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SARATOV STATE MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

“The medical profession is heroic, it requires a certain self-denial, a pure soul, and pure intentions”, said famous Russian author and doctor Anton Chekhov. There is no doubt that this profession primarily requires proper education as well. It is quite obvious that the most precious of the human possessions, that is, health and life itself, largely depend on a doctor's personality, attitude, love to the work, and experience.
At Saratov State Medical University, one of the largest higher education institutions in the South of Russia, where education imparted enables doctors to take pride in their profession, and patients – in their doctors. Sticking to traditions along with their constant improvement and development is the recipe of good education. Established in 1909 by the order of His Majesty Emperor Nicholas II, the University since its foundation has followed the classical pattern of medical education which combines a strong theoretical basis in various areas of knowledge with the subsequent practical training at many clinical departments. At present, the University is one of the largest medical schools of Russia. A great number of outstanding scientists and physicians, who worked at the University, have contributed immensely both to the development of the University and to that of the medical science on the whole. Today Saratov State Medical University rightfully holds a leading position in the rating of 47 State Medical Universities of Russia. The University is acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is included in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools. Saratov State Medical University is licensed and accredited by the state for preparing specialists in the area of Medicine. University graduates receive national degree in education that confirms their competence and skills to be in accordance with the state educational standards prescribed for their specialties. The University degree confirms that its holder has achieved the standard of theoretical knowledge and practical skills qualified to perform medical activities in accordance with the requirements, and it entitles the person certified to exercise medicine professionally on the territory of  Russia and in other foreign countries.
In 2004, the Independent Public Council awarded Saratov State Medical University a “100 Best State Universities of Russia” gold medal.  Programs and syllabuses that are used in the course of training are those recommended by the World Federation of Medical Education (WFME).The University is situated in one of the most beautiful towns on the Volga River. Saratov is a large industrial and cultural center of Russia. The town has the friendly atmosphere, and it is easy to find new friends coming from different parts of the world.
At present, there are about 5000 students from over 25 countries studying at the University. About 600 highly qualified doctors graduate from Saratov State Medical University every year. The University consists of 5 faculties: General Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Preventive Medicine, Pediatrics, and also the Institute of Nursing.
Training at the Faculty of General Medicine is carried out in Russian and in English Medium. The University departments are headed by competent specialists, among whom there are more than 30 academicians and corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Social Sciences, as well as of international academies. Doctors of Medical Science, Professors and Honored Doctors of Russia share their knowledge and experience with students. Most of the University's foreign graduates who return to their homeland successfully pass their national qualification exams, which once again prove the professionalism of the teachers and the high standard of training at Saratov State Medical University.
The University's potential in science and research is great. The largest clinics of the South of Russia, such as the Clinic for Skin and Venereal Diseases, the Clinic for Professional Pathology and Hematology, the city Dental Clinic and other medical institutions of Saratov work in close cooperation with the Saratov State Medical University. Students work there as trainees, getting used to the complex working rhythm of the medical institutions, acquiring the essential skills and the vital experience of doctor's work.
University's international activities are being developed in two directions: training of foreign students and launching international projects in the areas of research and practical medicine. Many of the University's teachers participate at international conferences and seminars, presenting their reports on the new discoveries. For over 11 years Saratov State Medical University has been in close contact with medical higher education establishments of the USA and other countries. A joint project in arthroscopy has been launched, and several conferences on medical education and programs on reforming the health care system in Russia and the US have been held. University's students travel to the USA for a two-month training period every year. There is a constant exchange of postgraduate students, too.
All foreign students are accommodated in comfortable hostels, where they share a room with two or three fellow-students for the whole period of studies. There are sport clubs, cafes and the University's library next to the hostel buildings, that is everything to make life and study interesting and efficient.

The charge for nostrification of foreign educational documents to obtain “Certificate of equivalence” in the Rosobrnadzor of Russian Federation obligatory for all international students is approximately 150 USD. Students prepare the set of educational documents and undergo the procedure of equivalency by themselves and at their own expence.

The above-mentioned fees for tuition, accommodation in student hostel, life and health insurance are valid only for 2010/2011 academic year.

Fees for tuition and accommodation in student hostels in Russian State Universities are fixed in Russian national currency – “Russian ruble”. Fees indicated in USD are approximate equivalent of tuition fees in Russian rubles. The actual cost for tuition and accommodation in Russian State Universities fees may be corrected slightly the date of invoice for tuition payment issuing in accordance with exchange rate USD – Russian ruble in the International Exchange Market.

 During the initial registration procedure the candidate pays a registration fee of 300 USD which covers the charges for the issuance of the invitation letter for studies, sending its original and other documents to the candidate's country of the permanent residence by express mail, meeting the candidate at the international airport in Moscow, transfer to the domestic airport/train station in Moscow, meeting at the airport/train station of Saratov and accompanying to the University, drawing up documents for admission to University for studies, registration fee, etc. The above mentioned amount doesn't include the cost of the train ticket or airfare Moscow-Saratov (the approximate cost of the train ticket destination Moscow-Saratov is 90 USD, travel time – 16 hours; the approximate cost of airfare 250-300 USD, travel time – 1h35). Average food expenses are 200-300 USD per month. When first entering Russia, the candidate should have about 500 USD to buy some basic necessities and personal things (clothes, dishes, electrical equipment, etc.).