Q: How much does it cost to study in Russia?
A: Tuition fee per a year is from 100,000 to 350,000 rubles, depending on the university and specialty. Most often the tuition fee is 150 000 – 200 000 rubles.

Q: How can I enroll in a Russian university if I don't know Russian?
A: In Russian universities the language of instruction is Russian. There are only a few programs taught in English. If you do not know the Russian language, you will first have to take a one-year preparatory course of Russian.

Q: How long does it take to learn Russian from scratch?
A: For a vast majority of students, 1 academic year is enough to learn Russian. You shouldn't forget that you will have language immersion, which means that outside of classes you will communicate in Russian. This will allow you to gain the desired level quickly.

Q: How much does a preparatory course in Russian cost?
A: A One-year preparatory program costs from 100,000 to 150,000 rubles.

Q: Will I learn only Russian in the preparatory course, or will I have other subjects as well?
A: The main attention (especially at first) will be paid to the Russian language. Step by step the focus in the program will be shifted to major subjects, depending on the future program of study, it may be Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics or other subjects.

Q: When does an academic year start at the universities?
A: The academic year starts in autumn, usually in September.

Q: What is the minimum age for admission to Russian universities?
A: There is no minimum age for admission. The main thing is to have a completed secondary education when applying for a bachelor's degree or a specialty, or a bachelor's/specialist diploma when applying for a master's degree.

Q: Will I be admitted to university if I am under 18? Will it be necessary for me to have a custodian until the age of majority?
A: Yes, you will be admitted even if you are under the age of majority. Moreover there is no need to have a custodianship.

Q: Is there a maximum age for studying at the university? Will I be admitted to the master's program if I am already 35 years old? What if I'm already over 40?
A: There are no age restrictions.

Q: When do I need to apply for admission? How many months before the start of studies?
A: Different universities have different deadlines. At some universities the acceptance of documents begins in early May, at others – in June.

Q: What documents do I need to send to the admissions office? Do I need to translate them? Do I need to have them certified and apostilled?
A: Different universities have a different list of documents for enrollment. But it's always a passport or an ID card and educational documents. If a foreign applicant studied in one of the CIS countries, then, as a rule, it is not necessary to translate documents. For applicants from other countries, translation is mandatory. Your educational agent (Students International) will first submit copies of the documents for you, and you will bring their originals later on your own when you go to the university to study.

Q: How much does accommodation cost?
A: All international students are guaranteed accommodation in a student residence. Residencies are different in terms of comfort: there are private rooms, there are rooms for 2-3 students, there are also rooms with private or shared facilities. Residence accommodation fee ranges from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles a month.

Q: How shall I book my accommodation?
A: Different universities have different procedures. But usually if you want to book some residence accommodation you should specify it in the application form when submitting documents. Your educational agent (Students International) shall settle this matter.

Q: Will anyone meet me at the airport for the first time? Will a transfer be arranged for me?
A: Yes, if you wish, a transfer will be arranged for you.

Q: Do I need to acquire any health insurance? Where can I acquire it? How much does it cost?
A: When studying in Russia medical insurance for foreign students is mandatory. It can be purchased in advance, or at the university after arrival. There are different insurance rates, but usually medical insurance for a year for students does not exceed 15 thousand rubles.

Q: Are there any entrance exams for admission to Russian universities? If so, which ones? When and how do I have to take them?
A: The list of entrance exams depends on the course you choose. This can be Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Russian or other subjects. At almost all universities, you can take entrance exams online – right from your home! Students International shall organize online exams for you!

Q: Is it possible that I will not be admitted to the university directly or even to a preparatory program?
A: You can fail the entrance exams when applying for a bachelor's or master's degree – then you will not be accepted for studies. But it is impossible not to get admission to a preparatory course!

Q: I know Russian quite well… Is it possible for me to enter the university directly without a preparatory course?
A: Yes, it is! To do this, you will need to do well at the Russian language entrance exam.