Study Abroad with Think Ed First

Get Started
Crimea Federal University

Established in 1918, V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University stands as one of Russia’s prominent higher education institutions with a rich history and a commitment to academic and research excellence. Recognised by leading international bodies such as the NMC (erstwhile MCI) and WHO, the university attracts a diverse body of over 32,000 students, including more than 3,000 international students from over 50 countries. CFU offers a comprehensive range of academic programmes and is particularly renowned for its Medical Institute named after S.I. Georgievsky, providing high-quality medical education in General Medicine (MBBS) and other specialisations. The university is dedicated to providing students with modern facilities, experienced faculty, and extensive practical training to ensure their success in their chosen fields.

History and Establishment

The university’s origins trace back to 1918 with the founding of Taurida Vernadsky University in Simferopol. Initially comprising five departments, including Medicine, the institution quickly established itself as a centre for academic and vocational training. Over the years, the university underwent name changes, becoming M.V. Frunze Crimean University in 1921 and officially being renamed Crimean Federal University in 2014. In the same year, Crimea State Medical University became part of V.I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University, further strengthening its medical education provision. With over a century of academic tradition, CFU has significantly contributed to the scientific development of Crimea and has trained numerous specialists for healthcare services worldwide.

Accreditation and Recognition

Crimea Federal University holds significant national and international accreditations and recognitions, affirming the quality of its educational programmes. These include:

  • Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.
  • National Medical Commission (NMC) (erstwhile Medical Council of India – MCI).
  • World Health Organization (WHO). The university is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
  • International Education Society (conferred ‘AA’ Rank).
  • Recognition by other medical authorities.
  • MSHE.
  • ECFMG.
  • FAIMER.
  • UNESCO.

These recognitions ensure that the medical degrees awarded by CFU are valid in India, Europe, Asia, America, and worldwide. Graduates are eligible to appear for the FMGE/NExT in India and can work as registered medical practitioners upon passing.

Why Choose Crimea Federal University?

Numerous factors make Crimea Federal University a preferred choice for medical aspirants, particularly international students:

  • Reputation and Ranking: CFU is one of the oldest and most reputed medical universities in the Russian Federation. It holds a high position within Russia, with rankings indicating it as one of the top medical universities. Specific rankings include being in the top 5, top 10, or top 25 medical universities in Russia and 16th or 17th or 19th in the country overall, with a world ranking around 3512th or 3644th or 3933rd.
  • Affordable Fees: CFU offers low admission and tuition fees for international students, making it an affordable option for MBBS in Russia.
  • Quality Education: The university provides high-quality medical education delivered by highly-qualified and experienced teachers. The curriculum is regularly updated to meet international standards and global trends in medical research.
  • English Medium: The complete MBBS course has been imparted in English medium since 2016. Classes, tests, and exams are conducted in English, facilitating international students.
  • Practical Training: Students benefit from extensive practical training during clinical rotations in government hospitals, gaining valuable clinical exposure.
  • Global Recognition: Medical degrees awarded by CFU are valid worldwide, opening doors to opportunities in various countries.
  • High FMGE Passing Rate: The university boasts one of the highest FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination) passing rates among Russian medical universities.
  • International Environment: A significant number of international students from diverse backgrounds study at CFU, fostering a multicultural learning environment.
  • Excellent Infrastructure: The university provides world-class infrastructure, including modern academic buildings, well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and comfortable hostels.
  • Student Support: CFU has an international centre to support international students and manage their needs. Indian and continental food options are available in hostels.
  • Easy Admission Procedure: The admission process for international students is relatively straightforward.

MBBS Program Details

The MBBS program at Crimea Federal University is a comprehensive 6-year course designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent medical professionals.

