Introduction
Are you dreaming of becoming a doctor?
Just imagine fulfilling your dream of becoming a doctor while experiencing a new culture and making lifelong connections with new people.
The cost of medical education in India is soaring, making it difficult for many students to fulfill their dream of becoming a doctor.
That is why Indian students look for any alternative options available- going abroad
Here Armenia comes into the picture, MBBS in Armenia offers high-quality education at an affordable cost compared to similar programs in India.
Admissions to MBBS programs in Armenia are based on merit, rather than any entrance exams.
In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about studying MBBS in Armenia, including eligibility criteria, top universities, fee structure, intakes, required documents, benefits of studying MBBS in Armenia & more.
Why study MBBS in Armenia?
Armenia has become a popular study destination for Indian students for a number of reasons:
- Affordable tuition fees: MBBS tuition fees in Armenia are significantly lower than in other countries globally, such as the United States, India, the United Kingdom, or Australia. This is one of the benefits Armenia has to reduce the financial burden on students.
- High-quality education: Armenian medical universities are recognized by the World Health Education (WHO), Medical Council Of India (NMC), ECFMG (Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, FAIMER (Foundation for Advancement of International Education and Research, and WDOMS (World Directory of Medical Schools).
Ensuring that you receive high-quality medical education that meets international European standards.
- English-medium instruction: MBBS programs are taught in the English language, making it accessible to all students around the globe. You are not required to learn the native language to study MBBS in Armenia.
- Globally recognized medical degree: MBBS degrees in Armenia are recognized by the medical councils of leading countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Canada, etc. So you have an opportunity to practice medicine in any country you wish.
- Safe and welcoming environment: Armenia is a safe and welcoming environment for all international students with a low crime rate. This makes it an ideal place for students to study and live.
- Opportunities for clinical exposure: Armenian medical universities provide students with ample opportunities for clinical exposure. This allows students to gain hands-on experience in a variety of medical settings.
- No entrance exams: Are you scared of taking entrance exams? If yes, there is a piece of good news for you all, you are not required to take any entrance exams to study MBBS in Armenia.
- Comfortable living conditions: Armenia offers students a comfortable and affordable living environment. The cost of living in Armenia is relatively low, and you can easily find affordable housing and food.
- Rich cultural heritage: Armenia has a rich cultural heritage, so if you are planning to study in Armenia you will have the opportunity to experience its rich cultural heritage.
In addition to these reasons, Armenia is also a beautiful country with a lot to offer students in terms of leisure activities.
You can enjoy hiking, skiing, and other outdoor activities in the Armenian mountains, or you can visit the many historical and cultural attractions in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.
Advantages of studying MBBS in Armenia for Indian students
There are many advantages to studying MBBS in Armenia for Indian students, here are some:
- Top-notch facilities in top government medical universities of Armenia.
- English language as the medium of teaching in Armenia.
- International exposure and recognition.
- Easy admission process.
- No entrance fee or hidden cost.
- No donation required
- Affordability of living
- Cost-effective fee structure
Overview of the MBBS program in Armenia
Here is the overview of the MBBS program in Armenia:
Eligibility criteria for MBBS programs in Armenia
To be eligible for admission to MBBS programs in Armenia, Indian students must meet the following criteria:
- Academic qualifications: You must have passed the 10+2 examination from a recognized board of education like CBSE/ICSE or an equivalent board exam with a minimum of 50% marks in physics, chemistry, and biology (40% for reserved category students).
- NEET qualification: Make sure that you have qualified for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) based on the latest MCI notice. There is no minimum score required for admission to MBBS programs in Armenia.
- Age: You must be at least 17 years of age at the time of admission.
- English language proficiency: You must be proficient in the English language. This can be proved by submitting a score from an English language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL.
- Medical fitness: Students must be in good physical and mental health.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for admission to MBBS programs in Armenia by contacting the admission office of the university.
Documents required to study MBBS in Armenia
After meeting with eligibility criteria, the next step comes for the documents required for applying to MBBS programs in Armenia, here are some of the documents required:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Academic transcripts (10th and 12th class)
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- NEET scorecard
- English language proficiency test (if applicable)
- Application form
- Statement of purpose
- Updated curriculum vitae (CV)
- Photographs
Note: All documents must be translated into English language and notarised.
