The Volgograd State Medical University was one of the first to start providing educational services to international students and has accumulated immense experience in training medical students. At present training is provided in two forms – in Russian and English Medium. The English-Medium Courses are delivered by professors having teaching experience in foreign universities or actively participating in exchange programs. Training provided at the University meets the highest international standards. All the courses operate in a hard-working and creative atmosphere and combine intensive training in the theory of medicine with practical activities.

The University has been training international students since 1962. Students from 113 states of the former Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa have studied at our University. Over this period 3000 physicians, dentists and paediatricians and pharmacists have been trained for foreign countries.

About 70 overseas doctors are engaged in postgraduate study at the University every year.

Our graduates work in many countries: the USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, India, Arab, African and Latin American countries, etc.

There is a special department (Department for International Students) within the University which is in charge of various aspects of academic activities and everyday life of overseas students. We promptly lend a hand to our students in solving any problems that may arise.

Parents may get any information concerning academic progress of their offspring. They are also informed in case their children neglect studies or misbehave.

The University also arranges invitations for those parents who want to come to Volgograd and see the environment in which their children live and study.

Each group of junior international students is supervised by a special teacher who regularly meets them, consults on various aspects of everyday life, introduces them to Russian culture and life style.

We also have a great number of Russian students who are genuinely interested in mixing with overseas students to increase their cultural and language awareness.

Every year best academically-minded students are nominated according to academic achievements. Students who do well are awarded Certificates of Honour and presents. They are given discounts for the tuition fee.

Students’ Research

University students have plentiful opportunities for conducting research, participating in scientific conferences, publishing the results of their research in Russia and abroad.

University Campus

Preclinical courses are delivered in 4 main buildings of the University which are located in the centre of the city. Clinical courses are provided in 15 multiprofile clinics with departments of surgery, cardiology, traumatology, ophthalmology, obstetrics and gynaecology equipped with the most up-to-date diagnostic and treatment facilities. The Regional Cardiology Centre housing the University department of Cardiology is one of the best cardiological clinics in Russia.

Resources

Our students enjoy excellent study facilities to support their learning:

• a well-stocked library which comprises over 700 000 books in Russian, English, French, German, Arabian and other languages. There are also dictionaries in different languages;
• an Internet centre within the library.

Accommodation Service

There are 3 comfortable hostels including apartments with all modern conveniences for students’ study and rest. All the hostels are situated within easy reach from both University buildings and clinics.

A special accommodation service which provides our students with flats to rent is run by members of the administrative staff. Our officials have built up expertise in placing students in accommodation that suits them.

Social and Cultural Programme

You can enjoy Russian culture in all types of music, drama, film and art. There are many theatres, cinemas, concert halls where students can experience both Russian and other cultures.

You can also visit places associated with historical events and famous people. There are many monuments and memorials in Volgograd, many of them are of world importance.

Sightseeing bus and boat tours around Volgograd as well as to other cities and towns of Russia, tourist tours to other places are arranged for overseas students.

The University puts much emphasis on physical culture development and enhancing popularity of sports among students. Several gyms and sports grounds are available for University students. The University rents a swimming pool and a big stadium. Besides, it has a sports camp on a picturesque bank of the Volga where the students can rest and go in for sports at weekends and on summer holidays.

The University encourages students to celebrate their national festivals. Spectacular performances with folk songs and dances which are part of such celebration are admired by both students and academic staff.

The University staff is very respectful to religious traditions of our students. In the city there are a few Orthodox Churches, a Catholic Church, a Protestant Church, several Mosques and a Synagogue. That means that our international students have the opportunity to follow their own traditions and observe religious holidays.

Academic Year

The academic year has two semesters. 1st semester starts on September 1 and ends late January followed by two weeks of holidays. 2nd semester starts in mid-February and ends in late June. July and August are University holidays.

Eligibility Criteria and Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Volgograd State Medical University an applicant has to have a Certificate of Completed Secondary Education which makes them eligible for admission to Universities in their own countries.

An applicant for admission has to submit the papers listed below.

For applicants to be enrolled on Foundation Courses or to one of the colleges of the University (Russian or English medium):

• a copy of certificate of completed secondary education attesting that the person is eligible to apply for admission to medical universities and colleges in their native country; the certificate has to contain a list of courses taken and grades obtained; the copy must be certified by a notary;
• a certificate of a foundation course completion in one of the higher educational institutions of Russia (for those seeking admission to become 1st year Russian-medium students);
• a medical certificate excluding medical counterindications for study (including the results of HIV-test);
• 12 photographs (size 4x6 cm).