Study in Russia for international students

6 октября 2023

Education in Russia is prestigious, advantageous and its popularity is growing every year.

You will acquire for sure all the knowledge you need in your chosen subject.

There are a lot of universities in Russia, so you have a wide choice of locations, subjects and rating.

You just need to choose a program you, apply with our help and go to Russia to start your studies and living.

Why studying in Russia?

Russia has the most educated population in the world, outperforming Canada, Japan, Israel and the USA. More than half of Russians have higher education qualification. More than 365,000 people from 170 countries come to study at Russian universities.

In 2023, the Government of the Russian Federation increased quotas for citizens of foreign countries coming to study in Russia. Compared to 2020, their number has doubled — from 15 to 30 thousands.

There are a lot of benefits of studying in Russia, such as:

1. Top-class degree recognized world-wide

Russian higher education is fairly rated as one of the best in the world!

You can benefit from Russia ‘s old and famous university tradition, especially in the fields of engineering, science and medicine. Russian university degree is highly respected by employers around the world.

2. Wide range of educational opportunities

Russian higher education system can meet any needs.

There are more than 2500 state-accredited universities with about 20000-degree programs in Russia.

Russian universities offer degree programs in every possible subject and academic level — undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate or doctor degrees. General universities focus strongly on scientifically oriented subjects in a wide range of disciplines. Universities of applied science, on the other hand, are very practice-oriented. Colleges of art provide wide range of programs such as design, art, film or music.

3. You can study in English

Some of programs are being offered in English, especially at the master’s degree level. This is good opportunity if you don’t speak Russian or if your Russian isn’t good enough yet.

4. You are not alone!

About 8% of university students in Russia are foreigners. You will make friends from around the world, become familiar with different countries and broaden your horizons. The universities offer support to make your start in Russia as easy as possible. Local students will assist you, arrange your orientation and will make your integration into local environment easy and fun!

5. Affordable tuition fees

Education in Russia is very affordable. Average study fees in universities are from $2000 to $4000 for an academic year including the language training program. These fees may vary depending on your university and program. For example, courses like medicine, law, IT and engineering, design are usually more expensive than other programs and range from $3500-$5000 per academic year. Also, programs taught in English language cost more than the ones in Russian medium.

6. Very affordable living expenses

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Russia is low. The cost of food, rent, clothing and cultural activities are lower than in West Europe. There are also a number of benefits available to students. You can receive reduced prices or even free access at theatres, museums, opera houses, cinemas, swimming pools and other institutions. All you have to do is present your student ID and special card.

You will have discounted public transport card as well.

Cost of accommodation

There are two types of accommodation options in Russia: apartments in the city or university dormitory. Prices start from 50 euro in dormitory and from 150 euro in apartments per month.

The most typical accommodation option for an international student in Russia is a university dormitory. Rental apartment is very popular as well. Accommodation in a host family is more difficult to arrange.

University Dormitory is the most affordable option. International and out-of-town students are provided with dormitory places. Normally they are located on the campus or not far from the university. From 2 to 4 students share a room usually. Typical dormitory room has beds, wardrobes, desks, chairs and bookshelves. Toilet and shower are usually on each floor. Some dormitories can be like ab apartment with 2-3 bedrooms, kitchen and lavatory.

Students who live in a dormitory must follow certain rules. The obvious ones are not to damage the furniture, keep the room clean, not make too much noise (loud music, TV, etc.), notify the residence supervisor of your long absence etc. You will be informed about these rules upon arrival for sure.

Medical Insurance

Medicine in Russia is one of the best in the world and one of the cheapest at the same time. Medical insurance average costs about 35 euro per year and it includes unlimited urgent telemedicine online consultations, outpatient services (primary and repeated appointments — cover up to 1000 euro (normal price for one visit starts from 18 euro)), emergency medical care and inpatient care (emergency hospitalization and hospital treatment including surgical operation) — unlimited with cover up to 3000 euro.

7. Scholarship programs

If you are a student with outstanding academic achievement, you have good chances for receiving a scholarship to support your education in Russia. This is one of the largest scholarships in the world and offers countless scholarship programs. Regardless of your subject or status, you’ll find a scholarship that matches your profile and needs.

8. Russia is one the safest countries

Russia is a safe country — also on the international scale. The police are reliable and help you in every situation. Whether you live in a big city or in the country, you can move freely day or night without having to take any special precautions. We don’t have town districts which are not recommended to go, we won’t recommend you to beware of street thieves, hugging your bag tightly, holding your phone with both hands, etc. It’s all not about Russia. You have low risk to buy something fake (such as tickets, gadgets etc.)

9. You live in the biggest country in the world

Full of life megalopolises and quiet country villages, mountains and lakes, ski resorts, medieval city centers and huge beautiful nature spaces, snow and palms — Russia is a diverse country with many sides. Living in Russia means living in the middle of Europe and in Asia, surrounded by many other countries.

10. You learn a language which can open many doors

Russian is one of the ten most spoken languages in the world. About 400+ million people worldwide speak Russian. The Russian language is not easy to master, but there are many ways to learn Russian. All international students may take pre-course studies. As courses are taught in Russian language (some are in English), this is usually carried out in the first academic year of admission.

Our services

There are many things to think about when you plan to study in Russia. Whatever your goal is no matter how much support you need, we have a service to suit you.

1. Application Support Service

The Application Support Service is the process of gaining undergraduates admission in a Russian university. Our advisors will assist throughout the whole application process, help you to edit your personal statement and inform you on the required documents and deadlines.