  • Duration: The total duration is 6 years, which includes 5 years and 8 months of classroom learning plus 1 year of mandatory internship/clinical rotation. This structure fully complies with the latest NMC rules.
  • Medium of Instruction: The medium of teaching is English for international students throughout the entire MBBS course.
  • Syllabus Highlights: The curriculum follows the standards set by the Ministry of Health of Russia. The initial years focus on fundamental and theoretical subjects such as Anatomy, Histology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, Pathology, and Pharmacology. From the third year onwards, the emphasis shifts towards clinical subjects and practical skills, with students engaging in diagnostics and treatment of patients.
  • Clinical Training: Students gain practical clinical exposure through clinical rotations in government hospitals located in Simferopol. The time spent in hospitals for practical classes increases in the later years. Students may also interact with local patients, necessitating basic Russian language skills for communication, although reporting back to teachers is in English. The university also utilises a testing framework aligned with the requirements of licensing examinations like KROK-1 and KROK-2.

Admission Information

Gaining admission to the MBBS program at Crimea Federal University involves fulfilling specific eligibility criteria and following a defined application process.

  • Eligibility Criteria: Indian students must meet the following requirements:
    • Academic Qualification: Passed 10+2 (or equivalent) with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for the general category and 40% for reserved categories.
    • Age Requirement: Must have completed 17 years of age as of 31st December of the admission year.
    • NEET Qualification: Qualified in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam with the required qualifying percentile (50th for general/EWS and 40th for unreserved categories). The NEET scorecard is typically valid for the current year and the preceding two years.
    • IELTS/TOEFL: No IELTS or TOEFL score is required for admission.
  • Application Process: The admission procedure generally involves these steps:
    1. Online Application: Fill out the application form available online on the university’s website or through an official partner.
    2. Document Submission: Submit scanned copies of the required documents along with the application form.
    3. Admission Letter: Upon successful verification, the university will issue an admission letter.
    4. Visa Application: Apply for a student visa at the Russian embassy with the required documents, including the invitation letter from the university.
    5. Travel Arrangements: Make travel arrangements after obtaining the student visa. It is often advised to travel in groups coordinated by educational consultants.
    6. Arrival and Registration: Upon arrival, students need to bring original documents and the first year’s fees. Registration at the university is mandatory within a few days of arrival.
  • Documents Required: The following documents are typically required for admission:
    • Pass certificates and mark sheets of class 10th and 12th.
    • NEET scorecard.
    • Valid passport.
    • Birth certificate.
    • Passport size photos.
    • Health certificate/report, including HIV and COVID-19 reports.
    • Transfer certificate and migration certificate (may be required).
    • Visa documents.
    • Admission letter.
    • Proof of citizenship.
    • Application form receipt.
  • Intake Period: The primary intake period for the MBBS program is in September. Applying early is advisable due to limited seats. The processing time for admission can take approximately 45-60 days.

Fees and Living Costs

The cost of pursuing an MBBS at Crimea Federal University is relatively affordable compared to medical education in many other countries.

  • Tuition Fees: The annual tuition fees are approximately 300,000 RUB or 315,000 Ruble, which translates to roughly 3,000 USD/Year or 4000 USD or 4250 USD Per Year. The total tuition fee for the entire 5-year and 8-month duration is around 1,800,000 RUB or 1,804,000RUB. Some sources indicate a total fee of 19,69,705 Rupees including tuition and hostel for the 2025 session.
  • Hostel Fees: Annual hostel accommodation fees are approximately 9,000 RUB or 10,000 Rubles or 45,000 Ruble or 500 USD/Year or 1000 USD or 7,000 INR or 70,000 Rupees/yr..
  • Other Expenses: The first-year fees may include administrative and one-time charges. Additional costs may include visa extension, medical insurance (approximately 6,000 Rubles/year), medical check-up, biometric, translation, notary, equalization, and miscellaneous expenses (approximately 19,000 Rubles in the first year). Some packages offered by educational consultants may include these services.
  • Cost of Living in Simferopol: The living costs in Simferopol are generally affordable, estimated at around 160 – 250 USD Per Month. This includes expenses for daily needs, food, local transport, and utilities. Hostel accommodation is usually within the university campus. Indian mess facilities may be available at an additional cost.

Note: Fee structures can be subject to change, and it is advisable to verify the latest fee details with the university or official partners. Exchange rates can also fluctuate.

