Nursing in Russia for Indian Students: Fees, Eligibility, Admission, Fees & Career Scope
Nursing in RussiaNursing in Russia is one of the increasingly popular options for Indian students. You will find a wide scope of both studying and practicing Nursing in Russia. Along with great learning opportunities and hands-on training, it also offers you international exposure and growth opportunities. The major nursing programs in Russia for Indian students include a 4-year BSc Nursing course. This course is available in English for international students.
To be eligible for Nursing courses in Russia, Indian students must pass their 10+2 exams with at least 45% to 50% score. Apart from that, they will be required to pass the IELTS or TOEFL exam to demonstrate English proficiency to study English-taught Nursing courses in some cases. They must also hold a valid passport and other crucial documents. For the direct work pathway, Indian students must go through the certification exam for Nursing in Russia.
The yearly tuition fee for Nursing in Russia ranges from $3,500 to $11,800. While working as a registered nurse in the country, you can expect a salary of $1,000 to $,2,000 per month or more. Permanent residency is also available for Indian Nursing students in Russia. Here, we will discuss the details of studying and practicing Nursing in Russia for Indian students.
Why Choose Nursing in Russia for Indian Nurses?
Go through the infographic below to understand the key reasons to choose Nursing in Russia.
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Nursing in Russia: Demand for Indian Nurses in Russia
There is an increasing demand for nurses in Russia, regardless of their nationality. Therefore, Indian nurses who have the relevant skills can find great career opportunities in Russia.
Benefits of Nursing in Russia Compared to India
The table below shows the comparison of pursuing Nursing careers in Russia vs India for Indian Nursing students.
Aspect | Russia | India |
Avg Salary (monthly, entry-level) | RUB 41,000 - RUB 83,000 (₹36,000 - ₹74,000 / $430 - $900) | ₹25,000 - ₹40,000 ($300 - $480) |
Key Benefits | Free visa/housing, stipends, language training | Job stability in govt hospitals, pensions |
Work-Life | Structured shifts, but shortages cause overload | High patient loads, long hours |
Career Growth | Specialisation opportunities, international exposure | Limited advancement without an MSc |
Challenges | Low respect, language barrier, and poor gear sometimes | Low pay, overcrowding |
Nursing in Russia: Career Growth & Global Exposure
You can ensure career growth as a nurse in Russia by opting for a wide range of specialisations available in the country. International exposure is one of the positive aspects of choosing a nursing career in Russia.
Nursing in Russia: Pathways for Indians
You can study Nursing in Russia and work in the country as a registered nurse. In order to do that, you must follow the appropriate pathways mentioned below for studying and practicing Nursing in Russia.
Study Nursing in Russia for Indian Students
You can opt for a 4-year BSc Nursing in Russia or a Diploma program with a shorter duration. English-medium Nursing courses are available for international students in Russia. You will usually be required to clear the IELTS or TOEFL exam to study English-taught nursing programs in Russia. There is no centralised entrance exam for Nursing programs in Russia, and you might be required to take institution-specific assessments in some cases.
You can study Nursing courses at various levels, from a Diploma to a PhD in Russia. Check the table below for the Nursing courses across various levels available across Russian medical universities.
Course | Duration | Eligibility (for Indians) |
Certificate/Diploma in Nursing | 6-18 months | 12th pass in basic sciences |
Secondary Specialized Nursing | 2-3 years | 12th pass from PCB with 40-50% |
Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)/Junior Specialist | 2-3 years | 12th pass from PCB with 50% + entrance test |
BSc Nursing (Specialist Bachelor) | 4-5 years | 12th pass from PCB with 50-60% (NEET optional) |
Post-Basic/Advanced Diploma Nursing | 1-2 years | Diploma/RN qualification + experience |
MSc Nursing | 2 years | BSc Nursing, entrance exam/work experience |
PhD/Doctoral in Nursing (research-focused) | 3-4 years | MSc Nursing, research proposal/publications |
Who Should Choose to Study Nursing in Russia?
Nursing studies in Russia are the most suitable for the following types of students from India:
- Students who are looking for affordable Nursing education abroad.
- Students who want to avoid paying huge donations to universities for admission.
- Students who want hands-on training within their Nursing studies.
- Those who want global exposure and career opportunities.
- Students who are facing high competition in India for Nursing college admissions.
Nursing in Russia: Work as a Nurse in Russia from India
Indian Nursing graduates can work as nurses in Russia. In order to do that, they must meet the required qualifications first and gain the relevant certification. They must also get a work visa to work as registered nurses in Russia.
Who Is Eligible for the Direct Work Pathway after Nursing in Russia?
