Indian Students Claim Mass Expulsions from Russian University Threaten Their Medical Dreams for Financial Gain

Around 200 Indian students at Bashkir State Medical University in Russia are now returning home, feeling disheartened and without clear options. The university recently expelled them, citing reasons like low attendance and academic backlogs. Many students and their families believe that this is driven more by financial motives than genuine educational concerns.

An official notice from the university, issued in Russian, states that certain foreign students cannot sit for exams because they haven’t met their academic requirements. Among the 234 students listed for expulsion, most are from India. The All Foreign Medical Graduates’ Association (AFA) criticized the university, claiming it deliberately targets Indian students for expulsion. Indian guidelines from the National Medical Commission (NMC) state that students must complete their medical education at the same institution they began, making it hard for expelled students to transfer.

A third-year student from Maharashtra shared his frustrations. He noted that the university exceeded its capacity by admitting around 1,000 students and is now expelling them over minor issues. He said, “I don’t have any other option but to go back,” emphasizing that he and his peers invested substantial money into their education, only to face these challenges.

Attendance appears to be a significant factor in many of these expulsion cases. One student explained that even after informing the university about a family emergency, he found himself facing penalties for low attendance. Another student expressed disappointment, saying he had valid reasons for missing classes—like visa appointments—but still found himself in trouble.

In discussing the financial implications, a parent highlighted the deep emotional and financial toll this situation has caused. “We took loans and had high hopes for our children becoming doctors,” they said. They estimated spending around ₹25 lakh (approximately $30,000) already, with potentially another ₹15 lakh (about $18,000) required for re-admittance.

Students told The Hindu that studying in Russia is generally less expensive than many private institutions in India, which is appealing for those who couldn’t enroll in public universities. However, there are concerns about language barriers, as universities often switch from English to Russian after a few years, adding to the confusion for international students.

Recent statistics show that nearly 50% of foreign medical students in Russia face challenges, including expulsion, often due to financial constraints of universities. Before the Ukraine-Russia conflict, many students were encouraged to pursue education in Russia, but the situation has changed drastically since then. The overwhelming response to expulsion notices has left students scrambling for answers, with little support from their education consultants.

Moreover, students have reached out to the Indian embassy and the government, seeking assistance, but reports indicate limited responses. This lack of communication adds another layer of frustration to an already stressful situation.

For more information on the issues facing international students in Russia, you can refer to the National Medical Commission guidelines.

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Russia’s Bashkir State Medical University ,Indian medical student in Russia ,Indian student mass expulsions from Russian