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Russia in recent years has earned the spotlight for MBBS study aspirants from across the world for being affordable. But that's not it. Russian universities are also known for best courses in Engineering, Aviation, Chemistry, and Astronomy.
However, the major reason to study in Russia for international students is its low cost of living. Cost of living in Russia for International students is way cheaper than many European countries. As the utilities, tuition fee, and cost of living in Russia is affordable and does not requires an international student to take loan for the same.
The average cost of living in Russia per month is anywhere between 30,000 Rubles to 40,000 Rubles. This data gives an approximate value of cost of living in Russia as a students and is subject to variated depending upon many individual factors.
According to popular statistics, the average cost of living in Russia for Indian students is 29% more expensive than India. This article explores the cost of living in Russia for international students to provide useful information to study in Russia aspirants.
Cost of living is a very important consideration for studying abroad in any country. It is required at the time of student visa application. Applicants must demonstrate that they have minimum support finances required to sustain themselves during their stay in the country.
The cost of living in Russia per month in rupees for a single student is approximately INR 23,636. Below is the breakdown of cost of living in Russia 2024 for international students.
Cost of Living in Russia per Month (approx.)
Expense Item | Costs per Month |
Dormitory | 5,000 Roubles ($71) |
Food | 10,000 roubles ($143) |
Transport | 405 roubles ($6) |
Internet, Mobile Phone | 800 roubles ($11) |
Culture, sport, entertainment | 4,000 roubles ($57) |
Total | 20,205 roubles ($289) |
The average cost of living in Russia for Indian students is USD 615/month and it is USD 440/month in India.
Overall cost of living in Russia is 29% more than in India.
Rental prices in Russia are 39.0% higher than in India.
Consumer Prices in Russia are 21.2% higher than in India (without rent).
Study in Russia offers various residential facilities to international students. Many public universities provide on campus housing facilities which are cheaper than off campus housing. That is why securing on campus housing is competitive in Russia.
University dormitories are the most common type of on campus housing and apartments are common in private rental facilities. Moscow and Petersburg are the costliest cities in Russia with high rental costs. Students applying to Russian universities are advised to apply as early as possible for on campus housing.
Accommodation cost for international students in Russia
Type of Accommodation | Cost per Month |
University Dormitories | 500 – 5,000 RUB |
Apartments | Up to 35,000 RUB depending on the city |
Tuition fees are not included in the cost of living. Tuition fees vary from university to university and are mentioned in the official websites of respective universities. Students must also take into consideration scholarships availability, student loans when calculating tuition fees.
Average Tuition Fees in Russia for International Students
Type of Degree | Cost per Year |
Bachelor’s Degree (4 Yr) | 2,40,000–8,80,000 RUB |
Masters Degree (2 Yr) | 2,40,000–632,580 RUB |
Medicine | 200,000-600,000 RUB |
Engineering | 1,22,000–200,000+ RUB |
Next major expense is taking care of food. There are two options to take care of nourishment while studying in Russia. Cooking in dormitories or private apartments or taking mess subscriptions. Cooking their own meals is cheaper.
The cost of a meal and groceries vary widely from city to city in Russia. The average expenditure towards food and groceries varies between 8,000 RUB–20,000 RUB per month.
Transport becomes a major consideration for students living off campus as regular commuting is necessary. Students who live on campus may have less need for transportation unless they are going around a city or spending a week off. Russia has good public transportation systems: Buses and trains.
Here again, transportation costs tend to be higher in Moscow and St Petersburg compared to the rest of the country. Student concession passes are available.
Cost of Transportation in Russia
Mode of Transportation | Average Cost per Month |
Train (Monthly Pass) | 1970-2000 RUB |
Train(Single Trip) | 57 RUB |
Train Monthly Pass with Student Concession | 400-500 RUB |
As per Russian Government rules, all international students must purchase health insurance within 15 days of arrival in the country. A medical insurance certificate serves as proof of foreign citizen living in Russia. It is mandatory to avail healthcare services from hospitals in Russia. The average cost of buying health insurance in Russia is 4,000 to 12,000 RUB per year.
While studying in Russia, students may have to use the internet, mobile phones, and buy study materials. The average costs of buying a SIM card come to be around 300 – 500 RUB per month.
These costs involve expenditure required for socialising, cultural pursuits, clothing, and other personal expenses. These vary widely depending on the lifestyle choices of a student. On an average, study in russia suggests that these can be up to 4000 RUB per month.
Cost of living in Russia for international students varies from city to city. Moscow and St Petersburg are the most expensive cities in Russia for students. They are the most beautiful, culturally rich cities as well. What city to choose in Russia is a decision to take based on affordability, requirements, lifestyle of individual students. Below table gives approximate cost of living in Russia for major cities.
