Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) is a public research university located in Vladivostok, Russia, on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. Founded in 1899, it is one of the largest and most prestigious educational institutions in the Russian Far East and is especially popular among international students seeking an English-medium MBBS program.
Programs for international students
FEFU offers a comprehensive medical program in English for international students.
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): This is a 6-year program that includes five years of academic study and a one-year clinical internship.
- Clinical experience: The program follows an NMC-aligned curriculum and provides students with hands-on experience at the FEFU Medical Center, a modern university hospital, as well as through partnerships with other hospitals.
Global recognition and ranking
- International recognition: The university and its medical degrees are recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, and the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
- Ranking: FEFU consistently ranks among the top universities in Russia and has appeared in global rankings such as QS World University Rankings.
- Post-graduation: Graduates are eligible to appear for medical licensing exams like the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) or Next Licensing Examination (NExT) in India.
Admission requirements for Indian students
For admission to the English-medium MBBS program, Indian students typically need to meet the following criteria:
- Age: Must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
- Academics: Must have completed 10+2 with a science background (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories).
- NEET: A qualifying score on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) is mandatory.
Campus and facilities
- Location: The university is situated on the Russky Island campus in Vladivostok, known for its modern facilities.
- Hostels: On-campus hostels are provided for international students. Rooms are available in shared and suite-style arrangements, with amenities like heating, Wi-Fi, and 24/7 security.
- Indian food: Some sources indicate that Indian food options are available on campus or nearby.
- Sports: The campus features extensive athletic facilities, including gyms, swimming pools, and sports courts.
- Safety: The campus and Vladivostok are considered safe for international students, with university security services and a pass system to control access to buildings.
Potential disadvantages
- Climate: The region has cold and frosty winters.
- Location: Being in Russia’s Far East, it is very far from Moscow, and internal travel costs can be expensive.
- Faculty: Some past student reviews have noted concerns about the university prioritizing lecturers over students and better facilities for arts and sciences, respectively.