Yerevan State Medical University

Armenia’s limited resources hinder infrastructure and academic standards, affecting the quality of education.

Overview:

About Yerevan, Armenia
Yerevan State Medical University is situated in Yerevan, the capital and largest city of Armenia. Yerevan serves as the industrial, cultural, and administrative hub of the country. Renowned as a major educational center in the region, the city boasts over 250 schools, 50 universities, and 60 higher education institutes, both public and private. With a mountainous continental climate, Yerevan experiences cold summers and even colder winters. The average temperature ranges from -2.5 degrees Celsius to -26.5 degrees Celsius throughout the year, exposing individuals, including Indians, to severe cold for approximately two months annually.

Yerevan State Medical University, Armenia
At first glance, Yerevan State Medical University (YSMU) may seem experienced in medical education, as it was established in 1920, marking over a century of existence.

However, while age often correlates with educational standards, it’s essential not to solely rely on the year of establishment when considering admission. It’s crucial to delve deeper into the university’s experience in teaching your desired curriculum.

According to the Yerevan State Medical University’s official website, the institution transitioned to a two-level education system aligned with international standards in the 2005-2006 academic year. This implies that the university has approximately a decade of experience in delivering internationally acceptable MBBS education.

The university maintains an average faculty size, with 1100 lecturers, of whom only 171 hold doctorates. Additionally, 504 staff members hold candidacy for science degrees. Foreign students can enroll at Yerevan State Medical University after passing the entrance exam in physics, chemistry, and biology. Those unable to do so must undertake a year-long preparatory course, adding extra expenses and wasting an academic year.

Yerevan State Medical University’s world ranking is 5581st, while its country ranking in Armenia is 4th.

Challenges of Studying at Yerevan State Medical University
Despite its prominence in Armenia, Yerevan State Medical University, like other Armenian institutions, presents several challenges:

Armenia’s limited resources hinder infrastructure and academic standards, affecting the quality of education.
The university’s policy of accepting international students indiscriminately leads to a diverse student body, potentially affecting the university’s atmosphere.
Armenia’s small population limits clinical exposure for medical students due to a low patient volume.
Contrary to expectations, the cost of living in Armenia is relatively high, surpassing even that of developed nations like Russia.
Considering these factors, Armenia may not be the ideal destination for MBBS studies. Additionally, prospective students must pass an entrance exam or undertake a preparatory course, which can prolong the academic journey and increase costs. With tuition fees exceeding 29 lakhs INR, exploring alternative options like studying in Russia or Ukraine may offer better value and educational opportunities. Therefore, it’s essential to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.

Admission Deadline for Yerevan State Medical University
Typically, admissions in Armenian universities conclude in October. However, for the Yerevan State Medical University in 2022, the acceptance of admission applications commenced on April 15th and extended until May 10th.

Eligibility Criteria for Admission to Yerevan State Medical University
To gain admission to Yerevan State Medical University, applicants must achieve a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in Class XII. Additionally, candidates must have qualified NEET 2022.

It’s important to note that clearing the entrance exam is also a requirement.

Medical Postgraduate Education in India or NExT
During the MBBS study, students come to realize the significance of specializing in a particular field. They also become aware of the fierce competition to secure seats for MD/MS programs in Government Medical Colleges. If we examine the success ratio for obtaining a PG seat in a Government Medical College, which stands at 11%, it’s evident that only 1 out of 10 students will be successful. Furthermore, the chances of specializing in a clinical specialty are even lower, with only 1 out of 20 applicants succeeding. Clearly, the journey to pursue a PG program is fraught with challenges, unless students have the financial means to secure a paid seat in a Private Medical College, which may cost millions of rupees!