Reasons to Study in Russia - Cost of living, Universities, and more

updated on 12 March 2024
Reasons to Study in Russia - Cost of living, Universities, and more
Reasons to Study in Russia - Cost of living, Universities, and more

This article provides detailed information about Reasons to study in Russia, the Cost of living, Universities, and more. 

Russia is a  country filled with historic cities, stunning landscapes, and friendly people. It is also home to famous universities and many great scholars.

Russia might not be the first country that comes to mind when considering studying abroad. However, the reality is that this frequently underestimated but rapidly developing country has a wealth of incredible opportunities for students from around the world.

Since there are so many options for studying abroad, students might wonder, "Why to study in Russia?" So keep on reading this article to know more about the Reasons to Study in Russia and much more.

Reasons to Study in Russia

Education of High-Quality

Mathematicians, physicists, chemists, engineers, programmers, physicians, and other creative professionals are among the professions where Russia leads the world in education. Russian universities consistently hold the top spot in the world university rankings. The practical approach to education makes sure that students comprehend what they are learning and know how to apply it to real-world situations and problems 

Online Education

With the aggressive expansion of online higher education by Russian universities, students now have access to a wide variety of programs at all academic levels. Longtime contributors to the global MOOC community, Russian institutions are actively expanding their presence on international platforms.

Option to study in English

You can still study in Russia if you don't want to spend time learning the Russian language. Numerous universities in Russia have begun to offer their higher education programs in English as a result of increased globalization and the connected world.

Work while studying

Students can work in Russia during their studies. The new  Russian law allows students to work without obtaining a work permit while studying here. Students can work for 20 hours per week without an additional work permit. 

Students can apply for jobs in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg to have better opportunities to apply their newly learned skills. 

Affordable living expenses

The cost of living in Russia is affordable when compared to other European countries. There are also a number of concessions available to students. You can enjoy discounts at theaters, museums, opera houses, cinemas, swimming pools, and other institutions. All you need to do is show your student ID.

Study in Russia: General Admission Requirements

To study in Russia, students must meet the following requirements:

  • They must choose their program and university and learn about financing and scholarship options. 
  • They should have their documentation ready. 
  • One of the first documents is the application form of the preferred university. 
  • Students should have a passport copy 
  • Students should have a certificate of their education level 
  • Students should have two medical certificates, one stating that they have no diseases and the other stating that they don’t have HIV

In addition to the aforementioned general requirements, there are additional conditions for undergraduate and graduate courses that students must follow.

For Undergraduate Course:

Students willing to pursue undergraduate studies must pass a Russian language proficiency test as part of the Unified State Entrance Examination. Students must have their high school diploma and academic records translated into Russian. 

For Post-graduate Course:

Students wishing to apply for a postgraduate degree must have proof of their bachelor's or specialist degree in the same field. Given that the majority of postgraduate courses are taught in English, students may need to submit proof of their English proficiency through the TOEFL or IELTS.

Top 10 Universities to study in Russia

  • Lomonosov Moscow State University -74 (QS Ranking)
  • Saint-Petersburg State University (SPbU)- 225
  • Novosibirsk State University (NSU)- 228
  • Tomsk State University (TSU) - 250
  • Moscow Institute of Physics & Technology (MIPT) - 281
  • National Research Nuclear University (MEPhi) - 314
  • Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU) - 282
  • National Research University Higher School Economics (HSE) - 298
  • Tomsk Polytechnic University -  401
  • Moscow State Institution of International Relations (MGIMO) - 348

Scholarships offered to Study in Russia

Below is the list of the scholarships Russia offers to students 

  • Ritchie-Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program
  • Royal Society International Exchange Programme
  • Banting International Postdoctoral Fellowships
  • Aerospace Russia Partial Scholarships 
  • National Air Transportation Association Pioneers of Flight Scholarship
  • International Mathematical Union- Abel Visiting Scholar Program in US 
  • Open Doors Russian Scholarship
  • Eastern European University Association Scholarship 
  • National Research University Scholarship 
  • Eurasian Management and Administration School Scholarships for MBA 
  • Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology Scholarship 
  • Siberian Federal University Scholarship 
  • National Overseas Scholarship 
  • Vladimir Potanin Foundation’s Olympic Scholarship 

How much does it cost to study in Russia?

