Have you always wanted to study in Russia?
Perhaps, you’ve once desired to study in Russia but don’t know how to go about it. So your interest gradually waned because your desire was not strong enough.
In fact, it could be that you really want to take higher education in Russia but can’t afford studying in Russia.
No matter who you are or whatever purpose for which you’re reading this post, two things are certain.
You’ll learn how to study in Russia. And, you’ll learn how to get a scholarship to Russia.
First things first..Russian is the language spoken in Russia.
But you don’t have to worry about the Russian language. Because, a good number of Russians understand and speak English.
Moreover, most universities offer courses in English for international students.
Making Russia a very welcoming place for students from other countries.
Also, the living costs of studying in major Russian cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg is cheaper compared to other cities in places like the UK or Canada.
Which is one of the things that make Russia appealing to international students these days.
Besides, records from 2020/2021 academic year show an increase in enrollment of international students at Russian universities. For undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
How do I apply to study in Russia?
One may ask.
Such a simple question, though the answer isn’t as simple.
But then, there are steps to take to actualize the dream of studying in Russia.
The great part is, this post covers the steps to studying in Russia.
I assume you want to study in Russia, that is why you’re reading this post. And because of that, I assume you already have your basic secondary / high school leaving certificate.
So to start, you need to apply to a Russian university.
Apply to a Russian university
The good thing about applying to a Russian university is that you also get the chance to apply for scholarship.
They actually go together. It’s the Russian way.
But first, you apply to one or more of the over 700 universities in Russia. There, you’ll be able to select the level at which you want to study.
Either for an undergraduate degree, master’s course, postgraduate or professional course.
There are variety of courses on offer in Russia. Courses you hadn’t heard of before, particular courses that have global significance.
And then chose your preferred course from the pool of courses available to study in Russia.
You can also select that you’d like to learn Russian.
That way, you can be enrolled into basic Russian language course on arrival in Russia. That is, before starting your academic program.
Bottom line is, submitting an application to a Russian university is the first thing to do.
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Chose how to fund your studies in Russia
This is very important. Because, you can’t continue your application at a Russian university without specifying how you intend to fund your studies.
There are various ways you can fund your studies in Russia.
First and foremost, you can fund your studies yourself. That is, if you can afford studying in Russia.
So in this case, you select self funded and you’ll be regarded as a self-funded student for scholarship purposes.
Also, you’ll be regarded as a self funded student if you’re being sponsored by an organization. Maybe a church, company, or other form of grant.
The second category of funding your studies is through the government; the Russian government or government of your home country.
Here, you’ll be regarded as government-sponsored student for scholarship purposes.
Each year, the Russian Federation awards scholarship to international students from different countries.
These scholarships are awarded based on quota per eligible country and are often competitive.
And they are often applied for through the Russian embassy in your home country.
Also, your home country education ministry can call for applications for Russian scholarships.
You can leverage on any of those opportunities to fund your studies in Russia.
One thing to note is; you can only study at state universities or other private universities in Russia with state-funded places as a recipient of government scholarship.
Just so you know because many international applicants often make the mistake of applying to a private university. And end up being unable to receive a Russian government scholarship.
Ready relevant documents
When applying to a Russian university, you’ll be required to upload copies of your documents online.
They include:
- academic certificates or transcripts.
- documents that confirm your identity (nationality).
- complicated application form you obtained from the university website.
- and photograph of yourself.
And on arrival in Russia, you’ll be required to present original copies of your documents to the university.
They include:
- academic certificates and transcripts. Your document must be transcribed to Russian language and duly certified an embassy in your country.
- documents that confirm your identity (nationality).
- complicated application form you obtained from the university website.
- and photograph of yourself.
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Take admission test
To study in Russia, you must take an admission test conducted by the university you want to study.
However, the admission test is based on the course you chose.
Passing the admission test is a requirement for enrolling at a Russian university.
The mode of the test (oral or written), which is online, is normally communicated to international applicants by individual universities.
Receive enrollment letter
Once you’re successful in the admission test, you’ll receive your confirmation of enrollment letter into the university you chose on your email.
That includes a letter of invitation to Russia to commence your studies.
At this point, you’ve been offered a place at a Russian university,
And if you were admitted as a government-sponsored student (on government scholarship), your invitation letter will be sent by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
But if you were admitted as a self-funded student, your invitation to Russia will be sent by your university.
At this point, you’ve been offered a place at a Russian university,
Also, if you were awarded a scholarship earlier, you’ll immediately begin to enjoy the award.
Apply for a student visa to study in Russia
On learning of your enrollment and invitation to Russia to commence studies, the next thing to do is; apply for a student visa.
You won’t be allowed to enter/study in Russia without a student visa. See my guide on how to apply for a student visa to learn about getting a visa to study abroad.
By this time, you should already have an international passport (your identity).
However, international students from certain countries don’t need a visa to study in Russia. This category of students only need their international passport.
You’ll need to check with the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the list of countries whose citizens can enter Russia without a student visa.
That’s basically everything you need to know about going to university in Russia.
Hope this post help you understand the process of applying to study in Russia? Please share it on Facebook or Twitter using any of the icons below. I appreciate you.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have questions you’d like to ask. I’m happy to be of more help.
Maxwell is a Dietitian with passion for showing people hope. With nearly a decade experience helping people make key decisions on education and career, you can find him almost everywhere on this site. From answering admission and scholarship questions to creating tutorials and helping others live their best lives though nutrition. Connect with me on Twitter.