Russia MBBS Direct vs With Internship – Understand the Key Difference

Russia MBBS Direct vs With Internship – What’s the Difference?

MBBS in Russia is one of the most preferred options for Indian students who want to study medicine abroad at an affordable cost. But during the admission process, students often come across two different course structures — MBBS Direct and MBBS with Internship.

So, what’s the real difference between them? Which one is better for your medical career and MCI/NMC eligibility?

In this guide, we’ll explain everything about the Russia MBBS Direct program vs the one with Internship, including syllabus differences, duration, eligibility, and what Indian students should choose in 2025.

1. What is MBBS Direct in Russia?

MBBS Direct in Russia usually refers to a 6-year MBBS course that includes 5 years of classroom + clinical training and 1 year of internship in the home country (like India).

Key Features:

• Total Duration: 6 years

• Internship done in India

• Degree awarded: MD Physician

• After course: Apply for NEXT in India, then complete 1-year CRMI (internship)

This route is aligned with NMC guidelines that allow Indian students to do their compulsory internship in India, provided the university structure is compliant.

2. What is MBBS With Internship in Russia?

MBBS with Internship refers to a 7-year course, where the internship is done in Russia as part of the curriculum.

Key Features:

• Total Duration: 7 years

• Internship is done in Russia

• Degree awarded: MD Physician with Internship

• May or may not be accepted by NMC unless internship duration and structure match Indian norms

Earlier, this was a popular choice, but after NMC’s updated guidelines, this route has faced recognition issues in India.

3. Comparison Table – MBBS Direct vs With Internship in Russia

4. What Does NMC Say About This?

As per National Medical Commission (NMC) Gazette 2021, any foreign MBBS course must be:

• Equivalent to India’s MBBS (5.5 years with 1-year internship)

• Taught in English

• Include 12 months of supervised internship

• Entire course completed in one go, without transfer

Thus, a 6-year course with internship in India is more compliant than a 7-year course with an internship in Russia unless it fully matches the Indian standard.

5. Internship Done in Russia – Is It Valid in India?

Internships done in Russia are accepted only if:

• Duration is 12 months minimum

• Hospital is recognized by Russian Ministry of Health

• Student has full clinical exposure in all 20+ departments

• Internship is documented and verifiable

If any of these conditions are not met, NMC may ask the student to do internship again in India after clearing FMGE/NEXT.

6. Cost Comparison – Direct MBBS vs With Internship

7. Which Russian Universities Offer Both Types?

Some universities give both options or have recently transitioned to direct 6-year formats to match NMC guidelines:

MBBS Direct Format:

• Chuvash State Medical University

• Kazan State Medical University

• Bashkir State Medical University

• Kursk State Medical University

With Internship Format:

• People’s Friendship University (RUDN)

• Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University

• Kuban State Medical University

Always check the latest curriculum structure with the admission consultant or university official website before applying.

8. MBBS Direct is Ideal For Which Students?

MBBS Direct is a better fit for Indian students who:

• Want to practice in India

• Want faster completion and return

• Are concerned about NMC approval

• Prefer internship in Indian hospitals under MCI-approved supervisors

• Want better exposure to the Indian medical system before PG

9. Pros and Cons

MBBS Direct – Pros:

• Faster completion (6 years)

• Low cost

• NMC-friendly

• Internship under Indian doctors

• Better NEXT preparation in India

MBBS Direct – Cons:

• Must clear FMGE/NEXT first to do internship

• Some universities may not offer this format

MBBS With Internship – Pros:

• Complete clinical experience abroad

• No delay in internship

• One-go MBBS experience

MBBS With Internship – Cons:

• Recognition issues in India

• Extra cost

• Possibility of repeating internship in India

10. Final Verdict – Which One Should You Choose?

For 2025 aspirants, if your goal is to return and practice in India, MBBS Direct (6 Years) is the safest and smartest option.

It’s more aligned with NMC rules, economical, and gives you internship experience in your home country, which is beneficial for PG preparation and job placements.

However, if you plan to settle abroad or practice in countries like Russia or Europe, MBBS with Internship may also be considered.

11. How to Confirm the Right Course Format?

Before applying to any university in Russia:

• Ask for the academic curriculum structure

• Confirm internship duration and content

• Cross-check with abroadmbbsadmission.in or any reliable official MBBS admission platform

• Avoid agents who are not transparent about the course format

Conclusion

Choosing the right MBBS program format is crucial for your medical career. With changing regulations in India, it's more important than ever to select an NMC-compliant university and course type.

MBBS Direct (6 Years) is increasingly becoming the standard for Indian students in Russia due to its cost, recognition, and regulatory clarity.

Always double-check with verified sources like abroadmbbsadmission.in to avoid any confusion or misinformation.