Ever wondered how affordable it is to study in Russia? Pursuing higher education in Russia is one of the most preferred choices for Indian students today. As per India Today reports, the number of Indian students choosing to study in Russia rose from 25,503 in 2023 to 31,444 in 2024. From medicine, engineering, IT, business, to the arts, Russian universities offer globally recognized programs. As per the data presented by the Indian government to Parliament, the total number of Indian students in Russia grew from 19,784 in 2022 to 31,444 in 2024.

With 90% of these being medical students, MBBS in Russia is one of the most popular courses in Russia for Indian students due to its affordable fees and global recognition. MBBS in Russia course fee starts from just $1,500 per year, with living costs between $300–$600 monthly. Compared to Western countries, studying MBBS in Russia is highly budget-friendly.

The top Russian universities offer strong academic support and modern facilities. Russian degrees are respected worldwide and accepted in countries like the USA, UK, India, and Canada. Graduates in Russia earn starting salaries of about $12,000–$18,000 a year, depending on the industry and specialty, and with the ability to earn even more in the IT, engineering, and healthcare fields.

Apart from studying in Russia, students also enjoy a rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and a safe environment. Government scholarships make studying here even more accessible. Whether you're aiming for a medical career or a future in business or tech, Russia offers the right platform. Continue reading to explore the world-class study abroad opportunities in Russia.

Study in Russia: Quick Highlights

The table below shows the key aspects for study in Russia for Indian students.

What to Study in Russia?

There are several courses available in Russia for international students, ranging from business administration to Russian studies. However, Medicine in Russia is often considered as the most popular Russian course among Indian students. Some of the popular courses in Russia include:

• MBBS in Russia 
• MBA in Russia 
• UG certificate in Russia
• MS in Russia

Why Study in Russia?

Study in Russia for Indian students opens up a gateway of excellence in education, affordable fees, and rich Russian culture. Here are the reasons why international students now increasingly choose Russia as their study destination:

1. Quality Education

Universities in Russia have long been among the world's leading centres for learning, and are always known for their high academic standards and research opportunities. Engineering, IT, arts, and medicine in Russia tend to shine the brightest. Top universities such as Voronezh State Medical University and Kirov State Medical University are among the very best universities in the world.

2. Low-Cost Tuition

Russian universities provide a world-class education at surprisingly low rates. The cost of studying in Russia is much lower than the tuition fees in other Western countries. The tuition varies from $1,500 to $7,000 a year; which is quite reasonable for a low-cost study program.

3. Low Cost of Living in Russia

Cost of living in Russia for Indian students varies from $300- $600/month, including accommodation, food, and transportation. The lower cost of living in Russia makes it one of the top choices to study abroad.

4. Scholarships in Russia for Indian Students

The Russian government and universities give innumerable scholarships to international students willing to study in Russia, which include full tuition coverage and stipends.

5. Culture and Job Opportunity

One thing with studying in Russia is exposure to cultural diversity, architectural landmarks, and dynamic student life. Russian degrees are accepted worldwide, and a Russian graduate generally expects to receive a good entry-level salary, especially in the field of engineering and IT.

The qualities of education amidst affordable tuition and cultural diversity make Russia a crossroads towards academic and professional success.

Read More: Why Choose Russia to Study MBBS 2025?

Popular Courses in Russia

Russia offers a wide range of academic programs, attracting international students to pursue high-quality education. Popular courses in Russia include higher education in medicine, engineering, the arts, and many more. Here is the data for the popular courses offered in Russia:

MBBS in Russia: Top-Ranked Course 

The most popular course among Indian students is MBBS in Russia, which is especially popular due to low fees with high academic standards. An MBBS degree from Russia opens doors to global medical careers. With tuition fees as low as $1,500 per year and living costs between $300 to $600 per month, it is a budget-friendly option for many. The cost of MBBS in Russia is far more affordable than in many Western countries offering Study MBBS abroad options. The overall FMGE passing percentage for MBBS graduates from Russia is around 29.54%. Some of the Top Medical Universities in Russia are:

• Voronezh State Medical University
• Kirov State Medical University
• Yaroslavl State Medical University
• Tver State Medical University
• Crimean Federal University

Study in Russia: Admission Intakes

Russian Universities generally offer two main intakes for international students, providing flexibility for applications and enrollment. Below is an overview of the intake period:

Study in Russia: Admission Process 2025

For international students wishing to study in Russia, they must follow the intake schedule carefully. The Fall Intake in Russia runs from February to July (classes start in September) for most programs. Spring Intake is from September to November (classes start in February) for limited fields like Engineering and IT. Here are the general steps involved when applying for a program in Russian universities.

1. Choose a Program and University

• Find out what courses are available and which program best matches your career aspirations. Check university websites and the official Russian study portal.

2. Prepare Required Documents

The following are some important documents to study in Russia.

• Passport
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Language proficiency proof (Russian or English, depending on the program)
• Medical certificate (optional for some programs) 

3. Apply Online

• Submit your application through the university's online portal or the Russian Study Portal. Some universities may require that you appear in person for an interview or test. 

4. Receive Invitation Letter

• After processing your application, the university will go ahead and send you the invitation letter, which you will need for your student visa application. 

5. Apply for a Student Visa 

• With the invitation letter, apply for a Russian student visa at your nearest Russian embassy or consulate. You will need to show proof of finances, etc. 

6. Final Enrollment   

• Upon arriving in Russia, finish your enrollment process: Submit original documents and register with local authorities, followed by an orientation. 

7. Start Your Classes    

• Classes start from the intake you apply for (Fall or Spring) on the specified date.

Study in Russia: Documents Required

To pursue higher education in Russia, international students need to maintain all their documents in soft as well as hard copy. The following documents are required for admission to Russia:

• 10th-grade mark-sheet
• 12th-grade mark-sheet
• NEET scorecard(If applicable)
• 10 passport-size photographs
• Official invitation letter from the university
• Medical test documents (report)
• Covid 19 (-) ve report
• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts (10+2 or equivalent)
• Proof of funds (bank statement or sponsor letter)
• Travel insurance
• Translated & notarized documents in Russian.

Top Exams for Admission to Universities in Russia

Higher education in Russia for different courses requires different examinations. Some of the top examinations accepted for Study in Russia admissions include NEET, TOEFL, IELTS, etc. The following are the top exams required for securing admission in the top Russian universities:

Russia Student Visa Process: Step-By-Step Guide

The following is a step-by-step guide for students to apply for a student visa in Russia.