Stages of admission of an applicant to a Russian university through a general competition
1
Determine the status of the applicant
You can apply for budget places as a compatriot or citizen of the following countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia. Otherwise, you can study for a fee.
2
Choose a university and direction
You can submit documents to no more than five universities, no more than five specialties in each of them.
3
To familiarize yourself with the rules and deadlines for admission
Check out the rules and deadlines for admission on the university's website.
4
Collect documents
The list can be clarified at a specific university. Usually, this is a passport, an education document, or an application for admission. Foreign education documents require a recognition procedure, and documents in a foreign language must be translated into Russian and notarized.
5
Submit documents to the university
Often this can be done online on the university's website or by email.
6
Pass entrance exams
Pass the entrance exams at the university. Information about them can be clarified at the university's admissions committee.
7
Send consent for crediting
Send a consent to enrollment to the university. University representatives will contact you and confirm their readiness to accept you for study if you have been able to pass the selection.
8
Get an invitation to enter
Receive an invitation from the university to enter the Russian Federation on a study visa. For detailed information on visa processing, contact the visa center or the Embassy/Consulate of the Russian Federation in your country.
9
Sign a training agreement
Sign a study contract if you will study for a fee.
10
Get to work!
Congratulations! You have successfully enrolled in a Russian university and are ready to start your studies.
Stories of our graduates
Мэй В.
China
When I returned to China with a diploma from a Russian university and a Russian language level of C2, I was almost immediately invited to a prestigious language school. My students love the classes because I teach them not the dry language from the textbook, but live, real Russian. I can explain why Russians say goodbye with the word "let's" and say "yes, no, probably" when they are unsure. At home, there is now a huge demand for qualified Russian teachers, especially those who not only know the language but also understand the cultural context. Thanks to the experience of living in Russia, I have become just such a specialist.
Чинеду Ч.
Nigeria
At the university, I studied agriculture and learned a lot about how different crops react to stress—drought, temperature fluctuations. The teachers taught us the main thing: how to "diagnose" the soil and choose an approach to each plot. In my homeland, I was able to implement drip irrigation technologies for arid regions, which I studied in Volgograd. They became a salvation for us during the drought season. And I also became a "doctor" for plants and am good at determining what causes diseases in shoots and knowing how to treat them. As a result, my knowledge helps not only my relatives and neighbors but also companies, in
Амир С.
Egypt
I studied medicine in Russia and never regretted my choice. Russia turned out to be a place where high-quality medical education, which is valued all over the world, and relatively affordable tuition costs met. Of course, studying was not easy, but medicine is always difficult. Thanks to the knowledge I gained, I was able to return to my homeland and work as a cardiac surgeon in one of the leading medical centers in the country.
Карлос М.
Peru
Studying in Russia gave me the ability to see the world through the prism of multi-vector diplomacy. The Russian language opened up access to primary sources for me, and understanding the mentality helped me establish contacts with colleagues from Eastern European countries. Recently, I was hired by the Department of International Cooperation at a large company. I participate in negotiations with representatives of CIS countries, prepare analytical notes, and help our businessmen enter new markets.
Маниш А.
India
In India, pharmaceuticals are a huge and very competitive industry. My parents are also pharmacists, and they advised me to get a fundamental education. Russia, with its strong scientific school rooted in Soviet pharmacology, was the ideal choice. Here, I was taught not just to remember the trade names of drugs, but to understand the very essence—from the chemical synthesis of a molecule to its effects on the body. When I returned to India, I was taken to the position of a specialist in quality control and assortment development. My job is to evaluate new drugs, check their compliance with standards, and participate in negotiations, and I
Артур А.
Armenia
I came to Russia simply for an engineering degree, but I found a second home. Russians are often considered harsh, but this is a misleading impression. In fact, they are very responsive and soulful people. Here I met my future wife, and now we work together in a construction company and raise two children. I am very glad that I chose this country!
Frequently Asked Questions
Education in Russia
Foreign applicants have access to the same training programs as Russian applicants. In Russia, training is conducted in 56 areas. All of them correspond to the international standard classification of education and have the broadest profile—from medicine and agriculture to information security and nuclear technologies. A complete list of specialties that can be obtained in Russia can be viewed here.
There are educational programs in English, French, Spanish, and other languages. Information about the language of instruction can be found on the university's website.
In Russia, there are several forms of education, each of which has its own characteristics and is suitable for different categories of students.
Full-time education involves regular attendance at classes at the educational institution five or six days a week. Students are deeply immersed in the educational process, but a busy schedule limits the ability to combine study with work.
Part-time education implies that students attend classes at the educational institution on certain days or in the evening, and the rest of the time they study independently, completing assignments and preparing for exams. This form requires high self-organization.
Part-time education is aimed at students who cannot regularly attend classes due to work or other circumstances. The student independently studies most of the educational material, and attendance at the university is limited to sessions several times a year for exams and tests. This form of education can be more affordable, but the lack of regular contact with teachers can complicate the process of mastering the material.
