Belarus: A Smart Choice For Aspiring Mbbs Students?

Belarus is a great place for international students to study MBBS. The country offers a high-quality education system, with MBBS degrees from Belarus being recognised all over the world. The MBBS program in Belarus is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the National Medical Commission, and the cost of studying is relatively affordable compared to other countries. The duration of the course is six years, including a one-year internship, and the language of instruction is primarily Russian, although many universities offer English programs. For Indian students, there is no requirement to sit an English language proficiency test, and the safety of Indian students in Belarus is a top priority for the Belarus government.

MBBS in Belarus: Recognition and Eligibility

Recognition

Belarus is a great place to pursue an MBBS degree, with worldwide recognition of its medical degrees. The country's top medical universities are accredited by the Ministry of Education and recognised by the following organisations:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• National Medical Commission (NMC)
• Medical Council of India (MCI)
• World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS)
• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)
• Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG)
• General Medical Council UK (GMC UK)
• World Federation for Medical Education (WFME)
• The Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER)

With this global recognition, graduates can pursue medical careers in their home country or abroad by taking the respective licensing exams, such as the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) in India.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission to an MBBS program in Belarus, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 17 years old on or before 31st December of the admission year.
• Have completed Class 12th (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as core subjects.
• Achieve a minimum score of 50%%-70% in the NEET exam.
• Provide necessary documents, including:
• Passport with a minimum of 18 months validity.
• Class 10th and 12th passing certificates and marks sheets.
• 10 passport-size photographs.
• Official invitation letter from the medical university in Belarus.
• Authorisation and legalisation of documents from the respective country's Ministry of External Affairs and the Belarus Embassy.
• Medical test documents, including a recent negative HIV certificate (within six months).
• Birth certificate.

Additionally, some universities may require an entrance exam or interview as part of their admission process. It is important to note that there is no requirement for IELTS or TOEFL scores, and the medium of instruction for MBBS programs in Belarus is English.

Cost of Studying and Living in Belarus

Belarus is a great option for students looking to study MBBS abroad, with affordable tuition fees and a low cost of living. The total tuition fees for a six-year MBBS program in Belarus range from $25,200 to $29,400, which is significantly lower than the fees charged by medical universities in other European countries. The tuition fees can be paid semester-wise, and there is no requirement to pay any donation fees. Additionally, there is no entrance examination for admission to Belarusian medical universities.

The cost of living in Belarus is relatively low, with living expenses ranging from $200 to $300 per month for international MBBS students. This includes accommodation costs, as most medical universities in Belarus offer on-campus housing with amenities such as Wi-Fi, TV, laundry, and heating. Off-campus accommodation options are also available, but the cost will depend on the student's lifestyle.

Indian students can expect to find Indian cuisine in Belarus, as there are local Indian restaurants, and some university hostels have Indian chefs. The climate in Belarus is pleasant, with cool summers and cold winters, providing a comfortable environment for students.

Belarusian medical universities also offer scholarships to Indian students, which can further reduce the financial burden. However, students should not solely depend on scholarships to fund their medical studies, as they are usually not enough to cover all expenses.

Overall, studying MBBS in Belarus is a cost-effective option for international students, offering high-quality education and global recognition at a fraction of the cost of other destinations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying in Belarus

Advantages of Studying in Belarus

Belarus is a great place for international students to study medicine (MBBS). Here are some of the advantages:

• The MBBS degree is recognised worldwide, allowing graduates to practice medicine globally.
• The MBBS program is taught in English, which is convenient for international students.
• No entrance exams are required for admission into Belarusian medical universities.
• The tuition fees and living costs are affordable compared to other countries.
• The quality of medical education is high and adheres to rigorous European standards.
• Top-ranked universities like Vitebsk State Medical University and Gomel State Medical University are recognised by elite bodies like the WHO and NMC.
• There is no requirement to pass language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL for admission.
• Indian students can find comfort in local Indian restaurants serving familiar dishes.
• Belarus has a pleasant climate and a safe environment.
• The country offers visa-free access and streamlined entry for students from countries like India.
• The overall admission process is simple and based on academic merit and qualifying exams.

Disadvantages of Studying in Belarus

While Belarus offers many advantages, there are also some disadvantages to consider:

• The local language is Belarusian/Polish and Russian, which can be a barrier for international students outside the university campus.
• International students are prohibited from working while studying in Belarus.
• Dead human bodies are not provided to medical students for practice, which may be a drawback for some.
• Adjusting to the different weather conditions may be challenging for some students.
• Homesickness is a common issue for international students studying abroad.
• International students are not allowed to touch patients during internships in hospitals.

Application and Admission Process

The application and admission process for MBBS in Belarus is relatively straightforward and convenient for international students. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Choose a University: Select one of the top medical universities in Belarus, such as Vitebsk State Medical University, Gomel State Medical University, Grodno State Medical University, or Belarusian State Medical University.
• Application Form: Fill out the application form on the chosen university's website or through an authorized representative or consultancy firm.
• Documents: Submit the required documents, including academic certificates (10th and 12th-grade mark sheets), NEET scorecard, a valid passport, visa, passport-size photos, medical certificate, and proof of payment capacity.
• Eligibility Assessment: The university will assess your eligibility based on your submitted documents. This process usually takes around 1-2 days.
• Fee Payment: After eligibility assessment, transfer the course fee to the university.
• Processing and Approval: The application form and documents will be forwarded to the Department of Migration for processing and approval, which may take up to 2 weeks.
• Offer Letter: Once approved, the university will send you an offer letter.
• Visa Process: With the offer letter, you can initiate the student visa process for Belarus. If your country does not require a visa, you can skip this step.
• Book Your Travel: Once you receive your student visa, book your flight to Belarus.
• Admission: Congratulations! You are now ready to begin your MBBS studies in Belarus and fulfil your dream of becoming a doctor.

It is recommended to start the application process early, preferably in July or August, as seats are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, ensure that all your documents are original and accurate to avoid any issues with your admission.

Post-Graduation Opportunities

After graduating with an MBBS degree from Belarus, there are numerous opportunities available to international students, including:

• Returning to their home country and practicing medicine after passing the required screening test (such as NMC in India).
• Pursuing post-graduation (PG) studies in medicine, either in Belarus or other countries. The qualification is valid across Europe and many other countries, so students have a wide range of options.
• Obtaining a PG degree in various medical specialisations such as surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology, etc.
• Preparing for licensing examinations such as FMGE/USMLE/PLAB to practice medicine in other countries.
• Joining the healthcare system of Belarus or other countries.
• Setting up their own clinics and starting private practice.

The qualification and certification obtained from Belarusian medical universities are globally recognised, allowing graduates to pursue further studies or practice medicine in their home country or abroad. The degree is endorsed by major bodies like India's NMC, and the universities themselves are accredited by the Ministry of Education and recognised by the World Health Organization. This recognition opens doors for graduates to pursue medical careers in their home countries or internationally after passing the relevant licensing exams.

Frequently asked questions