It is possible for international students to study medicine for free in Russia through the fully funded Russian medical scholarship. Every year, a large number of international students receive scholarships for various programs and degrees in this country. By obtaining these scholarships, international students can pursue their medical education for free in Russia.
In most cases, the Russian scholarship includes free tuition along with a small stipend, which varies depending on the level of education. To learn more about this topic and gain further insights on studying abroad in Russia, stay with us until the end of this article on the Elm Vira website.
Requirements for Studying Medicine in Russia
If you are interested in studying medicine in Russia, it is important to first understand the requirements for medical studies in the country. To be eligible for free medical education in Russia, you must have completed courses in physics, chemistry, biology, and English. Additionally, a minimum score of 50% in subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology (or their equivalent) along with a GPA of 12 is required. The most challenging part of studying medicine and obtaining a fully funded Russian medical scholarship is choosing a university and receiving an acceptance offer.
It is essential to note that each program, degree level, and university has its specific procedures, and being familiar with the application process is crucial. Additionally, some institutions require specific documents such as an online interview with a non-refundable fee, transcripts from previous educational institutions, recommendation letters, and health information such as vaccination records.
- Furthermore, some of these institutions may require an in-person interview at an international location. It is important to understand that these requirements may present challenges for some applicants. Below, we will outline some of these conditions.

- Age Requirements for Studying Medicine in Russia
International students can apply for study visas and scholarships for medical studies in Russia after completing their secondary education, provided they are at least 17 years old. In other words, although obtaining a student visa at an older age may present some challenges, there is generally no specific age limit for studying medicine in Russia. By strengthening your academic resume and gaining relevant work experience in your field, you can still have a good chance of securing a student visa for medical studies in Russia at any age.
- Duration of Medical Education in Russia
Medical education in Russia is available in English, Russian, and occasionally French. The duration of the medical program typically ranges from 6 to 7 years, depending on the language of instruction. For international students, due to the additional year of language preparation, the total duration is usually 7 years.
It is important to note that the academic year in Russia consists of two terms: one from September to January and the other from February to June. Exams for the first term are held in January, and exams for the second term take place in June. Winter holidays for students typically run from January 20 to February 7, while summer holidays are from June 15 to August 31.

Required Documents for Studying Medicine in Russia
In general, to study medicine and apply for a Full-Funded Medical Scholarship in Russia, the following documents must be carefully prepared and translated to ensure the admission and visa process runs smoothly. The required documents for studying medicine in Russia are as follows:
- Completed Application Form: This form includes personal, academic, and contact information.
- Passport Copy: The passport must be valid for at least 18 months.
- Passport-sized Color Photos: Typically, 6 to 8 photos are required.
- High School and Pre-University Diplomas: Officially translated into Russian.
- Transcript of High School and Pre-University Education: Officially translated into Russian and verified by the relevant authorities.
- Medical Health Certificate: Including an HIV (AIDS) test and a health certificate from a certified doctor.
- Proof of Language Proficiency (Russian or English): Depending on the program, the university may require a semi-official language certificate such as IELTS, TOEFL, or similar.
- Acceptance Letter from the University: After acceptance, the university sends an official letter confirming the admission.
- Student Visa: Apply for a visa along with the documents listed above through the Russian embassy.
- Financial Proof: Documents showing your financial ability to cover living and study expenses in Russia.
Advantages of Studying Medicine in Russia
In addition to the opportunity to receive a Full-Funded Medical Scholarship, studying medicine in Russia offers various benefits for international students. The admission process is straightforward and does not require an entrance exam for most top universities in Russia, making it an attractive option for many students. Some additional benefits include:
- Affordable living costs compared to many European countries.
- Subsidies for tuition fees may be available.
- Globally recognized medical degrees from Russian universities.
- Medical programs are available in Russian, French, and English.
- No requirement for TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE scores for admission.
- During the internship period, students gain valuable clinical experience in well-equipped hospitals across the country.

Cost of Studying Medicine in Russia (2024)
In general, the cost of studying medicine in Russia is significantly affordable due to the low living expenses in the country. In addition to the Full-Funded Medical Scholarship, the Russian government offers subsidies covering 80 to 90 percent of tuition fees for international students. As a result, students only need to pay 10 to 20 percent of the costs of their education and living in Russia.
Although free medical education is available for some students, it is estimated that the cost of living for international students in Russia is around $200 per month. The total estimated annual living expenses range between $2800 to $4300. Therefore, Russia is considered a highly attractive destination for students who possess the necessary skills but cannot afford the expenses of countries like the United States or European nations.
It is important to note that tuition fees for medical studies can vary depending on whether the program is conducted in Russian or English. Additionally, the location of the university and the living area may have a direct impact on the overall cost of studying in Russia, as some cities are more expensive than others.
Top Medical Universities in Russia
Russia is known for offering Full-Funded Medical Scholarships, making it one of the most popular destinations for studying medicine. With affordable tuition, reputable universities, high academic standards, and advanced medical research facilities, Russia has become a leading choice for international students pursuing a medical degree. Below are some of the top medical universities in Russia:
- Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)
- Saint Petersburg State Medical University
- Sechenov University (Moscow)
- Novosibirsk State Medical University (NSMU)
- Kazan State Medical University (KSMU)

