25 Best Universities In Russia For International Students 2023

If you are looking to study in Russia, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 329 universities and colleges in Russia, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 329 universities in Russia, RUDN University and Moscow State University are the top-performing schools in Russia. This list covers both public and private institutions in Russia.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Russia. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Russia.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Russia?

Applying to the universities in Russia involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Russia to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Russia?

Tuition fees at Russia’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 0 RUB to 1,044,700 RUB , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 RUB to 1,381,700 RUB. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Russia!

As we cover the best universities in Russia for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Russia for International Students

RUDN University is one of the best universities in the capital city of Russia and is known as The People’s Friendship University of Russia. This higher education institution is mostly known for the high number of international students attracted to this university’s high ranking. The university is ranked among the world’s top 500 universities, which speaks volumes about the level of study this university provides.

Moscow State University is one of the largest public universities in Moscow, Russia. This university is the cornerstone of formal higher education, and it provides education to close to 40,000 students. Some of the most attended programs are in the fields of economics, politics, and finance, where students gain real-world experience that may help them in their careers.

Regarded as the longest-running university in Russia, Saint Petersburg State University is one of the country’s most renowned public universities. Besides delivering quality education in various academic fields, Saint Petersburg State University is known for its student-friendly campus as they are located in one of Russia’s best cities. 

International students are warmly welcomed on their campus as they foster a diverse atmosphere for these students. Interestingly, these students are provided with various services as they adapt to their new country.

Frequently ranked among the top universities in Russia, the Novosibirsk State University (NSU) boasts excellent academic instruction, innovative research, and an outstanding faculty that includes leading scientists among its members. It is located in Novosibirsk, a city dubbed as the scientific center of Russia, putting students at the forefront of scientific innovation and discovery. While the university is best known for its programs in the scientific field, NSU also offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts and social sciences.

The National Research Nuclear University MEPhI is one of the world’s most prestigious universities in its field and the perfect place for candidates that would like to specialize in nuclear technology. It focuses on fostering innovation, creativity, and internationalization. The university is known for its wide and highly specialized degree offer and its outstanding research performance. It has multiple institutes that develop studies in areas like nanoengineering, cyber-physical systems, and plasma technologies. These projects are completed in state-of-the-art facilities that include a research nuclear reactor and an accelerator.

Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology was established over 60 years ago with a mission to provide high-level training to future leaders in science, physics, and technology. The university collaborates with research organizations and IT companies within and outside the country for students to enhance their skills and increase their employment prospects in the global labor market. Programs at the university are taught by several accomplished scientists and experts in their chosen disciplines. 

The Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University is one of the most innovative institutions in the area. This institution is recognized internationally for its innovative teaching techniques that are in cooperation with practical values. It is also worth noting that this university offers reasonable tuition fee prices for both domestic and international students and will provide the most talented and promising students with scholarships in order to help with their academic advancement.

The National Research University Higher School of Economics, or otherwise known as HSE University, is one of the best universities of higher education in the capital city of Russia. This institution has one of the largest campuses in the country that houses approximately 50,000 students and can provide them with all the necessary equipment for them to have the best possible experience.

Founded in 1878, Tomsk State University is the first academic institution for college education in the Siberian region. Programs at the university are driven by research and are designed to guide students toward their academic, personal, and spiritual development. The university’s activities are also geared towards providing opportunities for practical industrial experience and playing a more active role in tackling contemporary issues faced by the region. 

ITMO University is one of the most distinguished universities in the region of Saint Petersburg. This university was founded approximately 122 years ago and is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the country. The aim of the university has not changed at all throughout this long period of time, and it still remains to help and support local students in order to create a better and well-educated society.

Tracing its roots in 1804, Kazan Federal University has built its reputation in providing top-quality education and research. As they build a strong community of learners in the field, they aim to produce quality graduates in various academic fields. Currently, there are more than 50,000 students in the university and various student services are available to them.

The Tomsk Polytechnic University is one of the most famous public institutions in the region of Tomsk, Russia. This university is ranked among the top 1,000 universities by all the prestigious ranking websites, and it plans to improve its ranking even more in the future. There are a lot of departments available for study in this institution where students can choose from the basic directions of law up to the most advanced studies in the fields of physics and astronomy.

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. 

Ural Federal University is one of the Ural region’s oldest and best academic institutions that consistently appears in multiple global university rankings. It was established in 1920 to bridge the gap between academics and industries with the goal of building a sustainable society. The university has over 160 research laboratories where innovative research projects are being conducted headed by the top researchers from around the world.

The National University of Science and Technology MISIS started as a mining academy and then became a steel institute. Over time, it expanded its course offer and modernized its facilities, but it’s still widely known for its programs in metallurgy and mining. Nowadays, the university has six campuses, 8 academic colleges, and multiple research institutes. They also have cutting-edge specialized laboratories in fields such as nanomaterials, cryoelectronic systems, biophysics, casting technologies, and much more!

Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University is a public university founded in 1947 that offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree programs. The languages of instruction for this university are Russian and English. Some student services present in the university are living accommodations and scholarship programs. International students are also welcomed and assisted properly through a Buddy Program. Student life is also pleasant with Sports and Art Clubs, as well as Festivals and Concerts.

Samara National Research University is a leading Russian university that offers a wide variety of courses and is most well-known for its high-quality academic and research programs in rocket and space technology. The university believes that research plays a vital role in training its students. Undergraduate and graduate students at the university are directly involved in various research projects which provide opportunities for them to create and develop new ideas, sharpen their skills, and gain professional experience in some of the top engineering companies in the country.

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 Plekhanov Russian University of Economics is a public university with over a century’s history of world-class economics and management education. Programs at the university are strongly focused on practical learning and provide opportunities for students to gain professional and international experience with its numerous partner employers around the world. The university also conducts several initiatives and projects that aim to address different educational, industrial, and social issues. 

The University of Tyumen is a well-established institute that has been operating in the field of education since 1930. This university is mostly recognized because it is friendly to international students and gives them a lot of opportunities to adapt and become a part of the local society. The main aim of this university is to increase its number of students and make education affordable for everyone.

Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University has served the youth since 1886. The university offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. These programs are handled by 7 faculties, which include the Faculty of Electronics and the Faculty of Computer Science and Technology. Research is an integral contribution of the university to the academic community. This is proven through its partner Research Centers and Institutes. Additionally, research projects are regularly conducted and published at Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University.

The Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration is a very young institution of higher education located in the capital city of Russia. This university has grown in popularity in the region, and it now has over 46,000 students studying in various fields. Despite its youth, this university is ranked among the top 801 universities in the world by the prestigious QS World University Rankings.

Saint Petersburg Mining University is a technical university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1773 as the Mining School, and it was Russia’s first technical university. Later, it was renamed the Leningrad Mining Institute. Outstanding specialists, scientists, geologists, and politicians have graduated from the university, including Russia’s current president, Vladimir Putin.

Known as a “research community of enthusiasts,” Novosibirsk State Technical University is a higher education institute founded by renowned engineer Georgy Lyshchinskiy. Founded in 1950, the university offers over a hundred Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral, and Postdoctoral programs. Several state-of-the-art facilities can be found in the university like the cultural center, clinic, health center, and residence halls.

Founded in 1916, Perm State University has provided quality education for over a century now. The university offers programs both in Russian and English language. These programs are conducted at Bachelor, Master’s, and Doctoral levels. Some of them are in the disciplines of Science, History, Politics, and more. Non-Russian-speaking students are also accommodated properly by giving them access to Russian Language Courses. Additionally, Internships and Summer School courses are fine opportunities open to international students.