University type: Public Available Degrees: Bachelor/Master
Medium of Course: Bilingual
Estd. Year: 1944
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
South Ural State Medical University was established in 1944 as the Chelyabinsk State Medical Institute. Its founding was notably aided by the transfer of the Kyiv Medical Institute’s staff and resources to Chelyabinsk during the challenging wartime period, which immediately provided it with an experienced faculty and a scientific foundation. Over the subsequent decades, the institution grew, becoming the Chelyabinsk State Medical Academy in 1995, and ultimately achieving university status as the South Ural State Medical University.
Located in the large industrial city of Chelyabinsk in the Ural Federal District, SUSMU has trained over 24,000 specialists throughout its history. It operates under the control of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, ensuring its adherence to federal standards for medical training. The university is widely recognized internationally by bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Medical Commission (NMC) of India, making it a popular choice for international students. The institution places a strong emphasis on integrating practical clinical training and scientific research with theoretical knowledge.
SSMU traces its roots back to the Imperial Tomsk University, founded by a decree from Emperor Alexander II in 1878, opening its doors in 1888 with the Faculty of Medicine as its sole initial department. This heritage makes it one of the oldest and most distinguished centers of higher education in the Asian part of Russia. It was the original educational and research hub that laid the groundwork for medical institutes across Siberia and the Far East, including Barnaul, Kemerovo, and Krasnoyarsk.
Over the decades, SSMU has nurtured world-renowned scientific schools. Key figures include Professor M. G. Kurlov, who pioneered a system for tuberculosis prevention and treatment, and Professor A. S. Dogel, founder of a world-class morphological school and a member of the International Nobel Prize Award Committee. This scientific tradition has produced an impressive list of alumni, including two Presidents of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (N.N. Burdenko and V.D. Timakov), 42 academicians, and over 60,000 certified doctors. In 2017, SSMU solidified its elite status by being designated the only flagship university among all Russian medical schools.
Available Programs:
Degree Programs at SUSMU
Degree: Specialist (equivalent to MD/MBBS)
Duration: 6 years
Language: Russian or English medium
Focus: Clinical training in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, and preventive care
Degree: Specialist
Duration: 6 years
Language: Russian
Focus: Pediatric health and child care from birth through adolescence
Degree: Specialist
Duration: 6 years
Language: Russian
Focus: Public health, epidemiology, hygiene, and disease prevention
Degree: Specialist
Duration: 5 years
Language: Russian
Focus: General and specialized dental education and practice
Degree: Specialist
Duration: 5 years
Language: Russian
Focus: Pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, and drug development
Degree: Specialist
Duration: 5.5 years
Language: Russian
Focus: Psychological diagnostics, psychotherapy, and mental health
The campus life and hostel facilities at SSMU are good. Students can expect to have a positive and enriching experience at the university.The university is equipped with modern facilities essential for rigorous medical training and student well-being:
Campus life at SUSMU is designed to be safe, comfortable, and supportive of a multicultural student body, particularly for the significant number of international students who attend.
This hostel is located on the university campus and is the most popular option for international students. The hostel is clean and comfortable, and it has a number of shared facilities.
SUSMU provides accommodation in five large, well-maintained dormitories (hostels) with a total capacity of over 2,200 beds. These hostels are strategically located, often within walking distance of the main academic buildings and major clinical bases.
The SSMU campus environment in Tomsk is a blend of historical architecture and modern medical infrastructure, creating a rich learning and living experience.