and Kyrgyzstan?”
This article provides a detailed breakdown of costs — tuition fees, hostel charges, food, travel, and other expenses — to help students and families make informed decisions.
Russia has the largest number of Indian MBBS students abroad.
Tuition fees in Russian universities range from $3,500 – $7,000 per year.
Affordable universities charge $3,500 – $4,500 per year.
For a 6-year MBBS program, the tuition comes to $21,000 – $27,000 (₹17–22 lakhs).
On-campus hostels are mandatory for at least the first year.
Hostel charges: $500 – $1,000 per year (₹40,000–80,000).
Some students shift to rented apartments later, costing $150–$250 per month (if shared, cheaper).
Indian mess facilities are available in big cities like Moscow, Kazan, and St. Petersburg.
Monthly cost of Indian food: $120–$150 (₹10,000–12,000).
Cooking yourself reduces costs slightly.
Medical insurance: $100–$150 per year.
Books, personal needs, local travel: $500–$800 annually.
Tuition (6 years): ₹17–22 lakhs
Hostel (6 years): ₹2.5–4 lakhs
Food & living (6 years): ₹6–7 lakhs
Insurance & others: ₹1.5–2 lakhs
Total: ₹27–35 lakhs (minimum)
Georgia is considered a European destination with higher standards of education.
Tuition fees: $4,500 – $7,000 per year.
Minimum tuition for affordable universities: $4,500/year.
For 6 years, tuition = $27,000 (₹22 lakhs approx.).
Hostel facilities are modern and well-furnished.
Charges: $800 – $1,500 per year (₹65,000–1.2 lakhs).
Students also rent apartments, costing $250–$400/month (shared reduces cost).
Indian mess available in Tbilisi and Batumi.
Average monthly food cost: $150–$200 (₹12,000–16,000).
Groceries are affordable; cooking reduces expenses.
Medical insurance: $150–$200 per year.
Books, travel, and personal needs: $600–$900 annually.
Tuition (6 years): ₹22–27 lakhs
Hostel (6 years): ₹4–7 lakhs
Food & living (6 years): ₹7–9 lakhs
Insurance & others: ₹2–2.5 lakhs
Total: ₹35–45 lakhs (minimum)
Kyrgyzstan is one of the cheapest MBBS destinations for Indian students.
Tuition fees: $2,500 – $4,000 per year.
Cheapest universities charge $2,500/year.
For 6 years, tuition = $15,000 (₹12 lakhs approx.).
Basic hostels are available with shared rooms (3–5 students).
Hostel charges: $500 – $700 per year (₹40,000–55,000).
Indian mess facilities available in Bishkek and Osh.
Monthly food cost: $100–$120 (₹8,000–10,000).
Cooking can reduce costs further.
Medical insurance: $100 per year.
Books, local travel, and personal needs: $400–$600 annually.
Tuition (6 years): ₹12–15 lakhs
Hostel (6 years): ₹2.5–3.5 lakhs
Food & living (6 years): ₹5–6 lakhs
Insurance & others: ₹1.2–1.5 lakhs
Total: ₹20–25 lakhs (minimum)
| Country | Tuition (6 Years) | Hostel (6 Years) | Food & Living (6 Years) | Total Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russia | ₹17–22 lakhs | ₹2.5–4 lakhs | ₹6–7 lakhs | ₹27–35 lakhs |
| Georgia | ₹22–27 lakhs | ₹4–7 lakhs | ₹7–9 lakhs | ₹35–45 lakhs |
| Kyrgyzstan | ₹12–15 lakhs | ₹2.5–3.5 lakhs | ₹5–6 lakhs | ₹20–25 lakhs |
Air Tickets
Russia: ₹40,000–50,000 (round trip).
Georgia: ₹50,000–60,000.
Kyrgyzstan: ₹25,000–35,000.
Over 6 years: ₹1.5–3 lakhs.
Visa & Documentation
Russia: ₹15,000–20,000.
Georgia: ₹20,000–25,000.
Kyrgyzstan: ₹15,000 approx.
Entrance/Registration Fees
Some universities charge one-time admission fees (₹50,000–1 lakh).
Kyrgyzstan: Cheapest option, good for students with a low budget, but limited international exposure and basic facilities.
Russia: Balanced choice with strong recognition, long history of Indian students, moderate costs, and decent ROI.
Georgia: Best lifestyle, European exposure, but most expensive among the three.
If ROI is the top concern, Kyrgyzstan wins (lowest investment). If global recognition and strong degree value are priorities, Russia and Georgia are better.
City of Study – Moscow/St. Petersburg in Russia or Tbilisi in Georgia are costlier than smaller towns.
Lifestyle – Students who cook and live modestly save ₹3–4 lakhs over 6 years.
Scholarships – Some universities offer merit-based scholarships that reduce tuition by 10–20%.
Exchange Rate – Dollar and Euro fluctuations affect costs every year.
The minimum budget for MBBS abroad varies greatly depending on the country:
Russia → ₹27–35 lakhs
Georgia → ₹35–45 lakhs
Kyrgyzstan → ₹20–25 lakhs
1.If you want the most affordable MBBS option, Kyrgyzstan is ideal.
2.If you want a balance of affordability and recognition, choose Russia.
3. If you prefer a European lifestyle and modern facilities, go for Georgia, but be ready for higher expenses.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, lifestyle expectations, and career plans (India vs abroad).