At a glance
What a student from Maharashtra needs to know before deciding — clearly and honestly.
The education
Russian medical universities have long taught MBBS in English at low cost; quality and recognition vary.
The true cost
Low tuition and living costs are the traditional draw, but current risks outweigh many of the savings.
Safety & visa
Check the latest MEA and Embassy of India guidance before you travel. Verify NMC eligibility and safety carefully first.
Top universities
A selection of universities popular with Maharashtra students, with indicative tuition.
After you graduate
Post-study work rights are the most important factor — and the most likely to change. Here is the position as of today.
Your most important post-study consideration is the right to work. Russia's current route is the return for licensing exams — presently up to —.
Immigration rules, eligibility and salary thresholds change frequently and without notice. Always verify the latest official guidance before you apply, and never treat any figure here as a guarantee of future entitlement.
- Most MBBS students return for FMGE
- Check the latest MEA advisory
- Check the programme against NMC/FMGL 2021 rules
Visa, work & money rules
The official rules behind your visa, work, family and budget planning. Rules change often, so confirm each point on the official government or university website before you apply.
Student visa
If you are admitted to a full-time degree programme at a Russian state (accredited) educational institution, you can get a РВПО — a temporary residence permit for the purpose of obtaining education. It is valid for your study period plus 180 days after you finish, so you do not need to renew a visa every year. Online and preparatory-course students are excluded.
Work while studying
With a valid РВПО, you can work during your studies without a separate work permit. This right is tied to the residence permit and ends when the permit expires. Online and preparatory-course students are excluded.
MBBS — NMC rules
If you plan to study MBBS, you must meet the NMC’s FMGL 2021 requirements: a qualifying NEET score (your NEET result serves as the Eligibility Certificate); the prescribed course and clinical-training duration; a 12-month internship at the same institution that awards the degree; instruction in English; and eligibility for registration or licensure in the country that awards the degree. Inclusion in the WDOMS/World Directory is not NMC approval. The FMGE still applies unless or until it is replaced by NExT. Verify the specific institution and programme against current NMC rules before you enrol.
ROI calculator
Enter your own numbers to see total investment and an indicative payback period. This is a guide only — not financial advice.
With the default assumptions (₹6L tuition and ₹6L living costs a year for 4 years, a 10% scholarship and a ₹14L starting salary), total investment is ₹46L and the indicative payback period is 5.7 years.
Russia — Master's ROI
Indicative · based on today's assumptions
Figures are indicative only and vary with fees, salaries, exchange rates and visa rules. Treat this as one data point — not conclusive evidence or financial advice.
Safety snapshot
Based on Ministry of External Affairs guidance — always check the latest official advisory before you travel.
Check the latest MEA advisory
Check the latest guidance from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Embassy of India in Moscow before you travel and during your stay, and register on MADAD (madad.gov.in). For current security developments, including reports about the recruitment of foreign nationals, read the live official sources and our News & Updates page.
Emergency contacts
MEA helpline: 1800 11 3090. Register at madad.gov.in.
Register with the embassy
Register at madad.gov.in on arrival so the nearest Indian Mission can reach you in an emergency.
Food, culture & community
What to expect day-to-day — and how to feel at home far from home, as a student from Maharashtra.
Food & groceries
Indian groceries available in Moscow and larger cities. Vegetarian options need planning.
The Maharashtra community
Historically large Indian medical-student presence; follow embassy guidance on the current situation.
Maha-Alumni Connect lets you speak with students from your own district who studied at these very universities.
Compare Russia with other destinations.
See the same degree across countries, or check the latest safety guidance before you commit.