Language schools in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is one of the main cities in Russia for learning Russian as a foreign language. Its schools are in or near the historic centre, so lessons can be combined with the city's museums, theatres and canals. Students include people preparing for a Russian-taught degree, expatriates who live and work in Russia and learners on a short study trip. Before planning a stay, check your own government's current travel advice for Russia.

Russian matters for further study: according to the official Study in Russia portal, most international students at Russian universities study in Russian, and applicants can learn the language in Russian courses or at a university's preparatory faculty.

What the schools offer

Our directory lists language schools and programmes in St. Petersburg. Most teach in very small groups and also offer one-to-one lessons:

• Educa Russian Language School (listed in our directory as EDUCA Russian Language Center and Educa Language School) was established in 2003 to teach Russian language and culture to foreigners and is at Bolshaya Morskaya 3-5 in the centre. Its group course has 20 lessons a week in mini-groups of up to four students, from beginner level, with a minimum stay of one week; the fee includes a placement test, a sightseeing tour, a student card for free museum entry and an end-of-course certificate. It also prepares foreign residents for the Russian language, history and law exam required for a temporary residence permit. The school states that more than 3,000 people from 60 countries have studied with it.
• Educacentre Language School (EducaCentre) is a small school on Vasilievsky Island, a short walk from Vasileostrovskaya metro. It offers standard, intensive, combined, individual and online courses from A1 to C1, with no more than four students per group; courses start every Monday all year. The standard course has 20 lessons of 45 minutes a week, Monday to Friday mornings.

Derzhavin Institute and the international programmes of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University (SPbPU) complete our list.

Costs and accommodation

Educacentre publishes its 2026 prices in euros. A standard group course with 20 lessons a week costs EUR 210 a week for 1 to 4 weeks, EUR 195 for 5 to 12 weeks and EUR 180 for 13 weeks or more; the intensive course with 30 lessons costs EUR 285 to EUR 255 a week. One-to-one lessons cost from EUR 24 each, and exam preparation (20 group and 10 private lessons) EUR 450 a week for up to 4 weeks. A non-refundable administrative fee of EUR 65 applies to every booking.

Both schools arrange accommodation. At Educacentre, a host family costs EUR 240 a week with breakfast or EUR 295 with half board, private apartments start at EUR 295 a week, and an airport transfer costs EUR 50. Educa offers host families, which it describes as the most popular option, as well as apartments, hotels and hostels.

Visas and practical tips

• Russia's unified e-visa is open only to citizens of listed countries, is single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days; it covers private, business and tourist visits and certain events, and for other purposes you need a regular visa from a Russian consulate
• For longer courses a regular visa may be needed; schools such as Educa list a visa invitation letter among their services
• Foreign visitors may need to register their address after arrival; ask your school what applies to you
• If you plan to study at a Russian university, ask whether the course prepares you for a preparatory faculty or entrance requirements

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Russian course in St. Petersburg cost?

At Educacentre, a group course with 20 lessons a week costs EUR 180 to EUR 210 a week in 2026, depending on the length of stay, plus a EUR 65 administrative fee.

Can I start as a complete beginner?

Yes. Both Educa and Educacentre accept beginners, and Educacentre starts courses every Monday all year.

Can I study Russian in St. Petersburg on an e-visa?

The unified e-visa allows stays of up to 30 days for private, business and tourist visits and is only open to citizens of certain countries. For other purposes or longer courses, apply for a regular visa at a Russian consulate.

Do I need Russian to study at a university in Russia?

Usually yes. According to Study in Russia, most international students study in Russian, although some universities also offer programmes in English.