Sechenov University, one of the most prestigious higher education institutions, with a rich history and remarkable achievements in academic and research fields, is an ideal destination for international students.
Offering a wide range of medical science programs, the university provides unique opportunities for academic and professional growth. Its dynamic and multicultural environment, combined with advanced facilities and experienced faculty, creates a distinctive experience in medical education.
If you’re looking to study in an active and international setting, Sechenov University can be a smart choice.
To learn more about tuition fees and admission requirements, read this article to the end.
About Sechenov University
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, commonly known as Sechenov University, is considered one of the leading medical higher education institutions in the Russian Federation. This prestigious university traces its proud history back to 1758, with the establishment of the medical faculty at the Imperial Moscow University. Since then, it has been a pioneer in shaping the healthcare system of Russia.
Many renowned scientists and physicians who have made significant contributions to the advancement of medical science have had the honor of working at this university.
Today, Sechenov University hosts approximately 3,500 international students out of a total 19,000 undergraduate students. These students represent 90 countries from all continents. The largest groups of international students come from countries such as Iran, India, Malaysia, China, Azerbaijan, Namibia, South Africa, and others.
History of Sechenov University
Sechenov University is the first and oldest medical school in Russia, founded on January 25, 1758, in Moscow. Initially known as Imperial Moscow University, it was later renamed in honor of Ivan Sechenov, who is widely recognized as the father of Russian physiology. The university is highly regarded for its excellence in medical education and ranks well in the QS World University Rankings.
In 2012, Barry Marshall, a distinguished visiting professor at Sechenov University, was awarded the Nobel Prize.
With nine specialized faculties in various fields of medicine and state-of-the-art educational facilities, Sechenov University has become one of the leading scientific centers in Russia. It is also internationally recognized for its extensive research activities across multiple areas of medicine.
| Faculties | Fields of study |
| Faculty of General Medicine | General Medicine, Surgery, Clinical Specialties, Emergency Medicine |
| Faculty of Dentistry | General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Prosthetics |
| Faculty of Pharmacy | General Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry, Industrial Pharmacy |
| Faculty of Preventive Medicine | Public Health, Epidemiology, Environmental Medicine, Health Care Management |
| Faculty of Nursing | General Nursing, Nursing Management, Nursing Education, Specialized Nursing |
| Faculty of Pediatrics | Pediatrics, Neonatology, Pediatric Surgery, Child Psychiatry |
| Faculty of Psychiatry and Medical Psychology | Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology, Neurology, Psychotherapy |
| Faculty of Physical Education and Rehabilitation | Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Education, Sports Rehabilitation |
| Faculty of Research and Innovative Technologies | Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Research, Medical Technologies, Medical and Health Innovations |
Why study at Sechenov University?
This university is the largest research medical school in Russia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate courses in English in all fields of medicine, biology, and biotechnology. Additionally, the university’s scientific library has a unique collection of scientific publications in the fields of medicine and healthcare. Out of a total of 19,000 current students, 3,500 are international students from approximately 90 different countries.
Studying Medicine at Sechenov University
Sechenov University, recognized as an academic, research, and leading source in Russia’s healthcare system, is advancing the future of medicine based on interdisciplinary research. Sechenov is the only member of Russia’s Academic Excellence Project in the QS World University Rankings in the field of medicine. The university focuses on an interdisciplinary approach to biomedical research and provides a research-driven environment for collaboration between students, faculty, and partners.
The clinical campus of the university includes modern hospitals with over 3,000 beds, 25 university clinics, and more than 30% of advanced surgeries. The Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Medical Rehabilitation Center with advanced robotic equipment are among the university’s facilities. Sechenov educates over 18,000 students from around the world in various academic programs, including bachelor’s, master’s, and professional doctoral degrees in diverse fields of medicine and related sciences.
Studying Dentistry at Sechenov University
The Dentistry program at Sechenov University is a specialized five-year course offered in both Russian and English. The goal of this program is to train highly skilled dentists for independent professional practice. The education is practice-oriented, focusing on developing cultural and professional competencies for preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative dental procedures.
The program’s faculty includes doctors, candidates of sciences, members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and prominent specialists in the Russian healthcare and medical insurance system. Training takes place in laboratories equipped with advanced technology and utilizes interactive, multimedia, and simulation-based learning methods.
Studying Pharmacy at Sechenov University
The Sechenov University Pharmacy program is designed to train pharmaceutical chemists for independent pharmacy practice. This program is available in both Russian and English and is focused on practical, hands-on learning to develop excellent professional pharmaceutical skills.
The program is conducted in state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with advanced technologies and uses interactive, multimedia, and simulation-based teaching methods. Graduates of the program are equipped to work in regulatory pharmaceutical organizations, healthcare management institutions, insurance companies, and professional pharmacy associations.
This program also offers the opportunity for continuing education through advanced courses and higher-degree studies. Graduates can easily advance their careers and pursue further studies in residency and specialization programs.
Advantages of studying at Sechenov University
- It is easier to get admitted compared to other universities and gives students enough time for studying.
- It has a very good ranking in the fields of medicine and dentistry.
- It is equipped with various facilities and hospitals.
Disadvantages of studying at Sechenov University
- Its tuition fees are higher compared to other universities in Russia, and you will need to pay more
- You have to wait a long time to get into the dormitory, so you should consider renting a house.
