How to Apply to Russian Universities: A Guide for International Students
Thousands of international students enrol in Russian universities every year — for degree programmes in medicine, engineering, humanities, or Russian language and culture. The admission process can look different from what you're used to, but with the right information and preparation, it's manageable.
This guide walks you through how to apply, what documents you need, and how the preparatory year and visa fit in — so you can plan your path to a Russian university.
- Who can apply and typical entry requirements
- Step-by-step application process and deadlines
- Documents you need (academic, language, identity)
- How the preparatory (language) year works
- Where to get help and official portals
Who Can Apply to Russian Universities?
Russian state and private universities accept international students from most countries. You typically need:
- Completed secondary education (equivalent to Russian аттестат / school-leaving certificate) for bachelor's programmes, or a bachelor's degree for master's programmes.
- Proof of identity — valid passport.
- Language requirement — either proof of Russian proficiency (e.g. TRKI/TORFL) or enrolment in a preparatory faculty (подготовительный факультет) for a one-year Russian language course before your main degree.
If you don't speak Russian, you can still apply. Many universities offer a preparatory year (подготовительный год) where you study Russian (and sometimes other subjects) before starting your degree. We cover this in detail in our guide on the preparatory year and Russian language year.
Step-by-Step: The Application Process
1. Choose Your University and Programme
- Browse universities on official portals (e.g. Study in Russia or the university's own site).
- Check language of instruction — many programmes are in Russian; some (especially at top universities) offer English-taught degrees.
- Note tuition fees, accommodation, and deadlines for your citizenship.
2. Check Deadlines and Quotas
- Government scholarships (quotas) — applications often open in autumn and close in early spring for the following academic year. Dates vary by country and operator.
- Fee-paying (contract) places — universities set their own deadlines; often June–July for September intake.
- Apply as early as possible; document legalisation and visa take time.
3. Prepare Your Documents
Typical set:
- Passport — valid for at least 18 months from expected entry (for visa).
- School or university certificates — with apostille or consular legalisation as required by the university and Russian law.
- Transcripts — notarised/legalised if requested.
- Medical certificate — HIV test and sometimes general health; format required by the university or visa rules.
- Photos — as specified (usually 3×4 cm).
- Application form — completed on the university's portal or via an agent.
Requirements differ by university and by country. Always check the official website of the university and, if applicable, the Russian government scholarship operator in your country for the exact list and legalisation rules.
4. Submit Your Application
- Scholarship (quota) — usually through a single portal or operator in your country; they forward applications to Russian institutions.
- Contract (fee-paying) — often directly to the university's international office or via an authorised representative.
- You may need to pass entrance exams or an interview (in Russian or English, depending on the programme).
5. Receive an Invitation and Apply for a Visa
- If accepted, the university issues an invitation (приглашение) for a student visa.
- With that, you apply for a Russian student visa at the consulate or visa centre. For the full process, see our Russian student visa guide.
6. Arrive and Complete Registration
- Enter Russia on your visa before it starts (check the validity dates).
- The university will help with migration registration and matriculation. Keep all documents and copies safe.
Documents: What You Usually Need
Academic
- School-leaving certificate (for bachelor's) or bachelor's diploma (for master's).
- Transcript of grades.
- Legalisation: apostille (for countries in the Hague Convention) or consular legalisation.
- Notarised Russian translation of certificates and transcripts (often done in Russia or by a certified translator).
Identity and personal
- International passport (valid for the required period).
- Birth certificate if requested.
- Photos according to the university's specification.
Health
- HIV certificate (valid for 3 months in many cases).
- Sometimes a general medical certificate; check the university and visa requirements.
Language
- For Russian-taught programmes: TRKI/TORFL certificate (if you already have B1/B2 or higher), or confirmation of enrolment in a preparatory course.
- For English-taught programmes: IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent if required.
Preparatory Year: The Language Bridge
Many students who don't yet speak Russian are admitted to a preparatory faculty (подготовительный факультет). This is usually a one academic year of intensive Russian plus, on some programmes, subjects like maths, physics, or chemistry depending on your future specialisation.
- Duration — typically 1 academic year (September–June).
- Outcome — enough Russian to pass the university's language exam and start your degree (often B1–B2 level).
- After the preparatory year — you sit exams and, if successful, enrol in your main degree (bachelor's or master's).
If you want to start learning Russian before you go, or to strengthen your level before the preparatory year, structured lessons with a qualified teacher can help. Our Russian courses are designed to take you from zero to confident communication — useful both for the entrance process and for life in Russia.
Prepare for the preparatory year or entrance exams with structured Russian lessons online. Native teachers, small groups, clear progress.
Quota (Scholarship) vs Contract (Fee-Paying)
Quota (government scholarship)
- Funded by the Russian government; covers tuition (and sometimes dormitory, stipend).
- Applied through the official operator in your country; competition and deadlines apply.
- You still need to meet academic and language requirements and go through the visa process.
Contract (fee-paying)
- You pay tuition (and living costs). Universities set their own fees and deadlines.
- More flexible in timing and sometimes in entry requirements; still need documents, invitation, and visa.
Common Questions
When should I start applying?
At least 6–12 months before your intended start (September). Document legalisation, university processing, and visa can take several months.
Do I need to know Russian before applying?
Not always. You can apply for a preparatory year first; the university will teach you Russian before your degree. Knowing some Russian still helps with the application and daily life.
Can I apply to several universities?
Yes. For quota places, rules on how many choices you can list depend on the operator. For contract places, you can apply to as many as you want, but you'll need to choose one for the visa invitation.
What if my documents are not in Russian?
You will need notarised Russian translations. Universities often accept translations done by their partner agencies or in Russia; check each university's requirements.
Summary
Applying to a Russian university as an international student involves: choosing a programme, preparing and legalising documents, submitting your application (quota or contract), receiving an invitation, and obtaining a student visa. If you don't speak Russian yet, the preparatory year is the standard path. Start early, check official sources, and consider building your Russian beforehand with a structured course so you're ready for both the process and your studies.
Strengthen your Russian before applying or before the preparatory year. We'll help you reach the level you need.