- Yaroslav the wise Novgorod State University
Overview, Fees, Life in institution & the place, Syllabus, Course Details & Student Experiences
About Yaroslav the wise Novgorod State University
Academic Overview: Yaroslav the Wise Novgorod State University (NovSU) is one of the largest and most strategically important educational complexes in Northwest Russia. The university’s Medical Institute is recognized for its high scientific standards and modern technical base. It is a state-funded institution approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), making it a globally recognized center for medical training.
Key Information:
Established: 1993 (University status), though it incorporates centuries of academic tradition.
Location: Veliky Novgorod, Russia.
Medium of Instruction: English for International Students (MBBS).
Accreditations: NMC, WHO, FAIMER, and ECFMG.
History & Background: Named after the legendary Grand Prince Yaroslav the Wise, the university was formed through the merger of several historic educational bodies. It was established with the vision of creating a multidisciplinary scientific center. Since its inception, NovSU has prioritized internationalization, establishing over 64 cooperation agreements with educational organizations in 22 countries.
Current Statistics & Numbers:
Total Students: Over 10,000+ students.
International Presence: Represented by students from 50+ countries.
Medical Faculty: Features over 600 experienced teaching staff, many of whom are Doctors of Science.
Number of Students & Faculties:
General Medicine (MBBS): The largest and most popular faculty for international students.
Other Faculties: Includes Dentistry, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Economics.
International Cohort: Approximately 800–1,000 international students are currently pursuing medical degrees on campus.
Campus Gallery
Hostel Gallery
Hospital Gallery
Fee Structure of Yaroslav the wise Novgorod State University
Life in Novgorod: An Indian MBBS Student’s Perspective
Culture:
Language & Religion: While classes are in English, students learn the Russian language to interact during clinical rotations. The city is rich in Orthodox history, but locals are highly welcoming of the diverse religious backgrounds of Indian students.
Hospitality & Arts: Veliky Novgorod is a “Museum City” (a UNESCO World Heritage site). It is smaller and more peaceful than Moscow, providing a safe and hospitable environment.
Education: The city is a hub for research, and students often participate in university-led festivals and scientific contests.
Food:
Traditional & International: Students enjoy local Borscht and Pirozhki, but there are numerous international options like Turkish kebabs and Italian cafes.
Indian Mess: Dedicated Indian Mess facilities are available for students, providing familiar vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals prepared by Indian chefs.
Self-Cooking: For those who prefer to cook, local supermarkets like Magnit and Pyaterochka stock essential spices and lentils.
Lifestyle and Other Relevant Information:
Climate: Humid continental. Summers are pleasant (20°C–25°C), while winters are manageable but snowy (-5°C to -12°C).
Cost of Living: One of the most affordable cities in Russia. A student can live comfortably on $150 – $250 per month (approx. ₹13,000–₹22,000).
Safety: The campus and hostels feature 24/7 security and CCTV. Veliky Novgorod has a lower crime rate compared to metropolitan cities.
Why Study MBBS at Yaroslav the wise Novgorod State University?
Affordable Premium Education: Tuition fees are approximately $4,000 – $4,300 per year, offering high ROI compared to other international destinations.
No Donation/Capitation: Admission is strictly merit-based and transparent.
Modern Infrastructure: Students have access to ultra-modern learning facilities and high-fidelity simulation labs.
Proximity to Major Hubs: The city is just 180 km from St. Petersburg, providing easy access to a major international hub while maintaining a lower cost of living.
Course Duration at Yaroslav the wise Novgorod State University
The MBBS program duration is 6 years.
Pre-Clinical (Years 1–3): Foundation in medical sciences (Anatomy, Physiology, etc.).
Clinical (Years 4–6): Hands-on hospital training and specialized medical rotations.
Internship: The 6th year includes a mandatory clinical internship at university-affiliated hospitals.
Life in Russia from the students' perspective
Indian students in Russia often highlight a balanced lifestyle:
Safety: Russia is regarded as extremely safe for international students, with university administrators providing dedicated support for foreign nationals.
Indian Community: A massive community of Indian students ensures that festivals like Diwali and Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Career Opportunities: Graduates are eligible for NExT (India), USMLE (USA), and PLAB (UK).
Local Impression: Local Russians generally view Indians as hard-working and cultured, often citing long-standing diplomatic friendships.
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
Global Recognition: Degrees are listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
Subsidized Fees: The Russian government provides significant subsidies for international medical education.
Direct Admission: Students only need to be NEET qualified to apply; no SAT or IELTS is required.
High FMGE Passing Rate: Universities like NovSU maintain a strong track record for students returning to practice in India.
MBBS Syllabus in Yaroslav the wise Novgorod State University
| Year | Key Subjects |
| Year 1 | Anatomy, Histology, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Russian Language. |
| Year 2 | Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Philosophy, Medical Law. |
| Year 3 | Pathology, Pathophysiology, Pharmacology, General Surgery. |
| Year 4 | Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology. |
| Year 5 | Oncology, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Neurology, ENT. |
| Year 6 | Forensic Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Clinical Internship. |
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.