Cost of Living in Russian Cities
City in Russia | Living Costs per Month | Living Costs per Month in INR (Round off) |
Moscow | 41,418 RUB | 35,743 INR |
St Petersburg | 38,207 RUB | 32,972 INR |
Nizhny Novgorod | 35,363 RUB | 30,518 INR |
Samara | 34,254 RUB | 29,560 INR |
Yekaterinburg | 33,385 RUB | 28,811 INR |
Cost of living in Russia is 29% more expensive than that of India. However, Russia is very affordable compared to many other countries.
Rental costs in Russia vary from city to city and depending on the type of accommodation. University dormitories are the cheapest type of accommodation available to international students. Apartments are common private accommodation in Russia. On an average, rent ranges from 500-35,000 RUB per month.
An international student requires $300/month to live comfortably in Russia. This is around 24,890.75/month.
Ministry of Economic Development data reveals that from 2023 onwards, average salary in Russia is 76604 RUB/Month.
Hello Rakesh,
Here’s a list of top medical colleges for pursuing an MD after completing a Pharm D (7 years course + 1-year internship) from Russia or the Middle East:
Russia:
Middle East:
These universities are renowned for their medical programs and offer opportunities for further specialization after a Pharm D.
To know more about medical colleges in Russia, visit : https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/top-medical-universities-in-russia
Hope it helps !
Hi,
Yes, there are colleges in Russia that offer direct admission to students for MBBS programs. Many Russian universities do not require students to clear entrance exams like NEET for admission, especially for international students. However, if you plan to practice in India after completing your MBBS, you would still need to clear the NEET exam.
Eligibility : Typically, students need to have completed their 12th grade with Biology, Physics, and Chemistry as core subjects and a minimum percentage requirement (usually around 50-60%).
No Entrance Exam : Most Russian medical universities offer admission based on 12th-grade marks, without the need for entrance exams.
Language : Some universities offer courses in English, but many also have courses in Russian. Learning basic Russian is often recommended for better interaction with patients during clinical practice.
Recognition : Ensure that the university is recognized by bodies such as the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the National Medical Commission (NMC) if you plan to practice in India.
Popular Universities :
https://medicine.careers360.com/neet-college-predictor?utm_source=qna&utm_medium=neet_cp
Hope you find this useful!
If you want to pursue a Master's in Clinical Psychology in India with an MBBS degree, it might be challenging since many top universities prefer candidates with a B.Sc. or BA in Psychology. However, there are a few pathways and options to consider:
While many top universities prefer candidates with a psychology background, institutions like NIMHANS, CIP, and PGIMER may accept MBBS graduates for advanced psychology programs. Research specific universities, consider M.Phil. programs, or look into private universities with flexible admission criteria.
Hello Sahil! Since you completed your MBBS from Russia and have not taken the FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduate Examination), you have several alternative career options and fields for further studies in India. Here are some possibilities:
1.
Masters Programs:
a) Public Health [ Master of Public Health (MPH)]: Focus on health policy, epidemiology, and public health management.
b) Hospital Management ( MBA in Healthcare Management): Learn about healthcare administration, hospital operations, and management.
c) Clinical Research ( MSc in Clinical Research): Study clinical trials, research methodologies, and drug development.
d) Biomedical Sciences ( MSc in Biomedical Sciences): Focus on research and development in medical sciences and biotechnology.
e) Medical Informatics (
MSc in Medical Informatics):
Specialize in healthcare data management, electronic health records, and health information systems.
2.
Other Professional Courses:
a) Healthcare Consultancy:
Work as a consultant in healthcare management, policy development, or health technology.
b) Medical Writing:
Specialize in writing for medical journals, health content, and regulatory documentation.
c) Teaching and Academics:
Consider teaching medical or health-related subjects at educational institutions or training centers.
a) Clinical Psychology: Pursue a career in clinical psychology or counseling with additional qualifications.
b) Ayurveda or Alternative Medicine: Explore opportunities in fields like Ayurveda, homeopathy, or other alternative medicine systems.
c) Nutrition and Dietetics: Specialize in nutrition, diet planning, and wellness.
a) Healthcare Startups:
Start or work with healthcare startups focusing on innovation and technology.
b) Pharma and Biotechnology:
Explore roles in pharmaceutical companies or biotechnology firms.
The Conclusion:
You have several viable career paths and study options in India beyond taking the FMGE. Consider your interests and career goals when choosing the right path for you.
I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.
Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.
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