Study Medicine in European Country
MBBS in Armenia: One among Indian Students’ Top 5 Choices. More than 8,000 Indian students are studying in Armenia.
Geographical Position and Landscape
Armenia, positioned at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, serves as a significant presence in the rocky Caucasus region. Encircled by the Southern Caucasus Mountains, the country is landlocked, situated amid the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. It shares borders with Georgia to the north, Azerbaijan to the east, Iran to the south, and Turkey to the southwest and west.
Climate and Weather Patterns
Characterized by a highland continental climate, Armenia experiences distinct seasons with relatively dry weather. The country witnesses significant temperature variations across seasons, with summers generally pleasant at around 25 degrees Celsius. In the Ararat valley, temperatures can soar to 40 degrees Celsius.
International Affiliations and Alliances
Armenia maintains active participation in approximately 40 global associations, demonstrating its commitment to international cooperation and engagement. Notable affiliations include memberships in the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Asian Development Bank, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the World Trade Organization, the World Customs Organization, the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, and La Francophonie. Additionally, Armenia is a member of the CSTO military organization and engages in NATO’s Partnership for Peace program.
| Key Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Intake | September/October |
| Score Required in 10+2 | 50% in PCB |
| NEET Requirement | YES |
| Fees Structure | 3000 – 4000 USD Per Year |
| Hostel | 200 to 260 USD Per Month |
| Duration | 6 Years |
| Medium of Instruction | English |
| Top Medical University | Yerevan Haybusak University |
| Recognition | NMC and WHO approved |
1. Robust Higher Education Landscape Armenia boasts a diverse array of 26 state universities, including four international ones, and 33 licensed private institutions of higher education. These institutions encompass a wide range of educational entities, including universities, institutes, academies, and conservatories.
2. Comprehensive Educational Offerings Catering to a spectrum of disciplines, Armenia accommodates students in various fields such as physics, mathematics, chemistry, microbiology, engineering, medicine, and IT. This breadth of academic options allows students to pursue their preferred areas of study.
3. Emphasis on Practical Training In a pioneering move, Armenian universities have prioritized practical training over traditional classroom instruction. This focus on hands-on experience underscores Armenia’s commitment to producing skilled professionals equipped with practical knowledge, enhancing their competitiveness in the global job market.
4. Simplified Admission Process for MBBS Armenia streamlines the admission process for aspiring MBBS students, mandating only the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) as the required entrance examination. This streamlined process reduces the barriers to entry for international students seeking to pursue medical education in Armenia.
5. Globally Recognized Degrees Armenian medical universities hold accreditation from prestigious organizations like the WHO, WDOMS, FAIMER, ECFMG, and the medical councils of prominent countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, and Canada. This recognition ensures that graduates receive globally renowned degrees, enhancing their career prospects internationally.
6. Affordability in Education Armenia offers affordable MBBS programs, with several medical universities holding recognition from esteemed bodies like WDOMS and NMC (MCI). Compared to private medical institutions in India, the overall cost of studying MBBS in Armenia is notably lower, making it a cost-effective option for aspiring medical professionals.
7. Well-Equipped Universities Medical universities in Armenia prioritize providing comprehensive resources to meet students’ learning needs and ensure compatibility with modern medical practices. These well-equipped institutions enable students to receive a quality education that aligns with global standards.
8. Cost-Effective Living Expenses Choosing to pursue MBBS education in Armenia proves to be an economical option due to the comparatively lower cost of living in the country. Alongside reduced tuition fees, students can manage their living expenses without facing financial burdens, making their educational journey more financially feasible.
9. English-Medium Curriculum Armenian medical universities offer a complete English curriculum, relieving students from the stress of learning a new language specifically for their MBBS studies. This feature facilitates a smoother educational experience for international students, fostering a conducive learning environment.
