Universities in Russia

Russia has one of the largest university systems in the world. According to Study in Russia, the official portal for international applicants, the country has 751 universities and more than 4 million students, over 422,000 of them foreign citizens. Russian is the official state language and the main language of teaching; some universities also offer programmes taught in English.

Before planning a stay, check your own government's travel advice. On 7 October 2026 Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised considering not travelling to Russia, pointed to the closure of European airspace and reduced air links, and noted that Visa, Mastercard and American Express cards do not work there.

How it works

Russian higher education has several levels, and the specialist degree still exists alongside the bachelor's and master's:

• Bachelor's degree (bakalavriat): 3 to 4 years of applied training in a broad field
• Specialist degree (specialitet): an integrated bachelor's and master's level programme of 5 to 6 years, common in engineering, medicine and economics
• Master's degree (magistratura): after a bachelor's or specialist degree
• Postgraduate study (aspirantura): 3 to 4 years full time, ending with a PhD or Candidate of Sciences degree
• Residency (ordinatura): clinical training of specialist doctors, 2 to 5 years

Universities in our directory range from large multidisciplinary institutions to specialised schools. Siberian Federal University in Krasnoyarsk reports a campus spread over 5 areas of the city with 30 dormitories. HSE University runs a support service for international students at its Moscow campus. Voronezh State Medical University named after N.N. Burdenko and Rostov State Medical University train doctors, and Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University) focuses on international relations.

Admission

Foreign applicants can choose between two kinds of entrance exam: the EGE, the standardised state exam in Russian that Russian school leavers take, or the university's own exam, which may be a test, an assignment or an interview. The admission campaign begins in June and may continue until October, but each university sets its own deadlines. All documents must be notarised and translated into Russian.

Foreign diplomas from countries with a mutual recognition treaty are recognised; you can check this with Rosaccreditagency online. If a diploma is not recognised, the recognition procedure carries a state fee of 6,500 roubles. Applicants who do not yet speak Russian can take language courses or a year at a university's preparatory faculty. For the student visa you need an invitation from the university, normally sent after enrolment.

Costs and funding

According to Study in Russia, the average cost of studying at a Russian university is 250,000 roubles per year, with wide variation by city, programme and university. Fees are usually paid twice a year, and whether you can pay from abroad must be checked with the university. The portal estimates living costs of 24,300 to 32,400 roubles per month for a foreign student.

Tuition-free places are available through the Russian Government quota, through Olympiad results and, for some countries, through citizenship rights or international agreements. Quota applications are made on the Education in Russia portal and are generally accepted from September through December. Quota students receive a scholarship and are guaranteed a dormitory place. Full-time students at state-accredited universities may work in their free time without a separate permit.

How to choose

• Language: most programmes are in Russian, so check whether yours is taught in English or needs a preparatory year
• Degree type: a specialist degree leads directly to a professional qualification; a bachelor's can be followed by a master's
• Recognition: check how a Russian degree is recognised in the country where you plan to work
• Location and safety: compare official travel advice for the region; Spain advises avoiding the oblasts bordering Ukraine, including Rostov and Voronezh
• Practicalities: plan for cash or local payment methods, since international cards do not work

Frequently asked questions

Can I study at a Russian university in English?

Some universities offer programmes in English, but at most Russian universities international students study in Russian. Preparatory faculties teach Russian before the degree starts.

How much does it cost to study in Russia?

Study in Russia gives an average of 250,000 roubles per year in tuition, plus 24,300 to 32,400 roubles a month for living costs. Government quota places are tuition-free.

What is a specialist degree in Russia?

It is an integrated programme at bachelor's and master's level that leads to a qualification in one specialty, typically in 5 to 6 years, for example in medicine or engineering.

Is it safe to study in Russia now?

Check your government's travel advice before you decide. On 7 October 2026 Spain advised considering not travelling to Russia and avoiding the regions bordering Ukraine.