Study in Russia: Get the best education in Russia!

Study in Russia is the official state platform that helps international students access up-to-date information about educational opportunities in Russia, as well as explore its science, culture, and traditions.

With Study in Russia, international applicants can apply online to Russian universities.

The website studyinrussia.ru is the official resource of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

Students from all over the world choose Russian universities for their high-quality teaching, modern academic programs, and the country's rich cultural heritage. The legislation of the Russian Federation ensures a transparent and structured education system, guaranteeing the recognition of Russian diplomas internationally and opening broad career opportunities.

The structure of the higher education system in Russia is defined by Article 10 of Federal Law No. 273 "On Education in the Russian Federation."

International students, like Russian citizens, can pursue the following levels of higher education:

• Bachelor's degree (4 years)
  The first level of higher education in Russia. Students acquire fundamental theoretical knowledge and gain initial practical experience in their chosen career field.

• Specialist degree (5–6 years, depending on the field of study)
  The Specialist program combines elements of both the Bachelor's and Master's programs, offering a deeper specialization in a particular field.

• Master's degree (2 years)
  After earning a Bachelor's degree, students can continue their education in a Master's program, which lasts two years and allows them to deepen their knowledge and develop specialized skills.

• Postgraduate (PhD) programs (3-4 years, depending on the field of study)
  Postgraduate studies prepare students for academic and research careers. During the program, students conduct research and write a dissertation.

• Residency (2-5 years, depending on the field of study)
  Residency programs are designed for medical and pharmaceutical professionals.

• Assistantship-internship (2 years)
  Assistantship-internship programs train teaching staff in creative and performing arts.

Yes, you can. Currently, there are two ways to study for free: by applying through the general admission process or through a government quota.

Some categories of international applicants are eligible for tuition-free education through the general admission process. These include:

1. Citizens of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan
   These applicants must submit, in addition to the standard application package, notarized translations of:

   • Passport (main page with photo and registration page, if applicable)
   • Educational documents
   • They must also provide a copy of their migration card and registration notification slip.

2. Compatriots residing abroad
   These applicants must submit, in addition to the standard application package, notarized translations of:

   • Passport (main page with photo and registration page, if applicable)
   • Educational documents
   • Proof of permanent residence abroad (e.g., passport page, housing registry extract)
   • Migration card
   • Registration notification slip
   • Documents confirming either their own Soviet Union citizenship or direct lineage from individuals who were USSR citizens.
   • For example, if an applicant’s parent was a USSR citizen, they must provide a copy of the parent’s identification document with a birth record and a copy of their own birth certificate showing the parental relationship.
     
   
   

Government Quota Admission

International applicants can receive free higher and additional professional education under the government-established quota for foreign students in Russian universities.

Additionally, winners of university-organized Olympiads may qualify for quota places. The list of such Olympiads is available on the IAS FRKP website.

If you are interested in a specific university, attending an Open Day will provide detailed information on educational programs, admission requirements, and opportunities for tuition-free study, including scholarships. You will also have a chance to interact with university representatives and current students.

Useful documents:

• The special admission procedures for international students are outlined in Section 13 of Order No. 1076 of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, dated August 21, 2020.
• Information on the Government Quota of the Russian Federation is detailed in Part 3, Article 78 of Federal Law No. 273 of December 29, 2012, as well as Government Decree No. 2150 of December 18, 2020.

Education at Russian universities is primarily conducted in Russian. This allows students to fully immerse themselves in the language environment and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and traditions.

To support this, Russia offers pre-university training programs for international applicants. These programs include intensive Russian language courses and an introduction to Russian culture.

For international students who do not speak Russian, there are opportunities to study in other languages. Many Russian universities offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs in English, French, and other languages.

For accurate information on available language programs, it is recommended to contact the representatives of the selected university directly. They will provide up-to-date details on the language of instruction.

Additionally, projects such as the Summer University and Winter University are offered to help international applicants prepare.

Summer University

To immerse international students in the Russian academic and educational environment and to foster international student communities, the Summer University project is held annually at leading Russian universities.

As part of the project, international students study their chosen academic field in Russian, explore the culture and history of the region, and develop project-based initiatives.

Winter University

To strengthen connections among students of engineering specialties and expand inter-university cooperation, the Winter University of Engineering Sciences project is held annually.

The project breaks down barriers in engineering education. Winter University not only offers participants the chance to deepen their knowledge in their field of interest and learn more about Russia, but also helps them make an informed decision in favor of continuing their engineering education at Russian universities—based on personal experience and direct interaction with Russian educational institutions.

For more information, see the order of the Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education dated October 18, 2023, No. 998.

