Low Tuition Universities In Russia, [Updated]

One of the biggest attractions for international students to Russia is the low tuition universities in Russia.

Tuition in Russia is remarkably cheap, especially compared to the quality of education it renders. Ideally, tuition can range from $2,000 to $8,000 a year, with additional costs such as room, board, and books ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 yearly, depending on location.

According to a report, Russia’s education produces a 98% literacy rate, surpassing most European countries.

So, if you’re looking to get the best of education at a little cost, this article is here to guide you through the low tuition universities in Russia: carefully read through.

Is Russia A Good Place To Study?

Russia places great value on education, and a whopping 54% of people aged 25-64 have university degrees.

Amazing, right? This respect for education is further indicated in the quality of Russian universities, which attracts more than 250,000 foreign students annually.

Take a look at the few reasons below why Russia is a favorite study destination for international students.

Extensive University Education

Russia offers the best of education to international students. It is renowned for its contribution to physics, mathematics, and natural sciences as affirmed by the positions of Russian universities in world rankings.

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

Low Cost of Tuition

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

If you are weighing universities located outside Moscow or Saint Petersburg, tuition and accommodation costs will be cheaper: prices in the regions are much lower than in the capital.

Funded Tuition

Annually, the Russian government awards several thousand scholarships (quotas) to international students. For instance, in 2024 universities were allocated 15,000 quotas.

In addition, some categories of foreign citizens can apply for state-funded places on equal terms with Russians but outside the quotas.

You can also win scholarships by taking part in university academic competitions: the winners and laureates of these competitions are given preferential terms when enrolling at leading Russian universities.

Exciting Student Life

The fun of studying in Russia goes beyond the classroom – students are never short of activities even after lectures. No dull moment for students in Russia!

In Russia, students take part in sports competitions, contests, student festivals, and other recreational events. Universities have their own student theatres, sports teams, volunteer associations, student construction, teams, etc where students get a big slice of social activities.

Opportunity to Learn Russian

Russian universities offer different Russian language programs, including courses, summer schools, and distance learning. In introductory courses, international students take a year-long course in the Russian language and, for students who are enrolled in state-funded places, it is provided free of charge.

How Much Does It Cost To Study In Russia?

Generally, tuition fees of schools in Russia differ. Averagely, tuition cost about $2000-$3000 per year and this includes the language training program. There are courses that cost more, like engineering, medicine which cost about $2500-$4000 per year.

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

While a post-graduate degree program costs an average of 260-300 thousand rubles ($ 3,715-4,285) per year. The minimal cost is 147 000 rubles ($ 2,100) per year. Maximum – 460 000 rubles ($ 6,570) per year.

In terms of accommodation, there are two basic types of accommodation: hostel and off-campus.

Accommodation off campus is a bit high, usually, a monthly cost between $250-400 while the cost of hostel accommodation is about $150-$200. Not to forget, there are schools that offer free on-campus accommodation.

How To Apply To Study In Universities In Russia

You can apply through an organization set up by the Russian education authority to assist international students to gain admission into Russian Universities – RACUS. For their services, they charge a fee of about $400.

Is Education Cheap In Russia?

Education in Russia is moderately cheap and affordable for nationals and internationals alike. For instance, a student of a biology degree paying full tuition at a state university must pay only 16,500 rubles ($484) per year, and an economics student only 27,000 rubles ($791) annually.

Thus, a four-year degree costs a budding biologist only $2,000 and a newly-minted economist just a little more than $3,000. Apparently, no other developed country in the world has comparable prices.

Let’s quickly take a look at the cheapest universities in Russia to help you make your choice.

Cheap Universities In Russia

Here’s a list of the cheapest universities in Russia.

5. Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University

Located in the far western Baltic city of Kaliningrad, the Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University is a federal institution of higher education established in 1967.

Immanuel Kant consists of 12 faculties of study that provide a range of academic courses varying from the humanities to natural sciences. The university has over 13,500 students in undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Being one of the largest institutions of higher education in the region and one of the most affordable universities in Russia, IKBFU offers more than 300 educational programs for its students which range from short vocational courses to full-time degrees.

Generally, the university contributes greatly to the benefit of Mankind through the pursuit of learning, interdisciplinary research, and education.

Tuition fees: from $1500

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4. ITMO University ( Saint Petersburg National Research University)

Information Technology, Mechanics and Optics University is a large state university in St. Petersburg. It is one of Russia’s biggest institutions.

With over 15,000 students enrolled in each academic session with over 1100 students coming from outside of Russia, ITMO offers the following programs: 4 year Bachelor programs, 5-year specialist programs, 2-year master programs, and 3-4 year doctoral programs.

The renowned university is a trailblazer in science-related fields with laurels in IT, quantum science, and photonics.

Tuition fees: $4000

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3. Herzen State Pedagogical University

The third cheap university in Russia on our list is Herzen State Pedagogical University. With over 14,000 Russian students and over 2,000 foreign students, the university is offering the best education to students.

Housing 11 faculties and 11 educational institutes, the university offers more than 300 educational programs. Additionally, the University has agreements with over 180 universities and educational institutions in Europe, Asia, Northern America.

Tuition fees: $3800

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2. Altai State Technical University

Altai State Technical University is a top public research university established in 1973.

It is located in Barnaul, the capital of Altai Krai. Altai Krai is a Russian federal subject situated in the South-East of Western Siberia at 3000 km from Moscow.

ASU awards over 100 degrees and courses that include 4 year Bachelor’s programs, 2 year Master’s programs as well as specialist diplomas. Additional doctoral programs are also offered in specific subjects.

As one of the number 1 institutions in Siberia in terms of a number of students being trained (around 13,000 students), more than 3,000 yearly graduates.

All educational programs are offered in Russian. To enroll in any educational program the applicant must have a B1-B2 level of Russian or take a 1-year course in Russian language at the Altai State University Preparatory Department.

Tuition Fee: $1500

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1. Kazan Federal University

Kazan Federal University is a public and federal institute of higher education based in the western city of Kazan in Russia.

With its history dating back to the early 19th century, the university is famous for being the birthplace of organic chemistry and the theory of ‘electron spin resonance’ due to the works of its prestigious alumni and staff.

Currently, the cheap university in Russia is home to a student enrolment of over 50,000. This large and diverse institution further consists of 16 institutes, 3 higher schools, a faculty of law, and 2 regional branches.

Housing over 9700 international students from 106 countries out of the total 50,000 students, the university awards 687-degree programs in various disciplines.

With its workforce and technological arsenal, Kazan federal university seeks to generate and spread knowledge, competencies, and technologies in response to the ravaging global challenges.

Kazan Federal University is licensed and accredited by the Ministry of Education and Science to hold educational activities in higher education.

Tuition fees: $2100 USD

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Low Tuition Universities in Russia, 2024 [Updated]