Study MBBS at Mari State University
Yoshkar-Ola, Russia · Established 1972 · 6-Year English-Medium MBBS
Quick Overview
Mari State University, founded in 1972 in Yoshkar-Ola, capital of the Republic of Mari El, is a WDOMS-listed university offering a 6-year English-medium MBBS at $5,000/year. It is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools.
About Mari State University
Mari State University was founded in 1972 in Yoshkar-Ola, the capital of the Republic of Mari El in the Volga region of Russia. It is a comprehensive university with multiple departments. The medical faculty at Mari State University has been offering MBBS education to international students, including a growing number from India, for many years with an English-medium programme.
The 6-year MBBS programme at Mari State University is conducted in English for international students. Pre-clinical sciences are covered in Years 1–3 with clinical rotations from Year 3 at affiliated hospitals in Yoshkar-Ola. Students receive training across all core medical disciplines in a relatively small and student-focused environment.
Mari State University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. NMC approves no foreign university — what matters is whether the degree meets the FMGL-2021 criteria. Tuition is $5,000/year. On NBEMS's figures, 292 of its 930 FMGE candidates passed in the 2024 report (31.40%), against 20,382 of 79,000 (25.80%) across all countries.
Mari State University is one of the WDOMS-listed universities covered in our complete MBBS in Russia guide - see it for the full admission process, eligibility rules, fee comparison, and FMGE preparation strategy.
Location
Yoshkar-Ola, Russia
Established
1972
Total Enrolment
8,752 students university-wide (MarSU disclosure, Aug 2026)
Programme
MBBS (6 Years)
Medium
English
Annual Tuition (est.)
$5,000
Faculties & Departments
MBBS Fee Structure - All Expenses in USD
Year-by-year breakdown · Estimated figures · Contact A.J Trust for exact current fees.
| Expense | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Hostel Fee(est.) | $750 | $750 | $750 | $750 | $750 | $750 |
| Medical Insurance | $190 | $190 | $190 | $190 | $190 | $190 |
| Total / Year (USD) | $5,940 | $5,940 | $5,940 | $5,940 | $5,940 | $5,940 |
| Total 6-Year Package | $35,600 | |||||
Estimates at exchange rates as of Mon, 19 Oct 2026; yearly rows are rounded to the nearest $10 and the package to the nearest $100, so the totals can differ by a few dollars. One-time arrival and admission charges are not part of this table — See other expenses →
Note: Fee figures above are indicative estimates based on published and approximate data. Tuition fees are subject to change by the university without prior notice. Hostel and insurance figures are estimates and may vary. Always confirm the latest fees with A.J Trust before making any payment.
Get Exact Fees →FMGE Record - Official NBEMS Data
Every figure reads passed of appeared, from the NBEMS institute-wise performance reports.
| Report year | Appeared | Passed | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 132 | 41 | 31.06% |
| 2023 | 520 | 109 | 20.96% |
| 2024 | 930 | 292 | 31.40% |
| 2025 | 1,004 | 288 | 28.69% |
| Lifetime (all reports) | 2,586 | 730 | 28.23% |
Context: the 2024 national average across all countries was 25.80% - 20,382 of 79,000 candidates. A pass rate describes cohorts who enrolled six or more years before the report year, including repeat attempts - treat it as a record, not a promise.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Students
NEET Qualified
Valid NEET UG score mandatory as per NMC norms. Min. 50th percentile (General), 40th percentile (SC/ST/OBC).
PCB Percentage
Minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry & Biology in Class 12 (40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for General-PwD).
Age Requirement
Must be 17 years or above as on 31 December of the year of admission.
Academic Background
Class 10 & 12 with PCB subjects from a recognised board. Intermediate or equivalent accepted.
Admission Procedure
Fill Application Form
Submit basic details and attach required documents through A.J Trust.
Receive Offer Letter
University issues an official admission / acceptance letter. Ask the university how long it takes.
Apply for Student Visa
Apply for a Russian student visa with full documentation support from A.J Trust.
