Traditionally, MBBS has always been a highly sought-after career path for Indian students. A limited number of government Medical seats and high tuition fees charged by private intuitions in India have pushed a large fraction of MBBS aspirants to opt for MBBS abroad. As per MCI, there were only 79,855 seats across 542 government and private colleges in 2020. Ukraine has been one of the MBBS countries for which we received a huge number of queries (after South Korea) in the last two years. So, in this article, we will try to give you a brief snapshot of MBBS in Ukraine.

Why Study MBBS in Ukraine?

First thing first… Why Ukraine?

Unless you have studied medicine in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand, all foreign medical graduates need to clear the MCI screening test (FMGE test) to register with MCI and practice in India.

Now, a huge majority of foreign medical graduates fail to clear this exam. So, it is a risky affair for students and families.

Well, as per our research (MCI data, other websites, and various forums), between 2012–18, Ukraine had a higher MCI passing percentage than China and Russia.

In 2019, around 29% of foreign medical graduates from Ukraine cleared the exam.

Bangladesh and the Philippines have also got higher rates. But, the donation/capitation fee and lack of transparent information have been some serious issues.

Please also note that only 14% of Indian students with foreign medical degrees passed the FMGE between 2015 and 2018. This is the official data from the National Board of Examination.

The cost of MBBS education and living in Ukraine is pretty low compared to other MBBS countries. Overall cost should between 28 – 40 Lacs (for 6 years).

In India, donations for MBBS seats (capitation fee quota) go to 80 Lacs to I Crore.

Every year nearly 13 to 15 lakh students apply for NEET and compete for 80,000 seats. So, the chance of getting a seat is ~5%.

After passing MBBS from Ukraine, on average, there is a better chance of you clearing the MCI screening test.

So, with a healthy FMGE passing rate and low cost, MBBS in Ukraine is a decent option for Indian students.

About Ukraine

MBBS admissions in Ukraine have seen a rise in the recent decade thanks to the growing number of state-governed MBBS universities and the growing interest of students to study in European countries.

Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe that shares its borders with Russia, Belarus, and Poland. In Europe, Ukraine takes the fourth position in the number of postgraduates in the medical field apart from being the second largest country.

All medical colleges in Ukraine are credited by major international medical councils and many colleges are among the list of top medical colleges around the world.

Please Note: Ukraine is not a member of the European Union. So the MBBS degree from Ukraine is not equivalent to MBBS from Germany or any other European country. Hence licensing examination in German Language or in French or in Latin, etc has to be passed. For Indian students who studied MBBS in India also the same procedure as Ukraine.

– Quora

Top Medical Universities in Ukraine     

• Vinnytsia National Medical University      
• Bogomolets National Medical University
• Dnipropetrovsk State Medical University
• O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University
• Kharkiv National Medical University         
• Black Sea National University
• Donetsk National Medical University        
• Ternopil National Medical University        
• Lugansk State Medical University
• Kyiv Medical University of UAFM
• Zaporizhzhia State Medical University      
• Odessa National Medical University
• Ivano Frankivsk National Medical University

Best Universities for MBBS in Ukraine for Indian Students

University	No. of Candidates	Pass	Pass Rate
Brovynians State Medical University	944	180	19.07%
Bukovinian State Medical University	105	31	29.52%
Crimea State Medical University	227	27	11.89%
Danylo Lviv National Medical University	55	11	20%
Horbachevysky Ternopil National Medical University	115	12	10.43%
Ivano Frankivsk National Medical University	380	131	34.47%
Kharkiv National Medical University	499	88	17.64%
Lugank State Medical University	1646	138	8.38%
National Pirogov Memorial Medical University Ukraine	272	37	13.60%
Odessa Medical University Ukraine	26	7	26.92%
Odessa National Medical University	1254	229	18.26%
Bogomolets National Medical University	67	10	14.93%
Ternopil State Medical University	22	4	18.18%
Uzgorod State University	90	15	16.67%
Uzhhorod National University	197	49	24.87%
V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University	188	20	10.64%
Vinnytsia National Pirogov Medical University	18	5	27.78%
National Pirogov Memorial Medical University Vinnytsia	33	7	21.21%
Zaporizhzhia State Medical University	1740	209	12.01%

FMGE Screening Test Results from 2015 – 2018 by National Board of Examinations (provided by the Ministry of External Affairs, Govt. of India)

MBBS in Ukraine Syllabus / Curriculum: Quick Facts

Duration:

The duration of MBBS in Ukraine is about 6 years including one year of internship.

1st Year Syllabus of MBBS in Ukraine

The main subjects covered in the 1st year syllabus of MBBS in Ukraine are Anatomy, Medical Biology, Medical Chemistry, Histology, and the local language course. The local language classes will be helpful during the students’ hospitals visits when they will be interacting with the local patients more. MBBS first-year books in Ukraine are available in the university library also.

These are the main subjects that are taught in English for MBBS for Ukraine.

Students get to study advanced and more core subjects in the 2nd Year and onwards.

KROK Test:

It is not necessary to pass an entrance exam to get into a medical college in Ukraine. However, students will be required to pass KROK tests in the 3rd and 6th years of their studies in order to progress further in their careers.

