Study Medicine in Russia
One location in Moscow: Sechenov University teaches medicine in English, EUR 6,650 per semester. Recognition and travel involve extra steps.
At a glance
The key facts about studying medicine in this country.
Universities
1 location
Tuition fees
13.300 EUR per year
Living costs
500–800 EUR per month
Language of instruction
English
Duration
6 years
Admission process
Direct application to the university
Recognition
Recognition varies by country. Confirm your country's specific requirements with our advisors.
EU status
Not an EU member
Why international students study here
Russia is an option for international applicants looking for an English-language medical degree at a large state university without grade-based entry restrictions. One location is offered: the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University in Moscow.
Sechenov University in Moscow
The I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University teaches human medicine in English. Tuition fees are 6,650 EUR per semester, or 1,250,000 RUB in local currency. The university is one of the largest medical schools in Russia, with its own hospitals and a high proportion of international students. Moscow is a city of millions with dense public transport and long winters.
How the degree is structured
Human medicine in Russia takes six years. The first years cover foundational subjects, after which teaching shifts to the clinics. The English-language program is organized as a separate track; Russian is not required for admission. The clinical section requires basic Russian skills, as patients in Moscow speak Russian. Language courses therefore usually run alongside the degree.
What needs to be said honestly
Russia is not an EU member. A degree from Russia is not automatically recognized in most countries. There are also practical considerations: direct flights to Moscow from Western Europe currently do not exist; travel requires connections via third countries. Bank transfers for tuition fees from the European banking system to Russia are also restricted and must be clarified on a case-by-case basis. Anyone considering Russia should look into these points before applying, not after.
All universities in this country
Each university with programmes, fees and language of instruction — one click leads to the full university page.
What does studying medicine here cost?
The I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University charges 6,650 EUR per semester, equivalent to 1,250,000 RUB, so 13,300 EUR per academic year. Living costs in Moscow are generally between 500 and 800 EUR per month. Student dormitory places are the most affordable option.
A rough estimate for one academic year in Moscow: 13,300 EUR in tuition plus around 650 EUR per month for twelve months, approximately 21,100 EUR total. Not included are visa fees, health insurance, travel home via connecting flights, and the additional costs related to restricted payment transfers. Anyone budgeting for Russia should factor in a buffer for exchange rate fluctuations.
How does the application process work?
Applications go directly to the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University. There are no grade-based entry restrictions. The basis is the high school diploma or equivalent, proof of English proficiency, and science subjects, particularly biology and chemistry. An entrance test or interview may be added depending on the year.
The academic year begins in autumn. Studying in Russia requires a student visa obtained via an invitation from the university. Travel from Western Europe involves connections via third countries, so timing must be planned carefully.
For Russia, the consultation with Medschool Experts is more involved than for an EU study country, covering documents, deadlines, visa, payment logistics, and an honest preliminary question: whether Russia is actually the right destination at all, given the recognition pathway, travel logistics, and payment options.
Is the degree recognised internationally?
Recognition varies by country. Confirm your country's specific requirements with our advisors at Medschool Experts.
Studying and everyday life on site
Teaching at the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University is highly structured: attendance monitored, timetable packed, assessments frequent and often oral. Practical training takes place at the university's hospitals in Moscow, where Russian is needed from the clinical section onward. Language courses must be taken seriously from the start.
Accommodation is usually in the university dormitory, by far the most affordable option in Moscow. Public transport is dense and runs around the clock. The winter is long and cold — November to March. Travel home takes more time and money than from an EU study country due to the connecting flights required.
Frequently asked questions about studying medicine in this country
Do I need specific grades to study medicine in Russia?
No. The I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University does not allocate places based solely on grades. Assessed are the high school diploma or equivalent, science subjects, and English proficiency.
Can I study medicine in English in Russia?
Yes. The program is taught in English. Russian is not required for admission but is needed during the clinical section and should be learned alongside the degree from the start.
What does studying medicine in Russia cost?
6,650 EUR per semester, so 13,300 EUR per academic year, plus 500 to 800 EUR per month in living costs, visa fees, insurance, and travel home via connecting flights.
Is a medical degree from Russia recognized internationally?
Not automatically. Russia is not an EU member. Recognition depends on your target country's requirements and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Confirm your country's specific requirements with our advisors at Medschool Experts.
How do I travel to Moscow?
A student visa is required, obtained via a university invitation. Direct flights from Western Europe currently do not exist; connections via third countries are required.
How do I pay tuition fees in Russia?
Transfers from the European banking system to Russia are currently restricted and must be clarified before enrollment. Medschool Experts covers this point in the consultation.
Can I transfer from Russia to an EU university?
A transfer after the pre-clinical section to the EU is a common route for those seeking automatic recognition. It depends on available places and acceptance of credits, and is not guaranteed. This question belongs at the start of the planning process.
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