Study in Russia

Most programs are taught in Russian. Some universities also offer programs taught in English, so check the language of instruction of each program on the official Study in Russia portal or on the university's website. Even on an English-taught program, some Russian will make daily life much easier.

No. If your program is taught in Russian and you do not speak it yet, you start with a preparatory year. In most cases it lasts one academic year and ends with exams in Russian and in the subjects of your track. B1 (TORFL-1) is the usual level to start a bachelor's degree in Russian, and you can begin learning at home with our courses from A0 to B1.

The main route is the Russian Government scholarship, known as the state quota. It usually covers tuition for the whole program, including the preparatory year if you need it, and pays a monthly stipend, but not flights, insurance or living costs. You apply online on the official portal, then take part in a selection in your country. Some competitions, such as the Open Doors olympiad, can also lead to a scholarship.

Start about a year before you want to begin. The academic year starts on 1 September, and the state quota usually takes applications from mid-September to mid-January for studies starting the following autumn. For paid places each university sets its own deadlines, and the student visa alone takes several weeks, so do not wait until the summer.

Your school or university diploma usually needs to be recognised by the time you enrol. For some countries recognition is automatic under a treaty; otherwise it goes through an official procedure, and some large universities can recognise documents themselves for their own admissions. In most cases your documents also need an apostille or consular legalisation, depending on your country, and a Russian translation certified by a Russian notary. Ask the university's international office which steps apply to you.