International students have a few misconceptions about studying in Russia even before the war with Ukraine continued in February 2022. Many foreigners think they must be able to communicate fluently in the Russian language to attend classes and work anywhere in the country, but that’s not the case. English is more common in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, where reputable universities like Moscow State University, HSE University, and Bauman Moscow State Technical University have their roots.
Let’s now talk about the war between Russia and Ukraine! While you may worry about your safety, Russian cities and universities are safe. So, you need to stop overthinking it and take the next step to study in Russia. Up to today, the Ukrainian troops have been unable to invade any of its major cities or even smaller towns. In this guide, you’ll discover how Nigerian students can study in Russia and why it is still a great study destination.
Why study in Russia with DexTravl?
- Reputation: DevTravl is not just a top education consultant in Nigeria, but also trusted by Nigerians in diaspora, especially in countries like Ghana, Benin Republic, and the UAE. We won’t ask you to pay for consultation or leave you to handle any of the processes without our professional guidance.
- Top-tier school: Russia is among the top countries to study Engineering, Mathematics, Economics, Medicine, and Law in Europe and Asia. The nation has many globally ranked institutions, such as Lomonosov Moscow State University and Saint Petersburg State University.
- Affordable tuition: Russian universities charge lower tuition fees than popular countries for foreign education, such as Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. We’ll help you find a university in Russia that charges affordable fees for world-class learning and programs.
- Lower living costs: Accommodation, food, public transportation, and some other essential expenses are cheaper in Russia, even more affordable than in many countries in Europe.
- Work and study: Nigerian citizens can take part-time jobs during academic sessions at a recognised Russian university. However, you’ll have to obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation before you start working.
- High admission approval rate: Russia has ceased partnership with many hostile countries, which has opened doors for students from Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Hence, there are higher chances of securing admissions at a Russian higher education institution due to lower competition.
- Possibility of staying in Russia after graduation: Though Russia does not have a post-graduation work permit like Canada or a job-seeker visa offered by some countries in Europe, there are other ways to remain in Russia after completing your studies.
You can either apply for a work visa or a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), both of which require a job offer from an employer in Russia.
Requirements to study in Russia from Nigeria
Here’s a list of the documents every international student needs to study in Russia:
- An international passport that is valid for at least the next six months and has a minimum of two blank pages.
- A filled-out and signed Visa Application Form, which you can print out from the website, https://visa.kdmid.ru.
- One colored, recent photograph of you with a white or off-white background.
- An acceptance or invitation letter from an accredited higher education institution in Russia.
- Proof of financial support, like your account statement for the previous six months.
- A HIV test result not exceeding the next three months (test should be done at a government hospital.
How much to prepare to study in Russia
These include the application & admission fees, tuition deposit, visa fees, airfare, and other necessary costs for Nigerians to study in some universities in Russia:
- Moscow State University: $9500
- St. Petersburg State University: $7500
- Bauman Moscow State Technical University: $8250
- Russian People’s Friendship University: $8500
- Novosibirsk State University: $6500
- HSE University: $7750
- Ural Federal University: $5300
- Tomsk State University: $6000
- Moscow University of International Relations (MGIMO): $8800
- Kazan Federal University: $6000
- Far Eastern Federal University: $6500
- Southern Federal University: $5750
- Baltic Federal University: $6000
- Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University: $5250
Cost of studying in Russia for Nigerians
Tuition fees are higher for international students, and they vary from institution. There are also other costs to consider when planning to study in Russia from a foreign country like Nigeria.
Among which are:
- Tuition fee: ranges from RUB 240,000 to RUB 450,000 per academic year.
- Accommodation: RUB 5,500 to RUB 40,000 per month.
- Food and groceries: RUB 9,500 to RUB 11,900.
- Health insurance: roughly RUB 2,800 to RUB 6,700 per month.
- Telephone plan with internet: from RUB 450 to RUB 500 per month.
- Public transit: RUB 400 to RUB 1,600 per month.
So, with approximately five million Naira, you can live comfortably while pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in most universities in Russia. You can also apply for scholarships, like the Russian Government Scholarship, HSE Gold Scholarship, or Open Doors Russian Scholarship.
Start your journey to Russia
With DexTravl, your dream to study in Russia is achievable without further wait times. From choosing the right university, helping you meet the admission requirements, to arriving in Russia without any problem, we’re just one step away from serving you relentlessly.