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Recently, RUS Education organised The Russian Education Fair in Kolkata in collaboration with the Russian Center of Science and Culture, India. The purpose of the event was to assist students aspiring to join medical and engineering universities in Russia. Representatives from various Russian medical and engineering colleges were present to interact with the students and assist them. Tver State Medical University, Orenburg State Medical University, Mari State University, Prem State Medical University, Siberian State Medical University, Ural Federal University, National Research Nuclear University, and Moscow Technological University were among the universities that participated in this event.

Talking about their current year’s journey, Dr. Dinesh Singla, Director RUS Education told BE, “Apart from the MBBS courses, a fresh initiative is being taken this year to offer programmes like nuclear physics, engineering, aviation, and cosmonautics.”

There were four technical universities participating in this event apart from the eight medical universities that welcomed more than 3,000 Indian students last year. Singha added, “Considering the interest and demand on the part of the students, we are expecting around 6,000 candidates (more than 200 from Kolkata) to immigrate to Russia this year.”

The eight medical universities participating this year were all WHO-recognised bodies providing medical training, research facilities, quality education along with hostel facilities. Considering the increasing number of Indian students that migrate to Russian universities for higher studies, amenities like food from Indian cuisine  have been provided by Russian universities. According to the representatives, the other advantages of studying in Russia include advanced practical training under expert supervision and advanced technological exposure. Most of the universities have their individual hospitals within the campus.

BE’s Rohit Prasad spoke to Dr Dinesh Singla about their initiatives undertaken by them in accordance with the Russian Board of Education.

Q. There are no pre-qualifying exams like CET, IELTS etc. for admission to universities in Russia. What is the criterion for evaluating the language proficiency of a candidate?

A. The candidates from this year will be evaluated on the basis of their academic performance, especially in English in their high school level. The students need to secure between 50% and 60% in English, depending on the universities. Moreover, English has to be the students’ first language.

Q. What are the financial implications for higher education in Russia? 

A. The charges including the cost of living are lower than Rs. 3 lakhs per annum. It may shoot up to Rs. 4 lakhs for technical and engineering courses. This will also depend on the university chosen by the candidate. For the medical courses, the charges would range between Rs.12 to Rs.40 lakhs for the six-year course.

Q. What scholarships and grants are provided?

A. The scholarships and grants provided by the government depend upon the academic performance of the student. However, the grants are meagre. The cost of education is generally borne by the student’s family.

Q. What are the travel and visa facilities?

A. The colleges provide the students with visa. However, the work visa (in case the student decides to work there) is to be provided by the respective companies and institutions that employ the candidates. RUS Education looks after their visa facilities, admission procedures, and also makes travel arrangements.

Q. What other courses can the students opt for in Russia?

A. The students can also opt for humanities, especially the study of the Russian language. Out of the total number of candidates immigrating to Russia for higher studies, 3% of them choose to study linguistics (mainly the Russian language).