You must meet the following eligibility criteria given below for a direct work pathway for Nursing in Russia as an Indian student.
Eligibility Criteria | Details |
Qualification | GNM diploma, BSc Nursing, or equivalent from an INC-approved institution. |
Licensing | Valid nursing registration from the Indian Nursing Council. |
Language requirements | Basic Russian (A2/B1 level, with training available) |
Age limit | Minimum 22 years, maximum 45 years |
Passport validity | 6+ months |
Additional requirements |
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Eligibility Criteria for Nursing in Russia
The eligibility requirements for Indian students who want to pursue Nursing in Russia include the qualifications, age requirements, English proficiency, etc. Below are the key details regarding these aspects.
Nursing in Russia: Educational Requirements for Indian Students
The following table shows the requirements for Indian students who want to pursue Nursing studies in Russia.
Requirement | Details for Indian Students |
Academic Qualification | 12th pass in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) with ≥50% aggregate |
Minimum Marks | 45% - 50% |
Age | Minimum 17 years by Dec 31 of admission year |
NEET | Not mandatory for Nursing |
Language Proficiency | English medium available; basic Russian (A1/A2) beneficial; no IELTS |
Other | Medical fitness (HIV-negative), passport; possible uni interview |
Nursing in Russia: Eligibility for GNM / BSc / MSc Nursing
Indian Nursing graduates who have completed GNM, BSc Nursing, or MSc Nursing are eligible to practice in Russia. They must hold a valid license or registration from the INC. Moreover, they can work in both government and private hospitals with vacancies or staff shortages.
Course | Educational Requirements (Indian Students) |
GNM (Diploma, 3 years) | 10+2 any stream (Science preferred); passing marks |
BSc Nursing (4 years) | 10+2 PCB with ≥50% aggregate; Biology, Chemistry, Physics studied |
MSc Nursing (2 years) | BSc Nursing or equivalent bachelor's (4 years) with transcripts |
Nursing in Russia: Work Experience Requirements
Work experience requirements will vary with each institution offering Nursing courses in Russia. Indian Nursing graduates with Bachelor’s degrees are usually required to have at least 2 years of work experience for Master’s courses. On the other hand, students who want to pursue a Bachelor’s course in Nursing are not required to have work experience.
Nursing in Russia: Age Criteria
To work as a nurse in Russia, you must be at least 22 years old. On the other hand, the maximum age limit for Indian Nursing graduates to work in Russia is 45 years.
Nursing in Russia: English Language Requirements
To study English-taught Nursing courses, Indian students must demonstrate English proficiency through the IELTS/TOEFL exam. However, they must have Russian proficiency of A2 or B1 level to be eligible to practice in the country.
Nursing in Russia: Top Universities
Check the table below for the yearly tuition fee structure for Nursing in Russia across various available institutions.
College/University | Tuition Fee (USD/Year) |
$11,800 | |
$4,700 - $5,7000 | |
$6,000 | |
$6,000 | |
$5,000 | |
$4,000 | |
$11,000 | |
$4,600 - $4,700 | |
Pirogov Russian National Research | $5,000 - $8,000 |
St Petersburg State University | $5,500-7,000 |
Tula State Pedagogical University | $3,500 |
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Nursing in Russia: Nursing Exams & Licensing for Russia
Indian students who have passed Nursing courses in Russia or India have to pass the Nursing exams and licensing exams to practice in Russia. This is an important requirement to get certification as a nurse in the country. The certification must be renewed once every 5 years. Check the details of the certification process given below.
Nursing in Russia: Required Nursing Exams
There are language exams, state exams, competence tests, and accreditation exams for Nursing students in Russia. Go through the table below to understand the purpose and components of these exams.
Exam Name | Purpose | Components |
TORFL (Language) | Russian proficiency for practice | B1+ level test (listening, reading, writing, speaking) |
State Exam | Core nursing knowledge validation | Written MCQs, practical skills, and oral viva on medical-surgical, pediatrics, and psychiatry. |
Competence Test | Clinical skills assessment | Demonstrations of procedures, patient care scenarios |
Accreditation Exam | Professional certification | Online/theoretical test + simulation/practical via fmza.ru portal |
Nursing in Russia: Certification Authority & Process
The certification authority for nurses in Russia is the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare (Roszdravnadzor), which works under the country’s Ministry of Health. Check the following table for the licensing process implemented for nurses in the country.
