Russia is a transcontinental country with borders in both Europe and Asia. It is the world’s largest country by land area and the ninth most populous. This country is one of the least densely populated, with the majority of the population concentrated in the more urbanized west. Moscow, the country’s capital, is one of the world’s largest metropolitan areas and the largest in Europe, with a population of over 20 million people.
Following the catastrophic collapse of the Soviet Union, which left the majority of Russia’s population in poverty, the country has made significant economic progress in recent years and is now the world’s 11th largest economy.
Russian universities are highly regarded and well-liked, particularly among students from other Eastern European countries. In this article, we will discuss inexpensive universities in Russia that offer excellent value for money.
What are the qualifications for studying in Russia?
Except for a secondary education certificate and an appropriate level of knowledge of the language you will be studying in, there are no special requirements for studying in Russia. After being accepted, you will need to go through the visa application process at your local Russian embassy.
Is it possible to study in Russia in English?
Yes. There are many English-taught programs in Russia; however, the majority of them are at the master’s level, though some universities also offer bachelor’s degrees in English. Far Eastern Federal University, for example, offers three bachelor’s degrees in English, while Moscow State University has many English programs for both bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Cheap Universities in Russia
1. Altai State University (ASU)
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: 36,400 – 144,000 RUB ($607 – $2,400)
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 45,760 – 152,000 RUB ($763 – $2,530)
Altai State University (ASU) is Russia’s most affordable educational institution for international students. This university is a public research institution in Barnaul, Russia. It was founded in 1973 and now has 13 departments covering many different fields and areas of study.
ASU attracts a large number of Asian students due to its proximity to China and other nearby Asian nations, and there is a dedicated International Affairs Department that assists them in any way they may require. There is also a Department of Educational and Extracurricular Activities, which is responsible for ensuring that students spend their free time productively by participating in various clubs or discussion groups.
2. Moscow Region State University (MRSU)
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: 73,500 – 340,000 RUB ($980 – $4,500)
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 90,000 – 408,000 RUB ($1,200 – $5,450)
Moscow Region State University (MRSU) is one of the city’s and region’s largest universities. This low-cost university in Russia was established in 1931. It has a long history of scientific and technological achievements and discoveries.
MRSU was a leading institution during the Soviet era and has since evolved into a modern institution that uses cutting-edge technology to prepare students for academic and professional success. The majority of MRSU’s 250 international students are studying Russian.
3. Kazan Federal University (KFU)
Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: 127,680 – 488,100 RUB ($1,700 – $6,520)
Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 138,180 – 294,120 RUB ($1,840 – $3,930)
Kazan Federal University (KFU), a cheap university in Russia, was founded in 1804 and is located in Kazan, Russia’s fifth most populous city. The most well-known student was Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, also known as Lenin, who served as the leader of Soviet Russia and the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1924. KFU has accomplished tremendous feats over the years, primarily in the field of chemistry, as the university is known as the birthplace of organic chemistry and electron spin resonance.
Over 10,000 international students are currently enrolled at KFU, out of a total of 50,000 students from 106 countries.
4. Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU)
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: 140,000 – 290,000 RUB ($1,870 – $3,880)
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 130,000 – 493,270 RUB ($1,740 – $6,600)
The Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) is located in Vladivostok, Russia’s Maritime Territory in Russia’s far east. It is much closer to Japan and South Korea than it is to Moscow. The University is one of the oldest, having been founded in 1899. It has been reformed several times since then and is now one of Asia’s leading higher-education institutions. It is made up of nine faculties that cover a wide range of subjects such as law, economics, information technology, and others.
FEFU works closely with neighboring Asian countries like China, Japan, and South Korea, and it also has branches in the United States. The university also has collaborations with various ministries, including the Cultural Center of Germany.
Over the years, FEFU’s involvement in international collaboration has attracted a large number of foreign students, and the university remains a leader in this category among Russian universities.
5. Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University (LETI)
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: 164,675 – 374,260 RUB ($2,200 – $5000)
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 99,000 – 113,500 RUB ($1,320 – $1,550)
The Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University is the next cheapest university in Russia on our list. LETI, as it is colloquially known, was established in 1886 as the first European higher education institution specializing in electrical engineering. It is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia’s second-largest city and one of the most culturally significant cities not only in Russia but also in the world. This makes LETI a very appealing option for many international students, and the university currently has around 10,000 students enrolled.
6. Tomsk Polytechnic University
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: 219,310 – 361,310 RUB ($2,900 – $4,800)
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 238,710 – 393,830 RUB ($3,200 – $5,265)
Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU), founded in 1986, is one of Russia’s oldest technical universities. It is located in Tomsk, Russia, in South-Central Russia. TPU has 13 educational divisions that cover various technical fields such as nuclear science and engineering, computer science and robotics, advanced manufacturing technologies, and others. The university has produced over 100,000 technical specialists over the years, and it now has 22,000 students.
7. Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia
- Tuition Fee for Undergraduate Programs: 285,700 – 422,600 RUB ($3,820 – $5,650)
- Tuition Fee for Graduate Programs: 277,000 – 400,000 RUB ($3,700 – $5,320
The People’s Friendship University of Russia is a low-cost university in Moscow. It was founded in 1960 as a higher education institution for “third-world students,” and it became an important part of the Soviet Union’s plan to spread its ideology to neighboring countries.
It now has 11 faculties and institutes covering a wide range of subjects. While the university has long moved on from its ideological roots, it remains one of Russia’s leading international universities, with alumni from all over the world, including South America, Africa, and many others.
I hope you found this article useful.