Choosing Your Specialty and University
We recommend using official online resources for selecting your specialty and university, as they provide comprehensive and up-to-date databases of Russian universities and educational programs.
"Education in Russia" (official portal): The primary state website for international applicants.
"Study in Russia" (information portal): Features a catalog of universities and programs, detailed application guides, and student testimonials.
Language of Instruction and Preparation
In accordance with Federal Law No. 273-FZ "On Education in the Russian Federation" dated December 29, 2012, instruction at Russian universities is conducted in Russian, unless otherwise specified by internal institutional regulations.
Required Language Proficiency: Admission to most degree programs requires a command of Russian at least at the First Certificate Level (TRKI-I/B1).
Language Testing: Information on the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL) can be found on the website of the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute and other authorized testing centers.
Preparatory Departments: International applicants without Russian language proficiency can enroll in foundation courses. An up-to-date list of preparatory faculties and programs is published on the "Education in Russia" portal. For online preparation, you can use the "Learn Russian" digital platform.
Funding Your Studies: Contract Placement & State-Funded Places
Russian universities offer education to international citizens both on a fee-paying basis (contract) and through state-funded placements.
State-Funded Places (Quota): To apply for a Russian government scholarship (quota), you must submit an application through the official "Study in Russia" portal. Further information is available at Russian Embassies or Rossotrudnichestvo representations in your country.
Application Documents and Recognition of Foreign Education
When applying to a Russian university, international applicants must typically provide the following:
- A completed application form from the university;
- A copy of their passport;
- A copy of their education certificate with a notarized translation into Russian;
- A certificate confirming their level of Russian language proficiency (if available).
- Recognition of Foreign Educational Documents: The procedure for the recognition and equivalency of foreign educational documents is carried out by the Glavexpertcenter (Main State Center for Education Documentation Evaluation).
Please note: Immigration regulations can change. Always confirm the specific requirements and procedures with the International Relations Office.