When choosing a location for education abroad, the cost of the program is the first consideration.  So, if you are planning to study in Russia, here is what you need to know:

  • Undergraduate- 1,20,000-8,80,000 rubles [Rs 1,31,500 – Rs 9,64,200]
  • Specialist Programs- 1,20,000-6,33,000 rubles [Rs 1,31,500 – Rs 6,93,500]
  • Postgraduate- 1,47,000-4,60,000 rubles [Rs 1,60,000 – Rs 5,04,000]
  • Ph.D.- 79,300-4,13,000 rubles [Rs 87000 – Rs 4,50,000]

Cost of living in Russia

The living expenses of students are mainly comprised of accommodation, food, study, transportation and entertainment on weekends such as going to movies or adventures and exploring the tourist’s spots of country

Accommodation:

  • An apartment in central city with one bedroom: $350. 89 USD per month (28k to 30k INR)
  • An apartment outside the central city with one bedroom: $240. 35 USD per month (19k- 20k INR)
  • An apartment in the central city with two bedrooms: $703.36 USD per month (58k to 60k INR)
  • An apartment outside the central city with two bedrooms: $476.00 USD per month (39k-40k INR)
  • Campus accommodation with one bedroom: 500 to 5,000 Rubles per month (6k-10k INR) (depending on the city and facilities available)

Transportation Cost:

Most students and locals in Russia use public transportation, which offers good services.

The cost of day-to-day travel in Russia through public transport will cost:

  • One-way ticket of local public transport: $0.38 USD (31-40 Rs)
  • A monthly pass for public transport: $27.59 USD (2400-2500 Rs)
  • Normal Tariff of Taxi inside the city: $1.53 USD (126-130 Rs)
  • Taxi Tariff for 1 km travel: $0.21 USD (17-20 Rs)

Food Cost:

Basic menu meal for one person in an inexpensive restaurant in the central city of Russia: $7.66 USD (600-700 Rs)

The basic menu for two persons in an expensive restaurant in the central city of Russia: $ 30.66 USD (2500-3000 Rs)

Meal for one person at McDonald's or Big Mac: $4.60 USD (300-400 Rs)

Prices of some essential Grocery items:

1-liter milk bottle: $0.90 USD (74-80 Rs)

Fresh bread (white): $ 0.51 USD (42-50 Rs) 

1 kg rice: $0.93 USD (76-80 Rs)

Dozen eggs: $1.10USD (90-100 Rs)

1 kg potatoes: $0.49 USD (40-45 Rs)

1 kg onions: $0.44USD (36-40 Rs)

1 Liter water bottle: $0.56 USD (46-50 Rs)

Other Expenses

Essential utility bills of electricity, gas, water, and heating for one room accommodation: $105 USD per month (8k-10k)

Internet monthly connection bill: $7.38 USD (600-700 Rs)

Fitness Club Fee Monthly: $32.11 USD (2k-3k)

Cinema Ticket (1 Seat): $4.60 USD (300-400 Rs)

Conclusion

 Overall, Studying in Russia is the ideal combination of high education standards, gaining globally recognized degrees, affordable living, and enhancement of knowledge.

In this article, we have tried to cover everything related to the reasons for studying in Russia, the Cost of living, Top Universities, and more. We hope you like this article. If you have any queries feel free to reach out to Alpha Edu Abroad for advice!

Uncertain about the affordability of studying in Russia? This guide explores the breakdown of living costs for Indian students in Russia! Get a clearer picture of expenses like accommodation, food, and transportation to budget effectively for your Russian study abroad adventure.

FAQs: Studying in Russia

1. How affordable is studying in Russia?

Russia offers a compelling advantage for budget-minded students. Tuition fees at public universities are generally low or even free for certain programs. Even when compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Russia, including accommodation, food, and transportation, remains relatively affordable. Students can further reduce costs by taking advantage of student discounts offered on various cultural activities.

2. What are some of the top universities in Russia?

Russia boasts a strong academic tradition with world-renowned universities. Some of the top universities include Moscow State University, St. Petersburg State University, Novosibirsk State University, and the Higher School of Economics. These universities offer a wide range of programs in various fields, including science, engineering, humanities, and social sciences. Many universities also have programs taught entirely in English.

3. Are there scholarship opportunities for international students in Russia?

Yes, there are several scholarship opportunities available for international students in Russia. The Russian government allocates a quota of fully-funded scholarships for foreign students each year. Universities may also offer their own scholarship programs. Researching these options can significantly reduce the financial burden of studying in Russia.

4. What are some of the benefits of studying in Russia beyond academics?

Russia offers a unique cultural experience, steeped in rich history and vibrant traditions. Studying abroad in Russia allows students to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn the Russian language, and gain a broader global perspective. The country's proximity to Europe and Asia also opens up travel opportunities to explore these regions.

Intrigued by the idea of studying abroad in Russia? This article explores 9 captivating reasons to consider Russia for your international education adventure, from world-class universities and affordable living to exciting cultural experiences!

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