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Higher education in Russia is High-Quality Education.
Students can obtain knowledge in a whole range of different fields and specialties.
Russian universities have centuries-old traditions and a rich experience of working with foreign students - overseas applicants first appeared at domestic universities at the end of the 19th century.
Over 300,000 students from around the world come to study at Russian universities every year, and this number is constantly growing.
This level of trust in the quality of Russian education makes the country one of the leaders in popularity among foreign students.
More than 37,000 Doctors of Sciences (Russian degree that is more advanced than PhD) and more than 136,000 Candidates of Sciences (Russian degree that is equivalent to PhD) work in the higher education system, and business representatives are actively involved in the implementation of educational programs to ensure a practice-oriented approach.
Students can obtain knowledge in a whole range of different fields and specialties.
Russian universities have centuries-old traditions and a rich experience of working with foreign students - overseas applicants first appeared at domestic universities at the end of the 19th century.
Over 300,000 students from around the world come to study at Russian universities every year, and this number is constantly growing.
This level of trust in the quality of Russian education makes the country one of the leaders in popularity among foreign students.
More than 37,000 Doctors of Sciences (Russian degree that is more advanced than PhD) and more than 136,000 Candidates of Sciences (Russian degree that is equivalent to PhD) work in the higher education system, and business representatives are actively involved in the implementation of educational programs to ensure a practice-oriented approach.
Education in Russia: Everything You Need To Know
Higher education in Russia
The opportunity to receive scholarships and grants
The country has a well-developed system of scholarship programs. Regardless of which country the student came from and what subject he wants to study, he will find a scholarship that meets his needs.
Many universities offer scholarship programs and research grants. For example, students have the opportunity to receive additional funding for outstanding academic achievements. There is also support for students in financial difficulties.
Full-time students of Russian universities with state accreditation are entitled to preferential travel on public transport (metro, bus, trolleybus, tram). Full-time students of Russian universities are entitled to a 50% discount on commuter train travel (within the same region). The benefit is valid from September 1 to June 15 each year.
Discounts for students are often offered by various companies (Russian and international) and service sector institutions, as well as museums, exhibitions and art spaces.
The country has a well-developed system of scholarship programs. Regardless of which country the student came from and what subject he wants to study, he will find a scholarship that meets his needs.
Many universities offer scholarship programs and research grants. For example, students have the opportunity to receive additional funding for outstanding academic achievements. There is also support for students in financial difficulties.
Full-time students of Russian universities with state accreditation are entitled to preferential travel on public transport (metro, bus, trolleybus, tram). Full-time students of Russian universities are entitled to a 50% discount on commuter train travel (within the same region). The benefit is valid from September 1 to June 15 each year.
Discounts for students are often offered by various companies (Russian and international) and service sector institutions, as well as museums, exhibitions and art spaces.
Most universities provide dormitories for their students, so applicants should not worry about urgently finding housing in a new country.
Accommodation in dormitories is either free of charge or for a symbolic amount that cannot be compared, for example, with European prices. The renovation and furnishings of the campuses are competitive to European standards.
Accommodation in dormitories is either free of charge or for a symbolic amount that cannot be compared, for example, with European prices. The renovation and furnishings of the campuses are competitive to European standards.
In this article, we will tell you all about education in Russia, the pitfalls, and the popular fields of study.
Russia Is a World Leader STEM Education
Russia is a recognized world leader in education of STEM specialist— mathematicians, physicists, chemists, geologists, engineers, programmers, doctors, and specialists in other natural sciences.
This is confirmed by the positions of Russian universities in such international rankings as ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities), QS World University Rankings, and THE (The Times Higher Education University Rankings).
For example, 48 Russian universities are included in the QS World University Rankings 2023 ranking of the best universities in the world. Below are some examples.
One can also speculate that Russian universities perform lower in the Western rankings than they should, as the Western ranking criteria are based on publications in Western journals, something that Russian universities, objectively, are not as competitive at compared to major Western universities. The actual level of education in Russian universities is more competitive than the ranking suggests.
This is confirmed by the positions of Russian universities in such international rankings as ARWU (Academic Ranking of World Universities), QS World University Rankings, and THE (The Times Higher Education University Rankings).
