Everything You Need to Know About Studying in Russia 2024

Russia is one of the world’s superpowers, located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is the largest country in the world and ranks highly in the Human Development Index, thanks to its healthcare system and top-tier university education. In Russia, 54% of the population holds a university degree across various levels, which is a very high percentage. The country’s school education lasts 11 years, and studying in public secondary schools is completely free. Moreover, education at the university level is also generally free, with some exceptions. Studying in Russia for Free Before anything else, those wishing to study in Russia for free must pass the competitive entrance exam, the EGE (Unified State Exam). This exam is not only for free education but also a requirement for all national and international students wishing to study in Russia. Depending on the field of study, the exam includes various subjects such as:

• Russian Language
• Mathematics
• Foreign Language (e.g., English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese)
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Geography
• Literature
• History
• Basic Social Sciences
• Computer Science

Note: It is important to note that achieving the required scores in mathematics and the Russian language is a condition for acceptance in all programs. Some universities may hold separate oral or written exams based on their requirements. In general, free education in Russia is available through two main pathways. Applicants can apply for free study in Russia through one of the following two methods:

1. Participation in Olympiads and Academic Competitions
2. One of the ways for applicants to study in Russia for free is to participate in university-held Olympiads and academic competitions. These competitions are aimed at attracting international students, with the Russian government being a major supporter. Those who perform well in these competitions are not required to take the entrance exam for universities.
3. Universities offer special privileges for students who have achieved the required ranking in these Olympiads, such as free tuition and living allowances.
4. The Olympiads have two stages: the preliminary and competitive phases. Applicants submit their work online, and those who are accepted move on to the interview stage. After the interview, selected students advance to the competitive exam stage, which is held in person.
5. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all these stages are currently conducted online to comply with health protocols.
6. Receiving a Scholarship
7. The Russian government invests significantly in the admission of international students. Every year, Russia offers scholarships to students from over 170 countries, including Iran. In addition to government scholarships, local and university-specific scholarships are also available to applicants.
8. Three types of scholarships in Russia include:
   • Full tuition and dormitory fee coverage (EEUA International Scholarship Foundation in Russia)
   • 50% coverage of master’s program tuition fees (NRU Higher School of Economics International Master Awards in Russia)
   • Full tuition fee coverage (Russian Scholarship Projects)

Steps to Apply for a Scholarship to Study in Russia:

1. First, contact the Russian Embassy or an official higher education representative in your country to gather information on scholarships for your chosen program.
2. Register on the official website, complete the electronic form, and submit your scholarship application.
3. At this stage, you need to wait for an interview or exam invitation. There is no action required on your part.
4. Once invited, attend the interview or exam, and follow up to track your application status.
5. If successful, you will be informed about the required documents. After gathering the necessary documents, wait for final approval to study in Russia.

In general, there are multiple ways to receive a scholarship for studying in Russia:

1. Passing the entrance exam and gaining acceptance
2. Receiving a state-funded scholarship
3. Winning a prize in Olympiads and academic competitions.

Studying Medicine in Russia Studying in Russia is available in both English and Russian and in some cases, French for medical and dental programs. The language of instruction at the university depends on the student’s choice. For those planning to settle permanently in Russia, it is recommended to study in Russian. Students who choose Russian will need to undergo a 7 to 10-month language course before starting their main program. Those opting for English or French will also undergo a language assessment before their studies.

Entry Requirements for Medical Studies in Russia

Applicants must have a high school diploma as their last academic qualification. Furthermore, students can apply for medical studies in Russia without needing a language proficiency certificate. All students wishing to enter a medical university must pass the university’s entrance exam. To be accepted, candidates must score at least 50% in the subjects of language, biology, physics, and chemistry. Medical applicants can apply for universities in Russia during September, October, and November.

