Founded:
2011
Country:
Russia
Planning to pursue your medical education overseas? Talk to our experts and achieve your academic goals at North Western State Medical University.
Planning to pursue your medical education overseas? Talk to our experts and achieve your academic goals at North Western State Medical University.
North Western
State Medical University
Founded
2011
Country
Russia
North Western State Medical University is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, situated 700 kilometres away from the Russian capital, Moscow. It has a population of more than 5,000 students, with 700+ international students from more than 50 countries who enrolled here to pursue their MBBS in Russia. All the enrolled students get access to state-of-the-art learning facilities, including research laboratories, simulation equipment, and 11 medical centres with on-campus rejuvenation facilities (cafés, a library, a swimming pool, and more).
Established in 2011 following a merger between the two oldest universities in Russia, North Western State Medical University (named after I. I. Mechnikov) is a reputable public medical institution. It is named after the zoologist Ilya Ilyich Mechnikov, who was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in 1908. The university is an amalgamation of the “St. Petersburg Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education” and the “St. Petersburg State Medical Academy named after I. I.I. Mechnikov”, holding a legacy of over 125 years.
It operates under the regulations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation and employs experienced professionals as faculty members, including 7 members of the Russian Academy of Sciences. North Western State Medical University has a 6-year MD programme (equivalent to the MBBS in India) in General Medicine (GM) that has “English Medium Instruction” (EMI). This implies that the university offers the entire course in English to all Indian students; however, the patient interaction during the clinical years phase requires proficiency in Russian. The university offers a 9-month “Preparatory Programme” for undergraduate students that helps them to learn Russian, learn scientific terminology and get acquainted with the campus.
Ritika Sharma
The university was the right choice for me to study my MBBS in Russia, as it offers me an excellent opportunity to learn about the medical field from the faculty members and my peers. Thank you Education Vibes for your assistance.
Mohammed Arif Khan
I am very impressed by the curriculum and practical learning opportunities at the North Western State Medical University. I wish to gain more confidence as I progress through this programme.
Sneha Patil
The teaching quality at the North Western State Medical University is quite good, especially in clinical subjects. The labs and simulation centres are very well equipped with the latest medical equipment.
Rahul Verma
I believe North Western State Medical University is the place where I will be able to fulfil my dreams of becoming a successful doctor. The university has a very disciplined environment, which is helping me to stay focused on my studies.
Saba Parveen
I chose North Western State Medical University for its reputation as a highly prestigious university in Russia. Their teachers are renowned for their contributions to Russia’s scientific and medical fields. The facilities, as I can see, are way better than I expected them to be!
North Western State Medical University is the result of the amalgamation between two of the oldest universities in Russia, located in Saint Petersburg. The university has a decade-old academic tradition in producing multiple healthcare professionals in different specialities. Here are some of the major reasons why you should consider applying for it:
North Western State Medical University is a globally recognised medical institution, accredited by various national and international authorities and organisations, such as:
North Western State Medical University has modified its medical programme in 2020 to align with the regulations of India’s National Medical Commission (NMC). These regulations from the NMC outline the compliance one must check in their chosen institutions to be eligible for valid registration and practice medicine in India after graduation.
The duration of the General Medicine EMI (English Medium Instruction) is 6 years, which complies with the minimum duration of 54 months of academic study.
The medical programme, General Medicine (EMI), fully complies with the NMC requirement regarding medium of instruction in English from the degree-awarding institution.
The curriculum at the North Western State Medical University complies with the requirements of the mandatory subjects, as per Schedule 1 in the “Gazette of India”.
The university is recognised by the Russian government, awarding graduates with the qualification of “medical doctor" that enables them to pursue a career in Russia.
The medical programme at North Western State Medical University has an integrated “clinical internship”, aligning with the NMC requirement for a foreign clinical internship.
All the graduates from the university are eligible for FMGE/NExT, subject to compliance with NMC regulations and having a valid NEET qualification.
Our experts continuously keep up to date with the latest developments in the medical programmes offered by North Western State Medical University to comply with the NMC FMGL Regulations.
