Admission Rules
- The admission process requires preparing a folder of essential documents, including: a copy of a valid international passport, a copy of the graduation certificate with transcript, a certificate of recognition, and a personal photograph (3 × 4 cm).
All documents must be translated into Russian and officially notarized or certified by the consulate. - Entrance Examinations
Applicants may take the entrance examinations remotely (online) or in person at the university (offline). - Tuition Fee Payment
- A medical certificate confirming the absence of HIV infection and the absence of any medical contraindications for studying in the country is also required.
Russian Student Visa
A Russian student visa is mandatory for most international students, as Russia is not a member of the EU or EFTA, therefore the visa-free entry privilege for European students does not apply.
Required Documents for a Russian Student Visa:
- A valid passport that remains valid for at least 18 months from the visa issue date and contains at least two blank pages.
• An official invitation letter issued by the chosen university.
• A completed visa application form.
• An HIV-negative certificate issued no more than 90 days prior to submission.
• A notarized parental consent letter for applicants under 18 years old.
• A photograph sized 3.5 × 4.5 cm.
This is a general list of required documents. Applicants are advised to contact the Russian Embassy or Consulate in their country for updated requirements and detailed procedures.
Achievements
- 2015
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University joined the Russian Academic Excellence Project 5-100, which was launched to enhance the global competitiveness of leading Russian universities among the world’s top research and educational institutions. - 2016
Sechenov University achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the only medical university in Russia included in the list of the world’s top 1000 universities. It also ranked 13th among Russian universities participating in the Times Higher Education (THE) rankings. - 2017
The university was included in the prestigious QS World University Rankings in the field of Medicine, reflecting its strong international academic reputation. - Sechenov University also maintained a leading position in the Webometrics Ranking of World Universities among institutions participating in the 5-100 Project.
- 2019
Sechenov University was ranked among the leading universities in the QS EECA University Rankings for Emerging Europe and Central Asia. - The university has a long-standing academic legacy and has graduated many internationally recognized figures, including:
• Anton Chekhov — the renowned Russian playwright and physician
• Sergei Korsakoff — one of the pioneers of Russian neuropsychiatry
• Ivan Sechenov — founder of the physiology school
• Alexander Myasnikov — founder of the Russian therapeutic school
• Leo Bokeria — Chief Cardiac Surgeon of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
About the University, International Cooperation & Educational Process
Why is Sechenov University an ideal choice for studying medicine?
Sechenov University holds a distinguished international academic position as a member of the World Health Organization, the International and Eurasian Association of Universities, as well as global organizations such as the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders. The university is consistently featured in major international rankings, including QS Rankings and Times World University Rankings.
In 2022, the university ranked 17th among the best universities in Russia and secured first place among all Russian medical universities.
Sechenov University is widely recognized in many countries worldwide, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and others. The university also achieved strong global research recognition, as its COVID-19 research papers became among the most cited internationally in 2021.
Russia’s First Medical University with a Rich Academic Legacy
- Founded more than 260 years ago, Sechenov University has grown from a small institution with only a few students into one of the largest medical universities attracting thousands of students from around the world.
- Today, the university enrolls around 18,000 students, including nearly 2,000 international students, creating a diverse and multicultural academic environment.
- The university provides comprehensive support for international students through a 10-month English-taught preparatory program designed to teach the Russian language and prepare students for academic life and entrance examinations in Russia.
- The educational system combines academic learning with practical clinical training. Students begin hands-on medical practice from the early years of study within the university hospitals and advanced laboratories equipped with modern medical technologies.
- The university includes four university hospitals and hundreds of educational and research laboratories. In addition, 85% of the teaching staff hold advanced academic degrees and extensive professional experience.
- Student Life in Moscow
- Studying at Sechenov University gives students the opportunity to live in one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities. Moscow offers hundreds of museums, parks, and historical landmarks that create a unique and inspiring student experience.
- Academic Opportunities After the Preparatory Program
- After completing the preparatory program, students may continue their studies in:
• Bachelor’s programs
• Specialist programs
• Medical residency programs
• Postgraduate studies - The university also offers full English-taught programs in General Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy.
- In addition, students may transfer from other universities by submitting their academic transcript and required documents for evaluation.
- At Sechenov University, students receive a high-quality medical education based on European standards, combined with strong practical experience that prepares them for highly demanded medical careers worldwide.