Study in Moscow, Russia

About Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and the country's largest city, its political and economic centre and the seat of many of its best-known universities and research institutes. The Kremlin and Red Square, the boulevard ring and the Moscow river form the historic core of a very large metropolis with an extensive metro system.

International students come to Moscow for full degree programmes, exchange semesters, summer schools and Russian language courses. According to the official Study in Russia portal, Russia has 751 universities and more than 422,000 foreign students. Most programmes are taught in Russian, so many students first take a Russian course or a university preparatory year.

Studying in Moscow

Russian higher education has several levels: a bachelor's degree takes 3 to 4 years, an integrated specialist degree 5 to 6 years (common in engineering and medicine) and a master's degree 2 to 3 years. International applicants can study on a tuition-paying basis or win a free, state-funded place through the general competition (open to certain nationalities), the Russian Government quota or university Olympiads.

Our directory lists 4 schools in Moscow. HSE University (National Research University Higher School of Economics) was founded as an economics institute in Moscow in 1992; today it has more than 60,000 students across four campuses, with its main campus at 11 Pokrovsky Bulvar. HSE also runs summer schools for international students in Moscow and St Petersburg. The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University) trains diplomats and specialists in international relations. For Russian, RussianLab has taught adults aged 18 and over since 2006 in the historic centre, within walking distance of the Old Arbat and the Kremlin, and prepares students for the TORFL (TRKI) exam.

Cost of living and housing

Housing is usually the largest cost for students in Moscow. University dormitories are the cheapest option, but places are limited: HSE University states that its dormitories cannot host all students who need accommodation, so many students rent a room or flat privately. Ask your university about dormitory fees and support with housing before you arrive. HSE lists the Troika transport card, a student social card and student discounts on Russian Railways (RZD) trains among the ways to save on transport.

Visa, registration and daily life

Students who need a visa enter Russia with a study visa issued on a university invitation. On arrival, migration registration must be completed within 3 business days; HSE warns that failing to register can lead to a penalty of 40,000 roubles and deportation. Students must also buy a medical insurance policy on arrival. Rules change often: in 2026 HSE reported that invitations for citizens of certain countries were temporarily suspended and that new rules from 1 September 2026 give foreigners 30 days for the compulsory medical examination. Students with a temporary residence permit for education may stay for the duration of their studies plus 180 days.

Moscow is served by four airports (Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky), and the metro, buses and trams cover the city. Winters are cold, so students from warmer climates need proper winter clothing.

Frequently asked questions

Can I study in English in Moscow?

Some programmes are taught in English, but at most Russian universities international students study in Russian. Many students take a Russian course or a university preparatory year first.

Can international students study for free in Russia?

Yes, in some cases: through the Russian Government quota, as a winner of a university Olympiad, or through the general competition for citizens of certain countries. Otherwise students pay tuition fees.

How soon must I register after arriving in Moscow?

Migration registration must be done within 3 business days of entering Russia. HSE recommends doing it the day after arrival; failing to register can lead to a fine of 40,000 roubles.

Where can I learn Russian in Moscow?

Universities run Russian courses and preparatory faculties, and private schools such as RussianLab teach Russian to adults in small groups or individually, including preparation for the TORFL exam.