Rankings

Crimea Federal University holds a significant position in various rankings:

  • Country Ranking: Generally ranked among the top 20 universities in Russia, with specific mentions of 16th, 17th, or 19th.
  • World Ranking: Typically positioned between 3500 and 4000 globally, with mentions of 3512th, 3644th, and 3933rd.
  • EECA University Rankings (2020): Ranked #301-350.

These rankings reflect the university’s commitment to academic quality and research.

Student Life and Facilities

Crimea Federal University provides a vibrant and supportive environment for student life.

  • Hostel Accommodation: Hostel facilities are available within the university campus. Rooms are typically shared, accommodating 3-5 students. Hostels are equipped with necessary amenities and have continuous hot and cold water supply. Security is ensured through 24/7 personnel and CCTV surveillance. Laundry services are usually available on campus.
  • Food: Indian and continental food options are available for international students in the hostel mess and university canteens. A variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Arabic, and Malaysian, may also be offered. Students often have access to kitchens on each floor to cook their own meals.
  • Extracurricular Activities: The university encourages holistic development through a range of extracurricular activities. These include performing arts societies, sports clubs, dance, song, and theatre groups. Facilities for sports like table tennis and billiard are available. The university also organises an annual function and celebrates international festivals.
  • International Student Support: An international centre at the university specifically caters to the needs of international students, assisting with various issues. The university may also have partnerships with recruiting companies to facilitate the application and arrival process.
  • Other Facilities: The university boasts well-equipped classrooms, modern laboratories, a vast library with medical books by Indian writers, research centres, student farms, auditoriums, and sports grounds. High-speed Wi-Fi is generally accessible within the university premises.

Faculties and Courses Offered (with a focus on MBBS)

Crimea Federal University comprises numerous academic units offering a wide array of courses. Key faculties include:

  • Medical Institute named after S.I. Georgievsky (Faculty of Medicine/General Medicine). This is the most popular faculty for international students.
  • Faculty of Dentistry.
  • Nursing Faculty.
  • Faculty of Paediatrics.
  • Faculty of Pharmacy.
  • Faculty of Post-graduate Specialization.
  • Faculty for Diploma Courses.
  • Preparatory/Language Faculty (for students wishing to study in Russian).
  • Other institutes and academies covering fields like Humanities, Science, Engineering, Economics, and Agriculture.

The primary focus for international students is typically the General Medicine (MBBS) program, which provides comprehensive medical training.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is Crimea Federal University suitable for international students? Yes, CFU has various features and provides a globally accepted degree in MBBS. It has a large international student population and offers the MBBS program in English.
  • Does Crimea Federal University have a facility for providing Indian food? Yes, the hostel messes at CFU serve a variety of food, including Indian cuisine (both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options).
  • Can I appear for the NMC screening test (FMGE/NExT) after completing MBBS from Crimea Federal University? Yes, graduates can appear for the NMC screening test in India. Upon passing, they can practice as registered medical practitioners.
  • How can I apply to Crimea Federal University? Students can apply online by filling out the application form and submitting the required documents. They can also apply through official partners.
  • What is the total duration of MBBS at Crimea Federal University? The duration of the MBBS program is 6 years, including 5 years of studies and 1 year of mandatory internship.
  • Is NEET required for admission? Yes, qualification in the NEET exam is mandatory for Indian students seeking MBBS admission at CFU.
  • What is the medium of instruction for MBBS? The medium of instruction for the MBBS program is English.
  • Is IELTS/TOEFL required? No, IELTS or TOEFL scores are not required for admission.
  • Is the university recognised? Yes, Crimea Federal University is recognised by WHO, NMC, MSHE, WDOMS, ECFMG, and other relevant bodies.
  • Is the university affordable for international students? Yes, the tuition fees and living costs in Simferopol are generally budget-friendly.
  • Does CFU provide hostel facilities? Yes, the university offers fully furnished hostel accommodation with essential amenities, including Wi-Fi and security.
  • Why is Crimea Federal University considered a good option for MBBS? CFU boasts experienced faculty, a comprehensive curriculum, practical clinical training, global recognition, affordable fees, and a supportive environment for international students.

Study MBBS Abroad