To enter under the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation To participate in the program, it is necessary to pass the competitive selection by submitting an application on the website education-in-russia.com
To enter the Olympiad. Also, prize-winners of intellectual competitions, which are held by individual universities independently, can receive a quota. The list of Olympiads is presented on the website https://russia-edu.minobrnauki.gov.ru/.
To enter within the framework of the general competition. Available to citizens of countries with which Russia has concluded the corresponding agreement international agreement, as well as for those who have the status compatriot.
The average cost of studying at a Russian university is 2 712 $ per year. However, prices vary depending on the city, program, and university. Payment is usually made twice a year at the beginning of the semester. The possibility of paying for studies from abroad should be clarified at the university itself.
On the pages of universities, you can find information about the specific cost of studying in various educational programs.
Due to sanctions restrictions, many methods of international money transfers in Russia have stopped working. However, it can still be done.
Admission campaign usually starts in June and can last until October. Detailed information about the timing of the admission campaign should be clarified at the university itself.
For foreign students who apply under the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation, the deadlines may vary. To be aware of all the deadlines and requirements, we recommend contacting the Russian representation in your country. In case of admission under the Olympiad, it is necessary to focus on the dates of the competition itself, not the admission campaign. They can be found out by contacting the university that holds the Olympiad.
Universities regularly organize adaptation events for foreign students During the academic year, universities hold a large number of various forums, conferences, round tables, master classes, and trainings—over 2,500 events aimed at socializing foreign students.
Yes, there are programs for studying the Russian language to prepare foreign applicants before admission. Detailed information about such programs should be clarified at the university itself.
When applying under a quota, there is an opportunity to study for free under such a program. This is an excellent chance to learn Russian and improve your specialized subjects before starting your main studies at the university.
Admission procedure
Foreign applicants can choose from two exam options. The first is the EGE, a standardized state exam in Russian, which Russian applicants take. It can be taken both in Russia and abroad. To find out if you can take the EGE in your country, contact the Russian consulate.
The second is the internal exam of the university, which can be in the format of a test, assignment, or interview. Different universities may have different exams. Usually, they are related to the direction you have chosen for study. For example, to study medicine, you may have to take an internal exam in biology.
Details about the exam itself: the time and place of its conduct, format, assignments, and literature for preparation — must be clarified at the university itself.
If you are applying under the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation, then information about the tests must be clarified on the website https://education-in-russia.com/.
The Study in Russia website will help you enroll in a Russian university. This is the official resource of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation. Through it, you can not only learn more about education in Russia but also get acquainted with various university opportunities
Decide which specialty you want to study in. Meet the universities that provide training in the direction you need. On the portal, you can view a list of universities and available training programs
Register on the university's website, fill out and submit an application for admission. Attach the necessary documents to it. Make sure they are in the correct format and meet the university's requirements. You can submit documents in Russia to no more than 5 different universities.
Sign up for entrance tests and pass them. Some tests can be taken online. Check the information and personal account on the university's website.
If you have successfully passed the entrance examinations, you will be offered to sign a consent to enrollment if you are applying on a budget basis, and sign a consent to enrollment and conclude a payment agreement if you are applying on a contractual basis (for a fee). Pay for the training if you have applied on a contractual basis.
Apply to the university for an invitation to enter on a study visa.
Mandatory documents are:
Identity document.
Legalized and recognized education document.
Requirements for additional documents may vary depending on mode of entry. You can clarify them in a chat with a university representative through your personal account on the Study in Russia portal. All documents must be notarized and translated into Russian.
Legalization is a formal procedure that allows a foreign document to acquire legal force on the territory of Russia. After legalization, foreign documents can be submitted to the official bodies of another state.
There are two types of legalization:
Consular legalization
certification of the document by the foreign affairs authorities of the country where the document was issued
certification of the document by the consular services of the Russian Federation in the country where the document was issued
Apostilling
This is the placement of the "Apostille" stamp on the original document or on a separate sheet attached to the document. Usually, the stamp is placed by the authorized bodies of the country issuing the document (Secretary of State, Department of Education, Ministry of Education, educational institutions, etc.).
Recognition of foreign education in Russia — this is an official confirmation of the level of education and qualification obtained, which allows you to study in Russian educational institutions. In Russia, foreign diplomas of educational institutions approved by the government, issued in countries with which there are international treaties on mutual recognition, are recognized.
You can check whether your diploma is recognized in Russia on the website of "Rosacredagency" by submitting an application online.
If your diploma is NOT recognized in Russia, you will need to go through the recognition procedure. To do this, you need to fill out an application on the same website, as well as pay a state fee of 80 $. More information about the procedure can be found at website.
After submitting an application for training, you will be able to track the status of the application in your personal account on the university's website and clarify the necessary information through the email of the admissions committee of the Russian university.
