MBBS in Vietnam vs Russia – Which Is Better for Indian Students in 2025?
Planning to study MBBS abroad in 2025? Two countries often compared by Indian students and parents are Vietnam and Russia. While Russia has been a popular choice for years, Vietnam is quickly gaining attention for its modern medical education system and student-friendly environment.
But which country is actually better for Indian students in terms of cost, recognition, language, lifestyle, and career scope?
This blog compares MBBS in Vietnam vs MBBS in Russia across all major factors to help you make the right choice.
We’ll cover:
- Recognition and eligibility for practice in India
- Language of teaching and communication
- Fee structure and cost of living
- Hospital training and clinical exposure
- Food, hostel, and safety for Indian students
- Which country gives better NEXT and FMGE results
Let’s dive in and see which country is better suited for your medical journey in 2025.
1. Recognition & NMC Approval – Vietnam vs Russia
Before choosing any country for MBBS abroad, the first thing you must check is whether the degree is valid in India. That depends on recognition by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and listing in the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS).
✅ Vietnam
- Top universities like Can Tho University, PCTU, and Dai Nam are all NMC-approved and WDOMS-listed.
- Degrees are valid for NEXT, USMLE, PLAB, and global licensing exams.
- NEET qualification is mandatory before admission for Indian students planning to return and practice in India.
✅ Russia
- Many Russian universities are NMC-approved and WDOMS-listed.
- However, some universities have bilingual programs, which may cause issues with NMC eligibility (must be English medium throughout).
- Students must verify each university’s status carefully before applying.
🎯 Verdict:
Both countries offer NMC-approved options. But Vietnam offers 100% English-medium programs across its top universities—making it safer for Indian students under the new NMC guidelines.
2. Medium of Instruction – English or Local Language?
The language of instruction is one of the biggest factors in your MBBS success abroad. If classes are not fully in English, it becomes difficult to understand concepts, interact with patients, and pass exams like NEXT or USMLE.
✅ Vietnam
- All major medical universities offer 100% English-medium MBBS programs.
- No bilingual or dual-language teaching.
- Patient interaction is supported with translators in early years.
⚠️ Russia
- Many universities offer bilingual programs—first 3 years in English, next 3 in Russian.
- Clinical training is often conducted in Russian.
- Students must learn Russian to communicate with patients and pass internal exams.
🎯 Verdict:
Vietnam is the better choice for students who want to study in English from start to finish without struggling with a new language.
3. Fees & Cost of Living – Which Country Is More Affordable?
Cost plays a major role when choosing a country for MBBS. Indian students and parents often look for a balance between affordable tuition fees and comfortable living expenses.
✅ Vietnam
- Total MBBS cost (6 years): ₹20–47 lakhs depending on the university
- Universities like Dai Nam offer MBBS for as low as ₹33 lakhs (including hostel & one-time fees)
- Indian food, laundry, and Wi-Fi included in hostel packages
- Cost of living is similar to Indian metro cities
✅ Russia
- Total MBBS cost: ₹15–30 lakhs on average
- Lower tuition fee, but higher cost of travel and winter wear
- Indian food may not be available in many universities
- Currency fluctuations and war-related risks have increased living costs
🎯 Verdict:
Russia is cheaper in terms of tuition alone, but Vietnam offers better overall value with stable living costs, full support, and no language or safety concerns.
4. Clinical Training & Hospital Exposure – Vietnam vs Russia
Clinical exposure is one of the most important parts of your MBBS education. You need hands-on training in real hospitals to become a confident doctor—and not just theory from books.
✅ Vietnam
- Universities like PCTU and Can Tho offer clinical training from 1st or 2nd year
- Simulation labs and own hospitals for every university
- Phan Chau Trinh has 9 hospitals and the only simulation hospital in Vietnam
- Dai Nam is affiliated with 16+ multi-speciality hospitals including its own teaching hospitals
⚠️ Russia
- Clinical exposure usually starts in the 4th or 5th year
- Training is mostly observation-based in many universities
- Language barrier during patient interaction (Russian speaking patients and staff)
🎯 Verdict:
Vietnam clearly wins in this category. Early exposure, modern labs, and real patient interaction in English make a big difference—especially when preparing for exams like NEXT and USMLE.
5. Food, Hostel & Safety – Which Is More Student-Friendly?
For Indian students, studying abroad is not just about academics—it’s also about feeling comfortable, safe, and supported throughout the 6-year journey.
✅ Vietnam
- Indian food (veg, non-veg, Halal) available daily in all hostels
- Separate hostels for boys and girls with strict safety and hygiene
- Indian festivals like Diwali, Holi, Pongal, and Eid are celebrated on campus
- Vietnam is considered one of the most peaceful and safest countries in Asia
⚠️ Russia
- Indian mess may not be available in every university
- Students often cook their own meals or adjust to local food
- Harsh winters and recent geopolitical tensions raise safety concerns
- Language barrier and racism reported in some areas
🎯 Verdict:
Vietnam offers a much more student-friendly lifestyle, especially for Indian students who want familiar food, safe accommodation, and a respectful environment.
6. NEXT/FMGE Performance – Which Country Prepares You Better?
Whether you study MBBS in Vietnam or Russia, you must pass the NEXT exam (National Exit Test) in India to become a licensed doctor. That’s why preparation quality matters as much as the degree itself.
✅ Vietnam
- Universities follow a curriculum aligned with NMC guidelines
- English-medium education throughout makes NEXT prep easier
- PCTU offers integrated USMLE training from early years
- Small batches and personalized support for Indian students
⚠️ Russia
- Bilingual programs create confusion during NEXT preparation
- Clinical training starts late, which affects hands-on learning
- Many Indian students rely on coaching from India after returning
- FMGE pass rate from Russia is historically lower than expected
🎯 Verdict:
Vietnam prepares you better for NEXT and FMGE because of its English curriculum, practical training, and academic focus tailored for Indian students.
Final Verdict – Vietnam or Russia: What’s Better for Indian Students in 2025?
Both Vietnam and Russia have been chosen by Indian students for MBBS abroad. But when we look at the latest requirements from the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the real needs of Indian students, Vietnam stands out as the better option in 2025.
🔍 Vietnam Wins On:
- 100% English-medium instruction
- Early and strong clinical training
- Better preparation for NEXT and FMGE
- Safer environment and Indian food facilities
- Transparent, NMC-compliant universities
⚠️ Russia Lags In:
- Bilingual teaching in many universities
- Late hospital exposure
- Higher cultural and climate adjustment
- Mixed record of FMGE pass rates
So if you’re serious about becoming a doctor, want a smooth study experience, and aim to practice in India—Vietnam is a smarter, safer, and future-proof choice.
🎓 Apply Safely with Aieraa Overseas Studies
Aieraa Overseas Studies is the only official admission partner authorized by the Embassy of Vietnam to send Indian students for MBBS. They help you with everything—from admission to visa, travel, and life support in Vietnam.
Contact Aieraa Today:
Phone: +91 9344141424
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aieraa.com