In addition to the above documents, you may be required to submit some additional documents, such as:
- Letter of recommendation
- Financial statement
- Proof of health insurance
Note: You must check with the university website that you are applying to for a complete list of required documents.
It is important to note that the application process for MBBS programs in Armenia can be time-consuming.
You are advised to start the application process early and to allow sufficient time for all documents to be processed.
Admission process for MBBS programs in Armenia
The admission process for MBBS programs in Armenia typically involves the following steps:
- Choose a university: First research about the universities for MBBS programs in Armenia and choose one that aligns with your goals and interests.
- Apply: You can submit an application either online or by email. In the application form, you are required to submit your personal information, academic qualifications, and contact information.
- Pay the application fee: You will be required to pay an application fee, which is non-refundable.
- Submit required documents: You will be required to submit a number of documents, such as your passport, birth certificate, academic transcripts, and medical certificate. All documents must be translated into English and notarised.
- Attend the interview: Some universities may require you to attend an interview. The interview will typically be conducted in English and will assess your motivation for studying medicine and your suitability for the program.
- Receive an offer for admission: If your application gets selected, then you will receive an offer of admission. This offer will include information about the program, tuition fees, and living costs.
- Pay the tuition fees: You will be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your seat in the program.
- Obtain a student visa: You will be required a study visa to enter Armenia and start your studies
Once you have completed your admission process, you are ready to start your MBBS in Armenia.
Note: The admission process for MBBS programs in Armenia can vary depending on the university you have opted for. Do check the university website for more information about the admission process.
Top MBBS universities in Armenia
Here are the top 5 universities in Armenia for MBBS programs with their fee structure for academic year 2023-2024:
1. Yerevan State Medical University
It is one of the oldest and largest medical universities located in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan.
It is considered one of the top medical universities in Armenia, leading with 31,000 graduates to date.
It is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Medical Council of India (MCI). This university offers a six-year MBBS program in the English language.
This university functions with the mission in mind of preparing highly qualified and skilled doctors to save humanity and change the world.
The fee structure of MBBS for the academic year 2023-2024:
Note: The above-mentioned fee structure is the final amount to be paid by the student.
This fee package includes tuition fees, hostel accommodation fees, medical insurance, remuneration to the center, MCI coaching for the complete duration of the course, airport transfer to the university, a phone call to the parents on arrival at the university, study material in the English language, documentation of the student in the university, fee translator to facilitate, and other services.
Mkhitar Gosh Armenian-Russian International University
This university was established in 1966 and is located in Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia.
It is a joint venture between the Armenian and Russian governments. It offers a wide range of programs, including MBBS. The MBBS program is taught in the English language and is recognized by both WHO and MCI.
This university comes under the top universities for providing top-notch education in the field of medicine. The medical program provided by this university is approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of Armenia.
Indian students graduating from this university can sit for the MCI screening test and practice medicine in India as a doctor.
The fee structure of MBBS for the academic year 2023-2024:
Note: The above-mentioned fee structure is the final amount to be paid by the student.
This fee package includes tuition fees, hostel accommodation fees, medical insurance, remuneration to the center, MCI coaching for the complete duration of the course, airport transfer to the university, a phone call to the parents on arrival at the university, study material in the English language, documentation of the student in the university, fee translator to facilitate, and other services.
3. St. Tereza Medical University
This university is also known as St. Theresa Charitable Sisters Medical Institute. It was a private therapeutic instruction foundation in the capital city of Armenia, Yerevan in 1992.
Do you know?
This was the first university in Armenia to begin an English medium medicine course in Yerevan, as per ECTS 360 credits, and offer the students to finish the course in 5 years of duration.
The fee structure of MBBS for the academic year 2023-2024:
4. The University of Traditional Medicine of Armenia
This university was founded in the ’90s, it is one of the higher instructive foundations that was granted the most elevated status- “The State Accreditation” from the government for its picture in logical, academic, and instructive exercises.
The medium of instruction for this university is English language.
5. Yerevan Haybusak University, Faculty of Medicine
It is one of the prominent medical schools in Armenia. It was established in 1990 by Academic Levon Harutyunyan.
