Higher education in Russia is an investment in your future. Graduates of Russian universities are valued worldwide. You will be able to obtain quality knowledge that will help you enter the labor market and achieve success in your work.
Information technology
Artificial intelligence
Engineering
Robotics
Biotechnology
Agriculture
To get into the quota of the Government of the Russian Federation and study for free, you need to go through the following stages:
In Russian universities, competitions are regularly held, the winners and prize-winners of which can be enrolled in the university without exams, study for free or at a discount
You can familiarize yourself with the full list of olympiads for students entering university here.
Students applying for a master's degree can also participate in the Olympiads. List of Olympiads for them here.
Foreign citizens may apply to Russian universities for tuition-free, state-funded study if admission is:
This condition applies if you are a citizen of one of the following countries:
No supporting documents other than a passport are required to confirm eligibility on this basis.
Eligibility is confirmed by the document specified for the applicant’s country of citizenship.
The following may be required to confirm this status:
Applied training in a broad field, building core competencies for starting professional work.
Features: The classic entry point into higher education after school. It focuses on practice and the study of general scientific and specialized disciplines that help students adapt quickly to labor market requirements.
Duration of study: 3–4 years.
An integrated program (bachelor's + master's level) that awards a qualification in a specific specialty for solving complex professional tasks.
Features: Allows students to gain fundamental knowledge in engineering, medicine, economics, and other priority fields without an intermediate master's level.
Duration of study: 5–6 years (depending on the field).
Development of advanced analytical, research, and expert competencies in the chosen field.
Features: The second stage of higher education, available after a bachelor's or specialist degree. It involves specialization in a narrow field, research training, or obtaining a new qualification.
Duration of study: 2–3 years.
Training of highly qualified research and teaching staff for independent research and academic teaching.
Features: A key stage for entering advanced research. It includes candidate exams, dissertation writing, and ends with the award of an academic degree (PhD or Candidate of Sciences). Admission is possible after a specialist or master’s degree.
Duration of study: 3–4 years (full-time).
Clinical training of specialist doctors in a specific narrow profile.
Features: A specialized level of postgraduate medical education. It is delivered in leading clinics and medical centers under the supervision of practicing physician mentors. Admission is strictly after a specialist degree in the relevant field.
Duration of study: From 2 to 5 years (depending on the medical specialty).
Advanced creative and pedagogical training in the arts, developing readiness for solo, production, concert, and teaching activities.
Features: A unique program for musicians, directors, artists, and choreographers. It involves intensive individual work on performance skills and the creation of creative projects under the guidance of recognized masters. Available after a specialist or master's degree.
Duration of study: 2 years.
In Russia, there are state programs that promote the development of higher education. The program "Priority-2030" helps the 100 best universities improve the quality of education and conduct scientific research. Advanced engineering schools at universities prepare technical specialists for the most modern technological sectors of the economy. The federal project "Creating a network of modern campuses" finances the construction of 40 world-class campuses across the country.
Since 2021, the largest higher education development program in Russia's history, Priority 2030, has been underway. Its goal is to create the conditions for high-quality higher education. Universities are developing unique solutions to advance Russia's technological leadership.
The project covers:
participating universities:
Thanks to the program, the infrastructure of universities is being updated, new modern campuses are being built, research laboratories are being equipped, where young scientists work. Digital departments are being opened in universities, which provide the opportunity to obtain new professions in the field of information technology. The educational programs themselves are changing, students are studying practical modules, and the "Startup as a Diploma" program allows you to defend your final qualifying work based on your own business idea.
Since 2022, Russia has been implementing the Advanced Engineering Schools project.
Its goal is to train a new generation of engineers capable of working at modern enterprises and creating technological solutions.
Advanced engineering schools are educational centers based at Russian universities, where students study in cooperation with leading companies and gain experience participating in real engineering projects.
In 2026, 50 advanced engineering schools are operating in Russia.
