Popular Consultant
Emrul Hasan
Professional Consultant
Well, well, well….. Hello there, my buddy! Are you my old buddy or new? If you are my new buddy, I would like you to explore the previous and the upcoming journeys with me, your Buddybee. Do you know how many countries we have explored so far? Well, let me hand that calculation over to you.
So, today our destination will be Russia, the largest country on the planet — spanning eleven time zones from West to East — and, with well over 140 million people, the 9th most populous country. I’m sure that you are gonna love the country and if you are thinking about your higher studies in Russia, you’ll be able to see the options all by yourself. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s pack our backpacks and fly to explore Russia! What say!
⦁ Russian Higher Education Institutions
⦁ Universities offer a broad range of programs on all levels.
⦁ Academies place a larger emphasis on research and practical skills, normally dedicated to specific subject areas such as art, architecture, or science.
⦁ Institutes are independent branches of universities or academies which offer professional educational courses. [6]
⦁ Russian Education System
Russia’s higher education system is based on the Bologna Process, which aims to unify higher education systems across Europe. Therefore, if you choose to study in Russia, your Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Postgraduate diploma will be recognized throughout the continent, which is also known as the European Higher Education Area. [8]
[7]
⦁ Academic Year
The academic year in Russia is split into two semesters.
⦁ 1st: September — January
⦁ 2nd: February — June
This schedule is mandatory for all universities. [6]
⦁ Top Rated Russian Universities
⦁ Lomonosov Moscow State University
⦁ Saint-Petersburg State University
⦁ Novosibirsk State University
⦁ Bauman Moscow State Technical University
⦁ Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University)
⦁ St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University
⦁ National Research University – Higher School of Economics (HSE)
⦁ Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology State University
⦁ Tomsk State University
⦁ National Research Nuclear University (MEPHI)
⦁ Tomsk Polytechnic University
⦁ N.I Lobachevski State University of Nizhni Novgorod
⦁ Kazan Federal University
⦁ Ural Federal University
⦁ People’s Friendship
⦁ University of Russia
⦁ Southern Federal University
⦁ Voronezh State University
⦁ National Research University Moscow Power Engineering Institute
⦁ Far Eastern Federal University
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⦁ Bachelor’s Degree
A Bachelor’s program is a four-year course that covers both fundamental disciplines and specialized subjects based on your chosen field of study. In the final year of the program, you’ll have to prepare a thesis and present (or “defend”) that before a committee. [8]
⦁ Master’s Degree
A Master’s program is usually a two-year course. Like the Bachelor’s and Specialist programs, the final year of the Master’s program is dedicated to writing and defending a dissertation. After graduating with a Master’s degree, you can either enter the workforce or go on to study at the Ph.D. level in Russia or elsewhere. [8]
⦁ Ph.D. Degree
A Ph.D. program can last between three and five years. In Russia, Ph.D. studies can take place either at a university or at a number of specialized scientific research centers throughout the country. After defending your dissertation, you’ll be granted the title of “Candidate of Sciences” (Kandidat Nauk). [8]
⦁ How Much Does it Cost to Study in Russia?
[1]
⦁ Funding and Scholarships
Every year, the Russian government offers a number of university scholarships to international applicants. In 2021, 18,000 such scholarships were made available, with many allocated to specific countries or for specific subjects based on pre-existing agreements. Russia’s Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States Affairs, Compatriots Living Abroad, and International Humanitarian Cooperation (Rossotrudnichestvo) organizes the scholarships. [8]
⦁ Government of Russian Federation Scholarships
⦁ The School of Russian and Asian Studies (SRAS)
⦁ Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships
⦁ BP in Russia Research Scholarships
⦁ American Councils Scholarships
⦁ Open Doors: Russian Scholarship Project
⦁ Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)
⦁ HSE University
⦁ Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University
⦁ Tomsk State University [1]
⦁ Language
Russia has one national language—Russian. There are, however, 35 different official languages recognized throughout the country.
Higher education in Russia is usually still taught in Russian. However, there’s an increasing amount of courses offered in English due to the growing number of international students opting for Russia. If you do wish to study a program in Russian, it may be required that you also take a Russian language course alongside. If you study in a non-native language (Russian or English), you may be required to provide evidence of your proficiency.
Even if you are able to study in English, you should make an effort to learn as much Russian as you can. This will make your everyday life easier. Communicating with locals and other students is the perfect way to practice. Having an extra language is a skill that looks great on your CV/resume! [4]
⦁ English-Language Tests
The English certificates accepted by Russian universities and organizations are the basic ones, like:
⦁ PTE Academic
⦁ IELTS
⦁ TOEFL
Some universities also accept GRE and GMAT certificates. [5]
⦁ Requirements to Study in Russia
⦁ Higher Secondary School Marksheets
⦁ Birth Certificate
⦁ A valid passport with 18 months validity
⦁ 4 passport size photographs
⦁ University Transcripts
⦁ Statement of Purpose [SOP], Letter of Recommendation [LOR]
⦁ Fee Receipt
⦁ HIV test report
⦁ Complete application form (form will be issued by either Rossotrudnichestvo office or from the desired university) [1]
⦁ Application Process
⦁ You can submit your application online. Please make sure that you fill in all the details carefully and correctly.
⦁ While most of the universities lay more emphasis on academic records/SOP/LORs, there are some courses in Russia for which you have to appear for competitive exams.
⦁ You can apply for a student visa only after your admission is confirmed. [1]
[2]
⦁ Entrance Exams to Study in Russia
As you already know buddy, to take admission in some educational universities in Russia, you’ll be required to clear the entrance exams. Let’s see the process in detail:
[1]
⦁ Student Visa
You’ll be required to submit the following documents in order to apply for your Russian Student Visa:
⦁ A valid passport or Identification card with a validity of 18 months
⦁ A medical certificate to show that you’re not affected by any disease (especially HIV negative report)
⦁ Application Form
⦁ Letter of acceptance
⦁ Passport size photographs
⦁ If you’re below the age of 18, a consent form signed by parents/guardians is also needed.
The Russian student visa is issued for a duration of 3 months. On expiration, you need to send a renewal application to the General Administration for Migration Issues [Interior Ministry of Russia]. Once accepted, you’ll be issued a 1-year long visa which allows multiple entries in Russia. After 1 year, you have to apply for an extension. This has to be repeated every year until the end of the course. [1]
⦁ Let’s Wrap Up for Today!
So, my buddy! To conclude, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, Russia is keen to attract more international students. The Ministry of Education and Science is investing in the higher education system, and increasing support for students. Russia is quickly becoming a desirable destination for students from around the world.
But the question is — is Russia my buddy’s dream destination, or not? As I always say, whichever country you finally choose, your BuddyBee would love to see you fulfilling your dreams. In case you have any further queries, know that your Buddybee’s right here, always for you!
And you know what they say in Russia?!
—“Терпение, настойчивость и усердие создают непревзойденное сочетание успеха”
— (Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success)
Remember that!