)
The Ukraine crisis, which left Indian medical students in the lurch, has led many students to look for new destinations to pursue their medical courses. Every year, about 11,000 Indian students go abroad to pursue medical education.
Educational consultants said they were advising students to opt for China, Philippines, Mexico and Brazil and avoid Russia. Admissions to medical colleges take place between August and November.
China and Russia are the most sought-after destinations for Indian students for the MBBS course, as these countries are cost effective. While it costs $3,500-$4,500 (Rs 21,00,000 to 27,00,000) a year in Russia for the five-year-and-eight-month MBBS course, at home the cost varies between Rs 50,00,000 and 80,00,000 for five years. The course costs over Rs 25,00,000 for six years in China.
The Indian mission in Ukraine has been facilitating the evacuation of 1,000 Indian nationals, particularly students, from the Lugansk region to Kiev.
