Free education for international students in Russia. How to get a scholarship?
Every year, the number of foreign applicants seeking higher education in Russia grows.
Over 300,000 foreign students from 175 countries are currently studying in Russia. Every year, the Russian government awards scholarships to foreign citizens studying in Russian higher education institutions.
What is covered by the scholarship?#nbsp;
free university tuition in the chosen specialty, for the duration of the term;
dormitory accommodation (if there are free rooms at the university). It is important to note that utilities (water, electricity) are not covered by the scholarship and must be paid separately by the student.
In 2021, 18,000 foreign students took advantage of the Russian government's quota system to study.
And now attention! The Russian government confirmed in December 2020 its decision to increase the number of scholarships for international students from 18,000 to 30,000 by 2024.
Rossotrudnichestvo selects foreign applicants for state scholarship programs through a network of representative offices and Russian embassies around the world. Rossotrudnichestvo is currently represented in 80 countries worldwide.
Now let's figure out how to get a scholarship. Before applying for a scholarship, you should clearly understand your desired specialization and select several universities where you want to study. By the way, you can download a handbook on education in Russia from our website, which includes a list and description of different universities. Visit the website and download it.
If you've decided on your future specialty, you'll need to take the following steps.
Step 1. Register on the official Rossotrudnichestvo website, https://education-in-russia.com, to become eligible to apply to selected universities.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documentation and submit an application.
An application for admission to a university can be submitted online through your personal account on the Rossotrudnichestvo website or in person through the Rossotrudnichestvo representative office in your country.
The following documents must be attached:
- a copy of a passport or other identity document valid for at least 20 months;
- a copy of the document on graduation;
- a completed application form;
- photograph (3 x 4 cm).
An important detail! All documents must be translated into Russian and notarized or consul-certified. Additional documents may be required by some universities.
In the application, you must list at least six universities in order of priority where you want to study. It is possible to choose no more than two universities in Moscow, no more than two universities in St. Petersburg, and no more than three universities in one federal district.
If you require assistance in selecting universities, please submit a request via our website, and GE's education advisor will advise you and recommend universities suitable for you.
It is worth noting that many students struggle with document preparation; documents are frequently filled out incorrectly, so many candidates are already eliminated at the application stage. Only about 30% of candidates who register on the Rossotrudnichestvo portal complete applications and upload documents in the required format.
By the way, GE has a service for helping in preparing and filling out documents for those applying for a state scholarship, so if you are unsure that you can do everything correctly, we recommend contacting GE professionals for more information.
STEP 3: Pass two rounds of qualifying examinations.
At the first stage, you must pass an interview with representatives of Rossotrudnichestvo or a Russian Federation consular institution, as well as the first examination test.
Interviews and selection tests will be detailed in your personal account. You must sign up for the interview and exam through your profile.
You must fill out the form provided for these events at the time specified in your interview or selection test registration.
Following that, you will get a score that will determine your ranking among candidates in your country. Then, in your personal account, you will see an invitation to take the second qualifying test or information about your refusal to study in Russia.
I am confident that you are talented people and all of you will all pass the first exam! Let's take a look at what you need to do next.
At the second stage, applicants are awaiting additional exams at a specific university. The exams can be passed remotely (online) or in the candidate's personal presence (offline).
You must apply for a visa (if necessary), purchase travel tickets, and arrive in Russia on the specified dates in order to pass additional exams in person. The arrival details must be confirmed with the university.
The results of the second qualifying test will be available in your personal account after you pass it. If you are successful, you will see the name of the organization where you will study.
Step 4: Obtain a study visa and travel to Russia.
Foreigners entering Russia must have a passport and a study visa. There is a visa-free entry agreement in place with some countries.
You can apply for a study visa at the Russian Federation's embassy or consulate in your country. To do so, you must first obtain an invitation from the host university. On the Rossotrudnichestvo website, the "Visa Support" field and a special code will appear in your profile. When you see this information, you can safely go to the Russian Federation's embassy or consulate in your country to obtain a long-awaited visa.
Congratulations, you now have a study visa and can book flights, pack your belongings, and fly to Russia. Make sure to read up on the city where you will live and study, and don't forget to check the weather forecast so you can dress appropriately.
More details about scholarships in Russia you will find in the video.