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Last modified: 2026-09-30

# Studying Medicine in Armenia: Universities, Entry Exams and Fees for International Students

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If you are looking for a medical university in Armenia, start with Yerevan State Medical University after Mkhitar Heratsi (YSMU). It teaches international students in Russian and English: general medicine takes six years and in 2026/27 costs $5,510 (AMD 2,000,000) a year in Russian or $7,160 (AMD 2,600,000) in English, with the annual fee fixed until graduation. Applicants sit two exams chosen from physics, chemistry and biology. Besides YSMU, institutions with current ANQA institutional accreditation include the Armenian Medical Institute, Erebuni Medical Academy and the University of Traditional Medicine. An Armenian medical degree does not by itself give the right to practise elsewhere: every country has its own licensing route, and some, such as India, set conditions before you even enrol.

A building of the Mkhitar Heratsi Yerevan State Medical University. Photo: Armineaghayan / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%D5%80%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%AC%D5%BD%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB_%D5%B0%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%BC%D5%B8%D6%82%D5%B5%D6%81,_%D4%B5%D6%80%D6%87%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%AB_%D5%84%D5%AD%D5%AB%D5%A9%D5%A1%D6%80_%D5%80%D5%A5%D6%80%D5%A1%D6%81%D5%B8%D6%82_%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%BE%D5%A1%D5%B6_%D5%A2%D5%AA%D5%B7%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%AF%D5%A1%D5%B6_%D5%B0%D5%A1%D5%B4%D5%A1%D5%AC%D5%BD%D5%A1%D6%80%D5%A1%D5%B6%D5%A8.JPG), [CC BY-SA 3.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0).

## YSMU: programmes, languages and 2026/27 fees {#section-1}

YSMU grew out of Yerevan State University's medical faculty and has been a separate university since 1930. According to the university, it has about 8,000 students, including more than 2,000 international students from 33 countries. For foreign nationals it publishes fees by language of instruction. YSMU's institutional accreditation in the ANQA register runs until 24 December 2026, so ask the university how its renewal is progressing before you apply.

| Programme | Length | Qualification | Per year in Russian | Per year in English |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| General Medicine | 6 years | MD physician | $5,510 (AMD 2,000,000) | $7,160 (AMD 2,600,000) |
| Stomatology (Dentistry) | 5 years | Doctor of Stomatology | $5,510 (AMD 2,000,000) | $7,160 (AMD 2,600,000) |
| Pharmacy, bachelor's | 4 years | bachelor's degree | $3,300 (AMD 1,200,000) | $5,780 (AMD 2,100,000) |
| Pharmacy, master's | 1 year | Master of Pharmacy | $3,440 (AMD 1,250,000) | $6,060 (AMD 2,200,000) |

What the fee means in practice:

- Fixed for the whole programme. YSMU states that the annual tuition does not change during the entire period of study. That protects you from price rises, but not from exchange rates: you pay in drams.
- A contract. Each student signs a contract with YSMU, and in some cases the fee is set individually under that contract.
- Compulsory insurance. Every student must be insured each year with a medical insurance company, at extra cost.
- Hostel. YSMU provides hostel places in rooms for two or three people. The admissions page gives no price; ask the university.

Across the full programme, general medicine costs $33,040 (AMD 12,000,000) in Russian and $42,950 (AMD 15,600,000) in English, excluding housing and insurance. Five years of dentistry come to $27,530 (AMD 10,000,000) in Russian or $35,790 (AMD 13,000,000) in English.

## How to get into YSMU {#section-2}

International applicants follow the general Armenian procedure: apply through the ministry's fs.emis.am platform, then sit the university's exams.

1. Application. For 2026/27, YSMU accepted applications on fs.emis.am from 22 June to 30 September 2026. For the next intake, expect similar dates and confirm them in the university's announcement.
2. Exams. You choose two of three subjects: physics, chemistry and biology. The tests follow the secondary school curriculum, and topic lists are published in English and Russian. English-stream applicants also take an English test.
3. Where and when. Exams are held in person in Yerevan. For applications approved by 30 September 2026, the English test and biology were set for 1 October and chemistry and physics for 2 October; the university announces separate dates for later approvals. Results are announced the same day at the university, and applicants must attend.
4. If you fail. You can join the Department of Foreign Students' Preparatory Education and enter through its final exams.

Special rules apply to some nationalities. YSMU warns that Indian applicants cannot be admitted without NEET qualification, in line with the Indian government's requirements, and that citizens of Sri Lanka must pass all three exams. Check your own country's rules for recognising foreign medical degrees before you apply.

You will need a passport copy, a translated and notarised copy of your school certificate with grades, a medical certificate, a photo and a CV. YSMU requires an apostille on the original school certificate if your country has joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which includes Russia and Kazakhstan. The full procedure, including the ministry's deadlines for other programmes, is in our guide to [applying to Armenian universities](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-armenian-universities).

