According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Russia has the most educated population in the world, outperforming Canada, Japan, Israel and the USA. More than half of Russians have higher education qualification. More than 200,000 people from 168 countries come to study at Russian universities. There are a lot of advantages to study in Russia, here are just a few:

1. You have top-class degree recognised world-wide! – Russian higher education is one of the best in the world! Whether it’s cars or education, people everywhere recognise “Made in Russia” as a seal of quality. You can benefit from Russia‘s long and famous university tradition especially in the fields of engineering and science. A Russian university degree is highly respected by employers around the world.
2. You have a diverse range of study opportunities! – Russia’s higher education system has something for everyone! There are almost 450 state-accredited universities with some 17,500 degree programmes in Russia. Russian universities offer degree programmes in every possible subject and academic level – be it bachelor’s, master’s, state examinations or doctoral degrees. General universities focus strongly on scientifically oriented study in a wide range of disciplines. Universities of applied science, on the other hand, are very practice-oriented. If you’re more interested in artistic subjects, you can enrol at a college of art, film or music.
3. You can study in English! – More and more courses and degree programmes are being offered in English, especially at the master’s degree level. This is good news if you don’t know any Russian or if your Russian isn’t good enough yet.
4. You are not alone! – Around twelve percent of students at Russian universities come from foreign countries, just like you. You can make friends from around the world, become acquainted with different countries and expand your horizons. The universities offer support to make your start in Russia as easy as possible.
5. You pay Affordable tuition fees – and sometimes completely free!- Students normally don’t have to pay tuition fees at Russian universities, and if so, the fees are very low. Most Russian universities receive considerable financing from the government. Bachelor’s degree programmes are usually tuition-free at public universities. Some master’s degree programmes, however, come with tuition fees, but they’re not as high as in other countries.
6. You have a very affordable living expenses! – Compared with other European countries, the cost of living in Russia is reasonable. The cost of food, rent, clothing and cultural activities are equivalent to the European average. There are also a number of concessions available to students. You can receive reduced prices at theatres, museums, opera houses, cinemas, swimming pools and other institutions. All you have to do is present your student ID.
7. You can benefit from many scholarship programmes! – As an international student with outstanding academic achievement, you have good chances of receiving a scholarship to finance your studies in Russia. This is one of the largest scholarships in the world and offers countless scholarship programmes. No matter what your country, subject or status, you’ll find a scholarship that matches your profile and needs!
8. You live in safe country! – Russia is a safe country – also on an international scale. The police are reliable and help you in every situation. Whether you live in a big city or in the country, you can move freely day or night without having to take any special precautions.

Fortunately for expats, Russia boasts one of the most reputable education systems in the world which ranks 43rd in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2016-2017. Furthermore, the country’s adult literacy rate was 99.73% in 2018, which is the fourth-highest in Europe.

Russia’s education system is coordinated by the government, and state schools are free for everyone to attend. That said, the quality of education offered at Russian state schools can vary wildly depending on the city and the school itself. Therefore, it really pays to do your homework when considering which option is best for your child.

Russian state organizations that “study” opinion in the Russian Federation received an urgent task to conduct a survey regarding the return of Crimea to the control of Ukraine. Against the background of the explosion on the Kerch bridge, which undermined the illusion of peace and stability on the peninsula, and the successes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Kremlin decided to urgently study the attitude of its citizens to the defeat in the battle for the peninsula. Data from the closed study should be available within October.

One of the key points of the survey is the question: are Russians ready to fight Ukraine in the event of losing control over Crimea? After all, in Moscow, they are worried about the resistance of the local underground. According to preliminary data, the local population of Crimea is not satisfied with the announced mobilization and is not ready to fight.

Russia is the largest country in the world in terms of area. Along with its large size, geographical location, culture, and history, it is also popular for the quality of education it caters to students. According to a survey, Russia comes third after Australia and Canada on the list of countries with the most international students. More than 160 ethnic groups of international students are currently studying in universities across Russia. Due to the massive popularity of Russian educational universities and institutions, thousands of international students apply for higher education every year. If you are planning to study abroad, Russia is your optimal solution. However, you should know the cost of living in Russia before choosing a Russian university for higher studies.

So, to assist international students in creating a budget for studying, we will touch upon all aspects that affect the cost of living in Russia for Indian students. Airport lounge access is the biggest fantasy for every student travelling internationally and Niyo Travel Card gives you access to it.

Student Visa is issued to Indian citizens, citizens of other countries and stateless persons who seek to enter the Russian Federation for purpose of studying at educational institutions, and is granted on the basis of an invitation issued by Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS of Russia) or a visa directive sent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Student visa can be single-entry or double-entry.

Subsequent extension of the student visa is granted by the Federal Migration Service of the Russian Federation (FMS of Russia) at the place where the foreign citizen resides and is registered with the local FMS branch. The foreign citizen is issued a multiple-entry visa valid for the period specified in the study contract entered into in accordance with educational legislation of the Russian Federation, but no more than for one year for every subsequent visa.

Pupils, students, PhD candidates and accompanying teachers who are going to the Russian Federation for studies or internship (including participants of exchange and other educational programs) may submit a letter of invitation*, confirmation of enrolment from the receiving university, academy, institute, college or school, or a student ID card, or a confirmation of enrolment for the academic course to be attended.