How to Study in Moscow for International Students

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Moscow, one of the beautiful cities in Russia, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.

When it comes to the choices that are available, Moscow currently has 59 universities, from which 46 universities are a part of the public sector and 13 universities are private institutions.

Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Moscow you should definitely check out are Moscow State University, National Research University Higher School of Economics, and RUDN University.

Being able to study in Moscow as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Moscow, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!

1. Cost of Studying in Moscow

The cost of your studies is a big factor to consider when you're planning to study abroad. It can financially burden you, but here's the good thing: the public universities in Moscow don't charge tuition fees to international students like you! there is Moscow Polytechnic University a tuition-free school. You will just be required to pay some registration and other study fees, but these won't be as high.

On the other hand, if you choose to study in a private institution, expect that you'll pay higher fees. Here are some of the private universities in Moscow with their tuition fees:

Institution Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee Master’s International Tuition Fee
Moscow International Higher Business School 285,000 RUB - 340,000 RUB
Moscow University for the Humanities 202,000 RUB - 258,000 RUB 218,000 RUB
Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox University 230,500 RUB
Moscow International University 31,200 RUB - 264,000 RUB 31,200 RUB - 264,000 RUB
Russian New University 178,800 RUB 193,000 RUB
New Economic School 560,000 RUB

2. Requirements to Study in Moscow for International Students

Once you have an idea of how much tuition fees are to study in Moscow, it’s time to consider preparing the paperwork to apply to those universities. Academic institutions have varying admission requirements, but the ones you should always prepare in advance are your academic records, such as a transcript of records or diploma from a previous academic level, and travel documents, such as your passport and visa.

Some institutions that offer master’s programs might also ask for a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae or résumé, and letters of recommendation. There are also degree programs where you need to take an admissions test before you can apply. Besides these, universities might also require you to submit proof of language proficiency.

In Moscow, English and Russian are the languages of instruction. If you’re looking to study in any of the academic institutions here, you might need to prove language proficiency by taking standardized tests, such as TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo for English. Depending on the institution and the language of instruction for your program, you might also have to prove your language proficiency by submitting TORFL/ТРКИ for Russian.

To give you an idea, here are some universities in Moscow and their required minimum scores for each program level.

Saint Tikhon’s Orthodox University

Master’s degree

Moscow State Institute of International Relations

Bachelor’s degree

National Research Nuclear University MEPhI

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree

Typically, you can find information about language requirements on the admissions requirements page of the university. You can also check out if the university has a dedicated language requirements page for international students.

Application Procedure to Study in Moscow

The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Moscow have online applications available on their websites, like Moscow State University and National Research University Higher School of Economics. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Moscow.

Moscow State University

National Research University Higher School of Economics

RUDN University

Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.

After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!

The admission process in Moscow differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.

The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Moscow.

The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.

4. Visa Application for International Students in Moscow

If you’re going to study in Moscow, you will need to apply for a student visa in Russia

In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in Russia. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student Visa. Student Visa.

To start your student visa application in Moscow, you will need to present the following:

  1. International passport and copy of identity page
  2. Official entry invitation to Russia
  3. Application form
  4. Photograph
  5. HIV-negative status certificate

Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in Russia is 3032 RUB for Single Entry, 8232 RUB for Multiple Entry.

After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:

  1. Consult with the nearest embassy or consulate about country-specific requirements to apply for a student visa.
  2. Submit complete application requirements at least 45 days before the planned arrival date in Russia.
  3. Wait for the application decision and receive your student visa once approved.

For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.

That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Moscow. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!