15 Free and Cheap Universities in Russia for International Students

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In Russia, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in Russia without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Russia, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 321 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Russia, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Russia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Russia ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Murmansk Arctic State University 0 RUB 100%
Moscow Polytechnic University 0 RUB - 290,200 RUB 100%
Moscow International University 31,200 RUB - 264,000 RUB 84%
Dostoevsky Omsk State University 51,000 RUB - 98,600 RUB 73%
Vyatka State University 53,000 RUB - 190,000 RUB 72%
Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics 60,000 RUB - 180,000 RUB 68%
State University of Education 73,500 RUB - 340,000 RUB 61%
Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction 74,000 RUB - 187,000 RUB 60%
Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University 78,900 RUB - 107,900 RUB 58%
Altai State Medical University 80,000 RUB - 144,000 RUB 57%
Altai State University 80,100 RUB - 144,000 RUB 57%
Moscow University for the Humanities 83,000 RUB - 258,000 RUB 56%
North-Eastern State University 83,900 RUB - 126,400 RUB 55%
Kalmyk State University 90,700 RUB - 106,700 RUB 51%
Cherepovets State University 91,000 RUB - 133,500 RUB 51%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 184,900 RUB for universities in Russia.

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1. Murmansk Arctic State University

The Murmansk Arctic State University is located in Murmansk, Russia. It was established in 1939 and has been providing some of the most high-quality programs in its region ever since. International students at this university have the opportunity to receive free education during undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Today, the university aims to create cooperation opportunities with foreign countries in order to advance its teaching methods and facilities.

2. Moscow Polytechnic University

Established in 1865, Moscow Polytechnic University, or Moscow Poly, is one of Russia’s educational institutions that provide technology-related programs. Currently, they deliver education to more than 16,000 local and international students. As they provide top-quality education and research in various fields, they also have various activities on campus to foster diversity.

3. Moscow International University

Moscow International University ensures that students are being taught with a combination of theory and practice. It allows students to experience modern practical approaches that give them the opportunity to be creative in their respective fields and to achieve the ultimate foundation that reflects on their professionalism. The university follows global standards and deeply connects with international organizations.

4. Dostoevsky Omsk State University

One of the best public universities in Russia, Dostoevsky Omsk State University is a “multifunctional” educational institution that offers 112 degree programs. Various disciplines are covered in the university, such as theology, arts, and humanities. Non-degree programs are also offered, including a Preparatory program, Russian Language courses, Winter Schools, and Summer Schools. The Erasmus+ EU Program is also part of the regional cooperation of the university, allowing exchange students to study at Dostoevsky Omsk State University.

5. Vyatka State University

Vyatka State University is a public university in Kirov, Russia. It was established in 1963 with the goal of providing education and training across all subject areas. Nearly 20,000 international students attend the university. Additionally, Vyatka State’s degree programs and training come with customizable tuition rates. These programs are also offered in English and Russian.

6. Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics

The Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics is a public university in Tomsk, Russia. It was founded in 1962 as the Tomsk Institute of Radioelectronics and Electronic Engineering with the goal of training engineers for the space industry. Over 70 degree programs are available at the university, including engineering, design, computer systems, economics, law, security, and human sciences.

7. State University of Education

The State University of Education was established in 1931 in the region of Moscow, which is the official capital city of Russia. This university is very famous in the region because of its affordable prices that are established for every level of study. Some of the best directions a student can choose at this university are mathematical education, physics education, and professional education. Another attraction point for this university is the fact that it introduces innovative programs and concepts from which students can take advantage and become experts in their chosen fields.

8. Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction

Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction is a university that allows extramural, full-time, and part-time learning modes for students. All students may apply for Preparatory courses, Bachelor’s degrees, and Master’s degrees. Preparatory and special courses can also be undertaken by these students. The university promises quality education, multiple extracurricular opportunities, and strong international connections.

9. Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University

Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University offers training and academic programs in the field of agriculture. It offers innovative methods and techniques that allow the country to develop its agrarian industry. With its research management and active participation in numerous international seminars, the university has expanded and now has seven institutes with more than 10,000 students enrolled yearly.

10. Altai State Medical University

Altai State Medical University has the objectives of contributing to Russia’s economy, meeting the needs of the local industries, and developing innovative and useful research. Although it’s specialized in medicine, its education and scientific work go beyond training medical practitioners. The university offers degrees and develops projects in biotechnology, food security, nanotechnology, and biomedicine, among others. Additionally, this institution is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and international partnerships. It has a network of 30 laboratories, multiple research institutes, and a couple of science museums.

