Budgeting for Indian Students Studying MBBS in Russia.

Okay, so you're an Indian student ready to make your MBBS dream come true in Russia? Cool! But don't let all the excitement blind you. Let's talk about something first: managing your money. Trust me, setting a budget early will save you from making a massive amount of unnecessary stress and make your life so much, so much easier for you.
Make this guide your money map, navigating the Rupees-to-Rubles world. We'll break down all the expenses, give an example budget, and offer you some tips on how to make your bank account smile.
First Things First: Know What You're Paying For
Prior to doing all the math, let's find out where the money is going:
Tuition Fees (The Big One): This is the most costly one. Remember that tuition fees are quite different at every university. Also, see if you need to pay any registration or exam fees.
A Roof Over Your Head (Accommodation): You've got two general options: university dorms and private apartments. Dorms are cheaper, but apartments are more private (and pricey).
Visa and Immigration (The Paperwork Pains): Remember to add in visa extension fees, registration fees, and all that immigration jazz. These are reoccurring charges.
Food (Gotta Eat!): Do you fancy yourself a master culinary chef who delights in cooking up a meal or a takeout connoisseur who gets something brought to them every night? Your food expenditures will reflect your lifestyle.
Getting Around (Transportation): How will you get to class? How many times will you head to other cities? Add on the price of transportation.
Books and Stuff (Brain Food): Text books, reference texts, maybe even some high-tech equipment. Make sure you have enough hidden away!
Being Healthy (Health Insurance): Russian international students must be covered by health insurance. It could be included in your fee or you could have to buy it separately.
Your Own Things (Clothes, Entertainment, etc.): This is everything else:
clothing,
entertainment,
phone charges,
internet connection,
the odd souvenir…!
"Just in Case" Money (Contingency Fund): Things happen. You need an emergency fund for things like medical bills or flight cancellations.
Creating Your Budget: Get Real
1. Establish Your Income (Show Me the Money!): How much money will your household send you on a regular basis? Consider exchange rates and transfer fees.
2. Fixed Expenses (The Non-Negotiables): These are the expenses that are pretty much the same every month: tuition fees (if you're paying monthly), rent, visa fees (divided over the year), health insurance.
3. Variable Expenses (The Tricky Ones): These expenses change from month to month: food, transport, personal care, entertainment. Track your spending for a month or so to find out better what you actually spend.
4. Wants vs. Needs (Be Honest with Yourself): What are the expenses you need to survive (food, rent, textbooks) and what are the expenses you simply want to have (eating at restaurants, nice clothing)? Prioritize your needs.
5. Utilize a Budgeting Tool (Make it Easy): With all the budgeting apps and spreadsheets out there that can help you monitor your income and expenses, pick one that you like and use it regularly.
6. Check and Adjust (Keep it Flexible): Review your budget monthly or quarterly. Are you spending too much on one area? Do you need to change your income or expenses?
Sample Monthly Budget (Remember these are ESTIMATES in Rubles):
Tuition (Monthly): 15,000 - 30,000 RUB (This is HEAVILY dependent on your university)
Dorm (Monthly): 5,000 - 10,000 RUB
Visa/Immigration (Monthly Avg): 500 - 1,000 RUB
Food: 8,000 - 12,000 RUB
Transportation: 2,000 - 3,000 RUB
Books/Supplies: 1,000 - 2,000 RUB (Varies widely, especially at the start of the semester)
Health Insurance (Monthly Avg): 2,000 - 4,000 RUB
Phone/Internet: 800 - 1,500 RUB
Personal: 3,000 - 5,000 RUB
"Just in Case": 2,000 - 4,000 RUB
TOTAL (Approx): 39,300 - 62,500 RUB
Saving Money Like a Pro: Some Tips and Tricks
Become a Home Chef: Cooking for yourself is significantly cheaper than eating out every time.
Student Discounts are Your BFF: Use your student card to get discounts wherever you can.
Second-Hand Bo oks are Your Lifesaver: Buy used textbooks from seniors or online.
Public Transport All The Way: Avoid using taxis if you can. Public transport is your best friend.
Limit Entertainment: Set entertainment budget and stick to it. Find free or inexpensive activities.
No Impulse Purchases!: Consider before you buy. Do you really need that new device?
Keep Track of Your Spending: Where are you spending your money?
Part-Time Employment (If It's Fine): Check if your visa is fine with you doing part-time work.
Sending Money From India (The How-To):
Shop Around for the Best Exchange Rate: Be last to attempt whatever service you've discovered.
Use Established Services: Platforms such as Remitly, Wise (TransferWise), or Xoom do the job.
Let Your Bank Know You're Traveling!: Very important! Let them know you'll be making international transactions.
The Bottom Line: Get Ready and Be Flexible!
Budgeting never ends. You'll need to update your budget as your situation changes. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're having a hard time! Your university international student office can be a good place to seek help. As a proactive and responsible money manager, you'll be able to succeed in continuing your MBBS in Russia! Good luck!
SIMPLE ADMISSION PROCESS
No hefty donations, no entrance exams, no hassle for documentation just your dream MBBS study and you. RUS OVERSEAS does everything for you from scratch. We make sure you don’t have to do rounds of rotation and get fed up with the process of admission. From beginning to end, we are with you.
THE PROCESS
Eligibility:
- 50% in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC) in Class 12.
- Minimum 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.
- NEET Qualification: Mandatory for Indian students.
Invitation letter:
After RUS OVERSEAS submits your documents in the university. The university issues you an invitation letter.
Visa process:
Once the invitation letter arrives. The company will start your visa processing and in a few days you will be on the plane to Russia.
HOW RUS OVERSEAS HELPS YOU IN YOUR JOURNEY
RUS OVERSEAS has the experience of more than a decade. Our team is supportive and cares for the students wholeheartedly. We are available 24/7. Your one stop solution for MBBS abroad is us. We at RUS OVERSEAS will never disappoint any student or parent in their fulfilling journey with us.
CONTACT US
Phone: +91 9560533703
Email: info@rusoverseas.com
Rus Overseas provides expert assistance in choosing the right program, application processing, visa support, and settling in Russia. Contact us today to begin your abroad journey in Russia!
Sakib Hasan