Russia Scholarship for Medical, Dentistry, and Pharmacy Programs
In Russia, there are opportunities for scholarships in various fields and academic levels. A large number of applicants are students from the medical field, so the question often arises: is it possible to get a scholarship for medical studies?
Yes, it is possible, but if we analyze it realistically, the chances of getting a Full-Funded Medical Scholarship in Russia are lower compared to other fields. This is primarily because the number of applicants for medical programs is significantly higher than in other fields, which naturally reduces the chances of securing a scholarship. However, certain factors can increase the chances of being awarded a scholarship for free medical education in Russia:
- High overall high school GPA
- High grades in subjects like biology and chemistry in high school
- Involvement in scientific activities related to the medical field
- Previous studies or work experience in healthcare sectors such as nursing or emergency care
- Success in chemistry and biology Olympiads
Requirements for Full-Funded Medical Scholarship in Russia
It is important to note that the Russian government scholarship is awarded to highly capable and talented individuals. When granting a Full-Funded Medical Scholarship in Russia, the decision-making body carefully evaluates the applicant’s academic performance and qualifications based on their previous education and resume.
Moreover, preparing personal documents to participate in the competition is crucial. While knowledge of the Russian language is not a requirement for obtaining this scholarship, having proficiency in Russian can be a significant advantage that can greatly increase the chances of being accepted for free medical education in Russia.

Steps to Apply for a Full-Funded Medical Scholarship in Russia
Many universities in Russia participate in offering government scholarships, including those approved by the Ministry of Science and Education of Russia and the Ministry of Health in Iran. After choosing a university to apply for a Full-Funded Medical Scholarship in Russia and being accepted, the following steps must be completed:
1. Obtain Information About Available Scholarships in Your Field of Study
Given the collaborations between countries, there are various scholarship programs available for different fields. More than 14,000 programs across over 500 universities in Russia are offered annually. To apply for government scholarships and have the chance to study medicine for free in Russia, it is important to inquire with the following responsible individuals or bodies:
- Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office
- Rossotrudnichestvo Representative at the Russian Embassy
- Russian Embassy
2. Register on the Scholarship Website
In the second step, you need to register on the scholarship website. To apply for the Russian government scholarship, you will need to provide detailed personal information, residence details, and passport information on the official website (Russia-study.com). You will also need to specify the field of study you wish to pursue and the area of specialization. Additionally, your educational level and proficiency in the Russian language will be evaluated.
3. Wait for an Invitation for the Interview and Examination
In the third step, based on your country of origin, the date and time for the interview and exams will be communicated via the website or email. These tests and interviews will be conducted by a committee that evaluates the qualifications and scores of applicants.

4. Reviewing Exam Results on the Website
In the next step, the results of the exams and interviews will be posted on the official website of the interview team. Notifications may also be sent via email. If an applicant does not have sufficient proficiency in the Russian language to study the chosen program, they will be required to complete a one-year preparatory course. This course, known as the Podfak (Preparatory Faculty), includes Russian language lessons as well as foundational courses related to the field of study (such as mathematics, physics, biology, etc.). After completing this course, the student will be eligible to pursue free medical studies in Russia.
5. Prepare and Submit Documents to Start the Study
Once the acceptance has been received, the next step is to submit the required supplementary documents to the interview team via email or in person. These documents include:
- A medical certificate confirming the applicant’s fitness for studying at Russian universities and a negative HIV test result
- A copy of the applicant’s documents (translated into Russian)
6. Wait for the Final Admission and Next Steps
After submitting the documents, the final admission decision for the Full-Funded Medical Scholarship in Russia will be communicated to the applicant. Upon receiving the admission, the applicant can proceed with the process of applying for a Russian student visa and begin their studies.
Required Documents for the Full-Funded Medical Scholarship in Russia
Similar to other study options in Russia, receiving a Full-Funded Medical Scholarship requires several documents:
- Application Form for Study
- Passport
- Educational Documents
- Medical Certificates:
- Confirmation of fitness to study in Russian universities
- HIV negative test result
- Transcript and Educational Documents
- Copy of Passport (valid for at least 1.5 years)
- Recommendation Letter in English (optional)
- Motivational Letter in English (optional)
- Personal Photograph
- Published Papers (optional)
Note that in the first step, translating educational documents is not required, but for the second step, all documents must be officially translated into Russian.
Required Documents for the Second Step:
If you are accepted in the first stage, in addition to the documents submitted earlier, the following must also be translated into Russian:
- Confirmation of Admission from the first stage
- Medical Certificate
- HIV Test Certificate

Application Deadline and Results Announcement for Russia’s Full Scholarship in Medicine
The application period for the Full Scholarship in Medicine in Russia typically occurs between December and January each year. However, for more precise details, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia and check the necessary details regarding the scholarship. Dates may vary by country and region and are dependent on each country’s educational system, but generally, the deadline is by February 20th for most countries.
Summary
This article from Elm Vira’s website discusses the Full Scholarship in Medicine in Russia. As mentioned, some of the advantages of studying in Russia include the opportunity for free medical education, reasonable living and tuition costs, ease of student admission, and no requirement for a language certificate. Additionally, the overall quality of education in Russia is acceptable, and the degrees awarded by Russian universities are internationally recognized.
Furthermore, Russia is a multicultural country, making it easier for international students to live there. Besides Russian, students can also study in English, which is a significant advantage for international students. Elm Vira Immigration Institute strives to guide applicants through the best legal routes for academic migration. Gathering the latest information on studying abroad and disseminating it is the expertise of Elm Vira’s immigration group. For information on study conditions abroad and to receive a free consultation, visit the free consultation section.
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