Foreign student influx raises questions about national priority, as the country faces a deficit in the medical and engineering fields.

Foreign student influx raises questions about national priority, as the country faces a deficit in the medical and engineering fields.

In the heart of Moscow, Sechenov University, a prestigious medical institution with a rich history dating back to 1758, continues to attract international students. The university's affordable education costs, strong medical programs, and enhanced global partnerships have made it a hub for foreign students, particularly from India, Pakistan, and Africa.

Last year, Sechenov University, known for its competitive admission process, did not admit top students, and the general competition did not commence. This year, the university has a total of 2085 budget places and 5085 places for foreign students.

However, the influx of foreign students raises concerns about Russia's domestic needs. The country is currently facing a shortage of doctors and medical workers, with a deficit of 23,300 doctors and 63,600 medical workers. The speaker has expressed concern about this situation, stating that Russia's focus on soft power may be prioritizing internationalisation over addressing domestic needs.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that many of these universities' teachers, responsible for evaluating English, speak it poorly themselves. This can potentially affect the quality of education provided to foreign students.

In an effort to address this issue, paramedics and midwives are now allowed to replace doctors in their absence. Mid-level medical staff and nurses can also make diagnoses, helping to alleviate the pressure on the healthcare system.

Recent scandals involving medical university applicants have also shed light on the admission process. Not all top students were admitted, raising questions about the fairness of the selection process.

In St. Petersburg, a child with suspected heart problems was sent to a federal medical center. The case highlights the importance of having a sufficient number of healthcare professionals to ensure timely and effective care for all patients.

Despite these challenges, Russia continues to welcome foreign students. This year, 30,000 quotas for free education for foreigners were allocated within the framework of soft power. In some universities, foreign students, such as those from India, study without knowing Russian, with the "nursing" specialty allowing students to study after short language courses.

Around 400,000 foreigners are currently studying in Russia, with more than half coming from former Soviet republics. The full cost of studying at Sechenov University for "medical care" is 6.97 million rubles, for "pediatrics" - 5.3 million rubles.

The exact number of foreign medical workers in Russia is difficult to determine, with officially recorded figures likely an underestimation. This is due in part to the many Tajik migrants who arrived in the 1990s and didn't regularly attend school due to the civil war.

As Russia navigates this complex issue, it continues to grapple with the balance between attracting foreign students and addressing its domestic needs for healthcare professionals.

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