Russia is rapidly emerging as a destination for foreign students. Read on to discover the attractions of choosing to study in Russia, and for advice on Russia’s best universities and student cities.
If you study in Russia, of course, you’ll get to do more than just sample a few traditional specialties and buy a souvenir fur hat. Studying in Russia represents an opportunity to get to know one of the fastest developing countries worldwide – one of the BRIC nations (alongside Brazil, India and China).
Universities in Russia
There are more than 880 universities in Russia, and the government is investing heavily in making improvements to the system – Prime Minister Valdimir Putin has spoken about an ‘educational revolution’.
Between 2011 and 2015, 390 billion roubles (US$13.5 billion) has been allocated for upgrading facilities and technical equipment at Russian universities, and improving training for teaching staff.
Further, the country is currently in the process of making its system more compatible with other European countries, having signed up to the Bologna Process. This means many universities in Russia now offer a choice between a four-year bachelor’s degree or a five-year ‘specialist’ degree.
In the QS World University Rankings 2013/14, 18 Russian universities are ranked within the world’s top 800. The leader is Lomonosov Moscow State University (120th), followed by Saint Petersburg State University (240=) and Bauman Moscow State Technical University (334=).
Russian university requirements
The majority of university courses are taught in Russian, so good knowledge of the language is a definite plus! However, some Russian universities offer one-year preparatory courses for international students, which allow you to get up to the required standard very quickly.
Depending on the university and your existing grades, Russian university requirements may also mean taking an entrance exam and/or attend an interview. International applicants may also be required to demonstrate proficiency in Russian or English, depending on which language the course is taught in
Facts about Russia
- The world’s largest country, with an area of 17 million sq km (for comparison, the USA is 9.8 million sq km)
- Capital city: Moscow (also the largest city)
- Currency: the rouble (one rouble = 100 kopecks)
- Government is led by President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
- President’s official residence is the Kremlin in Moscow, a fortified complex which includes four palaces, four cathedrals and numerous other historic buildings
- The world’s largest railway, the Trans-Siberian, traverses the entire country – from Moscow in the west to Vladivostock in the east, or a shorter option, the Trans-Mongolian to Beijing, China
- Moscow’s planned Crystal Island, often referred to as a ‘city within a city’, will be the world’s largest building, and one of the most energy-efficient
- The world’s biggest oil producer, since overtaking Saudi Arabia in 2009
- International dialing code is +7 and the internet domain is .ru
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More about Russia
| Capital | Moscow |
| Languages | Russian |
| Official Currency | ruble |
| Climate | Snow and frost |