9 Cheapest Universities in Saint Petersburg for International Students

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In Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 28 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Saint Petersburg, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Saint Petersburg for International Students

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

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television 185,000 RUB - 354,000 RUB 32%
International University of Fundamental Studies, St. Petersburg 189,500 RUB - 225,500 RUB 30%
St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University 213,900 RUB - 300,700 RUB 21%
Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University 224,000 RUB - 463,200 RUB 17%
Saint Petersburg State University 254,200 RUB - 467,500 RUB 6%
ITMO University 280,000 RUB - 360,000 RUB -4%
St. Petersburg State Conservatory 398,700 RUB - 496,700 RUB -48%
Saint-Petersburg Mining University 400,000 RUB -49%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 268,200 RUB for universities in Saint Petersburg.

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1. Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television

Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television has the honor of being Russia’s first cinematography university. With more than a century of experience, it is a premier institute and trailblazer in mass media and communication. The bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist programs it offers encompass mass media’s diversity, from film to television. Even behind-the-scenes courses, like scriptwriting and audiovisual engineering, are taught at the institute, so students get well-rounded and quality training.

2. International University of Fundamental Studies, St. Petersburg

Home to many students from and out of Russia, the International University of Fundamental Studies in St. Petersburg, or IUFS in short, is an established university that has been around for more than 20 years. IUFS offers Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral programs in different areas of discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Business Administration.

3. St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University

The roots of St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University can be traced as far back as 1899 with the founding of St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. However, the university’s official founding only happened when only one department survived through wars and opened as Leningrad Shipbuilding Institute in 1930. It eventually became what it is now and continues to provide higher education for over 90 years. The university is currently open for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students from in and outside of Russia.

4. Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University

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.

5. Saint Petersburg State University

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.

6. ITMO University

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.

7. St. Petersburg State Conservatory

The St. Petersburg State Conservatory is a higher education institute of music that is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. This university was formerly known as Petrograd Conservatory and Leningrad Conservatory, which started its educational path in the early year of 1862. It offers programs in vocal art, choreographic art, and musical and instrumental art.

8. Saint-Petersburg Mining University

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Saint Petersburg for International Students

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

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
International University of Fundamental Studies, St. Petersburg 193,700 RUB - 409,400 RUB 52%
Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television 206,000 RUB - 383,000 RUB 49%
St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University 235,600 RUB - 325,500 RUB 41%
Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University 244,000 RUB - 254,000 RUB 39%
Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University 246,400 RUB - 503,000 RUB 39%
ITMO University 305,000 RUB - 479,000 RUB 24%
Saint Petersburg State University 378,400 RUB - 566,600 RUB 6%
Saint-Petersburg Mining University 400,000 RUB -0%
European University at St. Petersburg 1,381,700 RUB -246%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 399,000 RUB for universities in Saint Petersburg.

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1. International University of Fundamental Studies, St. Petersburg

Home to many students from and out of Russia, the International University of Fundamental Studies in St. Petersburg, or IUFS in short, is an established university that has been around for more than 20 years. IUFS offers Bachelor, Master, and Doctoral programs in different areas of discipline such as Mathematics, Physics, Psychology, and Business Administration.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, International University of Fundamental Studies, St. Petersburg should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 193,687 RUB to 409,370 RUB annually for their master's degree.

2. Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television is 206,000 RUB to 383,000 RUB.

Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television has the honor of being Russia’s first cinematography university. With more than a century of experience, it is a premier institute and trailblazer in mass media and communication. The bachelor’s, master’s, and specialist programs it offers encompass mass media’s diversity, from film to television. Even behind-the-scenes courses, like scriptwriting and audiovisual engineering, are taught at the institute, so students get well-rounded and quality training.

3. St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University

The roots of St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University can be traced as far back as 1899 with the founding of St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute. However, the university’s official founding only happened when only one department survived through wars and opened as Leningrad Shipbuilding Institute in 1930. It eventually became what it is now and continues to provide higher education for over 90 years. The university is currently open for Bachelor’s and Master’s degree students from in and outside of Russia.

The tuition fee at St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University for incoming international master’s students is 235,600 RUB to 325,500 RUB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University

Another affordable university to consider in Saint Petersburg is Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University.

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 tuition fee in Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 244,000 RUB.

5. Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic 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 246,400 RUB yearly.

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.

6. ITMO University

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.

7. Saint Petersburg State University

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.

8. Saint-Petersburg Mining University

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.

9. European University at St. Petersburg

The European University at St. Petersburg is an institution of higher education that focuses on postgraduate studies and offers programs mostly centered on Russian history. This university is located in the heart of Saint Petersburg, Russia, and was established in 1994. The students who graduate from this university go on to become successful professionals in their respective fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Applying to cheap universities in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Saint Petersburg. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Saint Petersburg is the International University of Fundamental Studies, St. Petersburg, which offers Fine Arts, Computer Science, and Naturopathy to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the European University at St. Petersburg offers Applied Data Analysis, Cultural Anthropology, and Empirical Legal Studies.

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 Saint Petersburg, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

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

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Saint Petersburg for international students was helpful!