Why Does the Exchange Rate Hit So Hard?
Most foreign medical universities set their fees in US dollars. Even if their local money isn’t as strong as the dollar, the bills, admission letters, and payments are almost always in USD. So, when the value of rupee drops, your cost for doing MBBS also goes up, even if the college keeps fees the same.
Here’s an example:
Say, your university’s cost $5,000 a year.
If dollar’s value is at ₹75, you pay ₹3,75,000.
If it climbs to ₹86, suddenly you’re paying ₹4,30,000.
That’s ₹55,000 extra each year—just because of exchange rates. Over six years, that’s another ₹3–3.5 lakh out of your pocket, without any official fee hike.
How Do Indian Students Feel the Pinch?
– You need more money up front for admission—application, seat booking, first semester fees.
– Living expenses go up because hostels, food, insurance—everything’s linked to the dollar.
– Currency conversion and international bank transfers get pricier.
– Families feel the squeeze, especially if there’s an education loan involved.
Honestly, budgeting becomes a guessing game. What used to be a ₹25 lakh MBBS degree can suddenly cost ₹30 lakh or more.
Where’s the Dollar’s Impact Worst?
- Philippines – Most expenses, from tuition to daily living, are pegged to the dollar.
- USA / Caribbean universities – Everything runs on USD.
- Georgia – Even though the official money is GEL, USD still calls the shots when it comes to fees.
- Uzbekistan & Kazakhstan – Their local currencies keep dancing to the dollar’s tune.
In these places, even a small bump in the dollar means you’re paying more.
Why Russia Feels Like a Safer Bet
Now, here’s where Russia stands out. Out of all the popular MBBS destinations, Russia gives you the least drama over exchange rates.
What’s Different About Russia?
– Tuition is mostly in rubles, not dollars.
– The ruble and rupee have a steadier relationship.
– You usually pay the university directly in rubles—less headache, less dollar-dependency.
So even if the dollar’s on a rollercoaster, the cost of studying medicine in Russia barely budges. Sometimes, it doesn’t move at all.
What Does MBBS in Russia Actually Cost?
– Tuition per year: ₹2.5–5 lakh
– Six-year total: ₹18–30 lakh
– Living expenditures: ₹8,000–₹12,000 a month
-accommodation: ₹25,000–₹60,000 a year
While other countries see fees jump with the dollar, Russia stays steady. It’s one of the most predictable and affordable options out there.
Why Do Indian Students Keep Picking Russia?
- World-Class Medical Universities
Russia has a bunch of top government medical colleges recognized by NMC (India), WHO, ECFMG, FAIMER—you name it.
- Real-World Training
Students get practical-training experience early from clinics, labs, simulation centres.
- Safe and Welcoming
Big Indian student communities, especially in Moscow, Kazan, Volgograd—so you never feel alone.
- English-Medium Courses
Most programs are in English, with Russian language classes to help you talk to patients.
- Affordable Living
Russia is cheaper than Europe, the Middle East, or the Philippines when it comes to daily life.
Here’s the Bottom Line
The dollar-rupee rate can make or break your MBBS budget. So, before you make the leap, do this:
– Calculate the full cost using today’s exchange rates.
– Ask the university if you’ll pay fees in dollars or local currency.
– Keep a buffer for yearly ups and downs.
– Seriously consider countries like Russia, where the dollar has little say.
If you want a solid, affordable, and less stressful path to an MBBS degree, Russia remains one of the best options for Indian students who don’t want nasty surprises down the road.
