Russia may be known for a lot of things, such as its astronomical contribution of sending the first man to space, Leo Tolstoy, vodka, the Kremlin, St. Petersburg Square, and so on.
However, did you know that Russia is also a favorite study destination by students worldwide? In fact, in 2020, Russia had more than 350,000 international students. The number is not that surprising, given that Russia’s higher education is also known for its emphasis and global contribution to science and technology.
Know how you can join them by checking out this quick guide to university applications in Russia.
Find a Program and University You Want to Apply To
First things first, find the program and university you want to apply to. The country is home to more than 700 universities, spread across its 82 regions. There, you can take up a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a doctorate, professional training, and even study Russian. Moreover, although the country puts a strong emphasis on STEM programs, its universities also offer a wide range of humanities programs.
To start, here are the top universities in Russia, per the QS World University Rankings 2022.
- Lomonosov Moscow State University
- St. Petersburg State University
- Novosibirsk State University
- Tomsk State University
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University
Apply to the University
The next step is to apply to a university. There are two ways to do it, directly to the institution, or through the Study in Russia website.
To apply on the website, first, you need to create an account. You can also check the details of specific programs on the website, such as their duration, cost, the language of instruction, or if you can pursue them for free.
When it comes to application schedules, each university sets its deadlines and dates. Thus, make sure to check those. However, in general, students can apply between January and July (Autumn), or September and January (Spring).
Prepare the Required Documents
Now that you have decided on the program and university, the next thing to do is prepare for your requirements. Although universities may have different requirements, some general requirements are usually the same. Here’s a list so you can start preparing for them.
- Application form
- High school diploma
- Bachelor’s degree diploma
- Transcript of records
- Valid passport and ID (copies)
- Letter of motivation
- Photos (passport-sized)
- Documents translated to Russian (if applicable)
- Health status and medical history
- IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE for English taught programs (if your program is in Russian, you may be required to attend a Russian language program)
Some students from certain countries may need to certify their diplomas through a “Legalisation of Diploma” procedure.
Students can go to the Russian Federation consulate in their country to certify their documents.
After Receiving Your Letter of Acceptance
After submitting your requirements to the school, you only have to wait for your letter of acceptance. Once you got it, here are the things you need to do:
- Apply for your study visa
- Confirm your enrollment in the university
- Apply for your insurance
- Check for available funding assistance (if you need it)
Overall, university applications in Russia are easy—you just need to know where to start.
Learn other useful information and practical tips to make your journey as an international student in Russia easier by reading our articles at MSM Unify.
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