With more Indian students heading abroad for medical education, Ukraine has emerged as a popular destination. Among them is Dr. Prishita Behera, a graduate of Bukovinian State Medical University in Chernivtsi, who recently cleared the FMGE in India.
In this candid conversation with MedBound Times, she shares her journey — from navigating Ukraine’s rigorous medical curriculum and harsh winters to learning a new language, building resilience, and planning her next steps toward specialisation.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: What inspired you to pursue an MBBS in Ukraine, and how did you decide on the university you joined?
Dr. Prishita Behera: I was already well-determined that I wanted to pursue MBBS from the start. When my NEET score was not high enough for a government seat, I decided I didn’t want to waste a year retaking the exam. I was also not able to apply for an NRI seat or private college for ₹40 lakh-plus fees.
One of my friends told me about Ukraine and its fee structure — the MBBS course is six years and costs about ₹40 lakh for the complete programme. I decided, why pay ₹40 lakh as a donation in India when I could complete my MBBS in Ukraine? I came across Bukovinian State Medical University through its agency DSA in Vadodara. I learned about its ranking in Ukraine, that it is MCI-registered, and among the top 20 universities. I also had a family friend studying there who assured me about the quality of study, safety, living standards and the beauty of Ukraine. I was convinced — especially because my best friend also joined me in Ukraine.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: How does the medical curriculum in Ukraine differ from what you expected in India, and what aspects have been most challenging or rewarding?
Dr. Prishita Behera: Honestly, I found the study system and pattern of Ukraine very fascinating, interesting and strict. We were not allowed to take leave unless we had a valid reason, and if we missed a class, we had to repeat it after college hours. There were daily tests and a report card at the end of each semester.
In India, unfortunately, everything often seems to work on bribes, money and politics. The most challenging part was living abroad and being independent — cooking for myself, surviving minus-15-degree weather, attending classes in snowfall, getting sick and managing everything. But that made us completely strong and able to adjust to any kind of condition and fight any situation.
The most rewarding part was completing MBBS in Ukraine and passing the MCI exam in India. I became a doctor in India after the MCI exam but also became an eligible doctor across Europe.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: What were the biggest challenges you faced living in Ukraine as an international student, and how did you adapt to the cultural and language differences?
Dr. Prishita Behera: We had a compulsory Ukrainian language subject in our first year of college. We learned how to read and speak it, which made it easy to communicate with locals and mix with them. Although locals didn’t know English, they were very sweet and understanding. Only a few older people were biased or partial.
In college everything was in English, and their culture was very warm and friendly, welcoming. They respected our festivals and culture, and we respected theirs.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: Can you share your experiences with clinical training and patient interactions in Ukraine? How do they compare with medical training in India?
Dr. Prishita Behera: Most of my sixth year was all about internship and clinical exposure in all departments. By that time, we were fluent in Ukrainian to communicate with the patients. We also had teachers with us to convey messages in English for better understanding.
Ukraine was a little less equipped compared to India. In India, I feel we are very advanced in medical science, technology and equipment. In Ukraine, old traditions for diagnosis and methods were followed, whereas in India we do it very easily with high-quality medicines, knowledge, new methods and equipment. I feel Indian medical training and exposure are a must for understanding the modern and best ways to strengthen MBBS knowledge.
Arushi Roy Chowdhury: How do you plan to apply your Ukrainian medical education in India — do you intend to pursue FMGE/NExT, specialization, or other career opportunities?
Dr. Prishita Behera: It’s my wish to study more and pursue further studies in India for a specialisation in gynaecology and IVF. I have appeared in the FMGE exam and cleared it. Now I’ll pursue NEET-PG; if I get a government seat, I’ll take it, or else I’ll plan again for studies outside India for PG in Germany.
Till that time, I’ll practise in India, work here as a junior resident, gain experience and study for NEET-PG.
For Indian students considering medical education abroad, Ukraine continues to be a preferred destination because of its affordable fees and globally recognized degrees. Here are the top 10 medical universities in Ukraine that attract thousands of international students each year:
Bogomolets National Medical University – Kyiv
Kharkiv National Medical University – Kharkiv
Lviv National Medical University – Lviv
Ternopil State Medical University – Ternopil
Bukovinian State Medical University – Chernivtsi
Uzhhorod National Medical University – Uzhhorod
Poltava State Medical University – Poltava
Odessa National Medical University – Odessa
Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University – Lviv
Vinnytsia National Medical University – Vinnytsia
Dr. Prishita confirmed that this list accurately reflects the top choices for MBBS aspirants. However, she strongly advises every student planning to study medicine abroad to do thorough research beforehand and compare rankings, check the course structure, verify tuition fees, and understand the language requirements of the university before making a decision.
Edited by M Subha Maheswari
