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The idea of living and studying in a country where you can’t speak their language may seem terrifying at the beginning. When we think of Russia as a study abroad destination, many have a preoccupied notion of the country being cold (which is a fact) and the people being cold-er (not a fact). With this blog, we aim to break the myth that ‘you need to speak Russian for studying in Moscow’ and familiarise you with the top universities of Moscow.
Study MBA in Russia, Largest Country in the World!
This Blog Includes:
- Top Universities in Moscow
- Best Universities in Moscow: Key Features
- Lomonosov Moscow State University
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University
- Cheapest Universities in Moscow for International Students
- Cost of Russian Student Visa
- Cost of Living in Russia
- Scholarships & Fundings for Universities in Moscow
- Career Opportunities
- FAQs
Top Universities in Moscow
The 2022 edition of the QS Best Student Cities ranking sees Moscow climb nine places to rank in the top 30 for education. Consequently, the city is home to five impressive universities included in the QS World University Rankings 2022.
| University | QS World Ranking 2022 |
| Lomonosov Moscow State University | 78 |
| Bauman Moscow State Technical University | =281 |
| Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) | =290 |
| National Research University – Higher School of Economics (HSE) | =305 |
| RUDN University | =317 |
| National Research Nuclear University “MEPhi” | =319 |
| MGIMO University | =362 |
| ITMO University | =365 |
| National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University | =395 |
Did you know: According to the QS ranking, Moscow falls in the top world cities for students.
Best Universities in Moscow: Key Features
The density of international students enrolled in Russian universities went up by 40% from 2013 to 2017. According to the Foreign Policy Association, the country hosts more than 243,752 international students and aims to triple more than 700,000 by 2025. Here’s a rundown of the top universities in Moscow for international students.
Lomonosov Moscow State University
While bringing significant advancements in applied science, the Lomonosov Moscow State University has thrived in pushing the frontiers of knowledge. Founded by imminent scientist Mikhail Lomonosov in 1755, MSU is the first Russian University. Popularly known as ‘Russia’s Harvard,’ the University boasts of a rich alumni network of Nobel laureates and the top-ranking Russian University for research output. The University includes 15 research institutes, 43 faculties, more than 300 departments, and six branches.
| Campus Location | Moscow, Russia |
| Type | Public |
| Students | 47,000 |
| Popular Courses | Mechanics and Mathematics Computational Mathematics and Cybernetics Bioengineering and Bio information Soil Science Asian and African studies World Politics Business Administration Fine and Performing Arts |
Know All About Perm State Medical University (PSUM) in Russia
Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)
Holding the position of Russia’s leading University in physics and technology, MIPT was set up on September 17, 1951, by the Soviet Cabinet of Ministers. With a rich history and Nobel laureates as alumni, the MIPT follows a unique system for training specialists, known as the Phystech System. Currently, the institute has eleven departments; ten of them have an average of 80 students admitted.
| Campus Location | Moscow, Dolgoprudny, Zhukovsky |
| Type | Public |
| Students | 5077 |
| Popular Courses | Radio Engineering and Cybernetics General and Applied Physics Aerophysics and Space Research Molecular and Biological Physics Physical and Quantum Electronics Aeromechanics and Flight Engineering Nano-, Bio-, Information and Cognitive Technologies |
Did you know: Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology State University (MIPT) was ranked 13th in the 2018 EECA rankings and has a tremendous education system in which students commonly conduct their research outside the university. This leads to a more practically stimulated research experience for the students.
Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Also known as the Bauman School, BMSTU is Russia’s oldest and largest technical University. The University played a significant role in generating skilled artisans with a solid theoretical background during Russia’s industrial growth. The key feature of this institution is its educational system called the “Russian method.” This process unifies a broad and intensive theoretical preparation with a deep practical education closely connected to industries. BMSTU has 19 departments providing full-time education. The main parts of the University are eight scientific and educational divisions. BMSTU has had the unique experience of teaching hearing-impaired students since 1934. Bauman University annually grants 800 to 3,000 students free boarding in one of 13 university residences.
| Campus Location | Moscow, Russia |
| Type | Public |
| Students | 19000 |
| Popular Courses | Space Machinery Informatics and Control System Machine Building Technologies Robotics and Complex Automation Power Engineering Radioelectronics and Laser Technologies Biomedical Technologies Fundamental Science Engineering Business and Management Linguistics |
All About Smolensk State Medical University
Cheapest Universities in Moscow for International Students
- Moscow Region State University
- Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
- RUDN University
- Sechenovskiy Universitet
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (FMSMU)
Cost of Russian Student Visa
As Russia is not a member state of the EU/EFTA, there is no visa-free entry to Russia, and citizens of foreign countries must apply for a student visa to study in Russia. A Russian student visa is valid for 90 days but can be extended to a year and then renewed after that for the duration of the study. This visa is valid for study in any Russian college or university or any short-term courses. If you are doing postdoctoral research or attending seminars and require a visa to enter Russia, you can apply for a Humanitarian Visa.