Reasons for Choosing Medical Universities in Russia

There are several reasons why students choose to study medicine in Russia:

• No Grade Restrictions: Unlike some other countries, the high school GPA is not the main criterion for acceptance into medical universities, except in specific cases.
• Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to countries like the USA and those in Europe, medical education in Russia is much more affordable. The Russian Ministry of Education subsidizes 50% of medical tuition fees.
• Recognized Degrees: Medical degrees from Russian universities are recognized by the Ministry of Science and Health in Iran.

Duration of Medical Programs in Russia

The duration of medical studies in Russia varies depending on the chosen language and program:

• General Medicine: 6 years
• Sports Medicine: 6 years
• Pediatrics: 6 years
• Dentistry: 5 years
• Pharmacy: 5 years
• Clinical Psychology: 5 years

Before entering the medical university, students typically need to complete a preparatory 6 to 9-month course at a college. However, this preparatory course is not mandatory for all applicants. The academic year in Russia lasts 10 months, from September 1st to June 30th, divided into two terms.

Minimum GPA for Admission in Russia

The minimum GPA required for admission to Russian universities varies by institution. Generally, universities have specific criteria for GPA, entrance exam scores, and interview results. For medical and engineering programs, the minimum required GPA is often around 16.

Studying in Russia in English

While studying in Russian is more common in Russia, some universities offer programs in English. For example, universities like Southern Ural State University, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT), and Tyumen State University offer programs in fields like physics, organic engineering, international business, and economics in English. The required documents for applying to study in English vary by university, but applicants must prove their English proficiency, usually through a diploma or standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL. If English is your native language, you may not need to submit proof of language proficiency.

Studying Medicine in Russia in English

Some universities in Russia offer medical programs in English, but students must have an A2 level of proficiency in Russian. This certification must be obtained before starting the program. While applicants don’t need to speak Russian fluently, it is highly recommended to be familiar with the language for daily communication in Russia. As of 2021, the Ministry of Health of Iran approved the requirement of having an A2 level of Russian for medical students studying in Russia in English. Here is a refined summary of the information you provided regarding medical studies in Russia:

Medical Education in Russia

Studying medicine in Russia is available in English, Russian, and even French for some medical and dental programs. Applicants can choose the language of instruction, though for those planning long-term residence in Russia, learning Russian is highly recommended. Those choosing Russian must complete a 7 to 10-month preparatory language course before starting their academic program. English and French-speaking students also undergo a language assessment before enrolling.

Admission Requirements for Medical Studies in Russia

• Educational Requirements: Applicants must have a high school diploma (equivalent to the Iranian diploma) to apply for medical studies.
• Entrance Exam: All medical students must pass the university’s entrance exam, covering subjects such as language, biology, physics, and chemistry. Students must score at least 50% in these subjects to be admitted.
• Available Intake Periods: Applications for medical programs are accepted in September, October, and November.

Reasons to Choose Russian Medical Universities

1. Affordable Tuition: Compared to the U.S. and European countries, the tuition fees in Russia for medical studies are much lower. The Russian Ministry of Education subsidizes 50% of the tuition fees for medical students.
2. Accredited Diplomas: Russian medical degrees are recognized by the Iranian Ministry of Science and Health, making them a viable option for Iranian students.
3. No Need for High School GPA: For most programs, your high school GPA does not play a significant role in the admission process, except in some specific cases.

Duration of Medical Programs

The duration of medical studies in Russia depends on the program and language of instruction:

• General Medicine: 6 years
• Sports Medicine: 6 years
• Pediatric Medicine: 6 years
• Dentistry: 5 years
• Pharmacy: 5 years
• Clinical Psychology: 5 years

Students also attend a 6 to 9-month preparatory language course at a college before starting their main medical courses, though this requirement may vary.

Minimum GPA for Admission

The minimum GPA required for admission varies by university. In general, universities require a GPA of at least 16 for medical and engineering programs. Entrance exams and interviews are additional factors for admission.

