– Author of this Blog

Md Rejuan Ahmed Mahim

I know the fear of the unknown — and the thrill of a new beginning. As a 2025 Russian Government Scholar and BAPO special intern, I share what I’ve learned to help you move forward.

Russians have a rich centuries-old educational tradition. Russia once held the title of the most educated nation on Earth? According to OECD data from the mid-2010s, Russia had the highest percentage of adults with tertiary education—beating even Canada, Japan, Israel, and the USA .

Russia welcomes students from almost 170 countries, each chasing a dream—- and yours could be next. Are you ready to seize the opportunity and shape your future?

Russia has a lot of world recognized universities and the most important is that most of the universities are public universities. All the courses at those universities are recognized worldwide and they offer a wide range of subjects like engineering, medicine, MBBS, Business and humanities etc.

Here are some top Universities in Russia according to QS world ranking:

University name - QS World Ranking

1. Lomonosov Moscow State University- 94th
2. Bauman Moscow State technical University - 298th
3. RUDN University (Peoples' Friendship University of Russia)-316th
4. Saint Petersburg State University - 365th
5. Kazan federal University - 401th
6. Higher School of Economics (HSE University) - 410th
7. Tomsk State University - 413th
8. Novosibirsk State University - 442th
9. Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT)- 456th
10. ITMO University - 456th

As you can see, Russia is home to several world-ranked universities offering top-tier education across various disciplines. Choosing any of these institutions can open the door to a globally competitive degree and future career success.

Quality Education Within reach:

Russia has some of the top ranked universities with very affordable fees compared to its European counterparts. For example, Lomonosov Moscow State University (QS rank 94). Its tuition fee for bachelors is only around 6000-7100 USD yearly.Which is very much affordable compared with a good ranking university not in Europe but around the world. Many programs are taught in English, especially for international students. Many universities have partnerships with EU, Chinese and Japanese institutions for exchanges and dual degrees. If you’re looking for an affordable but high-value degree, it’s a smart choice . 

Course language in Universities:

In Russia there are two types of medium of instruction,

Russian Language Programme:

Most academic programs in Russia are delivered in Russian Language. For foreign students seeking the highest quality of education, being proficient in Russian is certainly helpful. Nonetheless, we find that most of the students from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Nepal do not know the Russian language beforehand. To assist with these issues Russian Universities offer a one-year preparatory course. This program teaches students the Russian language and introduces them to the foundational subjects related to their chosen field of study.

English Language Programme:

Russian Universities do offer academic programs in English, however the range of subjects available in English is limited compared to those taught in Russian. Most universities do not provide complete bachelor’s programs in English, but there is a wider selection of courses available at master’s and PhD levels.

Only a handful of top tier institutions such— as FEFU, Lomonosov Moscow State University and HSE (Higher School of economics) provide a good number of English courses for international students.

How to apply for Russian Universities:

Choose a good university and programme:

• Research Universities and their requirement
• Some Courses in the universities are in English language, otherwise most of the courses are in Russian Language. So check everything before applying.

Check eligibility for the course and entry requirement:

• For bachelors: Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with good grades.
• For Masters: A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Although most of the universities don’t take online interviews or entrance tests. There are some specific universities who might take interviews or entrance exams.

Mandatory paperwork for Admission process:

• Passport (Valid for at least 18 months)
• Academic Certificates & Translations (SSC,HSC, Bachelors if applicable).
• Notarized & Translated Copies ( into Russian).
• Medical Certificate(HIV test general health checkup)
• Passport-sized Photos(3.5*4.5 cm, white background)
• Motivational Letter
• Letter of Recommendation(For Masters/PhD).
• Bank Statement (5000 to 6000 USD not mandatory).
• Language Proficiency Proof: (Not Mandatory but specific universities required to have a language proficiency like IELTS/ROFEL for English programs, TORFL for Russian-taught programs.

Begin your Enrollment Journey:

• You can apply directly though the university’s official website ( note that some may require an application fee)

Get a invitation letter from the university:

• If accepted, the university issues an invitation letter( takes 30-45 days).
• This is mandatory for a Student visa.

Apply for a student visa:

• Prepare all the documents and  Submit required documents to the Russian Embassy in Dhaka in Dhaka.  

A complete roadmap for the students who are interested for September Intake:

Start: Feb- April.

• Research and select your preferred university and subject.

Application submission: May to June

• Complete the online application form and upload required documents such as passport, educational certificate and photos.

Acceptance and Invitation letter (June to July)

• Some universities might conduct online interview before issuing accepting the student.

Visa application:

• Obtain Medical Certificate.
• Apply for visa after receiving the invitation letter

Visa validity and extension:

• The initial visa issued by the Russian Embassy of the Russian Embassy in Dhaka is a single entry visa and valid for only 90 days.
• After reaching Russia students have to extend their visa.

Top Courses and Programs Offered

Russia offers a vast array of academic disciplines. The most popular among international students include:

• Medicine and Health Sciences – World-renowned MBBS programs.
• Engineering and Technology – Specializations in nuclear engineering, robotics, and aerospace.                                                             
• Business and Economics – MBA programs and international trade courses.
• Russian Language and Literature – Ideal for language enthusiasts and future translators.

Living Expenses:

Monthly living costs in Russia are quite reasonable:

• Average monthly expenses: US$325-US$650
• Accommodation: US$100-300 per month for dormitory housing
• Food: US$100-200 per month
• Transportation: US$20-40 per month
• Books and supplies: US$30-50 per month1

University dormitories offer the most affordable accommodation option, while off-campus housing can vary widely depending on the city and location.

Healthcare

International students must have health insurance coverage during their stay in Russia. Many universities offer student health policies or can recommend appropriate insurance providers. University campuses typically have medical facilities providing basic healthcare services.

Cultural Experience

Studying in Russia offers a unique opportunity to experience rich cultural traditions, visit world-famous museums and theaters, and explore diverse landscapes from the Baltic Sea to Siberia. Universities regularly organize cultural events and excursions for international students.

Traveling goals

Traveling in Russia as an international student is both exciting and convenient. Major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg have excellent public transportation, making it easy to explore cultural landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. When traveling between cities, always carry your passport, visa, and university registration documents, as these may be checked by authorities. With a bit of planning and the right documents, you can safely enjoy Russia’s rich history and diverse landscapes during your studies. 

Scholarships and Financial Aid:

Russia offers various fully funded scholarships, including:

Russian Government Scholarship:

• Covers tuition, accommodation, and stipend

Open Doors Scholarship:

• For master’s and PhD levels
• Hosted by top universities under the Ministry of Education

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela

Final Thought: 

Your degree is not just a paper. It’s a door. Let Russia be the key. Studying in Russia means more than earning a degree—it’s about embracing a culture, gaining global exposure, and building an international future. Whether you're looking to study medicine, engineering, or business, Russia offers quality education, affordability, and cultural richness like few other destinations.