Peoples' Friendship University — MBBS Admission 2026
Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) is Russia's most internationally-diverse medical university, established in Moscow in 1960 specifically for international students.
Why parents shortlist Peoples' Friendship University.
Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University) is Russia's most internationally-diverse medical university, established in Moscow in 1960 specifically for international students. RUDN's Medical Institute is SG's top-tier Russia pick for families who want a premium Moscow-based MBBS with the strongest global reputation — SG-negotiated total ~₹62 L for 6 years. Consistently ranked among the top 5 Russian universities for international programmes. Best-fit for families where the child prioritises brand strength and Moscow city experience over lowest cost.
Peoples' Friendship University — fees, intake, duration.
Fee breakdown
| Tuition (Year 1) | ₽880,000 |
| Hostel (Year 1) | ₽90,800 |
| Tuition (Yr 2-6) | ₽880,000/yr |
| Year 1 package (INR) | ₹13,24,700 |
| Total 6-year package | ₹61,78,700 |
As of 2026-07-28. Fees revise annually. Confirm on your SG counselling call.
Location
Moscow, Russia
Intake
September (main intake — March also available at select universities)
Duration
6 years (5 yr academics + 1 yr internship)
Medium
English (theory) + Russian for clinical rotations from year 3
NMC Recognition
All SG-partnered Russian state medical universities are listed on the NMC portal (nmc.org.in). Recognition is stable and long-established for major universities (RUDN, Kazan, Kursk). Newer regional universities' status should be confirmed during counselling.
Verify current status at nmc.org.in
Peoples' Friendship University admission — step by step.
- 1Clear NEET-UG at the current-year qualifying cutoff
- 2SG counselling call — shortlist 3-5 Russian universities matching budget + climate preference
- 3Documents: passport, Class 10+12 marksheets, NEET scorecard, migration + provisional, 12+ photos, medical fitness
- 4SG applies + obtains invitation letter from Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (30-45 days)
- 5SG obtains NMC Eligibility Certificate (2-3 weeks parallel)
- 6Family reviews written fee package — no payment yet
- 7Student visa application at Russian embassy Delhi with biometrics (20-30 days)
- 8Family pays university directly via bank transfer; SG never handles fee money
- 9Travel + arrival + onward domestic travel + hostel registration coordinated by SG
- 10Classes begin September (or March for secondary-intake universities)
Life at Peoples' Friendship University for Indian students.
RUDN's international student campus is one of the best in Russia — modern hostels, dedicated international dining halls, and multiple food options including vegetarian and halal. Indian mess arrangements are well-established (RUDN has 1000+ Indian students across programmes). Moscow living outside campus is ₹15-20K/month for shared accommodation. Distance to Sheremetyevo International Airport: 45 km.
Off-campus living cost: ₹8,000-15,000/month beyond hostel + mess (higher in Moscow/SPb, lower in regional cities)
What makes Peoples' Friendship University a strong pick.
- Premier Russian medical university for international students — 60+ year track record
- Moscow location — direct international flight connectivity (though limited in 2026 due to sanctions)
- Largest Indian student community in Russia — 1000+ Indians across all RUDN programmes
- Strong FMGE pass-rate track record — SG can share alumni data on request
- Multi-lingual faculty — English theory taught by faculty comfortable in international teaching
- Best hostel infrastructure among Russian medical universities — modern, international-standard
Honest cautions about Peoples' Friendship University.
- Highest fee among SG's Russia partners — ₹62 L SG total vs ₹21-30 L at regional universities.
- Moscow winter is severe (-15 to -25°C December-February) — heavy winter clothing essential (₹20-25K one-time budget).
- 2022+ geopolitical situation limits direct India-Russia flights — most travel via Dubai or Istanbul (7-9 hours vs 5 hours pre-2022).
- Moscow living costs highest in Russia — budget ₹15-20K/month vs ₹8-12K in regional cities.
- Rouble currency volatility has affected some students' total costs — SG negotiates INR-fixed fees where possible but budget for 10-15% currency swing.
Peoples' Friendship University — questions answered.
How much does RUDN University MBBS cost through SG?
SG-negotiated total ~₹62 L for the full 6-year MBBS. This includes tuition, hostel, mess, and services. It's the highest among SG's Russia partnerships but the premium is for the brand + Moscow + international infrastructure.
Is RUDN University recognised by NMC?
Yes — RUDN is on the NMC-recognised foreign medical institutions list, one of the longest-listed Russian universities. Recognition is stable and unlikely to change.
Is Moscow safe for Indian medical students in 2026?
Yes — Moscow itself is safe, university campuses have strong security, and the Indian student community is active. The main 2022+ complication is travel logistics (indirect flights via Dubai/Istanbul), not on-ground safety.
How do I handle the Moscow winter?
Budget ₹20-25K for a proper Russian-style winter coat, thermals, insulated boots, and gloves — bought locally is often cheaper than importing from India. Hostels have central heating that runs continuously Oct-May. First winter is the hardest; students adjust.
Is the theory really taught in English?
Yes — RUDN has a dedicated English-medium track for international students. Theory is fully English. Russian language is taught as a subject in year 1 to prepare you for hospital clinical rotations from year 3, where patient interaction requires conversational Russian.
Talk to SG's Russia desk about Peoples' Friendship University.
Free 20-min call. Written college quote. Admission letter in your name before any payment.