Student Life in Russia: Scholarships and Housing

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Navigating the landscape of student life in Russia can feel like an adventure filled with fascinating discoveries, but also practical challenges to overcome. Among the major concerns for international students, finding affordable housing and accessing scholarships are crucial steps that determine the quality and peace of mind of their university experience.

As this vast country opens its doors each year to a growing number of students from all corners of the world, it’s essential to understand the available resources, opportunities offered, and steps to take in order to settle in comfortably and focus fully on learning.

The article you are about to read will reveal the secrets and tips to optimize your academic journey in this multifaceted country, while giving you an overview of the solutions provided by Russian authorities to support student mobility.

Living and Studying in Russia: Everything You Need to Know

The cost of living for students in Russia mainly depends on the city and type of accommodation chosen. Moscow and Saint Petersburg are the most expensive, while provincial cities remain more affordable.

Expense	Monthly Range (RUB)	Monthly Range (USD)
Housing	150 – 35,000	2.6 – 612
Food	~8,000 – 15,000	~130 – 230
Transportation	~500 – 2,000	~8 – 32
Entertainment/Culture	~3,000 – 10,000	~50 – 160

In the provinces, housing can drop to less than 1,500 RUB/month, while in Moscow it frequently reaches 25,000 RUB/month or more. Restaurant meals cost between 400 and 1,200 RUB, but cooking at home significantly reduces the budget.

Main Student Housing Options

• University dormitories: shared or single rooms, very competitive prices.
• Private rental: apartments alone or shared; significantly higher cost.
• Host family (rare but possible in some cities).

To find housing:

• Consult the university’s international welcome service
• Join student groups on social networks
• Compare with local specialized agencies

Daily life also requires a budget for:

• Academic supplies
• Medical care (often included in mandatory insurance)
• Sports and cultural activities

Main Cultural Differences Faced by Foreign Students

• Direct communication, sometimes perceived as cold; it’s advisable to adopt an open attitude while respecting local reserve.
• Respect for administrative rules, very strict at university and elsewhere.
• Importance of traditions: national holidays, typical cuisine, varying dress codes by region.

To adapt effectively:

• Participate in activities organized by the university or student associations
• Learn some basic Russian upon arrival
• Actively engage with local culture through museums, concerts, and events

The Russian Education System

Level	Duration
Bachelor’s	4 years
Specialist	5–6 years
Master’s	2 years
Doctorate	3–4 years

Most universities offer:

• An academic semester fall/winter then spring/summer
• Lectures + tutorials/practical work
• Regular assessments + semester exams

Many preparatory programs exist to facilitate linguistic and cultural integration.

To Obtain a Russian Student Visa

1. Obtain an official admission letter issued by a recognized university.
2. Fill out the official visa application form at the Russian consulate.
3. Present a valid passport (+6 months after visa expiration), recent photos, medical certificate if required.
4. Subscribe to medical insurance approved in Russia.

Practical tips:

• Start early: some administrative delays exceed several weeks.
• Regularly check the exact list of required documents based on country of origin.

Main Support Available for International Students

• University international services: administrative help, orientation upon arrival
• Local/international student associations: social & cultural integration facilitated via dedicated events (multicultural evenings, excursions…)

Useful lists for quick integration:

• Participate in language groups/cross-cultural exchanges offered on campus
• Benefit from tutoring offered to newcomers
• Inquire with the international office about specific financial aid or scholarships

To maximize your student experience in Russia: plan your budget carefully, get involved in local university life, and anticipate all administrative procedures related to your student stay

How to Get a Scholarship to Study in Russia

Scholarships to Study in Russia

Scholarship Type	Organization/Institution	Levels Covered	Funding	Main Benefits
Russian Government Scholarship (Rossotrudnichestvo)	Russian Government	Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate	Fully funded	Tuition fees, housing, stipend, possible preparatory Russian year
Skoltech Scholarship	Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology	Master’s, Doctorate	Fully funded	Tuition, insurance, high monthly stipend, programs in English
Other Institutional Scholarships	Russian universities, private foundations, international organizations	Variable	Partial or full	Benefits vary by institution

Typical Application Process

• Choose a university and study program
• Register on the official portal (e.g., https://education-in-russia.com)
• Prepare and submit the application file to the national structure (ministry, embassy, DGESRS…)
• Take selection exams and an interview (often organized by Rossotrudnichestvo or the consulate)
• Final selection by Russian universities
• Apply for a student visa

Common Eligibility Criteria

• Be a citizen of the concerned country and not already benefiting from another scholarship
• Be physically and mentally fit
• Required academic level (high school diploma for bachelor’s, bachelor’s for master’s, master’s for doctorate)
• For some specializations, proof of Russian language proficiency

Generally Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Certified copies of diplomas and transcripts
• Valid passport
• Recent medical certificate
• Letter(s) of recommendation
• Motivation letter
• Updated CV
• Language certificate (Russian or English depending on the program)
• ID photo

Deadlines to Respect

Applications for the following academic year generally open in the fall and close between December and March depending on the country and programs.

