Study in Russia: the ultimate guide for an Online Programme in 2024

Study in Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world, home to some highly prestigious universities. From athletes like Anna Kournikova and Maria Sharapova, to composers like Tchaikovsky, or Shostakovich, and great authors like Tolstoi, Nabokov, or Dostoyevsky (…and all other “-evsky”s, and “-ov”s and “-ova”s), Russia gave us of the most influential people in history. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are Russia’s largest cities and two world-famous student hubs.

Why study in Russia?

1. Russian universities are well-respected worldwide

Russian universities have a great reputation, both locally and internationally. They are present in global university rankings and stand out from the rest when it comes to disciplines like Physics, Engineering, Medicine, and Social Sciences.

2. Studying and living in Russia is affordable

Compared to their Western counterparts, Russian universities are very affordable. Tuition fees range between 1,450 and 7,500 EUR per year, and only a few study programmes cost more than 10,000 EUR.

Living costs are also very low; most international students can handle all monthly expenses with a budget of 300–600 EUR.

3. There are thousands of scholarships available

During the past years, Russia invested a lot to attract international talents. So far, over 300,000 students choose to move to Russia and get an undergraduate or (post) graduate degree there.

Available scholarships and state-funded spots allow 15,000 students not to worry about tuition fees or living costs.

The investment part we've mentioned above isn't only limited to scholarships and grants. Russian dormitories and campuses are modern, with the same high level of comfort and utilities you'd expect from any other Western country.

4. Enjoy modern facilities and campuses

Universities also pride themselves with cutting-edge technologies, laboratories, and research centres — facilities that are there to help students achieve their academic goals.

Which universities and colleges to attend in Russia?

There are approximately 850 universities in Russia, and among the best ones are:

What is it like to study in Russia?

Most people who studied there praised the welcoming environment, and how teachers were easily approachable and willing to help. The selection process is very competitive, the environment dynamic, and the atmosphere multicultural.

Also, the universities encourage students to study on their own, giving them only guidelines and allowing them to go wild with the subjects. For this, they provide great facilities and amazing libraries.

What to study in Russia?

Russia, being the behemoth country we know and love, is famous for covering all fields and offering Master’s degrees in all disciplines, ranging from Business Administration to Russian Studies (which sounds amazing, honestly).

Russia is famous for covering all fields and offering Master’s, Bachelors and PhD degrees in all disciplines.

Here are some of the most popular Bachelors in Russia:

If you're looking for Masters, there are plenty to choose from:

How to apply

In Russia, the Ministry of Education and Science created a website that connects students with universities. You can find here contacts from the international department, descriptions for the programmes, and the curator’s phone number.

After you have settled on the university and programme, the documents you will need to present are:

Application for admission
Your ID
Previous education certificates
A medical certificate
Passport photographs

You should note that all documents should be presented with an official copy, translated to Russian.

Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for a Russian university

Take Preparation Courses

These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.

Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.

Improve your English through an English-language prep course

If you’re attending a degree programme in Russia, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.

English-language tests

In order to follow a Master’s degree in English in Russia, you will have to submit, besides an English certificate, your previous diploma and a cover letter.

The English certificates accepted by Russian universities and organisations are the basic ones, like:

Some universities also accept GRE and GMAT certificates. Please refer to their webpage.

Still, be aware that some programmes may require you to submit your CV, a portfolio, references from teachers, and an interview in English, via phone or Skype.

* In the current situation, there is a lot of uncertainty about the economic, safety situation and right to free speech in Russia. International students should inform themselves carefully and be in touch with their consular services for advice. Here’s a link to Studyportals’ statement on the war in Ukraine.

Living in Russia

Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in Russia:

Tuition fees in Russia

Russian universities are very affordable, especially when compared to similar institutions from Western countries. International students usually pay:

1,475–10,600 EUR/year for Bachelor's degrees
1,770–5,540 EUR/year for Master's degrees
1,475–7,600 EUR/year for Specialist's degrees (degrees awarded after at least 5 years of study, e.g. Medical degrees)

Students can also apply for scholarships to support their education in Russia.

