The majority of Russian universities have a similar system of education as found in the U.S.

(4 years)

 Bachelor`s Degree

(2 years)

Master`s Degree

(Duration varies)

PhD

However, different university courses may not have the same duration:

Bachelor’s degree

 4 years

Specialist

5 years

Master’s degree (after Bachelor’s)

2 years

PhD course

3 years

General Medicine

6 years

Dentistry

5 years

Pharmacy

5 years

PhD courses:

Clinical Residency

2 years

Internship

1 years

Ph.D.

3 years

One academic year lasts for 10 months (September 1st — June 30th). The academic year is arranged in two semesters:

September 1st — January 25th

 1st Semester

February 9th — June 30th

 2nd Semester

At the end of each semester, in January and in June, students take their term exams in the subjects they have studied, in accordance with the curriculum approved by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.

1. Choose Programme & University

In Russia, prospective students have a huge range of options:
  • You have access to the most diverse choice of subjects, from mathematics and natural sciences to drama;
  • 950 universities across 85 regions of the country from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok are ready to welcome you;
  • You can study for a Bachelor’s, Specialist or Master’s Degree, a doctorate, professional training or career advancement, and also learn Russian.

2. Learn about Financing

Both foreigners and Russian citizens can study at Russian universities at the expense of the Russian government or on a private basis.

 

There are three options for enrolment in state-funded places. Candidates can:
  • Become a winner of one of the Academic Competitions held in Russia or abroad;
  • Pass the Unified State Examination or entrance exams;
  • Pass competitive selection for a government scholarship (quota).
If they have their own funds for study, applicants can select an educational institution and communicate with its representatives. Universities generally ask to send an initial application by email, and to support it with the proper documents.

3. Prepare your documents

There are two ways how to submit your documents:
  • Initial Application indicating the desired area of study and your level of education;
You are requared to submit:
  • Copy of a document detailing your education (diploma, transcript), listing subjects studied and grades achieved (with translation into Russian),
  • Copy of identification (passport),
  • Completed form (the form is issued by a university or a Rossotrudnichestvo office)
  • Photographs (as required).
ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS MUST BE TRANSLATED IN RUSSIAN AND NOTARISED.
  1. Official submission of documents to the university after your arrival in Russia.
You will need to submit:
    • Application for admission, indicating chosen subject and form of study
    • Document confirming your identity and citizenship (original and notarised translation into Russian).
    • An education certificate, indicating subjects studied subjects and grades (original and notarised translation into Russian).
    • Statement on standard medical form,indicating no contraindications for studying in Russia, with note on results of HIV test (or medical certificate).

4. Go through Competitive Selection

When enrolling at a Russian university on the usual terms, the applicants submit the results of the Unified State Examination (EGE) or pass admission tests.
The EGE is the exam taken by all high school graduates in Russia. Its results are accepted for enrolment at Russian universities.
International applicants can also take the EGE for enrolment to a university. All necessary information can be found on the exam’s official website.
In addition, universities conduct admissions tests in the form of a written or oral examination on the discipline corresponding to the chosen subject. Enrolment decisions are made based on their results. Some universities conduct separate admissions exams for international students.
Every year dozens of academic competitions at various levels are held in Russia and abroad. Winners and other participants who place highly in some of these competitions can expect enrolment in Russian universities without examinations or under preferential conditions.
Foreigners can participate in international and Russian competitions as well as in those specially held for them by various groups of universities.
Many Russian universities conduct tests individually or jointly and select talented international applicants based on the results.
Representatives of universities visit various countries or send tests assignments to their colleagues abroad.
The applicants with the best test results can expect preferential terms when enrolling at Russian universities.