To plan for an MBBS abroad effectively, students and parents must understand the major costs involved in academics and daily living. We have prepared a brief representation of the North Western State Medical University fees structure in the 1st year and the overall expenses in the 6th year.
| Tuition Fee | RUB 490,000 | ₹5,39,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Fee | RUB 36,000 | ₹39,600 |
| Food / Groceries | RUB 50,000 | ₹55,000 |
| Visa & Visa Extension | RUB 17,000 | ₹18,700 |
| Medical Insurance & Test | RUB 33,000 | ₹36,300 |
| Tuition Fee | RUB 2,940,000 | ₹32,34,000 |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Fee | RUB 216,000 | ₹2,37,600 |
| Food / Groceries | RUB 250,000 | ₹2,75,000 |
| Visa & Visa Extension | RUB 27,000 | ₹29,700 |
| Medical Insurance & Test | RUB 63,000 | ₹69,300 |
All the values are subject to change based on different factors, including the prevailing exchange rate (in March 2026). Additional charges may be incurred for extra features provided by the university, such as medical equipment and more
Free Eligibility Check
Meeting the North Western State Medical University eligibility criteria for Indian students is important to enter the admission process. The following are the common eligibility criteria: combining the guidelines of the National Medical Commission (NMC) in India and the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation:
A very important component of the North Western State Medical University admission process is the in-house entrance examination. This entrance exam must be cleared by all the international applicants who want to enrol in the General Medicine EMI programme.
Attend a 1:1 counselling session with our experienced counsellor, who will discuss with you a future course of action, legal requirements, budget considerations, and more.
Our team takes care of everything: paperwork, documentation, notarisation, translation into Russian, and apostille from the MEA to finally submit your application.
After North Western State Medical University has reviewed your admission application, you will receive an admission confirmation letter.
North Western State Medical University conducts online entrance exams, requiring candidates to clear tests in English, chemistry, and biology.
After clearing the entrance examination, you receive a study contract at your email address. Pay the first year's tuition fees (if applicable) to secure your seat.
We will get your documents apostilled from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and get the invitation letter from the university (approved by the Russian ministry).
Apply for a single-entry visa at the nearest Russian embassy or consulate by submitting the application with supporting documents and paying the application fee.
After getting the visa, notify the university of your expected arrival date. Meet our local representative at the airport and fulfil the legal requirements as an international student.
Indian medical aspirants must ensure that they have all the required documents for a successful transition from India to the MBBS in Russia at North Western State Medical University. All the documents must be translated into Russian, notarised, and apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India.
Based on the official admission guidelines from the North Western State Medical University, the university follows a single academic cycle for international students, i.e., in September.
September Intake
Main Intake (Primary)
Application Timeline
| June - July | Application Period |
|---|---|
| July - August | Exam & Review |
| August - September | Visa Processing |
| September | Classes Begin |
Years 1-2
Year 3
Years 4-6
One of the highlights in the curriculum is the third phase: clinical years, comprising hospital-based rotations across specialities. It requires students to be proficient in Russian for proper communication and comprehension while interacting with the local patients.
Here are some of the alternative top universities in Russia that Indian medical aspirants can consider, based on their goals and eligibility.
Often referred to as Russia’s “Venice of the North”, Saint Petersburg is a vibrant and safe port city on the Baltic Sea. This second capital of Russia offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with efficient public transport and several iconic heritage sites.
| City | Saint Petersburg |
|---|---|
| Region | Northwestern Federal District |
| Connectivity | Pulkovo International Airport (LED), Sapsan Trains, Petersburg Seaport. |
| Population | 5.6 millions (est. in 2026) |
| Attractions | Mariinsky Theatre, Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospekt, Saviour on the Spilled Blood. |
| Time Zone | MSK (UTC+3); 2.5 hours behind India Standard Time (IST) |
The university dormitory is located at 47/45 Piskarevsky Avenue. Accommodation features shared rooms, consisting of 8-9 accommodation units with occupancy for 2-3 students per room. It features a kitchen, shower, and toilet and also provides fresh bed linens.
There are 4 on-campus cafeterias which offer students affordable meals. Additionally, provided dormitories also have shared kitchens for you to cook your own meals. Indian students can easily find Indian spices and grocery items (such as lentils) at local supermarkets.
To ensure students’ safety, North Western State Medical University provides 24/7 security, featuring CCTV surveillance, and an electronically operated passing-entry system for all buildings. Additionally, international students with a VHI (insurance) receive on-campus medical treatments.
The university dormitory is located at 47/45 Piskarevsky Avenue. Accommodation features shared rooms, consisting of 8-9 accommodation units with occupancy for 2-3 students per room. It features a kitchen, shower, and toilet and also provides fresh bed linens.
North Western State Medical University offers students modern amenities and a range of opportunities to truly enjoy student life alongside classroom studies.
Saint Petersburg, the location of the North Western State Medical University, has a seasonal variation that is defined by its dramatic shifts in daylight and nighttime temperatures. The city is famous for its “White Nights” phenomenon during summers.
Pleasant and sunny summer days with long daylight hours (“White Nights”) and temperatures generally fluctuate between 15°C and 30°C.
Perfect time for - boat trips along the Neva River canals, exploring the Peterhof fountains, and enjoying the “White Nights” cultural festivals.