For example, 48 Russian universities are included in the QS World University Rankings 2023 ranking of the best universities in the world. Below are some examples.
- Lomonosov Moscow State University (75th place)
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University (230th place)
- Novosibirsk State University (260th place)
- Tomsk State University (264th place)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT / Moscow Phystech) (267th place)
- Saint Petersburg State University (270), RUDN University (295th place)
- HSE University (308th place)
- National Research Nuclear University MEPhI (Moscow Engineering Physics Institute) (308th place)
- Kazan (Volga region) Federal University (322th place)
- Ural Federal University — UrFU (335th place)
- MGIMO University (345th place)
- ITMO University (359th place)
- Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (382nd place)
- National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University (398th place)
- Far Eastern Federal University (434th place)
- The National University of Science and Technology MISIS (467th place)
One can also speculate that Russian universities perform lower in the Western rankings than they should, as the Western ranking criteria are based on publications in Western journals, something that Russian universities, objectively, are not as competitive at compared to major Western universities. The actual level of education in Russian universities is more competitive than the ranking suggests.
Russia Has the Best Universities in The World
Russian universities are among the 200 best universities in the world for training in the following fields (according to the QS 2022 rating): Physics and Astronomy, Mathematics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Oilfield Business, Biology, Geography, Economics, Statistics, Sociology, History, Philosophy, Linguistics.
The QS EECA University Rankings 2020/21, which takes into account higher education institutions in 29 countries of Central Asia and Eastern Europe, includes 117 Russian universities, 112 public, and 5 private higher education institutions:
Russian New University, St. Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics, Russian School of Economics, Moscow Financial and Industrial University "Synergy", Voronezh Institute of High Technologies.
According to the European Social Survey conducted in 2010, Russia ranks 8th in Europe in terms of higher education among representatives of the age group from 25 to 39 years (39%).
According to European Social Survey, Russia is ahead of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
The QS EECA University Rankings 2020/21, which takes into account higher education institutions in 29 countries of Central Asia and Eastern Europe, includes 117 Russian universities, 112 public, and 5 private higher education institutions:
Russian New University, St. Petersburg University of Management Technologies and Economics, Russian School of Economics, Moscow Financial and Industrial University "Synergy", Voronezh Institute of High Technologies.
According to the European Social Survey conducted in 2010, Russia ranks 8th in Europe in terms of higher education among representatives of the age group from 25 to 39 years (39%).
According to European Social Survey, Russia is ahead of Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.
A Wide Range of Educational Programs
There are currently 741 universities in the Russia, including 29 national research, 10 federal, and 2 universities with special status: Moscow State University and St. Petersburg State University.
In Russia, there are more than 650 specialties in bachelor's, master's, specialty, postgraduate (residency, adjunct), and internship assistant programs.
In Russia, there are more than 650 specialties in bachelor's, master's, specialty, postgraduate (residency, adjunct), and internship assistant programs.
World-Class Education at An Affordable Price
The cost of studying at Russian universities is significantly lower than at universities in the USA, Canada, and the UK.
Typical costs for studying for a bachelor's degree in Russia amount to just over $1,000 USD per year - this amount will vary slightly depending on the subject.
In the most prestigious city universities, this amount reaches just over $8,000 per year - still a huge saving on the fees compared to major universities in the US, or Europe.
The cost of education varies significantly across the country, and the price level in the regions is significantly lower than in the capital.
So, by choosing regional universities located outside of the main cities of Moscow or St. Petersburg, the cost can be significantly lower. Combined with the fact that there are universities in 82 regions - from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, there’s ample choice.
Russia is one of the few countries that provide foreigners with the opportunity to study for free on a budget basis.
In 2020, the Russian government subsidized 15,000 tuition-free spots for international students at Russian universities.
Another opportunity is to take part in university Olympiads, the winners and prize–winners of which are provided with benefits for admission to leading Russian universities.
Typical costs for studying for a bachelor's degree in Russia amount to just over $1,000 USD per year - this amount will vary slightly depending on the subject.
In the most prestigious city universities, this amount reaches just over $8,000 per year - still a huge saving on the fees compared to major universities in the US, or Europe.
