Kazan Federal University

Established in 1804, Kazan (Volga region) Federal University (KFU) stands as the second oldest university in Russia. Formerly known as Imperial Kazan University, it attained federal status in 2010. Situated in Kazan, the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, KFU is an acknowledged centre of academic excellence engaged in diverse forms of international cooperation. The university is committed to providing world-class academic programmes, research, and technological development. KFU actively participates in local and international collaborations, networking with academia and industry to boost regional human resources development and top-level research and innovation. It is recognised as a bridge between East and West, fostering a diverse and multicultural environment.

History and Prestige

With over two centuries of history, Kazan Federal University has significantly contributed to the development of Kazan and the Volga region. It is traditionally top-rated among Russia’s higher educational institutions. KFU is one of the top five Russian universities selected by the Russian Government to enhance international competitiveness. The university prides itself on a legacy of academic excellence and innovation.

Rankings and Ratings

Kazan Federal University consistently ranks among the top universities in Russia and the world.

• QS World University Rankings: =401 (2025), ranked among the top 350 in 2021-2022. The university has shown a fluctuating but generally upward trend in QS World University Rankings over the years.
• QS World University Rankings by Subject:
  • Top 100 for engineering – petroleum.
  • Top 150 for education.
  • Top 200 for linguistics, history and english language.
  • Top 250 for modern languages.
• QS Stars Evaluation System: Rated five plus overall, and four stars in 2024.
• Round University Ranking: 404th place (2024).
• Independent Russian news Agency (Interfax): 9th.
• Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): 901-1000.
• Times Higher Education World University (THE): 601-800.
• U.S. News and World Report Best Colleges Ranking (USNWR): 783.
• According to 4icu.org, KFU holds 16th position in Russia and 1000th position worldwide.

Academic Programmes

Kazan Federal University offers a wide range of educational programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. The university provides over 500 degree programmes, and over 700 degree programmes according to another source. Many programmes are taught in English. KFU has 13 institutes, 3 higher schools, and 1 faculty, along with two regional branches in Yelabuga and NaberezhnteChelny. It also offers double-degree programmes with partner universities.

Undergraduate Programmes (Bachelor & UG):

• Arts and Humanities: History, Linguistics, Philology, Religion Studies, Theology, Design, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, Professional Training (by branches).
• Business and Management: Economics, State and Municipal Management, Commerce, Management (in English), Management (in Russian).
• Engineering and Technology: Applied Computer Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering, Software Engineering, Business Informatics, Fundamental Computer Sciences and Information Technologies, Information Systems and Technologies, Biotechnical Systems and Technologies, Innovation Studies, Technical Physics, Nanotechnologies and Microsystems Equipment, Quality Management.
• Life Sciences and Medicine: Biology, Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Dentistry, General Medicine (in English), General Medicine (in Russian), Medical Biochemistry, Pharmacy.
• Natural Sciences: Applied Mechanics, Astronomy, Applied Mathematics and Informatics, Applied Mathematics, Chemistry, Environmental Engineering and Water Usage, Geography, Mechanics and Mathematical Modelling, Physics, Radiophysics, Cartography and Geoinformatics, Ecology and Management of Natural Resources, Geodesy and Remote Sensing, Geology, Mathematics, Soil Science.
• Social Sciences and Management: Anthropology and Ethnology, Journalism, Oriental and African Studies, Television, Tourism, Media Communication, Special (Defectological) Education, Teacher Training, Advertising and Public Relations, Conflictology, Foreign Area Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Hotel business, Judicial Procedure and Public Prosecutor’s Supervision, Law, Pedagogy and Psychology of Deviant Behaviour, Personnel Management, Russian Regional Studies, Service, Teacher Training (with two educational program specializations).

Postgraduate Programmes (Master & PG):

• Arts and Humanities: History of arts, Design, History, Linguistics, Philology, Philosophy, Religion Studies, Theology.
• Business and Management: Banking and Finance, Management (Higher School of Business), Management (Institute of Management, Economics and Finance), Economics, State and Municipal Management.
• Engineering and Technology: Applied Computer Sciences, Applied Mathematics and Informatics, Fundamental Computer Sciences and Information Technologies, Mathematics and Computer Science, Petroleum Engineering, Software Engineering, Technical Physics, Biotechnical Systems and Technologies, Business Informatics, Innovation Studies, Information Systems and Technologies.
• Life Sciences and Medicine: Biology, Psychology.
• Natural Sciences: Ecology and Environmental Management, Geology (in English), Geology (in Russian), Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Physics, Radiophysics, Environmental Engineering and Water Usage, Geography, Mechanics and Mathematical Modelling, Mathematics (in English), Mathematics (in Russian).
• Social Sciences and Management: Human Resource Management, Law, Anthropology and Ethnology, Foreign Area Studies, International Relations, Journalism, Oriental and African Studies, Television, Media Communication, Psychological and Pedagogical Education, Special (Defectological) Education, Teacher Training, Advertising and Public Relations, Conflictology, Political Science, Sociology, Tourism.

