Russia is a state of educated people, more than half of the residents graduated from higher education. Russians have a rich, centuries-old tradition of learning. Universities provide all conditions for comfortable living and study of students, are engaged in their adaptation. Russian universities train specialists in both technical and humanitarian areas and consistently occupy high places in international rankings. Education in Russia is more affordable than, for example, in the United States or Great Britain, and in addition, foreigners have the opportunity to study for free, at the expense of the state budget. Every year students from all over the world come to Russia to study, in almost 170 countries, and you can be among them.
According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Russia is the most educated country in the world, overtaking Canada, Japan, Israel, and the United States. More than half of Russians have higher education. Education in Russia has many advantages, here are just a few:
In Russia, you can get deep, fundamental knowledge in all directions, but most of all the country is known for its strong scientific schools in the field of physics, mathematics and natural sciences. Russia is a recognized world leader in the training of mathematicians, physicists, chemists, geologists, engineers, programmers, doctors, and specialists in other natural science fields. This is confirmed by the positions of Russian universities in international rankings.
On average, a student needs $300-400 per month for life in Russia, and $3,000-4,000 for the academic year (September-June). At first, it is better to have about 300-400 dollars for additional expenses - medical insurance, apartment or dormitory (purchase of dishes, bedding, detergents), purchase of some textbooks. The depreciation of the ruble against world currencies only on the hand of foreigners, because when converted into dollars, their costs are reduced: it is more profitable to pay for both education and their stay in the country. When choosing a city of training, keep in mind that the highest prices in Moscow and St. Petersburg, in other regions, the costs will be lower.
Basic expenses
Training
The cost of studying at Russian universities varies from 122,500 to 880,000 rubles (1750-12 570 dollars) per year depending on the region, university, specialty.
Accommodation
Prices for renting accommodation for students in Russia range from 500 to 35,000 rubles ($7-500) per month depending on the region, type and location of housing (hostel, rented room, apartment).
Food costs
According to official data, the minimum set of products (including bread, pasta, meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, milk, sugar) in Russia costs 4209 rubles ($60) per month. The cost may vary depending on the region and where you buy the products (small shop, supermarket, market). The average bill for lunch in Moscow cafes and restaurants - 800-2000 rubles (11-28 dollars), business lunch will cost 270-420 rubles (4-6 dollars). In fast food establishments, prices are slightly lower.
Transport
One trip in the Moscow metro costs 57 rubles (about 1 dollar), a ticket for 60 trips - 1970 rubles (28 dollars). Taking into account the student privilege for subway travel in Moscow will cost 405 rubles ($6) per month (in other cities the cost of travel is cheaper).
Mobile, Internet
SIM cards for mobile phones and tablets are sold in communication salons (it is not necessary to purchase them from merchants on the street). To buy you need to have a national passport (with registration at the place of residence) and a migration card. Salon staff will help you to choose the optimal tariff (the cost of calls, sms messages, the volume of mobile Internet, etc.). The cost of a standard package of services is from 300-400 rubles (4-6 dollars). When you buy a SIM card, this amount is credited to the phone account, in the future you will top up your balance monthly in accordance with your plan.
Clothing
There are many chain stores of popular brands in Russia, both global and Russian. The level of prices for clothes in general is higher than the European one, but on sales days you can always find high-quality and inexpensive things. For example, a T-shirt for 500 rubles ($7) or jeans for 1500 rubles ($21).
Cultural leisure
Tickets to Moscow theaters cost on average 800-2500 rubles (11-36 dollars), in movies - 400-1000 rubles (6-14 dollars). A trip to the museum will cost from 200 to 1000 rubles ($3-14).
Sports
The cost of a monthly season ticket of fitness clubs in Moscow is on average from 1700 to 4500 rubles (24-64 dollars), in other regions - 1000-3000 (14-43 dollars). If you pay a lump sum for a year, the cost is reduced. A monthly student's season ticket to the pool will cost 300-500 rubles ($4-7) in Moscow, in other cities - cheaper. Many universities have their own gyms, swimming pools, sports complexes, whose services are lower than in the city or at all free for university students.
Attractions
Admission to entertainment clubs in Russia is often free, visitors buy drinks and snacks. On average, a cocktail in Moscow clubs costs 500 rubles ($7), in other cities - 300 rubles (4 dollars). Moscow youth spends an average of 2,000 to 5,000 rubles ($28-71) on entertainment over the weekend.