For international applicants applying through general admission:

1. Passport
2. A legalized educational document with a notarized translation into Russian (recognition of foreign education may be required)
3. Additional documents, such as proof of participation in Olympiads (if applicable)

A copy of the results from entrance exams may be required by the university. Applicants can check the exact list of required documents through their personal account on the Study in Russia portal.

For international applicants applying through the Government Quota:

1. Passport or international passport valid for at least 1.5 years
2. A legalized educational document with a notarized translation into Russian (recognition of foreign education may be required)
3. A medical certificate confirming the absence of HIV infection

For more details: Order No. 1378 of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, dated November 3, 2020.

All documents must be notarized and translated into Russian. Requirements may vary depending on the university and program.

The Study in Russia portal allows applicants to upload their documents in the "Documents" section of their personal account.

Foreign citizens who wish to obtain a work permit, patent, temporary residence permit (TRP), or residence permit (RP) in Russia must demonstrate proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian legislation.

One way to fulfill this requirement is by passing the Russian as a Foreign Language Exam, which includes sections on Russian history and the fundamentals of Russian law.

Documents Required to Obtain a Work Permit, Patent, TRP, or RP

To apply for a work permit, patent, temporary residence permit, or residence permit, you need to submit one of the following documents:

A certificate of proficiency in the Russian language, knowledge of Russian history, and the fundamentals of Russian legislation
A high school diploma or university degree issued in the USSR
An educational document obtained in Russia

How to Obtain a Certificate of Russian Language Proficiency?

Up-to-date information about exam locations, including the names of certified organizations conducting the test, contact details, and exam center addresses (with an option to select locations on an interactive map), is available on the State Services Portal (Gosuslugi).

Tips for Preparing for the Exam

To prepare for the Russian as a Foreign Language Exam, which includes sections on Russian history and legal foundations, you can:

Use official study materials available on the Federal Institute for Pedagogical Measurements (FIPI) website.
Take free Russian language courses on the website.

More Information About the Certification Process

Federal Law No. 273 of December 29, 2012, "On Education in the Russian Federation"
Federal Law No. 74 of April 20, 2014, "On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Russian Federation"
Order No. 1156 of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, dated August 29, 2014, "On the Approval of the Format, Procedure for Conducting the Exam on the Russian Language, Russian History, and Fundamentals of Russian Legislation, and the Minimum Knowledge Requirements for Passing the Exam"

To obtain a student visa, you need an invitation letter, which is issued by the university staff in accordance with established regulations.

Before receiving the invitation, you must successfully complete all stages of the admission process:

• Choose a suitable specialty and study program
• Submit an application to the university
• Prepare the required documents
• Pass the competitive selection process

Only after completing all these steps will you receive a copy of the invitation letter via email.

You must print the invitation letter and include it in the document package required for submission to the Russian Embassy or visa center in your country to apply for a student visa.

Recognition of foreign education in the Russian Federation involves the official confirmation of the level of education and qualifications obtained abroad, granting academic and professional rights to foreign degree holders. The recognition procedure for foreign educational documents does not depend on Russian citizenship.

• Academic recognition allows individuals to continue their studies at Russian educational institutions.
• Professional recognition ensures that foreign education and qualifications are acknowledged in Russia in accordance with legislation and international agreements.

In Russia, foreign education and qualifications are recognized if they:

• Fall under international agreements on mutual recognition of education.
• Were obtained from foreign educational institutions approved by the Russian Government.

If the education does not meet these criteria, it must go through the recognition procedure in accordance with Russian law and administrative regulations.

You can submit an online application and check whether your foreign diploma is recognized in Russia on the official website.

Russia has 73 bilateral and 4 multilateral agreements on mutual recognition of education, covering countries worldwide.

These agreements ensure mutual recognition of educational qualifications between Russia and the listed countries, expanding career and academic opportunities for graduates of Russian universities at the international level.

You can check whether a foreign diploma is recognized in the Russian Federation on the official website.

The admission campaign usually starts in June and lasts until August, but for international students applying under the Russian Government quota, the deadlines may vary. To stay updated on all deadlines and requirements, it is recommended to contact a representative of the selected university on the Study in Russia website and submit your application as early as possible.

The average tuition fee at a Russian university is 220,000 ₽ per year, depending on the city, program, and university. You can find specific tuition costs for various educational programs on university pages at Study in Russia.

Most universities allow semester-based tuition payments. The available international payment methods should be confirmed directly with the university.

If you are studying at a state university on a budget-funded basis, you will receive textbooks and study materials for free throughout your studies. Additionally, you will have access to library resources and educational databases.

If you are studying courses outside the standard program or using paid educational services, study materials will be provided according to the university’s regulations, which determine what resources are required and how they are issued.