- Its different faculties are located throughout Moscow, which makes commuting a bit difficult
Required documents for studying at Sechenov University
Students seeking admission to the General Medicine program at Sechenov University must provide the following documents:
- Certificate and transcript of 10th-grade completion.
- Certificate and transcript of 12th-grade completion.
- Birth certificate.
- Valid passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Medical report including a negative HIV test result.
Entrance exam for Sechenov University
The entrance exams for Sechenov University are held in both Russian and English. These exams are designed for various academic programs, including Master’s, Doctoral, and PhD courses.
For the Master’s programs in General Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy, a Chemistry exam with a minimum passing score of 45 or 55 is required. For Master’s programs in Public Health, Biotechnology, and Biology, a specialized exam with a minimum score of 40 is required.
For PhD programs, two exams are held: one specialized exam related to the field of study and one foreign language exam, both with a minimum passing score of 40. PhD fields include Chemistry, Biology, Fundamental Medicine, Clinical Medicine, Dentistry, Preventive Medicine, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Psychology, Pedagogy, and History. All exams are computer-based, and the scores are calculated out of 100
The preparatory course at Sechenov University
Sechenov University offers a preparatory course (Padfak) in two durations: 6 months and 9 months, which begin in early September and February, respectively. In this course, Russian language, biology, chemistry, and mathematics or physics are taught, with the primary focus on the Russian language. The cost of the 9-month preparatory course is approximately $3000, and the cost of the 6-month course is around $2000.
The tuition fees for medical programs at Sechenov University for 2025
| Type of course/field: | Duration of the course: | Annual tuition fee: |
| Medical Program (English and Russian) | 6 years | 15000 $ |
| Dentistry (English and Russian) | 5 years | 15000 $ |
| Pharmacy | 5 years | 10000 $ |
| preparatory course | 9 month | 3000 $ |
| preparatory course | 6 month | 2000 $ |
| Radiology specialization | 2 years | 6200 $ |
Scholarships at Sechenov University
The Russian government grants 15,000 scholarships to international students annually. These scholarships cover free education in the chosen field for the entire course duration, and if necessary, Russian language training. Additionally, students receive a monthly stipend of 1,300 rubles and accommodation in student dormitories.
Graduates from high schools or vocational schools who succeed in the selection competition in their home country are eligible for these scholarships. However, expenses for travel, living, health insurance, multi-entry visas, and registration documents after arrival are not covered by the scholarship
Ranking of Sechenov University Moscow
Sechenov University is ranked 412th in the global university rankings. This ranking is based on a set of recognized excellence indicators. For more information about Sechenov University’s ranking, here are some key rankings:
- Rank 412 among the best universities in the world
- Rank 158 among the best medical universities
- Rank 1 among the best universities in Russia
Subject rankings of Sechenov University in the world universities:
- 22th in Biology and Biochemistry (Shared)
- 115th in Cell Biology
- 684th in Chemistry (Shared)
- 194th in Clinical Medicine (Shared)
- 159th in Immunology (Shared)
- 459th in Materials Science (Shared)
- 199th in Molecular Biology and Genetics (Shared)
- 253rd in Neuroscience and Behavior (Shared)
- 272nd in Oncology
- 250th in Pharmacology and Toxicology (Shared)
International Relations of Sechenov University
One of the reasons why this university hosts a large number of international residing in Russia each year is its international relations and partnerships with other universities and global organizations. Over 140 staff members of this university are members of one or more foreign and international scientific associations. Additionally, the university hosts more than 20 international events, conferences, or seminars annually, and approximately 2,500 international students from 74 countries around the world study at this university each year. This university also has friendly relations with universities in other countries, including the USA, Germany, South Korea, Japan, Australia, and the UK.
University Facilities
The clinical campus of Sechenov University was established in 1897 and is recognized as one of the best and largest teaching hospitals in Europe. The hospital’s inpatient departments provide advanced and specialized medical services. In 2018, the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Sechenov University was launched, offering a full range of medical services to cancer patients.
In line with its support for the concept of preventive healthcare, Sechenov University provides a dedicated stadium called “Burevestnik” for students and staff. Located near the university’s buildings and hospitals, the stadium includes a football field, two track and field sections, four tennis courts, an artificial playfield, a gymnasium, sports class rooms, changing rooms, shower cabins, and more.
Sechenov University Dormitory
This university has five large dormitory buildings, each with different conditions and prices. The cost of accommodation in Sechenov University’s dormitories ranges between 10,000 to 18,000 rubles. However, due to the high demand for these dormitories, students must first register and remain on a waiting list. The amenities in each building vary, and generally, some buildings have shared bathrooms on each floor, while others have bathrooms in each room. Accordingly, the price for each dormitory varies as well.
Conclusion
Sechenov University, with over 250 years of history, has a rich legacy in medical education and research and is recognized as a pioneer in the healthcare system of Russia. With a broad range of programs in medical sciences, advanced educational and research facilities, and a multicultural and international environment, this university provides unique opportunities for students. The university’s notable global rankings in various medical disciplines reflect the high quality of education and research at this institution. Despite the relatively high tuition fees compared to other Russian universities, the availability of scholarships and the flexible admission conditions (including the absence of strict age limitations) make Sechenov University an attractive option for international students.
