The evacuation of Indian citizens who are stuck in the war-affected Ukraine has already been started, and people have started coming back from Ukraine to India. The surprising fact is that most of the citizens who are coming back are the students who had gone there to study. The courses preferred by Indian students are mainly related to the medical field.
Now why Indian students like to go to Ukraine for studying medicine. As per the Ukraine Ministry of Education and Science, there are around 18,095 Indian students in the year 2020-21, which constitutes 24% of foreign students studying in Ukraine. The data reveals that Ukraine ranks fourth in Europe for having the largest number of graduate and post-graduate specializations in the field of medicine. The state run Universities provide quality medical education at a low cost. In comparison, lesser known private medical colleges in India tend to demand much higher fees. The medical colleges in Ukraine fill in the gap for Indian students who find themselves unable to get seats in govt colleges or afford the heavy fees charged by private institutions in India.
Additionally, unlike in India, no medical examinations are conducted for the medical students to get admission. The medium of instruction is English in Ukraine, so that works as an added benefit for not having to learn a foreign language while also studying medicine.
The low MBBS course fees charged by the medical institutions in the war-torn nation can range from Rs 30 to 35 lakh, compared to around 1 cr( including donation) charges in India. Ukraine and Russian medical colleges are even recognized by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The degrees are very much valid in India as the Indian Medical Council (IMC) too recognizes them. The duration of the MBBS course in Ukraine and Russia is six years. Significantly, education is cheaper than in India, the hostels are better, the food is more affordable, the environment is hygienic, and students can avail education loans from national banks. In addition to all these advantages, there is a vertical module education system and students get clinical exposure and hands-on practice with modern medical equipment. Medical degrees are also recognized worldwide; especially European Council of medicine, other global bodies, and the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom, help these students with further opportunities. Further, there are chances of permanent residence and settlement in Europe after completion of the study programme in Ukraine.
Additionally following their return to India, students give their Foreign Medical Graduates Exam (FMGE) to get a license to practice medicine in India. The students can work in the state and central govt or appear for UPSC and MPSC competitive exams or avail medical and non-medical opportunities in govt as officers.
At this moment the future of these students, who were studying in Ukraine till the war happened, is very unclear. As it is uncertain what will happen after the war ends. Will Ukraine be able to get its old glory and infrastructure back, to resume studies in institutions where most of the foreign students are studying?
Waiting for your views on this blog.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
1st March 2022
Sapna Wadhwa.
I think many nations will helpukraine financially to retain its glory, but it will take time.
At present our govt. Should get our students back on priority basis.
Tejinder Singh Sethi
Apart from being affordable, Russia follows an easy admission process , which has increased the inflow of international students. This has strengthened its position as a top overseas destination among Indian students.