Travel to Russia
Fly to Russia - our team arranges airport pickup and university check-in assistance.
Complete Formalities
Register at the university, open a bank account, and complete immigration formalities.
Begin Your MBBS
Attend orientation and start your 6-year journey towards becoming a doctor.
Documents Required
Class 10 pass certificate and mark sheet (attested)
Class 12 pass certificate and mark sheet (attested)
NEET UG score card (valid)
Indian passport valid for at least 1.5 years from the visa's start date
Birth certificate (MEA apostilled)
Passport-size photographs (white background, recent)
Medical fitness certificate from a registered doctor
HIV-absence certificate in English, with the details Russia's Health Ministry Order 1060n requires
School certificates need an MEA apostille and a Russian translation for the university’s admission. The student visa itself needs no apostilled documents. A.J Trust will guide you through every document step at no additional cost.
Why Study MBBS at Mari State University?
Tuition
$5,000/year; see the fee table on this page for hostel and insurance.
WDOMS-Listed
Listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. NMC approves no foreign university and WHO accredits none — what makes the degree usable in India is meeting the FMGL-2021 criteria
Low Cost of Living
Yoshkar-Ola has a low cost of living compared with Moscow.
Small, Focused Environment
The smaller campus provides a close-knit academic community and personalised attention from faculty.
English-Medium Programme
The MBBS is taught in English for international students.
Unique Volga Region Culture
The Mari El Republic's unique indigenous culture adds an interesting dimension to student life in Russia.
Student Life at Mari State University
University hostels provide affordable accommodation for international students with basic amenities and internet access.
Yoshkar-Ola is known for its European-inspired architecture.
The Indian student community organises cultural events and celebrates major Indian festivals throughout the year.
Campus sports facilities include a gymnasium and sports grounds for student activities.
The international office provides support for registration, visa, and settling-in procedures.
Yoshkar-Ola - City at a Glance
Population
~275,000
Climate
Continental - cold winters (−12°C to −15°C), warm summers (18–23°C)
Country
Russia
Yoshkar-Ola is the capital of the Republic of Mari El with a population of approximately 275,000. It is known for its striking European-themed architecture and well-maintained city centre. Living costs are low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about MBBS at Mari State University
"NMC approved" is not a status that exists - NMC publishes no approved list of foreign universities and says so on its own study-abroad page. What decides your registration in India is whether your degree meets the FMGL-2021 criteria: at least 54 months of study, a 12-month internship at the same institution, English medium, and a qualification licensing you to practise in Russia, followed by a 12-month supervised internship in India. Mari State University is listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools (FAIMER SCHOOL ID F0004961). Run the full FMGL-2021 checklist at nmc.org.in before paying anything - A.J Trust verifies these criteria for every university it recommends.
The estimated annual tuition fee at Mari State University is $5,000. Including estimated hostel ($750/year) and medical insurance ($190/year), the estimated 6-year package is $35,600. These are indicative estimates — contact A.J Trust for exact current fees.
International students study on an English-medium track where the university runs one. Diplomas are issued in Russian, and at Volgograd State Medical University the State Final Attestation is held in Russian even on the English track. Russian is taught as a foreign language; ask the university in which years. Before you pay, get Mari State University to confirm in writing the language of every year, the internship and the final exams.
There is no university-specific minimum NEET score. However, India's NMC mandates a valid qualifying NEET score for all foreign MBBS admissions - minimum 50th percentile for General/EWS, 45th percentile for PwD, and 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC categories. A.J Trust can assess your eligibility based on your actual NEET score.
The MBBS programme (awarded as 'Doctor of Medicine' in Russia) at Mari State University is 6 years. FMGL-2021 needs 54 months of study plus a 12-month internship at the same institution, so get the study/internship split written on your admission letter. Students attend clinical rotations at affiliated hospitals from Year 3 onwards.
Yoshkar-Ola is the capital of the Republic of Mari El with a population of approximately 275,000. It is known for its striking European-themed architecture and well-maintained city centre. Living costs are low.
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