10. Integration of Advanced Technology Armenian medical universities remain at the forefront of technological advancements in education. By integrating innovative teaching methodologies and advanced technologies, these institutions ensure that students stay updated and relevant in their medical studies, preparing them for the evolving landscape of the healthcare industry.
| University | Year of Establishment |
|---|---|
| Yerevan State Medical University | 1920 |
| Armenian Medical Institute | 1990 |
| Yerevan Haybusak University | 1990 |
| The University of Traditional Medicine | 1992 |
| St. Tereza Medical University | 1992 |
| Mkhitar Gosh Armenian-Russian International University | 1996 |
| Name of College | Tuition Fees/Year (in US$) | Hostel Fees/Year (in US$) |
|---|---|---|
| Mkhitar Gosh Armenian-Russian International University | 2900 | 800 |
| St. Tereza Medical University | 3000 | 800 |
| University of Traditional Medicine | 3000 | 1000 |
| Yerevan Haybusak University | 3800 | 700 |
| Armenian Medical Institute | 3800 | 1250 |
| Yerevan State Medical University | 5000 | 600 |
In November 2021, the National Medical Commission (NMC) released the “Foreign Medical Graduate Licentiate Regulations, 2021,” which apply to foreign medical graduates seeking permanent registration in India, not exclusive to Armenia. These regulations outline specific criteria:
Course Duration: The General Medicine course in Armenia spans 6 years, the same for local and foreign students, meeting the requirement of a 54-month duration.
Internship: NMC stipulates a 12-month internship in addition to the 6-year course. Armenian medical universities provide clerkship/clinical rotations for 12 months or more.
Medium of Instruction: Armenian universities teach in English. However, proficiency in the Local language is essential for patient interactions during hospital visits and local communication.
At the end of course, all students must pass a final government licensing exam, as per latest NMC norms. (The advantage is that this exam is in English in contrast to Russia, where the licensing exam is held in Russian language.)
As of 2023, very few countries meet the FMGL Regulations. If you study in Armenia, remember:
Complete your foreign medical graduation course within ten years from enrollment.
Degrees from universities with a bilingual pattern may not be valid in India.
To ensure the validity of your degree in India, clear the NEET exam before admission. MBBS abroad without NEET may not allow you to sit for NEXT.
Clear the local Government’s licensing exam.
This is a popular choice among Indian students, with classes commencing in September.
Limited to certain universities, the March intake's admission process generally starts in January, and classes begin in March.
MBBS programs in Armenia typically start their intake in September and this is the most popular intake among Indian students.
Prospective students are advised to commence the admission process in July to secure enrollment.
The classes for the MBBS program usually begin in October.
Early application is recommended due to the limited availability of seats.
The application process for MBBS programs in Armenia doesn’t adhere to a universal deadline. Each university sets its own specific closing date, often based on the filling of available international student slots. Consequently, the last date varies depending on when a university’s seat quota is met or the individual date specified by the university.
To ensure a strong application, it’s advisable to apply immediately after taking the NEET exam, provided you are confident about your qualification. Notably, qualifying NEET is a prerequisite for MBBS admission abroad. If you have already cleared NEET in the previous two years, consider applying in May.
Classes typically commence in October. Early application is highly essential as the process involves various documentations and visa applications, which will take around a month or so after getting the admission letter.
Securing an education loan for pursuing MBBS in Armenia is indeed possible, although it might require some effort as not all banks readily offer loans for studying abroad.
Loan Amount and Application Process
Banks typically offer loans of up to ₹7 or 7.5 lakhs without the need for any collateral, whereas for higher loan amounts, collateral might be required. During the loan application process, banks will scrutinise parental documents alongside essential details such as the admission letter, which can be facilitated with the support of Rich Global Edu.
Preferred Banks and Interest Rates
To initiate the loan process, it is advisable to approach Government Banks or Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) banks such as Canara Bank, State Bank of India, Allahabad Bank, or State Bank of Mysore. It is recommended to first approach the bank where you hold an existing account. The interest rates are typically in the range of 10-13% for loans exceeding INR 4 lakh and 7-9% for loans below INR 4 lakh, with compound interest calculations being employed by the bank.
Important Considerations
The bank disburses the loan on a yearly basis, and failure in the initial year might affect subsequent loan disbursements.
The process of securing an education loan might require applications at multiple banks before obtaining approval.
It is crucial to gather detailed information from the bank regarding the repayment schedule and the total interest amount to be paid.
