.png)
MBBS Curriculum and Academic Structure at Mkhitar Gosh University Explained
An MBBS degree in a foreign country is a goal of every future doctor, and one of the destinations, which is preferred by them, is Mkhitar Gosh Armenian-Russian International University (ARIU) in the country of Armenia. Being one of the most globally recognised universities for their MBBS curriculum of English medium and low-cost education, the university proposes a sufficient 6-year program of MBBS based on the requirements of international standards of medical education.
Moreover, the students are given a wholesome exposure from basic sciences to practical high-level training in the college so that they can be equipped to face exams in licensing and subsequently perform in their medical career in any part of the world. In the current blog, we will look at the detailed academic structure and curriculum of the MBBS course at Mkhitar Gosh University that may guide you to make a decision.
Academic Path & Curriculum Highlights
MBBS is a six-year course with five years of academic study followed by a one-year internship in a clinic. At Mkhitar Gosh University, this structure is carefully designed to provide a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. So here goes, semester by semester:
Year 1: Building the Basics
Year one is aimed at building a solid base in the basic medical sciences. Human anatomy, biology, general chemistry and medical terminology are introduced to the students. We also have such courses as Latin, Armenian language, and medical history, which also allow the students to adjust to their academic environment and local culture.
Key Focus: Anatomy, Biology, Chemistry, Language Skills and History of Medicine.
Year 2 – Pre‑Clinical Expansion
The second-year students start comprehending the functioning of the human body. As part of their MBBS in Armenia journey, they go further in learning about physiology, biochemistry, and histology, and are also exposed to bioethics and medical psychology, which helps them understand the moral implications of becoming a physician.
Key Focus: Physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, psychology, ethics
Year 3 – Transition to Clinical Training
In 3rd year, there is a threshold between basic sciences and clinical practice. Students begin to know about diseases, their causes and remedies. General training in pathology, pharmacology, and general surgery commences, as well as principles of internal medicine.
Key Focus: Pathology, pharmacology, general surgery, internal medicine (propedeutics)
Year 4: Core Clinical Sciences
The 4th year is more focused on clinical subjects. As part of the MBBS in Armenia curriculum, learners acquire domain-specific skills in diagnosing and managing patients through courses such as cardiology, obstetrics & gynaecology, radiology, ENT, ophthalmology, and more. This phase also places importance on public health and hygiene, preparing students for holistic patient care.
Key Focus: Clinical Rotations, Cardiology, Obstetrics-Gynaecology, ENT, Public Health
Year 5: Specialised Medical Training
In the 5th year, students now learn the highest branch of medicine in the field. They take courses like psychiatry, neurology, dermatology, oncology and infectious diseases. Moreover, there is more clinical exposure and students applying their theoretical knowledge in real-world hospital settings.
Key Focus: Psychiatry, Neurology, Dermatology, Oncology, Paediatrics, Infectious Diseases
Year 6: Internship and Clinical Practice
The last year is devoted to an obligatory clinical internship. This hands-on phase reflects the practical emphasis typical of the MBBS curriculum abroad, where students rotate through departments like surgery, internal medicine, paediatrics, and emergency care. Working under experienced professionals, they gain real-time experience in diagnosing and treating patients, preparing them for independent medical practice.
Key Focus: Sterile exposure to surgery, working in a paediatrics department, emergency and gynaecology departments, and working in an ICU
Why Choose Mkhitar Gosh University’s MBBS?
- Internationally Accepted Program - Recognised by NMC (India), ECFMG (USA), MCC (Canada), and in WDOMS.
- English Medium Teaching - No need for fluency in Armenian/Russian; supports a heterogeneous global student population.
- GREAT Clinical Exposure - Hospital rotations are early (third year or later) in well-equipped Yerevan hospitals.
- Low Cost & Transparent - Low cost (approximately $25000 to $5000 for the entire course, including hostel) and no shady donation money.
- Strong Infrastructure - With 16 structures/buildings, 5 hostels, libraries (~600k books), labs, sports facilities, and cultural support Campus area is 17 ha.
- Student-Centred Setting - Small classes, modern labs, NMC screening test support, recreation, multicultural hosting, including Indian food, and community support.
Admissions & Eligibility (India-focused)
Mkhitar Gosh University provides a convenient and student-friendly admissions process to Indian dreamers willing to acquire a recognised MBBS degree in Armenia.
- Eligibility: 50% in PCB (qualification required through NEET).
- Documents: 10th/12th certificates, NEET card, passport, photos, application & visa documents.
- Procedure: Apply ->get invitation letter ->visa (health insurance, apostilled docs) -> travel, enrol.
On the Whole!
Having learned about how medical education is designed during six years, we see that most international universities have a strongly structured curriculum, beginning with basic sciences, slowly introducing hospital exposure, and conducting practical internship training. Moreover, this is a balanced program combining rigorous theoretical training and early clinical experiences that prepares students to take international licensing exams and pursue varied careers.
Additionally, universities that provide English-medium instruction, advanced infrastructure, reasonable fees and globally acceptable degrees attract a variety of international students. Further, for those students who are planning to pursue MBBS abroad with a focus on academic depth and practical readiness, institutions in regions like Yerevan, Armenia, have become increasingly popular choices. And if you have any doubts or need advice about making a university selection, you can always contact our professional team- we are at your service.
FAQs
Are there 19 subjects in MBBS?
No, there is no fixed amount, such as 19 in MBBS. The subjects would be slightly different depending on the country or university, but in general, the MBBS course contains about 19 to 21 core subjects to be tested within the framework of the study of pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical learning.
Is 1st year of MBBS very hard?
Yes, the first year of MBBS college does seem challenging because it comes with orienting oneself in a huge syllabus, new subjects such as Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, and a more serious study schedule as compared to school.
What is the duration of the MBBS curriculum?
An MBBS course takes 6 years, of which 5 years are academic and 1 year is a mandatory clinical internship.
What is the academic curriculum of MBBS?
The academic MBBS curriculum encompasses 1) Pre-clinical subjects (such as Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry), 2) Para-clinical subjects (such as Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology), and 3) clinical subjects (such as Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology) and a final-year internship.
