Why Choose Russia for Medical Education?
World-Class Science
Russia is famous for superiority in science and research. Over a quarter of the world's scientific literature is published in Russian.
Affordable Tuition
Very affordable tuition costs compared to Western countries, without compromising quality of education.
Globally Recognised Degrees
Russian medical degrees are recognised worldwide and aligned with the Bologna Process for international acceptance.
Diverse Environment
160 ethnic groups and 100 languages — Russia offers a truly multicultural study experience.
519 Institutions
Russia has 519 institutions of higher education and 48 universities offering world-class programs.
English Programs
Many programs now offered in English to attract and support international students.
The Russian Education System
Russia spans from the Eastern plains of Europe to the Orientals of Asia. The country covers 17,075,400 square kilometres, making it the largest country in the world. The official language is Russian, although there are some 100 languages spoken among the 160 ethnic groups registered to be living within Russian borders.
The Russian Education system is largely based on the central European system, and quite similar in its structure. The system is split into four major parts — primary, secondary, higher and postgraduate education. Secondary education in Russia is completed in 11 years instead of 12 as in many other countries. The certificate of Basic General Education received after year nine can lead on to two more years at secondary school, which gives a Certificate of Complete Secondary Education — making the student eligible for entry into higher education.
Russian Higher Education
There are three basic kinds of higher education institutions in Russia: Universities, Academies and Institutes. Universities offer a wide spectrum of programs on all levels of education. Academies provide higher education at all levels and conduct a large amount of research — usually specialised in one branch such as science, art or architecture. Institutes are independent parts of universities or academies offering professional education programs.
Russia has more university graduates than any other country in Europe. This is largely due to the government financing all education and higher education including living expenses during the Soviet era. There are some 519 institutions of higher education and 48 universities in Russia, historically placing much emphasis on science and technology.
Degree Structures in Russia
Bachelor's Degree (Bakalavr)
Higher education in Russia normally lasts between four to six years. The first four years of full-time university study leads to a Bakalavr (Bachelor) degree. The completion of the course requires a research project and passing the state final exams. The Bachelor degree is awarded in all fields except medicine, where the first stage lasts six years.
Master's Degree
Once students have obtained their Bachelor degree, they are eligible for entry into a Specialist Diploma and Master's degree program. In Russia, this does not count as postgraduate education, as is the case in most other countries. The master degree is awarded after two years of study, whereof one is a year of research including practice, preparation and defence of a thesis.
Postgraduate (Kandidat & Doctor Nauk)
A Master's degree qualifies the student to enter postgraduate education. Postgraduate education is obtained at a university or scientific institute and is split in two parts. The first level results in a Kandidat nauk degree — roughly equivalent to a Ph.D in the United States. Further postgraduate education (2–4 years) leads to a Doctor Nauk degree.
International Students in Russia
As the language of instruction is mainly Russian, most international students in Russia come from Poland and the near Baltic states — many of whom previously included in the Soviet Union. Increasingly, more international students from all over the world are coming to Russia — usually for its superior education in technology and science and its very affordable tuition costs. With the increasing numbers of international students, many schools have started programs in English. Most of these programs can be found in the two main international hubs of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Begin Your Medical Journey in Russia
Apply to DSMU today and take your first step toward a world-class medical career.