Do you aspire to become a doctor and heal the world with your expertise, but you are bound by financial constraints? If so, an MBBS scholarship is your saviour! Countries like Russia are known to offer world-class MBBS programs at an affordable price. However, in case you still find your medical studies unaffordable, you can take the help of financial aid.
Lack of finances should not become a hurdle on your way to becoming an exceptional doctor. Keep reading to find out the top medical scholarships that will financially assist you in the pursuit of your medical dreams in Russia.
Types of Scholarships
Before we dive into the top MBBS scholarships to study in Russia, let’s understand what their types are to help you choose the one that serves you best. Here are some of the most popular kinds of medical scholarships:
Russian Government Scholarships
The Russian government provides scholarships under its Federal Scholarship Program. This allows international students to pursue their MBBS in Russia without worrying about their finances.
These scholarships usually take care of your tuition fees and hostel stay, plus they even give you a small monthly allowance to help with daily living costs. Students from India can easily apply for these scholarships via the Russian Embassy or the official Rossotrudnichestvo office.
University-Specific Scholarships
Many medical universities in Russia offer scholarships to encourage talented international students to study there. These scholarships might be given based on your academic performance or your financial situation.
Private and Regional Scholarships
Both Indian and Russian organisations often provide scholarships for students who want to study MBBS in Russia. Groups like the Rotary Foundation and the Global Education Program offer funding that can cover tuition fees and living costs. Students can look into these opportunities and apply for the ones that match their academic achievements and personal goals.
➨ Also Read: Why Studying MBBS in Russia is the Best Decision in 2025?
Top Scholarships
MBBS aspirants have a range of scholarship options that can fund their education and stay in Russia. Check out below some of the top MBBS scholarships you can seek for your medical studies in the country.
| Scholarship Name | Type | Offered By | Grant |
| Rotary Foundation Global Grants | Private | The Rotary Foundation | USD 30,000 – USD 4,00,000 |
| Orenburg State Medical University Scholarship | University-Based | Orenburg State Medical University | Varies |
| Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project | Government | Russian Government | Full Tuition Coverage |
Rotary Foundation Global Grants
Global grants support graduate students studying abroad in any of Rotary’s focus areas:
- Fighting disease
- Promoting peace
- Saving mothers and children
- Providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
- Growing local economies
- Supporting education
- Protecting the environment
These scholarships can last from one to four years and may cover an entire degree program. They are funded through District Designated Funds (DDF), cash, directed gifts, and endowment earnings.
Orenburg State Medical University Scholarship
Orenburg State Medical University (OSMU) has different scholarships available for both Russian and international students. These include university-specific and external scholarships, along with possible tuition fee waivers and discounts to help make studying more affordable.
The financial grant is offered to academically deserving students to encourage them and allow them to serve society.
Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project
The Open Doors Scholarship is a fantastic chance for bright, motivated students from all over the world to study in Russia and kickstart an international academic career.
This competition has been around since 2017 and is run by the Association of Global Universities, which is a network of Russia’s top universities, with support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and Rossotrudnichestvo.
Thousands of students take part in the scholarship every year. Open Doors covers 14 diverse fields, from engineering and medicine to economics and linguistics. In the past seven years alone, more than 6,000 students have taken this path and made their dream of studying in Russia a reality.
Eligibility Criteria
While the eligibility criteria vary depending on the type of MBBS scholarship you choose, the general requirements remain the same. Please take a look at the criteria you usually need to meet to secure financial aid for MBBS in Russia.
- Students need to demonstrate a good academic record.
- They must be non-Russian citizens.
- Applicants should have completed their 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
How to Apply?
Your application process will differ in accordance with the type of scholarship you are applying for. However, here are the general steps you can follow to land suitable financial aid for MBBS in Russia:
- First of all, confirm if you are even eligible to receive a scholarship.
- Then, choose the type of scholarship that suits you best.
- Submit the required application on the official website of the organisation/scholarship/university.
- Submit the mandatory documents related to your address proof and academic qualifications.
- Once you are done with the application, wait for the response.
Conclusion
Indian students have a range of options available when it comes to MBBS scholarships. Feel free to choose the right one for you and apply for the same on its official website. Do you want to pursue your MBBS in Russia but don’t know where to start? If so, contact Rus Education for complete assistance and guidance.
FAQs
Q.1 Do MBBS students get scholarships?
Answer: Yes, MBBS students can apply for a scholarship to receive financial support for education in Russia or any other country. For instance, the Russian government offers the Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project, which offers full tuition coverage.
Q.2 In which country MBBS is free?
Answer: While no country offers a completely free MBBS, several countries like Russia offer very affordable medical degrees.
Q.3 Can I complete MBBS in 4 years?
Answer: No, an MBBS program typically lasts 6 years.
Q.4 In which language is MBBS taught in Russia?
Answer: The MBBS program is primarily taught in English in Russia.
Q.5 How many Indians go to Russia for MBBS?
Answer: Data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shows that the number of Indian students in Russia has grown steadily, from 19,784 in 2022 to 23,503 in 2023, and then up to 31,444 in 2024. This increase highlights the rising popularity of medical education in Russia among Indian students.
