Tajik National University (TNU) is a public research university located in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Established in 1947, it is the country’s oldest and most prestigious university. Its Faculty of Medicine is a popular choice for international students, particularly from India, due to its English-medium MBBS program and affordable fees.
Programs for international students
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): This is a 6-year program taught entirely in English for international students. The program includes five years of academic study and a one-year clinical internship, fulfilling the requirements set by India’s National Medical Commission (NMC).
- Clinical experience: Students receive hands-on clinical exposure at TNU’s affiliated hospitals and clinics in Dushanbe, beginning as early as their first year.
Recognition and reputation
- International recognition: TNU is recognized by major international medical bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME), and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG).
- Global standing: TNU consistently ranks as the top university in Tajikistan. Its global ranking varies depending on the source, with figures ranging from #687 in Asian University Rankings 2026 by QS to around 6,000–8,000 worldwide.
- FMGE pass rate: According to 2024 data, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) pass rate among graduates from Tajikistan was approximately 26.00%. While FMGE pass rates can fluctuate, this is an important factor for Indian students to consider.
Admission requirements for Indian students
- Age: Must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year.
- Academics: Completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as compulsory subjects. A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in PCB is required for general category applicants (40% for reserved categories).
- NEET: Hold a qualifying score on the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), as this is mandatory for Indian applicants.
- No entrance exam: No additional entrance exam is required for admission.
Fees and accommodation
- Tuition fees: Annual tuition fees are approximately $4,500 USD.
- Hostel fees: Annual hostel fees are approximately $500 USD.
- Living costs: The cost of living in Dushanbe is relatively low, with estimated monthly expenses ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000.
- Indian mess: An Indian mess facility is available for international students.
- Free internship year: The sixth year of the program, which is the internship year, is reportedly free of tuition fees.
Campus and facilities
- Modern campus: TNU has a large, modern campus with state-of-the-art infrastructure.
- Laboratories: The university features well-equipped laboratories, including a simulation center and 3D virtual anatomy rooms.
- Library: It has a vast research library with an extensive collection of medical resources.
- Hostels: Comfortable and modern on-campus hostels are available for international students.
- Safety and security: Dushanbe is considered a safe and secure environment for international students, with 24/7 security services provided in the hostels.