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*
Moscow Polytechnic University 0 RUB - 386,800 RUB 100%
Murmansk Arctic State University 0 RUB 100%
Moscow International University 31,200 RUB - 264,000 RUB 85%
Udmurt State University 46,100 RUB - 233,600 RUB 78%
South Ural State University 48,800 RUB - 56,300 RUB 76%
Dostoevsky Omsk State University 51,000 RUB - 98,600 RUB 75%
Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics 60,000 RUB - 180,000 RUB 71%
Kaliningrad State Technical University 65,800 RUB - 211,800 RUB 68%
State University of Education 73,500 RUB - 340,000 RUB 64%
Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction 74,000 RUB - 187,000 RUB 64%
Ryazan State Radio Engineering University named after V. F. Utkin 76,500 RUB - 84,500 RUB 63%
Tomsk State Pedagogical University 79,300 RUB - 185,900 RUB 61%
Altai State Medical University 80,000 RUB - 144,000 RUB 61%
Altai State University 80,100 RUB - 144,000 RUB 61%
Moscow University for the Humanities 83,000 RUB - 258,000 RUB 59%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 201,600 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.

2. 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.

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. Udmurt State University

Udmurt State University was established in 1931 and is one of the Udmurt Republic’s oldest universities. It offers over 120 academic programs at all levels of higher education that are designed to develop human resources that possess broad knowledge and skills that modern industries seek. The university’s main campus is located in the city of Izhevsk but it also has regional campuses that cater to students from different parts of the country and abroad. 

5. South Ural State University

The South Ural State University is one of the oldest higher education universities in the country and was founded in 1943 in the region of Chelyabinsk, Russia. This university offers all levels of study and provides studies in the fields of science, language, and art. The aim for the future is to increase its ranking even more in the future so it can attract even more international students to its facilities.

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. Kaliningrad State Technical University

Kaliningrad State Technical University is a public university specializing in education and training in various areas of the fishing and maritime industry. It is known as the country’s oldest and largest university of its kind. Its programs are designed to respond to the social and economic needs of the maritime and fishery industry in the Baltic Sea Region and the demands of the global labor market. The university also attracts numerous foreign students each year due to its relatively cheaper travel fares, beautiful coastlines, and good climate. 

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Ryazan State Radio Engineering University named after V. F. Utkin

The Ryazan State Radio Engineering University, named after V. F. Utkin, was established in 1951 in Ryazan, Russia. This university was founded in order to fulfill and supply the need for formal education, and it provides degrees in fields such as applied information science, program engineering, and radio engineering. Also, another reason why this university is famous is because it has some of the most realistic and cheap prices in the country.

12. Tomsk State Pedagogical University

Founded in 1902, Tomsk State Pedagogical University has been in the education industry for over a decade now. The public university is located in the city of Tomsk in Russia. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered at the university, with optional Russian preparatory courses for foreign students.  These programs are divided into 9 faculties, including the Institute of Childhood and the Faculty of Chemistry and Biology.

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. 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.

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*
Murmansk Arctic State University 0 RUB 100%
Moscow Polytechnic University 0 RUB - 708,200 RUB 100%
I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University 21,800 RUB - 318,000 RUB 91%
Moscow International University 31,200 RUB - 264,000 RUB 87%
Don State Technical University 46,700 RUB - 170,600 RUB 80%
Dostoevsky Omsk State University 55,100 RUB - 62,200 RUB 76%
Tomsk State University of Control Systems and Radioelectronics 60,000 RUB - 180,000 RUB 74%
Kaliningrad State Technical University 62,700 RUB - 221,200 RUB 73%
Moscow University of Humanities and Technology – Moscow Institute of Architecture and Construction 72,100 RUB - 187,000 RUB 69%
Ryazan State Radio Engineering University named after V. F. Utkin 84,500 RUB - 87,500 RUB 63%
Moscow University for the Humanities 87,000 RUB - 218,000 RUB 62%
Altai State Medical University 88,000 RUB - 152,000 RUB 62%
Altai State University 88,000 RUB - 152,000 RUB 62%
State University of Education 90,000 RUB - 408,000 RUB 61%
Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University 90,200 RUB - 211,500 RUB 61%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 226,600 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.

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

2. Moscow Polytechnic University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Moscow Polytechnic University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Moscow Polytechnic University is 0 RUB to 708,200 RUB.

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. 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. Kaliningrad State Technical University

Kaliningrad State Technical University is a public university specializing in education and training in various areas of the fishing and maritime industry. It is known as the country’s oldest and largest university of its kind. Its programs are designed to respond to the social and economic needs of the maritime and fishery industry in the Baltic Sea Region and the demands of the global labor market. The university also attracts numerous foreign students each year due to its relatively cheaper travel fares, beautiful coastlines, and good climate. 

9. 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.

10. Ryazan State Radio Engineering University named after V. F. Utkin

The Ryazan State Radio Engineering University, named after V. F. Utkin, was established in 1951 in Ryazan, Russia. This university was founded in order to fulfill and supply the need for formal education, and it provides degrees in fields such as applied information science, program engineering, and radio engineering. Also, another reason why this university is famous is because it has some of the most realistic and cheap prices in the country.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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. 

14. 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.

15. 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.

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!