Universities with Low Tuition in Russia in 2023

The low tuition universities in Russia are one of the main draws for international students.

Tuition in Russia is very low, especially when compared to the quality of education provided. Tuition should be between $2,000 and $8,000 per year, with other fees such as accommodation, board, and books ranging between $1,500 and $5,000 per year, depending on location.

According to one statistic, Russia’s education provides a literacy rate of 98%, which is higher than that of most European countries.

So, if you want to acquire the best education for the least amount of money, this article will walk you through the low tuition universities in Russia: carefully go over everything.

Is Russia a Good Studying Location?

Russia places a high importance on education, with 54% of adults aged 25 to 64 holding a university degree. Isn’t it incredible? This regard for education is reflected in the high quality of Russian universities, which annually attract more than 250,000 foreign students.

Consider the following reasons why Russia is a popular study destination for international students.

Comprehensive University Education

International students can get the greatest education in Russia. It is well-known for its contributions to physics, mathematics, and natural sciences, as evidenced by Russian universities’ placements in global rankings.

Russian universities, in particular, provide preparatory programs (training for enrollment in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Specialist Degree courses), short courses (summer university, a single term in Russia, summer schools), Russian as a foreign language courses, professional development, and additional vocational training.

Tuition is reasonably priced.

According to expert estimates, the cost of full-time Bachelor’s degree programs in Russian universities is roughly 83,000 rubles per year (1,186 US dollars), depending on the field studied (according to the standards instituted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation).

Tuition and housing costs will be lower if you consider universities outside of Moscow or Saint Petersburg: prices in the provinces are substantially lower than in the city.

Tuition Assistance

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Every year, the Russian government provides thousands of scholarships (quotas) to international students. For example, universities were given 15,000 quotas in 2021.

Furthermore, certain types of foreign citizens may apply for state-funded positions on equal terms with Russians but outside of quotas.

Scholarships can also be obtained by participating in university academic competitions: the winners and laureates of these competitions are offered preferential terms when enrolling in leading Russian universities.

Student Life Is Exciting

The excitement of studying in Russia extends beyond the classroom; students are never bored, even after lectures. There is never a dull time for students in Russia!

Students in Russia participate in sports competitions, contests, student festivals, and other recreational activities. Universities have their own student theaters, sports teams, volunteer organisations, student construction teams, and other social activities where students can participate.

Possibility to Learn Russian

Russian universities provide a variety of Russian language programs such as courses, summer schools, and distance learning. In introductory courses, international students attend a year-long Russian language course that is provided free of charge to students enrolled in state-funded programs.

What Is the Cost of Studying in Russia?

Tuition prices at schools in Russia vary in general. Tuition, which includes the language instruction program, costs around $2000-$3000 per year on average. There are more expensive courses, such as engineering and medical, which cost between $2500 and $4000 per year.

A bachelor’s degree costs around 240-260 thousand rubles per year ($ 3,430-3,715). The smallest annual cost is 83 000 rubles ($ 1,186), while the maximum is 880 000 rubles ($ 12,570).

A postgraduate degree program typically costs 260-300 thousand rubles ($ 3,715-4,285) each year. The annual cost is 147 000 rubles ($ 2,100). The maximum annual salary is 460 000 rubles ($ 6,570).

There are two primary forms of accommodation: hostels and off-campus housing. Off-campus housing is somewhat expensive, with monthly costs ranging between $250 and $400, whilst hostel housing costs between $150 and $200. Not to mention that some institutions provide free on-campus housing.

How to Apply for University Studies in Russia

You can apply through RACUS, a Russian education authority-created organization that assists international students in gaining admission to Russian universities. They charge around $400 for their services.

Is Education in Russia Cheap?

Education in Russia is relatively priced and accessible to both nationals and international students. For example, a biology student paying full tuition at a state institution must pay only 16,500 rubles ($484) per year, whereas an economics student must pay only 27,000 rubles ($791) per year.

Thus, a four-year degree costs only $2,000 for a fledgling biologist and little more than $3,000 for a newly minted economist. No other developed country in the world appears to have comparable prices.

Let’s take a brief look at the cheapest universities in Russia to help you decide.

Russia Has Low-Cost Universities

Here is a list of Russia’s most affordable universities.

Baltic Federal University of Immanuel Kant

The Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, located in the far western Baltic city of Kaliningrad, is a federal institution of higher learning that was founded in 1967.

Immanuel Kant University has 12 faculties of study that offer a variety of academic courses ranging from the humanities to the natural sciences. Currently, about 13,500 students are enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the university.

As one of the region’s leading higher education institutions and one of Russia’s most affordable universities, IKBFU provides over 300 educational programs for its students, ranging from short vocational courses to full-time degrees.

In general, the university tremendously benefits humanity through the pursuit of learning, multidisciplinary research, and instruction.

Tuition starts at $1500.

ITMO University (Saint Petersburg National Research University)

The Institution of Information Technology, Mechanics, and Optics is a large state university in St. Petersburg. It is one of Russia’s most important institutions.

ITMO offers the following programs to over 15,000 students enrolled in each academic session, with over 1100 students coming from outside of Russia: Bachelor’s programs last four years, specialty programs last five years, master’s programs last two years, and doctoral programs last three to four years.

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The prestigious university is a forerunner in scientific-related sectors, having won awards in IT, quantum science, and photonics.

Tuition is $4000.

Herzen State Pedagogical University

Herzen State Pedagogical University is the third cheapest university in Russia on our ranking. The institution provides the best education to students, with over 14,000 Russian students and over 2,000 foreign students.

The university has 11 faculties and 11 educational institutions and offers over 300 educational programs. Furthermore, the University has collaboration agreements with over 180 universities and educational institutes in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Tuition is $3800.

Altai State Technical University

Altai State Technical Institution is a prestigious public research university that was founded in 1973.

It is located in Barnaul, Altai Krai’s capital. Altai Krai is a Russian federal subject located 3000 kilometers from Moscow in the south-east of Western Siberia.

ASU confers nearly 100 degrees and courses, including four-year Bachelor’s programs, two-year Master’s programs, and specialty diplomas. Additional PhD programs in certain disciplines are also available.

As one of the top universities in Siberia in terms of student enrollment (about 13,000 students), it produces more than 3,000 graduates per year.

All academic programs are available in Russian. To be admitted to any educational program, applicants must have a B1-B2 level of Russian or complete a one-year Russian language course at the Altai State University Preparatory Department.

Tuition is $1500.

Federal University of Kazan

Kazan Federal University is a public and federal university of higher learning in Russia’s western city of Kazan. The institution, which has a history stretching back to the early nineteenth century, is famed for being the birthplace of organic chemistry and the notion of ‘electron spin resonance’ due to the achievements of its illustrious alumni and faculty.

Currently, the affordable university in Russia has over 50,000 students enrolled. This broad and diverse organization also includes 16 institutions, 3 higher schools, a law faculty, and two regional divisions.

Out of a total of 50,000 students, the institution houses around 9700 international students from 106 countries and offers 687 degree programs in diverse areas.

Kazan Federal University, with its manpower and technical arsenal, aims to develop and disseminate knowledge, competencies, and technologies in response to the severe global challenges.

Kazan Federal University is licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Level and Science to conduct higher education educational activities.

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