It has now 5400 undergraduates, 6000 alumni, and 300 educators (among them 48 professors, 64 Ph.D., and 12 Academicians)
Note: The above-mentioned fee structure is the final amount to be paid by the student.
This fee package includes tuition fees, hostel accommodation fees, medical insurance, remuneration to the center, MCI coaching for the complete duration of the course, airport transfer to the university, a phone call to the parents on arrival at the university, study material in the English language, documentation of the student in the university, fee translator to facilitate, and other services.
Cost of studying MBBS in Armenia
The cost of studying MBBS in Armenia is relatively affordable compared to other countries. The total cost of studying for MBBS in Armenia ranges from INR 22 lakhs to 38 lakhs per year, this includes your tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees for MBBS programs in Armenia vary depending on the university you have opted for. However, it is much lower if we compare it to other countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia.
The average tuition fee for MBBS programs in Armenia is between USD 3,000 and USD 4,000 per year.
Living Expenses
The cost of living in Armenia is relatively low. You can expect to spend somewhere around USD 300 to USD 500 per month on living expenses, such as accommodation, food, and transportation.
Note: The above costs are estimates and may vary depending on your individual circumstances.
Other expenses
In addition to tuition fees and living expenses, there are some other expenses that you need to bear such as:
- Visa fees
- Health insurance
- Books and study material
- Travel cost
Visa requirements for Indian students studying in Armenia
Up till now, you might have made up your mind to study MBBS in Armenia. If yes, you must obtain a student visa to begin your education.
Application process
It typically involves the following steps:
- Complete a visa application form.
- Submit a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of entry into Armenia.
- Submit two passport-size photographs.
- Submit a letter of acceptance from an Armenian medical university.
- Submit proof of financial support.
- Submit a medical certificate.
- Pay the visa fee.
Once the application is complete, it will be reviewed by the Armenian embassy or consulate. If the application is approved, then you will be issued a student visa.
The student visa will allow you to stay in Armenia for the duration of your studies. You must renew your student visa annually as per the Armenian government’s rules.
Required documents
To apply for a student visa, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Two passport-size photographs
- Letter of acceptance from an Armenian medical university
- Proof of financial support
- Medical certificate
- Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate
- Copy of the applicant’s academic transcripts
- Copy of the applicant’s NEET scorecard
- Police clearance certificate
Note: The required documents may vary depending on the embassy or consulate. Students are advised to check with the embassy or consulate in their country of residence for the latest requirements.
Career prospects after MBBS in Armenia
Graduating from an Armenian medical university opens up numerous opportunities for you, enabling you to shape your career following your MBBS in Armenia in the following ways:
1. Medical practice in India
Indian students who graduate from an MBBS program in Armenia are eligible to take the National Medical Commission (NMC) Screening Test.
The NMC Screening Test is a mandatory exam for all foreign medical graduates who wish to practice medicine in India.
Successful candidates on the NMC Screening Test are eligible to register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) and practice medicine in India.
2. Medical practice in Armenia
Indian students who graduate from an MBBS program in Armenia are eligible to practice medicine in Armenia.
However, you must first obtain a medical license from the Armenian Ministry of Health before you practice medicine in Armenia.
The process of obtaining a medical license in Armenia typically involves the following steps:
- Submit an application to the Armenian Ministry of Health.
- Pass a medical licensing exam.
- Complete a one-year internship at an Armenian hospital.
Once you have obtained a medical license, you become eligible to practice medicine in Armenia.
3. Medical practice in other countries
Indian students who graduate from an MBBS program in Armenia may also be eligible to practice medicine in other countries as the curriculum of MBBS in Armenia has been designed as per international European standards.
However, the eligibility requirements for medical licensure vary from country to country.
If you are interested in practicing medicine in a particular country, you should contact the medical licensing authority in that country for more information.
In general, students who wish to practice medicine in a country other than Armenia will need to:
- Pass a medical licensing exam in that country.
- Obtain a medical license from the medical licensing authority in that country.
- Meet any other requirements set by the medical licensing authority in that country.
Conclusion
Armenia is the most affordable and best country to pursue your MBBS, especially for Indian students.
All the medical universities in Armenia are recognised by MCI, WHO, ECFMG, FAIMER, and WDOMS. This means you can practice medicine in India and even in other countries after graduating from Armenia
Are you applying for Armenia?.