- North Western State Medical University
Overview, Fees, Life in institution & the place, Syllabus, Course Details & Student Experiences
About North Western State Medical University
Academic Overview: North-Western State Medical University, named after the Nobel Prize winner I.I. Mechnikov, is one of Russia’s most prestigious public medical institutions. Located in the “Northern Capital” of St. Petersburg, it is a leading center for medical education, research, and clinical care. The university is distinguished by its integration of advanced scientific research with hands-on medical practice, operating under the direct governance of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.
Key Information:
Full Name: North-Western State Medical University named after I.I. Mechnikov.
Location: St. Petersburg, Russia.
Established: 2011 (as a merger of two century-old institutions).
Recognition: NMC (India), WHO, ECFMG (USA), FAIMER, and the Ministry of Health of Russia.
Medium of Instruction: English (for the General Medicine/MBBS program).
History & Background: The university was founded in 2011 through the strategic merger of two of Russia’s oldest medical academies: the St. Petersburg Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education (founded in 1885) and the St. Petersburg State Medical Academy named after I.I. Mechnikov (founded in 1907). This merger combined over 135 years of medical expertise into a single, high-tech research and educational hub.
Current Statistics & Numbers:
University Ranking: Consistently ranked among the Top 10 medical universities in Russia.
Student Body: Approximately 7,000+ students.
International Students: Over 1,000 international students from 60+ countries.
Faculties & Staff: 7 faculties and over 800 professors, including Academicians of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Clinical Strength: Owns a network of clinics with over 870 CME programs and 25+ specialized departments.
Campus Gallery
Hostel Gallery
Hospital Gallery
Fee Structure of North Western State Medical University
Life in St. Petersburg: An Indian MBBS Student’s Perspective
Culture:
Language: While the course is in English, learning basic Russian is essential for grocery shopping and clinical rotations. Locals are sophisticated but appreciate students who attempt the local language.
Religion & Hospitality: St. Petersburg is a multi-confessional city. Indian students can find active community groups, and the city’s atmosphere is one of high hospitality and respect for scholars.
Arts & Entertainment: Known as the “Cultural Capital,” students can explore the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof, and the famous “White Nights” during summer. The city is a masterpiece of European architecture.
Food:
Traditional Cuisine: Students often enjoy Blini (pancakes) and Borscht (beetroot soup).
International Options: St. Petersburg has numerous Indian restaurants (e.g., Oh! Mumbai or Tandoor) and vegan-friendly cafes.
Street Food: High-quality bakeries and affordable shawarma stalls are popular between classes. Many Indian students choose the university’s Indian Mess facility for home-style food.
Lifestyle and Practical Information:
Climate: Temperate-maritime. Expect chilly, snowy winters (avg. -5°C to -10°C) and beautiful, mild summers (avg. 20°C).
Transportation: One of the world’s most beautiful and efficient Metro systems. A student monthly pass costs roughly ₹400 – ₹600.
Cost of Living: Approximately ₹15,000 – ₹25,000 per month (excluding tuition).
Safety: Very high. The city is tourist-friendly and university hostels have 24/7 biometric security and guard patrols.
Why Study MBBS at North Western State Medical University?
Clinical Powerhouse: NWSMU has its own network of clinics, meaning students don’t just study in classrooms but witness real-time surgeries and patient care early on.
English-Medium Excellence: Unlike some universities that switch to Russian halfway through, NWSMU provides a stable 6-year English medium curriculum.
Modern Infrastructure: Students praise the “Simulation Centers” where they practice on robotic patients before clinical rounds.
Elite Faculty: Many professors are practicing doctors and renowned surgeons, providing a curriculum rooted in modern medical challenges.
Course Duration at North Western State Medical University
The General Medicine (MBBS) program lasts for 6 years.
Years 1–5: Focus on theoretical foundations and clinical clerkships.
Year 6: A mandatory rotating internship within the university’s affiliated hospitals.
Life in Russia from the students' perspective
Safety: Russia remains a stable and secure destination for international students, with university administrators prioritizing the safety of Indian students through dedicated International Offices.
Indian Community: With over 20,000 Indian students in the country, you will never feel alone. Festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated with grand events and cultural performances.
Nature & Tourism: Beyond the city, students often visit the scenic Lake Ladoga or take the high-speed Sapsan train to Moscow (just 4 hours away).
Local Impression: Russians generally have a warm view of Indians, often citing historical ties and a shared love for Indian cinema and culture.
Eligibility Criteria for MBBS in Russia
Indian students applying for MBBS admissions in Russia must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Minimum 50% score in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12 and passing marks in English.
- Attained the age of 17 as of 31st December in the admission year.
- Cleared NEET exam (in order to practice medicine in India) (50th percentile for general/EWS category and 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC category)
Benefits of MBBS in Russia
No Donation: Admission is purely merit-based (NEET qualification is mandatory).
Affordability: Tuition fees are 70% lower than private medical colleges in India.
Global Recognition: The degree is valid for FMGE/NExT (India), USMLE (USA), PLAB (UK), and practice across the European Union.
Subsidized Living: Most universities are government-funded, providing high-quality hostels for as low as ₹3,000/month.
MBBS Syllabus in North Western State Medical University
| Year | Key Subjects & Focus Areas |
| Year 1 | Anatomy, Histology, Biology, Bio-Organic Chemistry, Latin, History of Medicine. |
| Year 2 | Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Philosophy, Medical Genetics. |
| Year 3 | Pathology, Pharmacology, General Surgery, Internal Medicine Introduction. |
| Year 4 | Pediatrics, Neurology, Radiology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Surgery. |
| Year 5 | Oncology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Psychiatry, Forensic Medicine, Urology. |
| Year 6 | Clinical Internship, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Infectious Diseases. |
FAQ
MBBS abroad is a better options then private medical in India, especially in terms of cost, private medical in India costs a fortune more then that of many countries abroad.
Comparing FMG exam with NEET, we can safely say it is not at all a tough exam. Although there are no specific matrix to judge how tough an exam is, but considering the passing ratio of FMG exam which is roughly 20-25% to that of the percentage of candidates who get selected for government medical college through NEET which is roughly 0.02%, FMG exam is definitely a tough exam in the field of medical studies.