The cost of education varies significantly across the country, and the price level in the regions is significantly lower than in the capital.
So, by choosing regional universities located outside of the main cities of Moscow or St. Petersburg, the cost can be significantly lower. Combined with the fact that there are universities in 82 regions - from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok, there’s ample choice.
Russia is one of the few countries that provide foreigners with the opportunity to study for free on a budget basis.
In 2020, the Russian government subsidized 15,000 tuition-free spots for international students at Russian universities.
Another opportunity is to take part in university Olympiads, the winners and prize–winners of which are provided with benefits for admission to leading Russian universities.
What About Education Scholarships and Grants?
The country has a well-developed system of scholarship programs. Regardless of which country the student came from and what subject he wants to study, he will find a scholarship that meets his needs.
Many universities offer scholarship programs and research grants. For example, students could receive additional funding for outstanding academic achievements.
There is also support for students with financial difficulties.
Full-time students at Russian universities with state accreditation are entitled to preferential travel on public transport (metro, bus, trolleybus, tram) and a 50% discount on commuter train travel (within the same region). The benefit is valid from September 1 to June 15 each year.
Discounts for students are often offered by various companies (Russian and international) and service sector institutions, as well as museums, exhibitions, and art spaces.
Many universities offer scholarship programs and research grants. For example, students could receive additional funding for outstanding academic achievements.
There is also support for students with financial difficulties.
Full-time students at Russian universities with state accreditation are entitled to preferential travel on public transport (metro, bus, trolleybus, tram) and a 50% discount on commuter train travel (within the same region). The benefit is valid from September 1 to June 15 each year.
Discounts for students are often offered by various companies (Russian and international) and service sector institutions, as well as museums, exhibitions, and art spaces.
Double Degree
Russian university diplomas are recognized worldwide, thanks to agreements with over 60 countries. Many universities offer joint programs with foreign institutions, allowing graduates to earn dual diplomas from Russia and other countries.
Additionally, international students can participate in exchange programs, spending one or two semesters studying or interning abroad at partner universities.
Additionally, international students can participate in exchange programs, spending one or two semesters studying or interning abroad at partner universities.
Learning The Russian Language
Russian is spoken by about 260 million inhabitants of the planet, and about 10 million people are learning Russian each year.
Having mastered it, students acquire not only useful communication skills but also a great advantage in the labor market.
Many universities provide foreign students with a free opportunity to study Russian. In addition, there are various language courses, winter and summer schools, and one-year preparatory programs.
Russian scares many people with its complicated grammar and Cyrillic alphabet, but knowledge of the Russian language opens the door to other languages of the Slavic group.
It also helps to better understand the country, communicate with residents, and allows them to get acquainted with the world-famous works of classical Russian literature in the original.
Having mastered it, students acquire not only useful communication skills but also a great advantage in the labor market.
Many universities provide foreign students with a free opportunity to study Russian. In addition, there are various language courses, winter and summer schools, and one-year preparatory programs.
Russian scares many people with its complicated grammar and Cyrillic alphabet, but knowledge of the Russian language opens the door to other languages of the Slavic group.
It also helps to better understand the country, communicate with residents, and allows them to get acquainted with the world-famous works of classical Russian literature in the original.
Dormitories and Low Cost of Living
The Unique Nature and Culture in Russia
The Russian Federation is the largest country in the world, covering about 1/8 of the Earth and covering 11 time zones. It is a unique territory with diverse geographical landscapes and climatic zones, from snowy Siberia to the subtropics of the Black Sea.
During the holidays, students can explore marble quarries in Karelia, enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Baikal, or climb the volcanoes of Kamchatka.
In addition to its unique nature, Russian culture attracts foreign visitors. From classics of Russian literature ― Pushkin, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, to modern opera and ballet artists conquering the world stage.
You can also understand the culture of the country through music: folk songs or classical works by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov.
Many of Russia's cities are filled with artwork — ranging from beautiful buildings, and charming sculptures and plazas and boulevards designed with great thought.
For example, the historical center of St. Petersburg with palaces and manors of the tsarist times is officially considered an open-air museum.