More details:
Federal Law No. 273 "On Education in the Russian Federation" (Articles 34 and 35).

International students can apply for dormitory accommodation on either a paid or free basis, depending on the university's policies. Each university independently determines the allocation of housing for students, including international students.

Students admitted under the Russian Government quota are provided with dormitory accommodation under the same conditions as Russian citizens.

Relevant legal documents:
Article 39 and Part 5 of Article 78 of Federal Law No. 273 "On Education in the Russian Federation" (December 29, 2012).

Yes, international students studying in Russia full-time and funded by the federal budget within the established quota are entitled to receive state academic scholarships for the entire period of study, regardless of academic performance.

What Types of Scholarships Are Available?

State Academic Scholarships: granted to all full-time international students studying on a budgetary basis.
Increased Scholarships: awarded to students with outstanding achievements in academics, research, social activities, cultural and creative projects, or sports.

Are There Additional Forms of Support?

Named Scholarships: provided by government agencies, organizations, or private individuals. The amount and conditions of payments are determined individually.
Additional Financial Support: universities may offer extra allowances in accordance with their internal regulations. For example, these may include payments for marriage, childbirth, or financial hardship.
Presidential and Government Scholarships: annually awarded to students and postgraduate students for their academic and research achievements.

A complete list of scholarships and details on eligibility requirements can be found on the official website.

Important: All documents for scholarship applications must be translated into Russian and notarized. The list of required documents may vary between universities.

In Russia, international students follow the same exam and retake rules as all students, regardless of citizenship.

• Students have the right to retake an exam twice unless otherwise specified by the university's internal regulations.
• Final certification includes state examinations and thesis defense and follows official university policies.

Before enrolling, we recommend:

• Reviewing the university’s academic regulations for specific exam and retake policies.
• Monitoring the exam schedule and retake deadlines to prepare in advance and meet all requirements.

More information:
Federal Law No. 273 "On Education in the Russian Federation" (December 29, 2012), Articles 58 and 59.

Applying to a Russian university as an international student may seem like a complex process, but by following a few simple steps, you can successfully complete all the necessary stages.

1. Register on the Study in Russia Portal
The portal is designed to support international students and provides all the necessary information about Russian universities, academic programs, and admission requirements. Go to the Study in Russia website and complete the registration form. You will need to provide personal details such as your name, surname, date of birth, contact information, and country of residence.

2. Upload Your Documents to Your Personal Account
Ensure that all documents are uploaded in the correct format and meet the university's requirements.

3. Choose a University and Study Program
On the Study in Russia portal, you can explore a list of universities and available study programs. Review various universities and their programs, check student reviews, rankings, and admission conditions. Additionally, determine the field of study that interests you and make sure the chosen program aligns with your career goals and aspirations.

4. Submit Your Application
Once you have verified all the entered information, submit your application. Make sure you receive a confirmation of submission.

5. Check Your Application Status with a University Representative in Chat
After submitting your application, it is important to stay in touch with the university. The Study in Russia portal provides chat options with university representatives – use them to track your application status. Don’t hesitate to ask about review timelines, additional required documents, or any other admission-related questions.

Important: When preparing for university admission, be mindful of application deadlines and entrance exam dates to ensure you don’t miss any important stages.

Once you have submitted your application, you can track its status in your personal account on the Study in Russia portal.

You can also get additional details and clarification via the online chat with a university representative.

Up-to-date information on available academic programs for international applicants is published on the Study in Russia portal in the "Universities" section and on individual university pages.

Steps to explore available programs:

1. Select a university
2. Go to the university’s page and review available study programs for international applicants
3. Add your preferred program to your personal account for further online application submission

You can live and work in Russia while studying at a university. Each university collaborates with various companies and organizations that provide job placements for internships and practical training.

On the Study in Russia website, you can explore potential employers in the "Career" section on your chosen university’s page. Internships will give you a strong start in your career path and help you gain practical experience in your field of study.

On average, an international student needs $300-$400 per month for living expenses in Russia. However, it is recommended to have an additional $700 at the beginning to cover extra costs, such as:

• Medical insurance
• Housing arrangements
• Study materials and textbooks

Expenses may vary depending on a student's lifestyle and the region of study. Russian university students are also eligible for discounts on public transport, entertainment, and sports facilities. Careful budget planning is essential for a comfortable student life in Russia.

Yes, international students can study and work while pursuing their education in Russia. To simplify these processes, they can obtain a Temporary Residence Permit for Education Purposes (TRP-EP).

Students enrolled full-time in accredited educational institutions are allowed to work without a work permit, provided that their employment does not interfere with their studies.

