Over 200 Indian students return after mid-course expulsion from Russian medical university

More than 200 Indian students enrolled in Russia’s Bashkir State Medical University are returning home after facing sudden expulsions, leaving their medical careers in limbo.

Students and parents allege that the expulsions were driven by what they describe as the university’s “financial greed,” citing issues such as minor attendance lapses and academic backlogs being used as pretexts.

In a notice issued on June 9, written in Russian, the university informed foreign students that they would be barred from appearing for exams due to “failure to fulfill their obligations to conscientiously master the educational program and complete the curriculum.” The list names 234 students across five years of study, most of them from India.

The All Foreign Medical Graduates’ Association (AFA) wrote on X that the institution was “deliberately expelling” Indian students, particularly those in the second and third years.

According to AFA, the university is aware that Indian students cannot transfer elsewhere under National Medical Commission (NMC) rules, which require them to complete their full course, including internship, at the same foreign university.

One third-year student from Maharashtra, who flew back to India on July 5, said, “I am now returning to India because I do not have any other option. The university admitted around 1,000 students, over their capacity, and are now expelling us over minor issues.”

The student explained that they were told to restart from the first year if they wished to continue their education elsewhere.

“We have already spent lakhs of rupees and cannot give up now. We will be forced to spend lakhs of rupees again and waste three years,” the student said.

Citing NMC regulations, the student claimed that the university was specifically targeting Indian students, knowing they have limited options.

“My grounds for expulsion was ‘low attendance,’ even though I informed the university I was returning to India due to a family emergency,” he added.

Another student said, “Despite having genuine reasons for missing a few lectures, visa processes, and medical appointments, I made sure to clear my absences before exams.”

The student described the situation as devastating, saying, “My medical dreams have been shattered.”

One of the expulsion notices reviewed said that a student had not cleared “academic debt in the discipline ‘Biochemistry’” and included steps for acquiring an exit visa.

The student from Maharashtra said, “I was forced to sign a ‘self-expulsion’ notice and threatened that I will not even have the option of returning if I do not.”

Parents expressed deep distress over the situation. One parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “After the Ukraine-Russia war, consultants began recommending Russian universities.”

“We sent our children with high hopes, taking loans. Many are now returning, quitting on their dreams to become doctors. It is traumatic and unfair.” The parent said, adding that their family had already spent ₹25 lakh, and readmission would cost another ₹15 lakh.

Students said they chose the university because of its relatively lower annual expenses, around ₹4 lakh, compared to Indian private colleges. Many noted that the university came highly recommended by consultants and agents.

According to students, the problems worsened after the third year when the medium of instruction shifted from English to Russian, contrary to initial promises.

They also alleged that universities accept far more students than they can accommodate, only to expel many later under various pretexts.

Students have written several emails to Indian authorities, including the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, highlighting their situation.

One email reflected that the change in instruction language and over-admission were contributing to widespread academic difficulties.

The Indian embassy in Russia visited the university in June. However, students claimed that threats of expulsion were made even in the presence of embassy officials.