Despite the high technical development of Russian universities, innovative world-class campuses continue to be built in the country. By 2036, 40 such spaces will be built. The campus of MSTU named after N.E. Bauman, consisting of 14 buildings in Moscow, has already been fully built. Some buildings for future campuses in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Sakhalin, Sverdlovsk, and Chelyabinsk regions are also ready. Campuses should increase the attractiveness of Russian universities for foreign applicants.
Campuses will become a modern space where it will be convenient to study, do science, live, work, and raise children. On the territory of universities, the following will be available:
Everything necessary for life will be in one place, making the move to Russia more comfortable.
Information for international applicants to Russian universities
Since 2023, Russia has been implementing a pilot project to create a new higher education model. The project is being introduced in stages. Presidential Decree No. 27 of 22 January 2026 extended and expanded the project: it will continue through the 2029/30 academic year, after which all universities in Russia will transition to the new system.
The project aims to build a higher education system that meets the current needs of the economy and labour market while remaining clear and recognisable internationally. The new model draws on the strongest traditions of Russian higher education and is also comparable with international standards.
The new model comprises three successive levels of higher education:
The main level of higher education, lasting four to six years. It brings together the former bachelor’s and specialist degree tracks and awards a complete qualification for entering the labour market without requiring further study.
An advanced level of study comprising master’s programmes, medical residency and artistic assistantship-internship programmes, generally lasting one to two years. It enables students to gain a focused professional or research specialisation.
A separate three- to four-year level for training researchers and academic teaching staff.
The table shows how the familiar terms of the previous system correspond to the new levels. The content and quality of education remain unchanged; it is primarily the names and structure of the levels that are changing.
| Current system | New model | International equivalent / ISCED level |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree / Specialist degree | Basic higher education (4–6 years) | Bachelor’s degree; ISCED level 6 (programmes lasting 5+ years are positioned as integrated level 7 programmes) |
| Master’s degree, medical residency, artistic assistantship-internship | Specialised higher education (1–2 years) | Master’s degree; ISCED level 7 |
| Training of highly qualified personnel (postgraduate studies) | Postgraduate (adjunct) studies, 3–4 years | Doctoral / PhD studies; ISCED level 8 |
ISCED is UNESCO’s International Standard Classification of Education.
The new level structure helps ensure that Russian qualifications remain understandable abroad: they are mapped to the international classification of education, while programmes retain their strong academic foundations and practical focus.
A dual degree program is a joint educational program delivered by two or more partner universities.
Students complete part of the program at a Russian university and part at a foreign partner university; after successfully completing their studies, they receive a diploma from each partner university.
Partner universities coordinate courses and learning modules. Study results and periods are credited within the joint program.
Students experience the teaching approaches, faculty and university environments of different countries.
Studying in an international environment helps students improve their foreign-language communication skills. Some programs also provide additional language training.
Students gain access to the resources and infrastructure of both partner universities: libraries, digital resources, teaching and research spaces, and cultural and sports facilities.
Diplomas from two universities can broaden opportunities for further study and employment in different countries.
A list of Russian universities that offer dual degree programs from among those featured on the Study in Russia portal.
ChelyabinskThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MakhachkalaThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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Rostov-on-DonThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MoscowThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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KaliningradThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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ElistaThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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KazanThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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KrasnodarThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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LipetskThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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YakutskThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MoscowThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MoscowThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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ZelenogradThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MoscowThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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StavropolThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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PenzaThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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PermThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MoscowThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MoscowThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MoscowThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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RyazanThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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Saint PetersburgThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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SamaraThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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SaratovThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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SmolenskThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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MoscowThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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StavropolThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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TambovThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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TomskThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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IzhevskThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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UfaThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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EkaterinburgThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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Nizhny NovgorodThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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VoronezhThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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KirovThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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Velikiy NovgorodThe university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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The university profile indicates that dual degree programs are available.
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