KFU is particularly renowned for its medical education programmes offered by the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology. The MBBS programme is a comprehensive and globally recognised 6-year course, including clinical rotations and practical training, with English as the medium of instruction.

Admission Process

Prospective students can apply for admission to Kazan Federal University online. The admission process generally involves the following steps:

1. Application Submission: Complete the online or offline application form and submit all required documents.
2. Document Submission: Typically required documents include scanned copies of 10th and 12th grade mark sheets, NEET scorecard (for Indian students), and a valid passport. Notarized, apostilled, and translated mark sheets may be required.
3. Entrance Examination: For some programmes, including MBBS, an online entrance exam (e.g., in Chemistry for MBBS) might be conducted by the university.
4. Admission Letter: Upon successful review of the application and/or entrance exam, the university will issue a provisional or official admission letter.
5. Visa Invitation Letter: The university will send a visa invitation letter to facilitate the student visa application.
6. Visa Application: Applicants need to apply for a student visa at the Russian embassy with the invitation letter and other required documents.
7. Fee Payment: Pay the tuition fees and other applicable charges as per the university guidelines.
8. Travel Arrangements: Book flight tickets and inform the university about arrival details for potential airport pickup.
9. Enrollment and Orientation: Upon arrival, complete the enrollment process, undergo a medical check-up, and attend an orientation session.

Eligibility Criteria for MBBS (for Indian Students):

• Academic Requirements: Cleared Class 12th/higher secondary examination with at least 50% aggregate score in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (40% for reserved categories as per NMC guidelines).
• Age Requirement: Must be 17 years of age on or before 31st December of the year of admission.
• NEET Requirement: Must have qualified the NEET exam in the current year or one of the previous two years (e.g., 2023, 2024, or 2025 for the 2025 intake) with the required percentile (50th for general/EWS and 40th for unreserved category).

The last date to apply for the Fall intake (September) is typically July 15th.

Fees and Financial Information

Tuition fees at Kazan Federal University vary depending on the programme.

• MBBS Tuition Fees: Approximately $6,000 per year or 530,000 Ruble per year. Another source mentions 468,000 Ruble per year, and yet another states 4,93,740 RUB per year. The total MBBS fees for the entire 6-year course are estimated to be around ₹32,16,000, ₹33,08,285, or $36,600.
• Hostel Fees: Approximately $100 – $200 per year or 12,000 – 25,000 Ruble per year.
• Medical Insurance: Approximately $150 per year.
• Other Expenses: May include visa extension, medical check-up, biometric processing, translation and notary services, and administrative charges.

It is important to note that fees are approximate and subject to change due to currency fluctuations and university policies. Some sources indicate that the university may increase tuition fees by approximately 5% annually, but the fee might remain fixed for a particular batch. Scholarships may be available for both national and international students based on academic performance.

Accommodation

Kazan Federal University provides comfortable and affordable hostel accommodation for international students, primarily located within the university campus (Universiade Village) or nearby areas.

Key Features of KFU Hostels:

• Fully furnished rooms with beds, study tables, chairs, wardrobes, and storage space. Students can choose between single, double, or triple sharing rooms.
• Shared facilities such as common kitchens, laundry rooms, sports halls, and reading halls on each floor.
• 24/7 security and CCTV surveillance.
• Wi-Fi access.
• Proximity to university buildings (mostly within walking distance). However, from the 3rd year onwards for medical students, travel to hospitals out of campus is required.
• Separate accommodation or floors for male and female students.
• Indian mess facility may be available in hostel premises.

It is not compulsory to stay in the hostel during the first year for MBBS students. From the 2nd year onwards, students can choose to rent a flat/apartment if they prefer.

Campus Life and Student Experience

Kazan Federal University offers a vibrant and multicultural environment with over 10,500 – 11,000 international students from around 100-101 countries. The university encourages cultural and extracurricular activities for the overall development of students. Students can participate in debates, quizzes, sports competitions, and cultural events. The university has a large infrastructure covering 8,82,000 m2. Facilities on campus include supermarkets, cafes, clinics, and pharmacy stores. Indian festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm among Indian students. The city of Kazan itself offers a rich cultural experience with historical monuments, museums, and various international sport and cultural events.

Alumni

Kazan Federal University boasts a distinguished list of famous alumni, including:

• Leo Tolstoy: Acclaimed novelist.
• Vladimir Lenin: Revolutionary.
• Alexander Butlerov: Chemist (whose name was given to a crater on the moon).
• Nikolay Zinin: Chemist.

Recognition and Affiliations

Kazan Federal University holds international recognition from various esteemed organisations:

• World Health Organization (WHO).
• National Medical Commission (NMC) (formerly Medical Council of India – MCI).
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
• Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.
• Affiliations with EUA, IAU, EURAS, AMBA.

The MBBS degree awarded by KFU is accepted globally, allowing graduates to pursue further education and practice medicine in various countries after clearing the necessary licensing exams.

Contact Information

For further inquiries and admission assistance, prospective students can contact the university directly or through authorised educational consultants.