Accommodation, food and other expenses

As we've established before, Russia is really affordable. Monthly living costs amount to 300–600 EUR.

Here's a breakdown of the average expenses:

accommodation (university dormitory): 5.60–56 EUR/month
accommodation (rent apartment): 170–395 EUR/month
food & groceries: 120–150 EUR
monthly transport pass: 5 EUR (discounted for students)
recreation and entertainment: 40–60 EUR

About Russia

The Russian Federation is situated in the eastern part of the Europe and the northern part of Asia. The capital city of the Russian Federation is Moscow. The population of the Russian Federation is 144 million with a density of 8.7 people per 1 sq. km.

Fun facts about Russia

Quick! When you think of Russia, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you said “vodka”, shame on you for being so culturally insensitive! Still, we can’t judge, because, on our research, we uncovered that:

There are over half a million alcohol-related deaths in Russia each year;
The word “vodka” comes from the Russian word “voda”, which means “water”;
During times of economic disparity or high inflation, teachers can be paid in vodka. Teachers only, though, so don’t go asking for a raise at your part-time student job.

Also, besides being huge fans of “water that burns”, you should know that Russians also possess some quirks that can only make you smile and shrug, saying to yourself “that’s Russia for you”. For instance:

The Imperial Russian Olympic Team arrived in London 12 days late for the games, in 1908, because they were not using the Gregorian calendar yet (not because of the vodka, as we first assumed);
Japan and Russia still haven't signed a peace treaty to end World War II, due to a territory dispute. So, yes, technically, Russia and Japan are still fighting World War II to this day;
In 1959, Russian Scientists domesticated Foxes just as if they were dogs. And the best part of this fact? It’s an ongoing project. Guys: foxes can fetch in Russia. This is huge!
In Megion, a region in West Siberia, the mayor banned excuses. And you have to assume he proclaimed it in the thickest accent ever, while twirling his moustache and laughing maniacally;
There is a day, Subbotnik, when citizens go out to sweep and tidy up the streets;
Also, in Russia, there’s a “Temple of all Religions”, where different peoples are welcomed, in order to pray peacefully together;

And, if that didn’t bring a smile to your lips, then you should also know that a museum in Russia hires cats to protect the artwork there against rodents.

Universities, colleges and schools in Russia

Krasnoyarsk

Siberian Federal University (2 Distance Learning courses)

Magnitogorsk

Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University (1 Distance Learning course)

Moscow

EMAS Business School (11 Distance Learning courses)
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) (2 Distance Learning courses)
HSE University (14 Distance Learning courses)

Nizhniy Novgorod

HSE University (14 Distance Learning courses)

Saint Petersburg

HSE University (14 Distance Learning courses)
Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) (56 Distance Learning courses)
European University at St. Petersburg (2 Distance Learning courses)
ITMO University (5 Distance Learning courses)

How to Apply to a Master's in Russia

If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in Russia, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in Russia?

You will need to go through 2 sets of documents, in order to apply to a university in Russia.

First, you will need to undergo an initial application, where you will present:

Copies of your transcripts and diploma, and a listing of the subjects and the grades you had over the course of your higher education;
Copy of your ID or passport;
A completed form from the Rossotrudnichestvo office;
Two photographs.

These documents have to be translated in Russian by an official, so be sure to take care of this very important step.

Afterwards, you will need to cover the official submission of documents to the university. This second step will take place after you arrive in Russia, so it’s very important to double-check the list, and be sure you have them on you. These documents consist of:

The application for admission;
Your ID or passport;
Your diploma, with grades and subjects, both in original and a notarised translation;
A standard medical form, where you are deemed eligible to study;
2 photographs.

Remember that these lists may vary depending on the university you apply to or on the programme you wish to follow.