The Bolshoi Theatre, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin Museum, the Hermitage, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral are world-famous Russian cultural attractions that attract millions of tourists every year. However, this is only a small part of where it is worth visiting.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes 30 objects from Russian culture.
And, of course, any foreign student will appreciate the richness of Russian cuisine. You should try pancakes, homemade dumplings, buckwheat porridge, jelly, and Russian salad according to the Soviet recipe.
During the holidays, students can explore marble quarries in Karelia, enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Lake Baikal, or climb the volcanoes of Kamchatka.
In addition to its unique nature, Russian culture attracts foreign visitors. From classics of Russian literature ― Pushkin, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, to modern opera and ballet artists conquering the world stage.
You can also understand the culture of the country through music: folk songs or classical works by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov.
Many of Russia's cities are filled with artwork — ranging from beautiful buildings, and charming sculptures and plazas and boulevards designed with great thought.
For example, the historical center of St. Petersburg with palaces and manors of the tsarist times is officially considered an open-air museum.
The Bolshoi Theatre, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin Museum, the Hermitage, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral are world-famous Russian cultural attractions that attract millions of tourists every year. However, this is only a small part of where it is worth visiting.
The UNESCO World Heritage List includes 30 objects from Russian culture.
And, of course, any foreign student will appreciate the richness of Russian cuisine. You should try pancakes, homemade dumplings, buckwheat porridge, jelly, and Russian salad according to the Soviet recipe.
Modern Russia is a mix of Asia and Europe, a place where everyone can find a piece of their home. Throughout history, Russia has bordered on a wide variety of states and peoples, absorbing their traditions and values, which has led to a wide ethnic and cultural diversity.
Now more than 200 nationalities live in the country, speaking more than 100 languages and dialects.
The State also guarantees freedom of religion at the constitutional level. Representatives of the world’s faiths ― Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism — cohabit peacefully in all cities.
For example, in St. Petersburg alone you can find churches, cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, datsans, and prayer houses of 42 denominations.
Thanks to this diversity, applicants from absolutely any country will be able to feel comfortable in a new country and easily adapt to student life.
Now more than 200 nationalities live in the country, speaking more than 100 languages and dialects.
The State also guarantees freedom of religion at the constitutional level. Representatives of the world’s faiths ― Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism — cohabit peacefully in all cities.
For example, in St. Petersburg alone you can find churches, cathedrals, mosques, synagogues, datsans, and prayer houses of 42 denominations.
Thanks to this diversity, applicants from absolutely any country will be able to feel comfortable in a new country and easily adapt to student life.
Easy Adaptation for International Students
Busy Student Life
Students' lives are not limited to university classes. There are many activities that you can devote your free time to get to know other students better, make new friends, and at the same time learn something new.
Performing arts, sports teams, and volunteer associations are open at every university in the country. Throughout the year, a huge number of youth festivals and festivals take place in different cities, where students can not only come as spectators but also become full-fledged participants.
For example, to talk about the peculiarities and traditions of your country at the Days of National Cultures.
Fans of intellectual jokes and acting can try their hand at the humorous games of the Funny and Resourceful Club (KVN). Participants compete in funny improvisations, prepared skits, and humorous answers to the questions of the presenter and the judges. The best university teams compete at the All-Russian Games, which are broadcast on national television.
Special attention is paid at universities to the development of physical culture. Students can study for free in sports complexes, gyms, swimming pools, and outdoor playgrounds at universities. The sports sections organize student field trips and hikes.
International students can easily join the university’s sports teams, such as football or fencing, and compete in various sports competitions, including international competitions.
General (school) education in Russia in the TIMSS study (evaluates the quality of mathematical and natural science education of 4th and 8th grade students) conducted in 2015, Russia entered the top ten countries. Among eighth graders, Russia took 6th place in mathematics and 7th in natural sciences.
One of the most striking achievements of the Russian education system is the victory of schoolchildren at international Olympiads.
Young physicists, chemists, and astronomers prove to the whole world how talented they are and what opportunities have been created in Russia for the development of each child’s giftedness.
