Study in Russia — Complete Guide
Admission process, tuition, scholarships and visa rules for international students. Data approximate — confirm with official sources.
Language Study (Russian & English prep)
Most universities offer a Preparatory Faculty (подготовительный факультет) — 1 year of Russian language + subject preparation. English courses are less common but available in some universities.
Costs
| Course | Price |
|---|---|
| 1-year Russian preparatory programme | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Short Russian language courses (3–9 months) | $700 – $2,000 |
Bachelor’s Degree
Duration: 4 years (240 ECTS equivalent). Most programmes taught in Russian, but some English-medium programmes exist in medicine, IT, and engineering.
Tuition fees
- Average: $2,000 – $4,000 per year
- Medicine/Engineering: $4,000 – $6,000 per year
Living costs
- Accommodation (dormitory): $100 – $200/month
- Food & transport: $150 – $250/month
- Total: ~$300 – $500/month
Master’s Degree
Duration: 2 years. Available in both Russian and English at leading universities (e.g. Moscow State, St Petersburg, Higher School of Economics).
Fees
- Average: $2,500 – $5,000 per year
- Specialized (Medicine, Business): up to $7,000
Scholarships
- Government Scholarships (Rossotrudnichestvo quota)
- University internal scholarships
PhD (Aspirantura)
PhD in Russia (Аспирантура) usually lasts 3–4 years. Research is conducted under a supervisor, with exams in chosen discipline and Russian language (if needed).
Conditions
- Tuition: $2,500 – $4,500 per year
- Many receive state-funded places (stipend ~ $150–250/month)
- Requires Master’s degree + research proposal
Visa & Immigration
Steps
- Receive official invitation from university (for visa support).
- Apply for a student visa at Russian consulate.
- Provide proof of admission, passport, HIV test certificate, medical insurance.
- Initial visa valid 90 days, extendable to full study period after arrival.
Fees
- Visa fee: $50 – $150 (varies by country)
- Medical insurance: $100 – $200/year