7 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 Pediatric Medical University 206,900 RUB 35%
Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television 241,000 RUB - 478,000 RUB 24%
ITMO University 264,000 RUB - 505,000 RUB 17%
St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University 280,200 RUB - 393,900 RUB 12%
Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University 284,000 RUB - 320,000 RUB 10%
Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University 329,400 RUB - 586,600 RUB -4%
Saint-Petersburg Mining University 600,000 RUB -90%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 315,100 RUB for universities in Saint Petersburg.

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1. Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University

Saint Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University is a public medical university in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was founded in 1925 as the Institute for Protection of Maternity and Infancy and is the oldest independent pediatric university in the world. The university offers programs in the field of medicine, including medical science, pediatrics, clinical psychology, stomatology, and dentistry.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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*
St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University 170,600 RUB - 426,400 RUB 49%
Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television 259,000 RUB - 520,000 RUB 22%
Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University 296,000 RUB - 330,000 RUB 11%
ITMO University 297,000 RUB - 598,000 RUB 11%
Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University 360,000 RUB - 650,000 RUB -8%
Saint-Petersburg Mining University 600,000 RUB -81%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 330,500 RUB for universities in Saint Petersburg.

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1. 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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 170,544 RUB to 426,359 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 259,000 RUB to 520,000 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. 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 at Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University for incoming international master’s students is 296,000 RUB to 330,000 RUB. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. ITMO University

Another affordable university to consider in Saint Petersburg is 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.

The tuition fee in ITMO University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 297,000 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 360,000 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. 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.


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 ITMO University, which offers Computer Systems and Technologies, Computer Technologies in Design, and Neurotechnologies and Programming to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the ITMO University offers Monitoring of Physical Energy Processes, Thermal Management of Electronic Devices, and Mathematical Models of Complex Systems.


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!