Russia is one of the most popular study abroad destination for Indian students who wish to pursue a medical degree (MBBS) from abroad. The number of Indians
studying in Russia increased in 2024 by 34 per cent compared to 2023, the education ministry said earlier. The number increased from 19,784 in 2022, to 23,503 in 2023, and 31,444 in 2024. The number is expected to increase more as the Russia-Ukraine war has cooled down. If you are also one of these medical aspirants who wish to head to Russia to study MBBS or any other course, here's a step by step process on how to apply for study visa. Step 1: Get Admission and Invitation Letter The first step is to secure admission in a Russian university or institute. After admission, the university will issue an official invitation letter, which is mandatory for the visa application. The invitation will mention your course, duration of study, and passport details. Do ensure that your name matches your passport exactly, and the course and study duration are clearly mentioned. Step 2: Check Passport Requirements Your Indian passport must:
- Be valid for at least 18 months from the intended date of entry into Russia
- Have minimum two blank pages
Step 3: Arrange Required Documents
Commonly required documents include:
- Duly filled Russian student visa application form
- Original passport and photocopies
- Recent passport-size photographs (as per Russian visa specifications)
- Official invitation letter from the Russian university
- Medical fitness certificate
- HIV test report (usually not older than 3 months)
- Medical insurance valid in Russia
- Proof of financial ability (bank statement, sponsor letter, or scholarship proof)
Some applicants may also be asked for:
- Proof of accommodation
- Police Clearance Certificate
Step 4: Submit Visa Application
Applications are submitted in person at the Russian Embassy or authorized visa application centres in India, such as in:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
An appointment may be required before submission.
Step 5: Pay Visa Fees
Visa fees depend on:
- Number of entries (single or double entry)
- Processing time (standard or express)
Fees are paid at the time of application submission.
Step 6: Visa Processing Time
- Standard processing: around 10–20 working days
- Express processing (if available): faster but costs more
Students are advised to apply at least 1–2 months before their course start date.
Step 7: Collect Visa and Travel
Once approved:
- Collect your passport with the visa stamped
- Check visa validity, duration, and entry type carefully
Step 8: After Arriving in Russia
After arrival, students must:
- Complete local registration within 7 working days
- Universities usually assist students with this registration process
Students should remember that medical and HIV certificates are compulsory, and they must be recent ones and correctly formatted as per the requirements of the Russian authorities. Additionally, it is also important to ensure that health insurance should be valid for the entire duration of the student’s stay in Russia and must be accepted by local institutions.