Step | Description for Foreign Nurses (e.g., Indians) | Key Requirements |
Nostrification | Validate foreign diplomas/qualifications against Russian standards | Diploma translation/apostille, Glavexpertcenter application (45+ days) |
Language Exam | Prove Russian proficiency for medical practice | TORFL B1+ level certificate |
State Exam | National nursing knowledge assessment | Written/practical/oral: medical-surgical, pediatrics, psychiatry |
Competence Test | Skills evaluation post-nostrification | Nursing procedures/skills demo |
Accreditation | Professional certification via the health ministry portal | Online app (fmza.ru), docs, health/police clearance |
License Issue | Regional work authorisation | Submit all important documents to Minzdrav and renew every 5 years |
Nursing in Russia: Credential Verification
If you have studied Nursing in India and are looking for career opportunities in Russia, the credential verification is an important step in the process. The institution you graduated from must be recognised by the NMC and WHO. You must then clear the Federal Agency's Licensing Exam in Russia.
Nursing in Russia: Nursing Jobs, Salary & PR Pathways
Indian students can get various types of Nursing job roles in Russia, with the salary range varying in each case. Moreover, there are permanent residency options available for them. Go through the details regarding these aspects in the tables presented below.
Nursing in Russia: Job Roles & Average Salary
The job roles you can get as a nurse in Russia have varying levels of demands and monthly salary ranges. Check the table below for the job roles, their demands, and the monthly salaries they provide in USD.
Job Role | Demand | Salary (Monthly USD) |
Staff/Registered Nurse | High | $1,100 - $1,700 |
Expat Community Nurse | Very high | $1,300+ |
Hospital General Nurse | High | $1,000 - $1,500 |
Home Care Nurse | Growing | $1,100+ |
Specialised Nurse | Moderate - High | $1,500 - $2,000 for Indians |
Nursing in Russia: Permanent Residency Options
The following table provides details of the permanent residency options available to Indian Nursing students.
Option | Eligibility for Nurses | Timeline & Requirements |
Temporary Residence Permit (TRP/RVP) | Work visa/job offer; quota-based (healthcare prioritized) | 3 years validity; apply via employer; leads to VNZh |
Permanent Residence (VNZh) | 1 year TRP + stable income/license; no criminal record | Indefinite (renew every 5 years); work without a permit |
HQS Permanent VNZh | Highly Qualified Specialist status (salary >RUB 167k/mo) | Directly after 2 years of work/taxes paid, family included |
Skilled Visa (New 2026) | Nursing on skilled list, job contract | Direct PR or 3-yr temp; effective April 2026 |
Simplified Naturalization | 3 yrs residency + Russian-speaking/child | To citizenship (passport) after PR |
Also Check:
Abroad Nursing Destinations for Indian Students | |
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Nursing in Russia: FAQs
Ques: Is Russia a good destination for studying Nursing?
Ans: Yes, Russia is a good destination for students who want to study Nursing. This is mainly due to the advanced infrastructure and health system of the country.
Ques: Do Russian universities offer hands-on training to Nursing students?
Ans: Yes, Russian nursing colleges are highly focused on providing practical training to the students.
Ques: How long does it take to become a nurse in Russia?
Ans: Depending on the course you have chosen, it can take up to 4 years to become a nurse in Russia. In the case of Diploma programs in Nursing, you can become a nurse within a shorter period.
Ques: Is there an entrance exam for Nursing in Russia?
Ans: No, there is no centralised entrance exam for studying Nursing in Russia. You might have to appear for institute-specific interviews to gain admission to the Nursing course.
Ques: What is the salary of a nurse in Russia?
Ans: The average monthly salary of nurses in Russia ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 or higher, depending on the specific job role and responsibilities.
Ques: Do I have to know Russian to work as a nurse in Russia?
Ans: Yes, you must have an A2 level or B1 level proficiency in Russian to become a nurse in Russia. You can get training classes to gain this level of proficiency.
Ques: How is the demand for Indian nurses in Russia?
Ans: Indian nurses are in high demand in Russia across hospitals with staff shortages. Therefore, Indian Nursing graduates can expect good career opportunities by working in Russia across various roles.
Ques: How to get registered as a nurse in Russia?
Ans: You can become a registered nurse in Russia by clearing the certification exam, state exam, and competence test. The certification will be provided by the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare.
Ques: What is the validity period of the certification for Nursing in Russia?
Ans: The validity period of a Nursing certificate in Russia is 5 years. Therefore, you have to renew it after its validity is over every 5 years to continue practicing as a nurse.
Ques: Do I need work experience for Nursing in Russia?
Ans: No, work experience is usually not a mandatory requirement for Nursing in Russia. However, you will have an advantage in specialisations within the field if you have at least 1 to 2 years of experience.