Example: for 2025-2026, file submission before December 20, 2024 for some national scholarships.

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Chances

• Prepare a complete, neat, and compliant file (pay attention to translations and document certification)
• Write a clear, personalized, and convincing motivation letter, demonstrating interest in Russia and the chosen program
• Request recommendations from relevant professors or employers
• Practice for selection interviews and research frequently asked questions
• Develop basic Russian skills, even for programs in English (this facilitates integration and daily life)
• Regularly check official websites to not miss any deadlines or required documents

Useful Resources and Links

• Official portal for studies in Russia: https://education-in-russia.com
• Skoltech portal: skoltech.ru
• Russian embassies and cultural services in your country
• Rossotrudnichestvo and Russian centers for scientific and cultural cooperation
• National scholarship information platforms (ministries of higher education, university websites)

To Maximize Your Chances:

• Prepare each document rigorously, proofread your file carefully.
• Personalize your motivation letters by explaining your project and specific interest in Russia.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to apply.
• Show your cultural openness and willingness to learn Russian.

Main Websites to Check Regularly:

• education-in-russia.com
• skoltech.ru
• institutfrancorusse.org
• Websites of Russian embassies and consulates in your country
• National scholarship platforms

Finding Student Housing in Russia

Types of Student Housing in Russia:

• University dormitories (“obshchezhitiye”)
• Shared apartments (roommates)
• Private studios
• Host families (less common option but appreciated for cultural immersion)

Housing Type	Monthly Cost (Moscow/St. Petersburg)	Monthly Cost (Medium Cities)	Advantages	Disadvantages
University Dormitory	40–80 €	20–50 €	Campus proximity, security, price	Lack of privacy, noise
Shared Apartment	250–450 €	100–250 €	Independence, comfort	Longer search process
Private Studio	≥400 €	≥200 €	Total privacy	High price

Application Process and Required Documents:

• For a university dormitory:
  • Passport + certified Russian translation
  • Migration card
  • Admission letter or enrollment certificate
  • Often to be done upon academic file validation or after visa receipt
  • Deadlines: application generally between June and August for a September start

• For apartment/shared/studio:
  • Rental contract with owner/real estate agency
  • Passport + valid student visa
  • Sometimes security deposit required (1 to 2 months)
  • Search possible year-round but high demand before university starts

Main Advantages and Disadvantages:

• University dormitories:
  • Advantages: very low price, utilities included, campus proximity, security ensured by dedicated staff
  • Disadvantages: common spaces often cramped or noisy, little privacy

• Shared apartments/private apartments:
  • Advantages: better quality of life and independence
  • Disadvantages: high costs in big cities like Moscow/St. Petersburg; more complex administrative procedures; need to choose roommates carefully

• Private studios:
  • Main advantage: complete autonomy
  • Major disadvantage: cost often prohibitive for a student alone in a Russian metropolis

Cost Variations by City:

Moscow/St. Petersburg: rents much higher than in medium university cities (Yekaterinburg, Kazan…)

In a medium city: housing budget significantly lower and easier access to studios/individual apartments.

Practical Tips for Newcomers:

List of Best Practices:

• Prioritize request with the international service upon university acceptance.
• Use specialized Russian platforms like CIAN.ru or Avito.ru to find apartments/roommates.
• Join student groups on VKontakte/Facebook dedicated to local housing.

Testimonials/Expertise:

“Sharing an apartment not only allowed me to save on my budget but also to integrate quickly thanks to my Russian roommates.” (French student in Novosibirsk)

“The dormitory is perfect if you like being surrounded. Otherwise, opt for a studio even if it costs more.” (advice from an international officer)

Cultural Aspects Specific to Student Housing in Russia:

List of Notable Differences:

• Collective living is encouraged in dormitories through lively common spaces.
• Internal rules are strict: regular checks by security agents; sometimes imposed schedules.

Cultural Recommendations:

1. Scrupulously respect the dormitory’s internal regulations under penalty of fine or temporary expulsion.
2. Get used to constant sharing of spaces; the Western concept of “individual apartment” remains minority among young Russians.

To maximize your experience:

Remember that integration also involves accepting certain local habits! Russian student cohabitation promotes rapid language exchange and accelerated cultural adaptation.