To obtain a student visa, an invitation from the university is required. Usually, it is sent to your email after all stages of admission and your enrollment for study have been completed. The invitation must be printed and included in the package of documents that must be submitted to the Embassy of the Russian Federation or the visa center of your country for obtaining a student visa
Moving to Russia
After submitting documents to a Russian university, you need to prepare a package of documents for life in Russia.
Documents required for entry:
passport of a foreign citizen,
visa (for countries with visa entry).
Upon entry into Russia, the following are issued:
migration card.
Documents that must be obtained after entering Russia:
registration at the place of residence on the territory of the Russian Federation,
voluntary medical insurance policy,
certificates of medical examination,
certificate of dactyloscopic examination (green card).
Do not forget to timely renew the necessary documents for your stay in Russia.
Also, foreign students have the right to obtain a temporary residence permit for the purpose of education (RVPO).
RVPO will be issued immediately for the entire duration of study. For the same period, you can obtain a visa and live in the territory of the Russian Federation without leaving during the entire term of the RVPO. The document also allows you to work in Russia and receive free medical assistance under the OMS
You can get the service online, we sent a package of documents to your personal account on the website «State services».
«State services» — official state portal where you can arrange documents, get extracts, and certificates.
What can be done on «State services»:
to receive migration services,
receive other electronic services: make an appointment with a doctor, submit an application to the registry office, obtain a driver's license, etc.,
to pay fines and tax debts,
to pay the state duty,
store documents in your personal account.
To start using «State services», Foreign students need to obtain SNILS and then register on the portal.
A mobile app also works for foreign citizens «State services RuID», adapted for visitors. In the app, you can submit an application for entry into Russia, present a QR code that will be formed after crossing the border and confirming your account on Gosuslugi.
On average, a foreign student needs 300$–399$ per month. For the first time, it is recommended to have more 699$ for additional expenses: medical insurance, housing arrangement, and textbooks.
Expenses may vary depending on the student's needs and the region in which the student is studying.
Foreign students who study full-time at a university with state accreditation can work in Russia without permits during their free time. It is necessary to provide the employer with a certificate confirming education at the university.
If a student studies part-time or part-time, they can also work, but first they need to obtain a work permit or patent.
Most Russian universities have special career centers that help students with work. Each university cooperates with organizations that provide internships or even open vacancies.
Information about graduate employment opportunities can also be viewed in the university card in the "Graduate Employment" tab.
Educational process
If you study at a state university on a budgetary basis, you are given free textbooks and teaching aids for the entire period of study. In addition, you have access to library resources and other educational databases.
If you are studying subjects or courses beyond the standard curriculum, study materials are provided according to the rules of your university.
A foreign student can apply for accommodation in a dormitory both on a paid and free basis. Each university independently determines the procedure for providing housing to students, including foreign ones.
Foreign students who entered within the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation are guaranteed a place in the dormitory.
Yes, foreign students studying in Russia on a full-time basis at the expense of federal funds have the right to receive state academic scholarships. Students admitted under the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation are paid a scholarship throughout the entire period of study, regardless of academic achievement.
In addition to the main state academic scholarship, you can receive an increased scholarship. It is available to students with special achievements in educational, research, social, cultural, creative, or sports activities.
There are also additional types of material support: nominal scholarships, scholarships from individual universities, and material support from the university
A full list of scholarships and information about the conditions for obtaining them can be found on the website стипендиат.рф.
For foreign students in Russia, the same rules for taking and retaking exams apply as for Russian students. Each student has the right to retake the exam twice, unless otherwise provided by the university's regulatory acts. Upon graduation, it is necessary to pass the final certification, which usually consists of taking the state exam and defending the graduation qualification paper.
Yes, many universities implement international educational programs of double degrees in cooperation with leading universities in Europe and Asia. The educational programs are developed jointly and allow you to gain experience of studying not only in Russia but also in another country.
The two-diploma program involves studying at a foreign partner university for one or several semesters. Upon completion, the student receives a diploma from the foreign partner university and a diploma from a Russian university.
A double degree provides wider employment opportunities, including abroad. In addition to special knowledge, students significantly improve their foreign language proficiency.
There are double degree programs between Russian universities from different regions. They will suit those who want to study Russian culture in depth and are not ready to go abroad.
Россия
4.0
«Образование — это ключ к развитию не только ума, но и души. В нашем университете мы стремимся не только к формированию профессионалов, но и к воспитанию личностей, способных изменить мир к лучшему.»
Наша компания — это вдохновение, инновации и качество. Мы специализируемся на разработке уникальных решений в сфере технологий и маркетинга, помогая бизнесам достигать новых высот. Наша команда профессионалов с опытом работы в различных отраслях обеспечивает индивидуальный подход к каждому проекту. Мы стремимся создавать долгосрочные партнерства и приносить результат, который превышает ожидания клиентов.