### The preparatory year

YSMU's preparatory department runs for one academic year. It covers physics, chemistry, biology, Armenian and English; teaching is in Armenian, Russian or English, and groups are formed by English level. The final exams of the course double as entrance exams for the first year. For the English-taught group, the year costs $3,300 (AMD 1,200,000).

A preparatory year makes sense if your school science was weak or your English is not yet strong enough for medical study. Remember that the rules do not allow retakes of the final exams, except after a documented illness.

## Where clinical training takes place {#section-3}

YSMU trains students in its own university hospitals: Heratsi Hospital Complex No. 1, Muratsan and Mikaelyan. It also runs a simulation centre for practising skills before patient contact and a separate dental education centre. Ask the international office which language clinical placements use in your stream and in which year students start working in the clinic.

## Russian or English stream: how to choose {#section-4}

| Criterion | Russian stream | English stream |
| --- | --- | --- |
| General medicine fee | $5,510 a year | $7,160 a year |
| Exams | two of three subjects | two of three subjects plus English |
| Best fit | graduates of schools in Russia, Kazakhstan and other CIS countries planning to return home | students aiming to work or train further outside Russian-speaking countries |
| Keep in mind | patients in Armenian clinics speak Armenian, so the language helps | textbooks and exams in English; your level is tested |

Choose the stream by the country where you want to practise. If you plan to take the Russian accreditation exam, studying in Russian makes preparation easier. If you are aiming for Europe, the Middle East or South Asia, the English stream fits better, but each country has its own route for graduates of foreign medical schools.

## Other medical institutions in Armenia {#section-5}

Non-state institutions also train doctors in Armenia; for the wider higher education landscape, see our guide to [universities in Armenia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-armenia). Before applying, check their status in the ANQA register and the fees on their own websites.

| Institution | What is known | ANQA accreditation on 30 Sep 2026 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Armenian Medical Institute | general medicine 6 years, dentistry 5 years | until 15 Aug 2029 |
| Erebuni Medical Academy | its foundation was established in 2019, according to Armenia's foreign ministry; General Medicine with an MD qualification and Nursing; taught in Armenian, Russian and English | until 11 Jun 2031 |

The register also shows current decisions for the University of Traditional Medicine (until 17 Jul 2028) and the Armenian-Russian International University "Mkhitar Gosh" (until 16 Nov 2027); check their medical programmes, languages and fees directly. For Yerevan Haybusak University, the date shown in the register expired on 29 Jun 2026, so ask the university whether accreditation has been renewed.

The Russian-Armenian University's Institute of Biomedicine and Pharmacy teaches Medical Biochemistry and Pharmacy at $1,650 (AMD 600,000) a year in 2026/27. These are not General Medicine programmes and do not qualify you as a treating physician.

## Total cost of a medical degree {#section-6}

| Item | Amount | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| General Medicine at YSMU, 6 years | $33,040 in Russian, $42,950 in English | YSMU, 2026/27 |
| Preparatory year, if needed | $3,300 (English group) | YSMU |
| Medical insurance | yearly, compulsory | YSMU |
| Temporary residence status | free for students | Migration and Citizenship Service |
| Hostel | on request from YSMU | YSMU |

A fuller breakdown of housing costs and a comparison with other universities is in our guide to [the cost of studying in Armenia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-armenia).

## Practising in Russia or another EAEU country {#section-7}

Many Russian-stream graduates plan to work in Russia. Article 69 of Russia's Federal Law 323-FZ on health protection admits graduates of foreign medical schools to practice after three steps: recognition of the qualification under education law (Russia and Armenia have a mutual recognition agreement of 15 September 2001), a decision by Roszdravnadzor that the education meets the qualification requirements for medical staff, and passing specialist accreditation. The same law also lets foreign-trained doctors, including those who did not finish the programme, work in mid-level medical posts under a separate procedure.

Article 97 of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union exempts citizens of member states from recognition procedures when they work in another member state, but medicine and pharmacy are the exception: a doctor from one EAEU country must go through recognition and admission to practice under the rules of the country of employment. This applies, for example, to Kazakh, Belarusian or Kyrgyz graduates of Armenian medical schools who move to Russia.

## Common mistakes {#section-8}

- Choosing by an agency's price. Check the figure against the fee table on YSMU's or the other institution's website, and check which language it applies to.
- Ignoring exchange rates. The fee is fixed in drams, so in your own currency six years may cost more than expected.
- Booking travel before your application is approved. YSMU's exam dates depend on when the ministry approves the application: in 2026 the first session was set for 1–2 October, and applicants must collect results in person.
- Not checking accreditation. The ANQA decision should cover your years of study, otherwise recognising the degree may be difficult; YSMU's current decision expires in December 2026.
- Assuming an Armenian degree lets you practise at home straight away. Licensing steps in your home country come first.