English-Taught Medical Programs in Russia

Several universities in Russia offer medical programs in English:

• Moscow RUDN University
• Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
• Pavlov First State Medical University of St. Petersburg
• Kazan Federal University
• Novosibirsk State University

Dentistry in English-Taught Universities

Similarly, dentistry programs in English are offered at the following universities:

• SemaShko Moscow
• RUDN University, Moscow
• Kazan Federal University

Requirements for Studying in Russia with a High School Diploma

Students with a high school diploma in mathematics, science, or humanities can apply for undergraduate studies (equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree). Medical programs take 6 years to complete, while most undergraduate programs take 4 years. Many Russian universities offer one-year Russian language courses for international students.

Studying Without a Language Certificate

It is possible to study in Russia without a language certificate. However, without proficiency in Russian, acceptance into top universities may be difficult. For graduate and doctoral programs, language proficiency is usually required, and students must enroll in a language course if they don’t have the necessary language qualifications.

Available Programs in Russia:

1. Medical Specializations:
   • General Medicine
   • Sports Medicine
   • Pediatrics
   • Dentistry
   • Pharmacy
   • Clinical Psychology
2. Economic Fields:
   • Management
   • Economics
   • Business Information Systems
   • International Business
   • Banking, Accounting, HR Management, etc.
3. Engineering Fields:
   • Natural Resources (Mining, Oil & Gas)
   • Civil Engineering, Architecture
   • Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering
   • Food Engineering
   • Shipping, Aviation, and Computer Engineering
4. Humanities and Basic Sciences:
   • Nanotechnology
   • Biology, Zoology, Biophysics
   • Geography, History
   • Educational Psychology
   • Performing Arts (Acting, Directing, Cinematography)
   • Music, Graphics, Dance Design

This should give you a clear overview of studying medicine and other fields in Russia. Let me know if you need more specific details on a particular aspect!

The cost of studying in Russia is generally lower compared to other European countries, making it an attractive destination for Iranian students seeking educational migration. However, tuition fees vary based on the chosen level of education and university. Tuition Fees in Russian Universities (for international students):

• Bachelor’s Degree: €1,475 to €10,600 annually.
• Master’s Degree: €1,770 to €5,540 annually.
• PhD: €950 to €5,000 annually.

Private universities tend to have higher fees, potentially reaching up to €14,000 annually. Accommodation Costs:

• Regular dormitory rental: $50 to $300 per month.
• Newly built dormitories: $400 to $600 per month. Additional fees might apply for services like laundry facilities, but dormitory costs are significantly cheaper than renting an apartment.

Dental Studies in Russia: Tuition fees for dental studies are higher than for other fields, ranging from $3,000 to $7,500 per year. The average annual cost for a Bachelor’s program in Dentistry in English is approximately $5,400. Russian-language courses are cheaper, and tuition fees in Russian are about $500 annually. Dental Study Costs at Specific Universities:

• Novosibirsk State University: $3,000 per year.
• Lomonosov Moscow State University: $10,000 per year.
• St. Petersburg State University: $6,500 per year.
• Skanov State Medical University: $10,000 per year.
• Smaschko Dental University, Moscow: $7,250 per year.

Opting for Russian-language programs can reduce tuition costs significantly. Foundation Courses (Padfak): Students who wish to study Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy must attend a one-year preparatory course, known as “Padfak.” The cost for these courses ranges from $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the university. These courses are available in both English and Russian, though taking them in Russian is often more affordable and ensures the recognition of the diploma by Iranian authorities. Studying in Russia Without Padfak: It is possible to study in Russia without attending a Padfak course if you are enrolled in English-language programs. However, if studying in Russian, a preparatory course is mandatory. Russia’s educational system is notably accessible, with minimal entry requirements. Only a high school diploma is required for admission, and students do not need to meet GPA standards. This, along with proximity to Iran and affordable tuition, makes Russia a favored choice for Iranian students. For further guidance, you can contact Elm Vira at +91 429 41348 on WhatsApp.