11. Altai State University

Altai State University was established in 1973 in Barnaul, Russia and is known as a knowledge, research, and innovation hub in the Siberian region. The university offers courses in various disciplines that encourage its students to explore and think independently and freely. It also provides opportunities for international exchanges and invests greatly on the enhancement of its education and research quality to a global level. 

12. Moscow University for the Humanities

The Moscow University for the Humanities is a private university in Moscow, Russia. It was founded in 1944 as the Central Komsomol School, but it was only in 2003 that it was designated as a university. As one of the country’s leading classical universities, the university provides affordable tuition, a cultural center for performing arts, and a sports center for a variety of sports activities.

13. North-Eastern State University

The North-Eastern State University is a one-of-a-kind university that is distinguished from others because of its affordable tuition fees. This university is not focused on profits but on spreading knowledge. Students can choose from fields such as management, criminal law, and economics taught by some of the best professors in the region.

14. Kalmyk State University

The Kalmyk State University was established in 1970 in Elista, Russia. This is a very famous university because it has very affordable tuition fees for local and international students. Also, a very attractive feature of this university is the fact that it offers various levels of study in different fields such as botany, ecology, and chemical education. This university is trying to increase its international attention and receive more cooperation opportunities so that it can gain credibility and trust from the students and population.

15. Cherepovets State University

Established in 1996, Cherepovets State University is one of the youngest and leading higher education institutes in Russia. It offers 4-year Bachelor’s and 2-year Master’s degree programs. Some of the fields covered by these programs are Mathematics, Technology, Sciences, and Engineering. A Russian Language Preparatory course is also available for foreign students. Additionally, accepting foreign students is but one part of its effort toward internationalization. International partnerships are also established by the university with countries and institutes from outside Russia.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Russia for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Russia ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Moscow Polytechnic University 0 RUB - 269,000 RUB 100%
Murmansk Arctic State University 0 RUB 100%
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University 21,800 RUB - 318,000 RUB 90%
Moscow International University 31,200 RUB - 264,000 RUB 85%
Don State Technical University 46,700 RUB - 170,600 RUB 78%
Dostoevsky Omsk State University 55,100 RUB - 62,200 RUB 73%
Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics 60,000 RUB - 180,000 RUB 71%
Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction 72,100 RUB - 187,000 RUB 65%
Southern Federal University 77,000 RUB - 282,000 RUB 63%
Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov 80,500 RUB - 119,800 RUB 61%
Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University 84,300 RUB - 114,700 RUB 59%
Moscow University for the Humanities 87,000 RUB - 218,000 RUB 58%
Altai State Medical University 88,000 RUB - 152,000 RUB 57%
Altai State University 88,000 RUB - 152,000 RUB 57%
North-Eastern State University 89,000 RUB - 99,000 RUB 57%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 203,900 RUB for universities in Russia.

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1. Moscow Polytechnic University

Established in 1865, Moscow Polytechnic University, or Moscow Poly, is one of Russia’s educational institutions that provide technology-related programs. Currently, they deliver education to more than 16,000 local and international students. As they provide top-quality education and research in various fields, they also have various activities on campus to foster diversity.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Moscow Polytechnic University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 0 RUB to 269,000 RUB annually for their master's degree.

2. Murmansk Arctic State University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Murmansk Arctic State University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Murmansk Arctic State University is 0 RUB.

The Murmansk Arctic State University is located in Murmansk, Russia. It was established in 1939 and has been providing some of the most high-quality programs in its region ever since. International students at this university have the opportunity to receive free education during undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Today, the university aims to create cooperation opportunities with foreign countries in order to advance its teaching methods and facilities.

3. I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University or usually referred to as Sechenov University was founded in 1758, making it the oldest medical school in Russia. It was initially the medical faculty of the Imperial Moscow University and eventually became independent in 1930. At present, the university has more than 18,000 total enrollment and offers undergraduate to Ph.D. programs in Medicine, Sciences, and Professional Education.

The tuition fee at I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University for incoming international master’s students is 21,800 RUB to 318,000 RUB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Moscow International University

Another affordable university to consider in Russia is Moscow International University.

