MBA in Russia for International Students

Russia is a culturally rich country which has started to expand its power in the economic aspects as well. One of the factors for this growth is the top-quality education offered by the Russian universities, along with low tuition fees. Russia has become a popular choice for students to pursue an MBA. Russia offers strong MBA options in various specialisations for international students. Along with quality education, this place also offers diverse cultural experiences, career opportunities and global exposure. This blog is here to offer you a guide to pursuing an MBA in Russia, especially as an international student.

Course Level	Postgraduate
Eligibility Criteria	Minimum 50% marks in bachelor’s Degree from any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent.
Duration	1-2 years
Examination Type	Semester pattern
Course Type	Full-time, Executive, Part-time, Online
IELTS or TOEFL	Required but not mandatory.
Medium of Education	English
Starting Salary Offered	INR 10 Lakhs per annum

Why Study an MBA in Russia?

There are many compelling reasons to pursue an MBA in Russia, some of which are highlighted below:

Studying an MBA in many European countries often requires proficiency in both English and the local language, along with supporting certificates. Additionally, high tuition fees combined with language courses can make the overall cost quite expensive.

In Russia, universities provide Russian language programs and other language courses at affordable rates. Moreover, if you opt for English-taught MBA programs, exams like TOEFL are generally not mandatory.

The cost of MBA programs in Russia is significantly lower compared to countries like the USA, UK, or Canada, while the quality of education and training remains comparable to Western standards.

The Russian government also offers a variety of scholarships for international students, allowing them to study for free or at subsidized fees through different funding schemes.

Students can choose English as the language of instruction for their MBA, making it more accessible to international applicants.

Additionally, foreign students in Russia enjoy discounts on public transportation and entry to museums, theatres, concerts, libraries, and other cultural venues—turning education in Russia into an enriching and memorable experience.

Admission Requirements for an MBA in Russia

To study MBA in Russia, it is important to understand the basic admission requirements. You are eligible to study MBA in Russian universities if you fulfil each admission requirement. Here is what you need to know about the admission requirements fr an MBA in Russia.

Requirement	Details
Educational Qualification	A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Entrance Exams	Some top universities may ask for GMAT or GRE scores. Others may conduct their own entrance test or interview.
English Proficiency	TOEFL or IELTS scores if the MBA program is taught in English. Some Russian universities also offer programs in Russian.
Work Experience	Usually 1–3 years is preferred, especially for Executive MBA programs. However, some full-time programs accept freshers too.
Letters of Recommendation	Two academic or professional reference letters are commonly required.
Statement of Purpose (SOP)	A short essay describing your career goals and why you want to pursue an MBA in Russia.
Passport & Student Visa	A valid passport and an official student visa are necessary to study in Russia.

Must Read: MBA after Mechanical Engineering

Top MBA Courses in Russia

Many students who study MBA cover certain specialisations according to their preference. These specialisations are cost-effective, along with high-quality education. Here’s a table for the most popular MBA courses in Russia, along with their course duration. 

MBA Specialisation	Duration	Average Fees (USD)
MBA in International Business	1 to 2 years	USD 5,000 – USD 8,000/year
MBA in Finance	1.5 to 2 years	USD 5,500 – USD 9,000/year
MBA in Marketing	1 to 2 years	USD 4,500 – USD 7,500/year
MBA in Entrepreneurship	1.5 years (avg)	USD 5,000 – USD 7,000/year
MBA in Project Management	1 to 2 years	USD 4,800 – USD 8,500/year
Executive MBA (EMBA)	1 to 1.5 years	USD 7,000 – USD 10,000/year
MBA in Human Resource (HR)	1 to 2 years	USD 4,000 – USD 7,500/year
MBA in Supply Chain Management	1.5 to 2 years	USD 5,500 – USD 8,000/year

Top Universities for MBA in Russia 

There are many popular universities which offer a top-quality MBA degree to their students. These universities are globally recognised with strong connections. Here’s a list of top MBA universities in Russia, along with their QS World University Ranking 2025.

University Name	Location	QS World University Ranking 2025
Moscow State University (MSU)	Moscow	94
Saint Petersburg State University (SPbU)	Saint Petersburg	365
Skolkovo Moscow School of Management	Moscow	Not Ranked (Highly Reputed)
Russian Presidential Academy (RANEPA)	Moscow	1001-1200
Financial University under the Government of Russia	Moscow	Not Ranked

Read: MBA in Logistics

Scholarships to Study MBA in Russia

Many international students prefer scholarships while looking to study abroad. These scholarships usually cover tuition fees, accommodation and even a monthly allowance. Here are some of the top scholarships that are offered to study an MBA in Russia:

Scholarship Name	Offered By	Coverage	Eligibility
Open Doors Scholarship (Olympiad)	Russian Government	Full tuition	Bachelor’s degree, apply through the Open Doors Olympiad
Skolkovo MBA Scholarships	Skolkovo School of Management	25% to 100% tuition waiver	High academic merit, essay & interview
HSE Merit-Based Scholarships	National Research University – HSE	Up to 100% tuition fee	Academic excellence, early application
SPbU International Scholarships	Saint Petersburg University	Full or partial tuition fee	International students applying to an English MBA
Lomonosov Moscow Financial Grant	Moscow State University	Partial tuition support	Admission to the MBA + financial need or academic merit
Erasmus+ Joint MBA Programs	European Commission + Partner Institutions	Tuition + living expenses	For dual/partner programs with EU institutions
Joint Japan/World Bank Scholarship	World Bank + Partner Russian Programs	Tuition + monthly stipend + travel	Students from World Bank member countries

A Government scholarship includes:

• Free tuition for the length of the selected program.
• Maintenance allowance (for the duration of the program, regardless of whether or not the applicant is successful).
• Dormitory facilities/accommodation (if available).

However, travel costs, living expenses, and a voluntary health care program are not covered by the government scholarship.

Note: To find out how to apply for a state scholarship, contact the university of your choosing. Your informative letter will be responded to by the University’s International Office.

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