## FAQ {#faq}

### Is medicine taught in English in Armenia?

Yes. YSMU runs an English-taught stream in general medicine, dentistry and pharmacy; in 2026/27 general medicine in English costs $7,160 (AMD 2,600,000) a year, and applicants also take an English test. Erebuni Medical Academy lists English among its languages of instruction too.

### What entrance exams do international students take at YSMU?

Two exams chosen from physics, chemistry and biology, set at secondary school level; English-stream applicants add an English test. The exams are held in person in Yerevan; in 2026 the first session was set for 1 and 2 October.

### How many years does medical school in Armenia take?

General Medicine at YSMU takes six years and leads to the MD physician qualification. Dentistry takes five years, and pharmacy a four-year bachelor's followed by a one-year master's. Add a year if you need the preparatory course.

### Is medical study in Armenia free for international students?

YSMU admits foreign nationals on a fee-paying basis only. The ministry's free places for the Armenian diaspora cover Armenian studies, pedagogy and the arts, not medicine.

### Is a YSMU degree recognised abroad?

Recognition depends on the country where you want to work. Russia recognises Armenian qualifications under its 2001 bilateral agreement, but practising medicine there also requires a Roszdravnadzor decision and specialist accreditation. India requires NEET qualification before admission to a foreign medical programme.

### Can I transfer to YSMU from another medical school?

YSMU publishes a separate transfer procedure in its applicant section. The university decides which completed courses it will credit, so ask your current school for an academic transcript with hours and grades before you apply.

## Sources {#section-10}

- [YSMU: admission of foreign citizens 2026/27, English stream](https://ysmu.am/en/admission-foreign-citizens/), [Russian stream](https://ysmu.am/ru/priem-inostrannykh-grazhdan/), [preparatory department](https://ysmu.am/en/department-of-foreign-students-preparatory-education/), [applicant section](https://ysmu.am/ru/abiturient/) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Armenia Ministry of Foreign Affairs: studying in Armenia, medical institutions](https://www.mfa.am/en/study-in-armenia) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Armenian Medical Institute: applicants](https://armedin.am/ru/%D5%A4%D5%AB%D5%B4%D5%B8%D6%80%D5%A4/) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [ANQA register: accreditation of medical institutions](https://register.anqa.am/Accreditations?institutionType=0&type=Institutional) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [RAU: tuition fees 2026/27](https://rau.am/payment/pricelist) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Armenia Ministry of Education: call for foreign applicants 2026/27](https://escs.gov.am/en/articles/announcements/call-for-applications-and-submission-of-documents-of-foreign-applicants-including-diaspora-armenians-for-admission-to-educational-institutions-offering-higher-educational-programs-in-the-republic-of-armenia-2026-2027-academic-year) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Russian Ministry of Health: Article 69 of Federal Law 323-FZ](https://static-0.minzdrav.gov.ru/system/attachments/attaches/000/061/954/original/%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C%D1%8F_69_%D0%A4%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8C%D0%BD%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE_%D0%B7%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B0_%D0%BE%D1%82_21.11.2011_323-%D0%A4%D0%97_.pdf?1679317202), [current wording of Article 69](https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_121895/98a80fd762a317ef6db889d0a50447e695e03e05/) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education: mutual recognition treaties](https://minobrnauki.gov.ru/action/foreign_scientists/agreements/) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union](https://docs.eaeunion.org/en/documents/236/8429/), [Article 97 as amended on 31 Mar 2022](https://www.consultant.ru/document/cons_doc_LAW_163855/fcf2c38d3616dbe10077fe0638a3c0583855f5cd/) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Migration and Citizenship Service of Armenia: temporary residence status](https://migration.mia.gov.am/en/acquiring-temporary-residence-status) — checked 30 Sep 2026
- [Central Bank of Armenia](https://www.cba.am/). Conversions use the Central Bank of Armenia official rate of 29 Sep 2026, AMD 363.18 per dollar; small sums are rounded to the dollar and sums of $100 or more to the nearest $10.

Choosing a medical programme, accreditation checks, document preparation and translation, application filing and support until enrolment are provided under an agreement with StudyU. The university decides on admission based on its own exams, and licensing authorities in the country where you want to practise decide on the right to work as a doctor.

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Universities in Armenia for International Students: Which to Choose in 2026/27](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-armenia)
- [Applying to Armenian Universities as an International Student: Steps, Documents and Deadlines](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-applying-to-armenian-universities)
- [Cost of Studying in Armenia in 2026/27: Tuition, Housing and Required Extras](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-cost-of-studying-in-armenia)
- [Studying Medicine Abroad: 12 Countries Compared, 2026/27 Fees and Degree Recognition in Russia](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-studying-medicine-abroad)

Updated: September 2026