Moscow International University ensures that students are being taught with a combination of theory and practice. It allows students to experience modern practical approaches that give them the opportunity to be creative in their respective fields and to achieve the ultimate foundation that reflects on their professionalism. The university follows global standards and deeply connects with international organizations.

The tuition fee in Moscow International University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 31,200 RUB.

5. Don State Technical University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Don State Technical University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 46,700 RUB yearly.

Don State Technical University is a higher education institution founded in 1930 and located in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia. It offers 370 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degree programs. These programs cover 5 major fields of study including Agricultural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Plenty of opportunities for aspiring teaching professionals are also open at the university. Multiple physical activity and medical facilities can be found in the university such as a gymnasium, athletic stadium, and football grounds.

6. Dostoevsky Omsk State University

One of the best public universities in Russia, Dostoevsky Omsk State University is a “multifunctional” educational institution that offers 112 degree programs. Various disciplines are covered in the university, such as theology, arts, and humanities. Non-degree programs are also offered, including a Preparatory program, Russian Language courses, Winter Schools, and Summer Schools. The Erasmus+ EU Program is also part of the regional cooperation of the university, allowing exchange students to study at Dostoevsky Omsk State University.

7. Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics

The Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics is a public university in Tomsk, Russia. It was founded in 1962 as the Tomsk Institute of Radioelectronics and Electronic Engineering with the goal of training engineers for the space industry. Over 70 degree programs are available at the university, including engineering, design, computer systems, economics, law, security, and human sciences.

8. Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction

Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction is a university that allows extramural, full-time, and part-time learning modes for students. All students may apply for Preparatory courses, Bachelor’s degrees, and Master’s degrees. Preparatory and special courses can also be undertaken by these students. The university promises quality education, multiple extracurricular opportunities, and strong international connections.

9. Southern Federal University

The Southern Federal University is one of the leading higher education institutions in the southern region of Russia. It offers over 200 programs and has around 20 English-taught degree options that are perfectly tailored for international students. Besides academics, it also heavily focuses on developing research projects in areas like IT, medicine, and nanotechnology.

10. Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov

The Yuri Gagarin State Technical University of Saratov, formerly known as Saratov State Technical University, is a Russian university that offers over 190 degree programs. These programs are handled by the 62 academic departments.  More importantly, the programs are offered at undergraduate and graduate levels. 9 hostels are available for all students wanting to reside on campus. Recreational life is properly given notice through concert halls, creative clubs, sports organizations, and extracurricular activities.

11. Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University

Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University offers training and academic programs in the field of agriculture. It offers innovative methods and techniques that allow the country to develop its agrarian industry. With its research management and active participation in numerous international seminars, the university has expanded and now has seven institutes with more than 10,000 students enrolled yearly.

12. Moscow University for the Humanities

The Moscow University for the Humanities is a private university in Moscow, Russia. It was founded in 1944 as the Central Komsomol School, but it was only in 2003 that it was designated as a university. As one of the country’s leading classical universities, the university provides affordable tuition, a cultural center for performing arts, and a sports center for a variety of sports activities.

13. Altai State Medical University

Altai State Medical University has the objectives of contributing to Russia’s economy, meeting the needs of the local industries, and developing innovative and useful research. Although it’s specialized in medicine, its education and scientific work go beyond training medical practitioners. The university offers degrees and develops projects in biotechnology, food security, nanotechnology, and biomedicine, among others. Additionally, this institution is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and international partnerships. It has a network of 30 laboratories, multiple research institutes, and a couple of science museums.

14. Altai State University

Altai State University was established in 1973 in Barnaul, Russia and is known as a knowledge, research, and innovation hub in the Siberian region. The university offers courses in various disciplines that encourage its students to explore and think independently and freely. It also provides opportunities for international exchanges and invests greatly on the enhancement of its education and research quality to a global level. 

15. North-Eastern State University

The North-Eastern State University is a one-of-a-kind university that is distinguished from others because of its affordable tuition fees. This university is not focused on profits but on spreading knowledge. Students can choose from fields such as management, criminal law, and economics taught by some of the best professors in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Russia?

Applying to cheap universities in Russia requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in Russia for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Russia?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Russia. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Russia is the Altai State Medical University, which offers Mathematical Modeling and Information Technology, Programming and IT, and Methods and Technologies of Digital Economy to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Altai State Medical University offers International Economy, Accounting, Auditing and Analysis, and Innovative Management.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Russia, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Russia as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on free and affordable institutions in Russia for international students was helpful!