Language of Instruction

English

English is an official language

English

English is not an official language

English / Russian


English is not an official language

Course Duration

6.5 years (incl. BS + MD + structured internship)

Indian students get license as per 1959 Act (amended 2024)

6 years (No officially recognized internship)


No Govt. notification for license in India

5–6 years (No officially recognized internship)


No Govt. notification for license in India

Medium of Communication

English

Professors are very fluent, excellent vocabulary

English

Professors not fluent

English/Russian

Professors not fluent

Admission Exam

NMAT required after pre-med


Only qualified students get selected – degree is not for sale

No entrance exam


Anyone can get admission

Usually no entrance exam


Anyone can get admission

Tuition Fees (approx.)

💲 $2,500 – $4,000 / year

💲 $4,000 – $6,000 / year

💲 $2,500 – $4,000 / year

Cost of Living

💲 $300 – $500 / month

💲 $300 – $600 / month

💲 $150 – $300 / month

Recognition

WHO, ECFMG, NMC, FAIMER

Widely accepted (USA, UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, Gulf)

WHO, ECFMG, NMC, FAIMER

Some international recognitions disputed

WHO, ECFMG, NMC, FAIMER

Some international recognitions disputed

USMLE/FMGE Preparation

Strong (US-based curriculum)


High FMGE/NExT/USMLE success – can verify with NMC data

Moderate
Success varies, self-study required

Varies by university
Success varies, many low FMGE performers

Climate

Tropical (hot, humid)


Indian students adjust easily

Moderate, cold winters

Harsh winters, difficult to adapt

Continental (hot summers, cold winters)


Extreme conditions

Clinical Exposure

High
Hands-on training, strong clinical education


Students easily adapt to hospitals

Moderate;
Good theory but poor clinical training


Many students struggle

Improving; Good theory but weak clinical exposure


Students struggle in real hospital work

Lifestyle & Safety

Friendly, safe, culturally similar to India

Safe, modern, European-style

Safe, traditional culture

Visa Process

Easy, but document-heavy

Smooth and relatively fast

Simple and supportive for students

Language Barrier (Daily Life)

None – English widely spoken

Low to Moderate – English used rarely outside class

Moderate – Russian or Uzbek commonly spoken

Best for

USMLE aspirants, English-fluent students

European exposure, easy entry without exams

Budget-conscious students focused on FMGE/NExT