Additionally, international students can legally work without an additional patent using the TRP-EP, which also allows them to reside legally in Russia without the need for an annual visa renewal and provides the right to apply for a residence permit after graduation.

How to Obtain a TRP-EP?

1. Submit an application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Russia.
2. Provide documents confirming your university admission.
3. Undergo mandatory fingerprinting and a medical examination.

The basic application packet for university admission:

• Passport
• Notarized translation of the passport (if required)
• Educational certificate
• Notarized translation of the educational certificate (if required)
• Medical certificates (conclusion from an occupational health physician and a certificate confirming the absence of HIV infection)
• Additional document package:
• Legalization of the educational certificate (if required)
• Recognition of the educational certificate (if required)
• Name change documentation (if applicable)

What documents does an international student need to live in Russia?

Documents required for entry:

• Passport of the foreign citizen
• Visa (for countries with visa entry requirements)

Document issued upon entry to Russia:

• Migration card
• Documents to be obtained after entering Russia:
• Registration at the place of residence in the Russian Federation
• Voluntary medical insurance policy
• Certificates of medical examination
• Certificate of fingerprint registration (Green Card)

It is also important to extend all necessary documents on time to remain legally in Russia. You can contact a representative of your chosen university on the Study in Russia portal for up-to-date information regarding international student residence.

Gosuslugi is the Russian state services portal where citizens, organizations, and individual entrepreneurs can apply for official documents, obtain certificates, and access public services online.

What Can You Do on "Gosuslugi"?

1. Receive electronic services (e.g., book a doctor’s appointment, apply for civil registration, or obtain a driver's license).
2. Pay fines and taxes (some payments offer up to 50% discounts).
3. Pay state duties for certain services.
4. Store important documents in your personal account.

The Gosuslugi portal does not process applications itself—it collects information and forwards it to the appropriate government authorities. For example, clinics provide doctor availability data, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs updates passport and visa appointment slots.

How Can International Students Use "Gosuslugi"?

1. Obtain an SNILS (Insurance Number) from the Social Fund of Russia (SFR) or through an employer.
2. Register on the official Gosuslugi website.
3. Log in to your personal account and verify your identity using your SNILS and other required documents.

The Compulsory Medical Insurance (OMS) policy is a document that provides free medical care throughout the Russian Federation. Full-time university students are eligible to obtain an OMS policy.

In emergency situations (life-threatening conditions), medical institutions provide free assistance to foreign citizens even without an OMS policy.

Useful Legal References:

1. Article 10 (Part 1) of Federal Law No. 326 "On Compulsory Medical Insurance in the Russian Federation" (November 29, 2010).
2. Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 186 (March 6, 2013).

Russian universities organize various adaptation events for international students. Each academic year, over 2,500 events are held to help foreign students socialize and adjust to life in Russia.

International Historical School

Since 2021, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia, in partnership with the Russian Historical Society, has organized two International Historical Schools annually in different regions of Russia. More than half of the participants are international students. The program includes lectures from leading scholars, cultural excursions, and collaborative projects.

Adventures of Foreigners in Russia

The "Adventures of Foreigners in Russia" project promotes Russian science and education to prospective international students and helps them adapt upon arrival. The project is active on social media, publishing daily updates in five languages.

Subscribe to the project:

VK
Telegram

"We Are Together" Award

Russian universities actively engage international students in volunteer initiatives. The "We Are Together" (We Are TOGETHER) Award is a prestigious international recognition program that honors individuals and organizations from 138 countries for their contributions to humanitarian causes and global cooperation. The award brings together around 5,000 initiatives, fostering international partnerships and knowledge exchange.

Summer Institutes

The "Summer Institutes for Teachers and Researchers" project strengthens ties between scientific and educational communities in CIS countries.

During the program, young researchers and teachers from various countries:

- Explore different aspects of Russian education and science, including history, linguistics, social sciences, and oil & gas technology.
- Learn modern research and teaching methodologies.
- Discuss opportunities for academic collaboration with Russia.

The Association of International Students of Russia (AIS) is a community that helps foreign students adapt, develop, and feel at home in Russia.

What Does AIS Do?

- Supports students with education, housing, and legal adaptation.
- Organizes cultural, sports, and educational events.
- Assists with visa, residence, and legalization issues.
- Promotes intercultural dialogue and student leadership.

Why Is AIS Important?

- Thousands of students from 150+ countries find support and lifelong friendships here.
- It offers leadership opportunities, participation in global projects, and a chance to represent their home country.
- AIS helps international students integrate into Russian society and build careers in Russia.

How to Join AIS?

- Find your AIS representative at your university.
- Participate in events and projects.
- Become part of a large international student family.