How to Study in Saint Petersburg for International Students
Saint Petersburg, 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, Saint Petersburg currently has 28 universities, from which 26 universities are a part of the public sector and 2 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 Saint Petersburg you should definitely check out are Saint Petersburg State University, ITMO University, and Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University.
Being able to study in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Saint Petersburg
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Saint Petersburg, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 185,000 RUB to 496,700 RUB, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 193,700 RUB and 1,381,700 RUB.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Saint Petersburg
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Saint Petersburg, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University | 244,000 RUB - 254,000 RUB | |
| Saint-Petersburg Mining University | 400,000 RUB | 400,000 RUB |
| St. Petersburg State Marine Technical University | 213,900 RUB - 300,700 RUB | 235,600 RUB - 325,500 RUB |
| Saint-Petersburg State Institute of Film and Television | 185,000 RUB - 354,000 RUB | 206,000 RUB - 383,000 RUB |
| International University of Fundamental Studies, St. Petersburg | 189,500 RUB - 225,500 RUB | 193,700 RUB - 409,400 RUB |
| European University at St. Petersburg | 1,381,700 RUB | |
| St. Petersburg State Conservatory | 398,700 RUB - 496,700 RUB | |
| Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University | 224,000 RUB - 463,200 RUB | 246,400 RUB - 503,000 RUB |
| ITMO University | 280,000 RUB - 360,000 RUB | 305,000 RUB - 479,000 RUB |
| Saint Petersburg State University | 254,200 RUB - 467,500 RUB | 378,400 RUB - 566,600 RUB |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Saint Petersburg
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Saint Petersburg, check out the Cheap Universities in Saint Petersburg!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Saint Petersburg for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Saint Petersburg might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Saint Petersburg.
Application Procedure to Study in Saint Petersburg
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Saint Petersburg have online applications available on their websites, like Saint Petersburg State University and ITMO University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Saint Petersburg.
Saint Petersburg State University
ITMO University
Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg.
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 Saint Petersburg
If you’re going to study in Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg, you will need to present the following:
- International passport and copy of identity page
- Official entry invitation to Russia
- Application form
- Photograph
- 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:
- Consult with the nearest embassy or consulate about country-specific requirements to apply for a student visa.
- Submit complete application requirements at least 45 days before the planned arrival date in Russia.
- 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 Saint Petersburg. 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!