Russia beckons medical students

Updated on: Monday, May 16, 2011

“In spite of scoring 93 per cent in core subjects, it is difficult to pursue my dream career in medicine in India, considering the intense competition. But Russia will provide me the opportunity. On completion of the course, I can return and practise medicine,” said S. Priyadarshini, a student at the ‘Days of Russian Higher Education in India' exhibition here on Saturday.

“Studying in Russia is very economical when compared to the Western and South-East Asian countries. In India, the private universities will demand a high capitation fee whereas I have also been offered a full scholarship in Russia,” she added.

The two-day educational exhibition that began on Saturday is being organised by Russian Centre of Science and Culture in association with education consultants Study Abroad. Six Russian universities are participating.

The medical courses were the main crowd puller. “The entry-level requirements in Russia are more relaxed. A minimum of 50 per cent in the core subjects will be sufficient to gain entry to a medical college,” explained C.Ravichandran, managing director, Study Abroad.

Once students complete the six-year course, which includes the internship period, they can come back and appear for the screening test of the Medical Council of India. Following this, they should undertake another year of internship before which they will be eligible to practise in India, according to Sayeed Kamruzzaman, Deputy Dean for Foreign Students, Tver State Medical Academy.

Except for a few business schools, all universities in Russia are state-run. According to Mr. Ravichandran, the emphasis is on regularity in attending classes.

Specialised technical courses such as astrophysics and aerospace engineering are also in demand, said representatives of the universities.

The universities are also offering full scholarships to students who have scored above 80 per cent in their core subjects.

Russia beckons medical students

More Education news