Study abroad in Russia

Studying in Russia is both prestigious and advantageous. You can be sure that you will acquire all the knowledge you need in your chosen subject. Russia has a lot of universities, so you have a widechoice. All you need to do is to choose a programme you like, apply online, prepare the documents required, come to Russia, and start studying.

Tuition Fees in Russia

In Russia, education is very affordable. Tuition fees in Public universities range from $2000 to $4000 for an academic year including the language training programme. These fees may vary depending on your program. For instance, tuition fees for courses like medicine, engineering, design are usually higher than other programs and ranges from $3500-$5000 per academic year. Also, tuition fees for programs taught in English language, are higher than the ones in Russian medium.

Preparatory in Russia - Study Russian in Russia

Pre-course training

All international students may undergo pre-course training. Since courses are taught in russian language and some in english, it is expected that all international students applying to study in russia undergo pre-course training. This is usually carried out in the first academic year of admission. Students who are successful are permitted to continue their study. However, to study in russia, a student requires approximately from $3500-$4000 annually, for tuition, food, accomodation etc.

Work in Russia

Those who do not need a work permit include legal residents (who have the same right as Russian residents), students and teachers invited by academic institutions. You need to consider two factors:

Languages

You’ll need to have a good knowledge of Russian, especially outside of international companies and organisations most people speak only Russian.

Qualifications

You may need to have your educational and professional certifications translated into Russian by official translators, plus recognised and validated in a process called nostrification.

Finding Jobs in Russia

Where can you work?

Major industries:

oil, natural gas, metals (particularly steel) and timber. Other large industries include manufacturing, defence, electronics, IT outsourcing, mobile technology, banking and the service sector.

Industries in decline:

traditional farming and textiles.

Shortage occupations:

transport, construction, IT, engineering and teaching.

Major companies: Gazprom, Rosneft, LukOil, Surgutneftegas, Novatek (all oil and gas operations), Sberbank and VTB Banks (regional banks), Transneft (oil services and equipment), Sistema (telecommunications), Norilsk Nickel (diversified metals and mining).

These are the most popular job websites in Russia:

Scholarships in Russia

Russian Government Scholarships.

Certain groups of foreigners, Russians living abroad and immigrants can apply for state scholarships on the same terms as Russian citizens once they pass entrance exams.


The government scholarship includes:

  • Free tuition for the entire duration of the chosen programme;
  • Maintenance allowance (for the entire duration of study regardless of the candidate's success).
  • Dormitory accommodation (if available).

The government scholarship DOES NOT include:

  • Travel costs;
  • Living expenses;
  • Voluntary health insurance policy.

All applicants are given the opportunity to choose from 6 different Universities of their choice regardless of the course they wish to study. Study in Russia Advisors will guide the applicant through the process of choosing the desired Institution of higher learning.


FAQ

When does academic year start in Russian universities?

Academic year starts on 1st of September, and on January/February every year. However, you need to calculate timing of admission process, preparation of your documents, translations, and visa processing timing in more advanced time.

How can I study in Russia if I don't know Russian?

Russian universities normally offer Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programmes in English. You can choose to study Russian at the university's international student preparatory intensive course. If you enrol with Russian language or preparatory, you will also be able to study in Russian free of charge.

What do preparatory departments for international students teach?

Leading Russian universities normally have preparatory departments where international students study for one year. In addition to the Russian language, students study other subjects, depending on the chosen programme, e.g. Maths, Chemistry, or Biology.

What's the average cost of studying at a Russian university? Can I pay for my tuition in instalments?

Russian universities are praised for their best price-to-value ratio. Tuition costs vary from 2500 to 8000 $US dollars per year and depend on the city and chosen university. Most Russian universities accept payment in installment starting from your second year living in Russia.

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 merit. The commission looks at your secondary school marks if you apply for a Bachelor’s programme, or at your academic excellence during undergraduate studies if you apply for a Master’s programme. However, best option is starting to apply for scholarship starting from your second year living in Russia

Can foreigners study and work in Russia at the same time?

International students can work at the university (or at its organizations) on 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 students on full-time courses 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.