MBBS in Russia vs MBBS in Kazakhstan: Which One Should You Choose?

Planning to pursue MBBS abroad but confused between two choices: MBBS in Russia & MBBS in Kazakhstan? Deciding between the two can be difficult as both have their own pros and cons. Most Indian medical aspirants nowadays seek to study medicine in a foreign country. There are multiple options for pursuing MBBS abroad for Indian students in Russia as well as in Kazakhstan. The challenge lies in deciding which suits our academic background and budget. 

This blog will give a detailed overview of MBBS in Russia and MBBS in Kazakhstan so you can decide which one to choose. 
 

Study MBBS in Russia: Key Takeaways

Course Name	MBBS
Duration	6 years (including 1 year of compulsory internship)
Total Fees	INR 15 lakhs - 30 lakhs
Annual Course Fees	INR 2.5 lakhs - 5 lakhs
Mode of teaching	English
NEET Requirement	Mandatory for Indian Students
Eligibility Criteria	Aggregate of 50% marks in PCB subjects (40% for reserved category) Must be 17 years of age on or before 31 December 2026
Recognition	NMC approved
Monthly cost of living	INR 12,000 - INR 20,000
Intake Month	September

 

Study MBBS in Kazakhstan: Key Takeaways 

Course Name	MBBS
Course Duration	6 years (including 1 year of internship)
Eligibility	Atleast 50% marks in Class 12 in PCB subjects  A valid NEET scorecard
Medium of Teaching	English
Recognition	ECFMG, FAIMER
Monthly Living Expenses	₹5,000 - ₹10,000
Total Fee	₹15 Lakh - ₹25 Lakh
Top Universities	Kazakh National Medical University, Astana Medical University, Semey State Medical University

 

Also Read: MBBS in Kazakhstan

Top Reasons To Opt For MBBS in Russia and Kazakhstan

1. World-class infrastructure

This is one of the main reasons why students opt for pursuing MBBS in countries like Russia and Kazakhstan. Medical universities in Russia and Kazakhstan have state–of-the-art infrastructure with modern amenities in their classrooms and laboratories, as well as libraries and computer facilities. These facilities are useful during clinical rotations, and hence make Russia and Kazakhstan one of the top destinations for MBBS abroad. 

2. Affordable Fee Structure

Medical universities in Russia and Kazakhstan charge tuition fees much lower than those of Indian private medical colleges and universities of other countries. Pursuing affordable MBBS from universities in these countries doesn’t put much financial strain on students. 

 3.Hassle-free Admission Process 

The universities of Kazakhstan and Russia do not require medical aspirants to clear any entrance exam. The admission process is quite simple and makes it easy for students to secure an MBBS seat in these universities. 

3. English Medium MBBS Program

The MBBS program is taught in the English language at the universities of Russia and Kazakhstan, thus making it feasible for Indian and international students. 

 

MBBS in Russia Vs MBBS in Kazakhstan: A Comparison 

Factors	MBBS in Russia	MBBS in Kazakhstan
Course Duration	6 years (including 1 year internship)	6 years (including 1 year internship)
Total Tuition Fees	₹15 Lakh - ₹40 Lakh*	₹15 Lakh - ₹25 Lakh*
Medium of Instruction	English & Russian	English
Monthly Living Expenses	₹10,000 - ₹25,000	₹25,000 - ₹50,000
Eligibility Criteria	50% marks in PCB subjects (General), NEET qualifying score	50% marks in PCB subjects (General), NEET qualifying score
Top Universities	Perm State Medical University, Orenburg State Medical University, Mari State University	Kazakh National Medical University, Astana Medical University, Semey State Medical University

 

Note: These are approximate figures. The cost may vary depending on the university. 

Eligibility Criteria

A medical aspirant from India must fulfil the following eligibility criteria to get admission into universities in Kazakhstan and Russia: 

• A minimum of 50% marks in Class 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology from a recognised board or university
• The candidate must be 17 years of age as of December 31st in the admission year
• Must have qualified NEET & have a valid NEET scorecard

Admission Process To Study Medicine in Russia & Kazakhstan

The following are the steps for the admission process in medical universities in Russia and Kazakhstan:

Step 1 - Pick a university to do MBBS. 

Step 2 - Submit your application form with the necessary documents. 

Step 3 - Receive the admission letter from the university. 

Step 4- Pay your MBBS tuition fee as per the university rules. 

Step 5 - Apply for the student visa.

Step 6 - Book your flight and pack your luggage to start your journey to becoming a doctor. 

Cost Breakdown For Doing MBBS in Russia

Annual Tuition Fees	₹2.5 – ₹6 lakh per year
Total Tuition Fees	₹22 lakh – ₹35 lakh
Monthly Living Expenses	₹10K – ₹20K

 

Note: These are approximate figures. The cost may vary depending on the university. 

Cost Breakdown For Doing MBBS in Kazakhstan

Annual Tuition Fees	₹₹2.5 lakh - ₹4.5 lakh
Total Tuition Fees	₹15 Lakh - ₹25 Lakh
Monthly Living Expenses	₹25,000 - ₹50,000
Monthly Private Accommodation Cost	₹6,500 – ₹12,500

 

Note: These are approximate figures. The cost may vary depending on the university. 

Also Read: What to Consider While Choosing the Right University for MBBS Abroad

To Conclude 

After going through the information provided in this blog, you will be able to make an informed decision about whether to study MBBS in Russia or Kazakhstan. You can choose the university based on your goals and budget. However, make sure to go for the one that is NMC-compliant, offers clinical training and an English medium MBBS program. 

FAQs 

Q.1 What is the annual fee for pursuing an MBBS fee in Russia for Indian students?
Ans. The annual fee for the MBBS course ranges from INR 2.5 lakhs to INR 5 lakhs, depending on the university they have chosen for pursuing their medical studies. 

Q.2 Is an MBBS degree from Kazakhstan valid in India? 

Ans. Yes, most of the universities in Kazakhstan are NMC-compliant; therefore, the MBBS degree from these universities is valid in India. 

Q.3 What are the top reasons for choosing MBBS in Russia in 2026? 

Ans. The main reasons for doing MBBS in Russia in 2026 are the low fee structure, globally recognised degree, no donation, easy admission process and a student-friendly environment. 

Q.4 What are the eligibility criteria for doing MBBS in Kazakhstan? 

Ans. Below is the eligibility criteria for MBBS in universities of Kazakhstan:

• A minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Class 12
• The candidate must be 17 years of age as of December 31st in the admission year
• A valid NEET scorecard