Performing arts, sports teams, and volunteer associations are open at every university in the country. Throughout the year, a huge number of youth festivals and festivals take place in different cities, where students can not only come as spectators but also become full-fledged participants.
For example, to talk about the peculiarities and traditions of your country at the Days of National Cultures.
Fans of intellectual jokes and acting can try their hand at the humorous games of the Funny and Resourceful Club (KVN). Participants compete in funny improvisations, prepared skits, and humorous answers to the questions of the presenter and the judges. The best university teams compete at the All-Russian Games, which are broadcast on national television.
Special attention is paid at universities to the development of physical culture. Students can study for free in sports complexes, gyms, swimming pools, and outdoor playgrounds at universities. The sports sections organize student field trips and hikes.
International students can easily join the university’s sports teams, such as football or fencing, and compete in various sports competitions, including international competitions.
General (school) education in Russia in the TIMSS study (evaluates the quality of mathematical and natural science education of 4th and 8th grade students) conducted in 2015, Russia entered the top ten countries. Among eighth graders, Russia took 6th place in mathematics and 7th in natural sciences.
One of the most striking achievements of the Russian education system is the victory of schoolchildren at international Olympiads.
Young physicists, chemists, and astronomers prove to the whole world how talented they are and what opportunities have been created in Russia for the development of each child’s giftedness.
How Successful Are the Graduates?
In the team competition, Russian schoolchildren are consistently among the five strongest national teams in the world.
In 2023, Russian schoolchildren won 31 medals at six international Olympiads: 22 gold, 8 silver, and 1 bronze.
In 2023, Russian schoolchildren won 31 medals at six international Olympiads: 22 gold, 8 silver, and 1 bronze.
- Biology: at the International Olympiad in Al Ain (UAE), Russian schoolchildren won 4 medals (3 gold and 1 silver).
- Chemistry: at the 55th International Olympiad in Zurich (Switzerland), Russian teenagers received 3 gold and 1 silver medals.
- Physics: at the 53rd International Olympiad in Tokyo (Japan), 5 gold medals were won by participants from Russia.
- Mathematics: at the 64th International Olympiad in Japan, 5 gold and 1 silver medals were awarded to Russian schoolchildren.
- Geography: at the 8th European Olympiad in Belgrade (Serbia), the Russian national team won 8 medals (2 gold, 5 silver and 1 bronze).
- Computer Science: Russians won 4 gold medals at the 35th International Olympiad in Hungary.
Many dormitories have different accommodation formats: rooms for one, two, or three people, as well as family units.
In general, living expenses in Russia are lower than in Europe or North America.
The difference is especially noticeable for students coming from countries where the official currency is dollars or euros, due to the favorable exchange rate of the ruble.
In general, living expenses in Russia are lower than in Europe or North America.
The difference is especially noticeable for students coming from countries where the official currency is dollars or euros, due to the favorable exchange rate of the ruble.
In the ranking of educational systems compiled in 2014 by the British research company Economist Intelligence Unit commissioned by Pearson, Russia ranked 8th among European countries and 13th in the world. The rating is based on international studies — in particular, the PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS tests.
In the PIRLS study (evaluates the level and quality of reading and comprehension of text by primary school students) conducted in 2016, Russia ranked 1st among the countries of the world.
In the PIRLS study (evaluates the level and quality of reading and comprehension of text by primary school students) conducted in 2016, Russia ranked 1st among the countries of the world.
Choosing to study in Russia is a smart choice
Choosing to study in Russia means unlocking a world-class education in diverse fields, especially in STEM, at a fraction of the cost compared to Western universities.
You'll join a vibrant community of over 300,000 international students, benefiting from extensive scholarships and double degree programs with global institutions. Experience the rich culture, historic universities, and the personal growth that comes with studying in a country renowned for its academic excellence and welcoming atmosphere.
You'll join a vibrant community of over 300,000 international students, benefiting from extensive scholarships and double degree programs with global institutions. Experience the rich culture, historic universities, and the personal growth that comes with studying in a country renowned for its academic excellence and welcoming atmosphere.
2024
Reading Time: 12 min
This insight is written by our expert
Pavel Dermer
Managing partner
Managing partner