Long and cold weather with frequent snowfall and icy winds, recording the temperature at -10°C (reaching -25°C or lower during mid-winter).
Don’t worry! All university buildings are equipped with central heating systems to ensure a warm and comfortable indoor climate for students and staff.
Graduating from the North Western State Medical University opens multiple doors for all students to pursue their clinical careers according to their long-term goals. With an MD degree (equivalent to an MBBS), students can prepare themselves for the following pathways:
Qualify for the FMGE/NExT, complete CRMI, and begin practising.
Clear the local licensing requirements and practise or pursue PG.
Meet the residency requirements of the country where you want to practise.
Build a career in research, academics, or healthcare management fields.
Education Vibes supports students at every stage of their MBBS abroad journey, offering reliable guidance and complete professional assistance from start to finish. Our experts maintain complete transparency in each and every step of the process, from admission to settling in at the North Western State Medical University.
Education Vibes provides one-to-one counselling to understand each student’s academic background, budget, and career goals. Based on the counselling, our counsellors recommend the right path to help students make informed decisions about their professional aspirations.
Our team helps students understand the entire process of applying for the medical programme at Russian universities. They explain about the entrance examination, admission letter, legal requirements, and other relevant information, enabling them to be aware and prepared for the process.
Education Vibes assists in preparing and verifying the required documents, including academic transcripts, NEET scorecards, and passports. Our team guides students throughout the visa application process, ensuring that students receive their study visa on time and fly to study MBBS in Russia.
Students receive complete guidance on travel arrangements, including flight booking and forex cards. We provide students with a comprehensive pre-departure session to make them familiar with the country, including its immigration procedures and other important information, before leaving India.
Our team arranges accommodation that will be safe and affordable for them, either in university hostels or private accommodation. Our local representative in Russia assists students with airport transfers, university registration, and settling into the new country comfortably.
Our support services go beyond the admission process and remain in touch with the students. We help them with academic concerns, documentation, and general queries. The continuous support ensures that students focus on their studies and adapt to their new environment.
About the author
I am Sanchita Das, a Senior SEO Content Specialist with 6+ years of experience in content writing and research analysis. I have experience in creating academic content, webpage content, articles, blogs, guest posts, and LinkedIn Newsletter across education-specific domains, including study abroad, MBBS abroad, and higher education in India. My expertise focuses on developing informative, engaging, and SEO-optimised content exclusively for students and education seekers.
North Western State Medical University is among the most prominent and oldest medical institutions in Russia, with a global ranking in the bracket of 701 and 850, as ranked by the QS for its medicine. More than 400 Indian students enrolled in the General Medicine EMI programme after the university modified it to fully comply with the NMC regulations.
The MBBS fees at North Western State Medical University are RUB 490,000 per year, which translates to an annual amount of ₹5.5 lakh in Indian currency (as per the exchange rate in March 2026). The overall tuition fees in the 6th year cost about RUB 2,940,000, representing an overall budget of ₹33.21 lakh for Indian students in their local currency (as per the exchange rate in March 2026).
Yes, the MD degree (equivalent to an MBBS in India) from North Western State Medical University is valid in India and recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The university modified its programme in 2020 to fully comply with the NMC FMGL Regulations.
North Western State Medical University offers a General Medicine (EMI) programme where the primary medium of instruction is English for the entire duration of the studies. However, students must have proficiency in Russian to interact and communicate with the local patients during the clinical years.
The total duration of the General Medicine EMI (English Medium Instruction) programme at North Western State Medical University is 6 years, including 12-month clinical rotations.
Yes, all international medical candidates must clear an online entrance examination to be qualified for the “General Medicine EMI” programme. The entrance examination will cover three core subjects, including English, Chemistry, and Biology.
Having a NEET qualification is not compulsory for Indian students to secure admission at North Western State Medical University; however, they must have a NEET-UG qualification (valid for up to three years from the date of the results) if they intend to practise medicine in India after their completion of the MBBS in Russia.
North Western State Medical University offers students 8-9 accommodation options with shared rooms for 2 to 3 students. These accommodations are fully furnished with beds, study tables, and wardrobes and include shared kitchen and laundry facilities.
While the four on-campus cafeterias provide satisfactory and affordable meals, Indian students can also use shared kitchen facilities in dormitories to cook their meals. They will easily find Indian groceries and spices at nearby local supermarkets in Saint Petersburg.
The campus and dormitories are monitored 24/7 with CCTV surveillance, with entry doors having an electronic checking system. In case of medical emergencies, students with a Voluntary Health Insurance (VHI) policy receive on-campus medical treatment.