In order to continue their studies in the 4th year of their studies, Ukrainian medical students must take the KROK-1 exam after completing the third year of their studies. Ukrainian medical students are required to take the KROK-2 exam after their 6th year. It entitles foreign students to apply to become doctors in Ukraine.

As for Indian students, clearing this test helps them in preparing the students for their screening exam in India, i.e. FMGE/NExT. This is the reason why the medical graduates of Ukraine have one of the highest passing percentages among all the countries. This test further can be an obstacle for the student’s seeking easy studies abroad.

ECTS System

ETCS or the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System is a process that makes the course and studies more transparent and clear. This system helps the students to move from one country to another with their academic qualifications and degree being recognized. It is a central tool in the Bologna Process, which decides to make national education systems more comparable internationally.

MBBS in Ukraine Eligibility

• The student should be 17 (on or before 31 December for the following year’s admission) and the maximum age to apply is 23 years.
• The applicants must have scored at least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry & Biology in class 12 from any regular  Board of Examination. Students from SC, ST, or OBC category need to score at least 40% in the same subjects mentioned above.
• Students need to clear the NEET entrance exam to be able to take admission to Ukrainian Universities. Students who weren’t able to appear or qualify for NEET should produce an Eligibility Certificate which is issued by the Medical Council of India to enroll in Foreign Medical Universities.

Related Article: Top Alternative Courses to MBBS without NEET after 12th

Costs of Studying MBBS in Ukraine

• Tuition Fees: The average tuition fee for the entire course is about 20L INR, around 3-4L INR per year.
• Accommodation cost: Per year a student has to spend anywhere between 40,000 INR to 60,000 INR or more depending on the type of accommodation. This makes the cost for the entire course duration to 2L – 5L.
• Medical Insurance & Initial medical checkup  –  One has to pay about 20,000 INR for Medical Insurance and 15,000L for an Initial medical checkup.
• The admission fee and registration fee can be about $100 or 7,500 INR.

Application Process for MBBS in Ukraine

Students who satisfy the eligibility requirements can take admission for MBBS in Ukraine. Students are required to submit certain documents (which are mentioned below).

Entrance tests like TOEFL or IELTS are not required but students need to present a NEET scorecard.

The course curriculum has to be approved by the Ministry of Public Health in India (and MCI) and the Ministry of Education Ukraine.

Application Form

Initially, you are required to fill the application form. You are required to send the documents to the university via the online portal. After the approval by the authorized representative of the universities, the candidate will receive a confirmation letter.

Details required while filing the application form are Citizenship, Date & Place of Birth, Name, Surname, Passport Number, Passport Validity, Gender, Permanent Address, Phone Number & Email Address.

The immigration process begins after the confirmation of admission and you will need to visit the Embassy of Ukraine after you get the invitation letter.

Required Documents

• Application form of the university (filled with genuine information)
• 10th and 12th Marksheet
• NEET Scorecard
• Passport & Student Visa
• Legal Guardians IDs
• Medical certificate
• Medical Insurance Covid-19 test certificate
• A copy of your birth certificate
• 6 passport sized photos
• Prepaid expenses up to $300 of invitation letter, visa support letter.

Any payments needed to be done can be done via Bank (Wire Transfer), Western Union, or Money Gram.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Ukraine has world-class Medical Schools recognized by international medical councils such as WHO, UNESCO & MCI. This also means the extent of employment is more for MBBS students.

Adaptability is of key importance, the language of instruction is English making it easier for students from any background to get comfortable with studying.

It is affordable to study in Ukraine as compared to other countries like the US or European countries. Students can avail discounts for travel, hence saving more money.

During the duration of their course, students can participate in international exchange programs, conferences, and other scientific projects.

The education infrastructure and quality of education are in no way compromised.

Disadvantages

Environmental changes that a student will encounter must be given a thought before selecting a university. The weather of Ukraine can be very cold at times, below 0° for one-third of a year. This can be troubling, however, because all the buildings are centrally heated this shouldn’t be a problem when indoors.

Although the language of education is English students will be around Ukrainian or Russian speaking individuals. This initially might be something hard to adjust to but if you make some efforts to understand the language basic interaction won’t be a problem.

This is as much a good point as it is a bad point. The European course curriculum is amazing and it tries its best to not be hard for students. This does take some steam off the head but some complain that it can cause a lack of motivation. Students who find it hard to manage themselves can find it hard making it through the course.

Options after Doing MBBS in Ukraine

Now moving forward, if you have done MBBS from Ukraine, you can also go ahead and do PG from Ukraine. You and practice there in Ukraine itself and earn good money, if you plan to settle there in Ukraine.

You can opt for MCI Screening (India), PLAB (UK), or USMLE (USA). Ukrainian Universities have a good track record of preparing students for Licensing/PG exams.

You can practice around Europe after MBBS in Ukraine as a degree from Ukraine falls under the bologna process in which Krok exams are conducted within your degree. But whichever country you choose in Europe, you will have to clear their language exam because you need to learn their language even for MD or to practice.

Alternate career options – read the best alternative career paths after MBBS.

Related Articles on MBBS Abroad for Indian Students:

Studying Medicine in USA after 12th

MBBS in UK for Indian Students: Eligibility, Cost, Timeline, Top Universities

Study MBBS (MD) in Germany after 12th

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