What is included?

— Personal consultation

— Evaluation of your study goals and tailored advice on your supporting documents.

— Professional Editing

— Professional preparation of your personal statement and CV after an interview session with our experienced editors/advisors.

2. Application submission

We will monitor and check your application and admission, inform you about expected admission date, explain university offer conditions etc.

Postgraduate application

The Postgraduate application is for students looking for a Master or PhD in Russia. Writing a strong proposal and submitting it to the right supervisor will be the key to securing your place on a Master/PhD program, and our consultants will guide you step by step through the process.

3. Parents Support

Assistance to parents in visa support and hotel bookings in Russia, interpreter booking during their visit to the country.

4. Accommodation assistance

We will help you to book your accommodation in the university campus or to rent an apartment, to arrange your transfer and everything prepared specially for you.

5. Visa Support service

Our Visa Support service will help you to prepare documents to apply for a student visa.

6. Scholarship assistance

International students can apply for scholarship to study in Russia. They must be enrolled or planning to enroll at a full-time study university. If you are a student with outstanding academic achievement, you have good chances for receiving a scholarship to support your studies in Russia.

7. Foreign credentials

We provide the Russian Federation equivalency services of foreign credentials.

Foreign Credits helps individuals, companies, and institutions receive accurate and timely evaluations of foreign credentials. We can evaluate diplomas and academic transcripts from any country outside of the Russian Federation and prepare Document-by-Document and Course-by-Course evaluations.

8.On Arrival

The decision to study abroad is a very serious step. You have to integrate into a foreign culture, adapt to new conditions, get used to a new climate and gradually learn Russian. But don’t be afraid of difficulties! The Russians are known for their hospitality and friendly manners, they will always help you.

We accompany you on your first steps

After your arrival in Russia you have to take care of some formalities. We will help you to make it easier:

— registration and residence permit

As soon as you arrive to your destination, you must register with the administration of the university.

Then you can apply for your residence permit.

— enrollment

All students have to enroll at university before they start their tuition.

FAQ

When does academic year start in Russian universities?

Academic year starts on 1st of September, some of universities may accept you for February intake.

Please mind deadlines of admission process, preparation of your documents, translations, and visa procedure however.

Can I study in Russia if I don’t know Russian language?

Russian universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programs in English. You can choose to study Russian at the university’s international student preparatory intensive course also. If you enroll with Russian language or preparatory, you will also be able to study in Russian.

What is a preparatory course?

Leading Russian universities normally have preparatory departments where international students study for one year. In addition to the Russian language, students study academic subjects, depending on the chosen program.

What’s the average cost of studying at a Russian university? Can I have a payment plan?

Russian universities are praised for their best price-to-value ratio. Tuition costs vary from 1500 to 7000 euro per year depending on chosen university. Most Russian universities accept payment in installments.

Is it difficult to get a scholarship from the Russian government?

Government scholarships are awarded to the most talented students on the basis of their academic achievements. If you apply for a Bachelor or Speciality program, secondary school marks indicate your chances for the scholarship. If you apply for a Master program, it is your academic excellence during undergraduate studies

You can apply for scholarship starting from your second year living in Russia as well.

Can I work in Russia while studying?

International students can work at the university (or at its organizations) in their free time. In this case you don’t need to take the relevant permit from the Federal Migration Service (FMS). In other cases, a permit is required. Permits are issued only to full-time students at state-accredited universities. Students can work only according to the profession specified in the permit, and in the region (city) where their university is located.

When should I apply to a university in Russia?

Academic year starts on 1st of September but you should mind all steps which you have to pass so the best recommendation to start one year before intake, to be in time with admission process, docs preparation, translations, visa procedure, accommodation selection etc.

What is the duration of education in Russia?

The duration varies between 4 to 6 years depending on the courses of study.

Does the student have to give any entrance examination prior to joining Universities of Russia?

Generally, no, but some Russian universities may take their own entrance exams. These exams are based on subject tests and general aptitude.

Is it required to learn Russian language?

You can study in English in Russia, however, if you study in English medium classes, you will not be eligible to apply for scholarships. Also, it would be complicated to communicate in common everyday life without the Russian language.

Will I need a visa to come to study in Russia?

International students are required to obtain a student Russian visa at their home country, please check it out with Russian embassy in your country, or feel free to contact us for consultation.

Can we apply for the Work Permit after completion of the program?

Yes. You can apply for work permit after your graduation from a Russian university.

Do I really need to purchase health insurance for the duration of my studies in Russia? Can I purchase health insurance in my own country?

Yes, health insurance policy is mandatory to have. You need to have a local Russian insurance company.

What is the weather like in Russia? What clothes should I bring?

Russia has a various kind of weather due its big territory (The biggest country in the world). It really depends on climate in a city of your choice. If you are from a warm country don’t try to buy winter clothes and shoes in your country. It’s heavy for your luggage and expensive for money, Russian market is much wide and cheaper for such clothes.

What will be my average month expenses?

You will need approx. from 200 euro per month as for pocket money including good food, washing and hygiene items, mobile and internet, public transport.

You can contact us for information on a wide range of issues related to study in Russia and student life. This includes admission, application and enrolment, tuition fees, scholarship, working alongside your studies, insurance, schemes and facilities for outstanding student athletes, student housing.

If you have questions about your study programs, schedules, student progress review, examinations, exemptions, and your graduation: please contact us.