Documents Required for Education Loan
Admission letter from the university
Completed loan application form
Passport-sized photographs
Proof of identity (such as Aadhar Card, PAN Card, or Passport)
Proof of residence (such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, or Passport)
Academic records of the student (mark sheets, certificates, etc.)
Admission acceptance letter and fee structure from the university
Proof of admission-related expenses (hostel fees, tuition fees, etc.)
Proof of parents’ income and employment
Income tax returns of the co-applicant or guarantor, if applicable
Bank account statement of the last six months of the co-applicant or guarantor
Collateral documents, if applicable
Accommodation Arrangements for Indian Students
Indian students are typically provided accommodation within the university’s hostels for the entire duration of their MBBS program in Armenia.
Initially, it is mandatory for new students to reside in the university’s hostels for at least one year, primarily due to their limited knowledge of the local language for effective communication with the residents.
After the first year, students have the option to either continue residing in the university’s hostels or choose to rent a flat or apartment with their peers, should they wish to explore alternative accommodation options.
To ensure a comfortable living environment, separate hostel facilities are designated for Indian boys and girls, often allocated within distinct blocks or wings of the same hostel building.
Safety and Security Measures
Hostels, whether managed by the university or private entities, are equipped with comprehensive safety features, including CCTV surveillance systems at critical locations and fire alarms in every room, prioritizing the safety and security of international students.
Entry and exit times from the hostel premises are regulated, with set times of 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM respectively. A dedicated security guard is present to monitor the movement of students and visitors within the hostel premises.
Facilities and Amenities
Each hostel floor is equipped with a communal kitchen, enabling Indian students to prepare their meals as per their preferences.
Furthermore, reading halls, sports facilities, and laundry services are readily accessible within both government and private hostels.
Rooms are furnished with essential amenities, including study tables, chairs, lamps, beds, bed sheets, pillows, and wardrobes. The hostel administration facilitates furniture repairs in case of damages and provides weekly exchanges for bedding items.
To ensure comfort during the colder months, rooms are equipped with radiators for efficient heating.
Additional Amenities and Services
Essential utilities such as electricity, hot and cold water, and cooking gas are typically included in the hostel fee for government and private hostels in Armenia. However, when opting for private accommodation, additional charges may apply based on usage.
Students have the flexibility to choose between 2/3/4 seater rooms based on availability and can request room changes by submitting a formal application to the hostel administration.
Hostel dining facilities, typically mandatory for first-year Indian students, offer the convenience of an Indian mess serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner at a monthly cost ranging between USD 100 to 120. From the second year onwards, students have the option to continue availing the Indian mess services on a paid basis or utilize the hostel kitchen facilities for self-cooking purposes.
Admission requirements typically include a 50% score in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in the 10+2 examinations, as well as the mandatory NEET exam for international students.
The duration of an MBBS program in Armenia is generally 6 years, which includes both theoretical and practical training.
Yes, the degrees awarded by Armenian medical universities are recognized internationally by prestigious organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), ensuring that graduates can pursue employment opportunities worldwide.
The medium of instruction for MBBS programs in Armenia is English, making it easier for international students to comprehend their coursework and engage effectively with their studies.
The cost of living in Armenia is relatively affordable for international students, offering reasonable accommodation, food, and other daily expenses compared to many other countries.
Yes, Armenian medical universities often provide opportunities for international internships, allowing students to gain practical experience and exposure in renowned medical institutions globally.
No, it is not necessary to learn the Armenian language as most MBBS programs in Armenia are conducted entirely in English, allowing international students to study without the need for additional language proficiency.
Graduates from Armenian medical universities have diverse career prospects, including opportunities for employment in various healthcare settings, further specialization through postgraduate studies, and the option to practice medicine in different countries.
Armenia offers a rich cultural experience for international students, with a welcoming and friendly environment. Students have the opportunity to engage in various cultural activities, explore historical sites, and participate in local traditions and festivals.
Armenian universities often provide research opportunities for MBBS students, allowing them to participate in various research projects and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge in their chosen field of study.
Armenian universities typically offer comprehensive student support services, including academic guidance, counseling, and assistance with accommodation, visa issues, and other essential matters to ensure a smooth and comfortable educational journey for international students.
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