It is valid for up to a year for purposes relating to science or culture. Russian student visas are first issued for three months. You then have to apply to the local division of the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS of Russia) to extend your visa. The FMS issues a multi-visa that allows you to enter Russia for one year. Before the visa expires, you must apply for an extension for a further year. You then continue in this way throughout your academic course. The Russian student visa costs vary from country to country. For Indian students, the visa fee may cost up to ₹1830.
Did you know: The Moscow State University is the world’s largest university building.
Cost of Living in Russia
The cost of student accommodation in Russia can range from RUB 150 to RUB 35,000 (USD2.6 – USD 612) per month, depending on where you’re staying, the amenities, and the type of lodging you choose. Among the cities in Russia, Moscow and Saint Petersburg are well known for being the most expensive to live in.
| Type of Expenses | Amount (Ruble) | Amount (Rupees) |
| Accommodation | 15,871 – 22,810 RUB per month | ₹16,189 – ₹23,267 |
| Food | 500 RUB | ₹510 |
| Transportation | 1740 RUB | ₹1750 |
| Miscellaneous | 520 RUB per month | ₹530 |
Cost and Fees for MBBS In Russia
Scholarships & Fundings for Universities in Moscow
In 2019, the Russian Government provided 15,000 state-funded places to international students studying at Russian universities. To qualify for such government scholarships and funding, international students must pass the same exam taken by Russian secondary school students, the Uniform State Examination (EGE). If you do qualify for a scholarship from the Russian Government, it will include:
- Free tuition for the duration of your study program
- A small maintenance allowance
- Dormitory accommodation (if available)
For Indian students, the Russian Government opens up applications for the Russian Government Scholarship Program during September. This Scholarship Program offers 100 percent free tuition for the entire tenure of studies. Some other popular Russian scholarships that you can apply for are:
- Uniform State Examination (EGE) Route for Scholarships by the Russian Government
- The Russian Scholarship Project – Open Doors Russian Scholarships
- Benjamin A Gilman Scholarships
- BP in Russia Research Scholarships
- University-Specific Russian Scholarships
Best Russian Scholarships for Indian Students in 2022!
Career Opportunities
Moscow being the economic heart of Russia, the majority of international students find jobs here in the service sector. Main cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg are two of the best places to find work that pays well and make sure that one is moving up the career ladder. Although the job market would vary depending on the sector and one’s highest qualification, the primary sectors in Russia with the most opportunities include health, retail, tourism, mining, education, manufacturing, and construction. In Russia, the minimum wage is 20,589 rubles per month. However, depending on the city and the type of job, the average salary in Russia is 47.9 rubles per month.
Did you know: When the team from the QS World Ranking visited the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), they were amazed by the fact that everyone spoke English. It was extremely rare to meet a faculty member or student who could not speak in more than one language!
FAQs
Leading Russian universities usually offer Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree Programmes in English. To learn more, see the Study in English section.
You can choose to study Russian at the university’s international student pre-school or Russian language courses. If you enroll with Russian government funding, you will also study in Russian free of charge.
Yes. All foreign students studying in the universities of Russia through the “Sky Education” organization are provided with a place in a 2-3-bedroom in the student hostel. Rooms meet the sanitary standards established in Russia, are equipped with necessary furniture (desk, chair, bed, bedside table), and are provided with bedding.
Before the student arrives in Russia, “Sky Education” issues an insurance card to one of the Russian insurance companies. The insurance card provides a student with life and health insurance throughout Russia. Within three days after arrival in Russia, a student is given the original of the card. The insurance card guarantees that the student will receive necessary medical care at the time of illness, based on the insurance coverage program. The card specifies contact phones of medical institutions, which a student should address.
The migration card is an official document that confirms that the student crossed the Russian border. It is essential for the following registration process. Without migration card registration on the territory of Russia is impossible; the student will be deported back to their country. A flight attendant usually gives the migration card onboard the plane. It can also be obtained from the immigration service on arrival at the airport. The migration card consists of two identical parts that need to be filled in. At the passport checkpoint immigration officer stamps the entry sign on two halves; he keeps one half and returns another one to a student.
On average, a Russian student spends 300 to 400 US dollars a month. However, you need to have around 300 or 400 dollars for miscellaneous expenses, such as health insurance, household equipment (kitchenware, bed linen, and cleaning items), and specific study materials.
Did you know: With more than 200 institutions and 60 state universities, Moscow is a mecca of higher education with its top 7 universities included in the QS World Rankings for 2022!
Studying in Moscow can be a life-changing experience for many. Our team at Leverage Edu can assist you in making this dream come true by helping you in the complete application and visa process. Join us for a free counseling session by calling us on 1800 572 000!
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